Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 224 (Part 1):
“You’re being quite fussy over nothing.”
“This much should be understandable, right? We’re already in the middle of training.”
“Yeah, since Greta’s people arrived early. We’re all from Baden’s academies, so stop being so stingy!”
Charlotte refuted their nonsensical remarks.
“We only arrived a day early. And that goes against the rules.”
“Well then, let’s talk to the instructors when they wake up.”
“Anyway, we need to finish our training.”
Robin and Taren exchanged smug smiles, looking at each other as if daring her to report them.
It seemed clear that they didn’t know who Charlotte was, or perhaps they were just late to hear the rumors.
Charlotte felt relieved, but as relieved as she was, she grew angry.
She knew their intentions. It was a common dominance dispute among swordsmanship students.
She had experienced similar things during her first semester at Greta.
Even though Charlotte was the only, and pretty girl, in the first-year swordsmanship department, there were still some who didn’t care about that.
Those individuals inevitably picked fights with her.
Of course, by the time Charlotte became the top of her first-year swordsmanship class, even the most persistent ones had given up.
Charlotte knew she shouldn’t show weakness to such opponents.
“That won’t do. Please move aside.”
Charlotte cut them off with a tone that left no room for argument.
Robin and Taren ignored her and started their training, swinging their swords.
They were using real swords. Matesis Academy emphasized real sword duels, which was why it had the highest number of injuries.
They were also selected members. Their basic moves were impressive, with their swords slicing through the air with formidable force.
Their attitude was clear: what are you going to do about it?
There were two of them and only one Charlotte. The instructors would soon wake up, and she could tell them about it.
But this kind of provocation shouldn’t be resolved that way. She was also a swordsmanship student.
Charlotte drew her sword without hesitation. It was a real sword, as they were preparing for the tournament.
Robin and Taren seemed indifferent to whatever she was about to do.
Charlotte’s sword intercepted Robin’s downward strike.
Clang!
A sharp noise rang out.
Robin frowned.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Though not threatening, her sword thrust forward chillingly fast.
A sword imbued with Vis was hard to underestimate. For a moment, Robin stiffened.
“It means you two can’t train here. I’m going to stop you.”
It was a rare provocative attitude from Charlotte. Her gaze was intense.
Robin growled.
“Look at this? How insolent!”
“Being insolent is better than being dull-witted, I’d say. I told you this is Greta Academy’s training ground.”
Taren chuckled and nodded.
“Why don’t you just deal with her? Make her understand.”
It was clear what he meant: make her understand through skill.
Taren ranked higher than Robin, so it was Robin’s job to teach this fearless girl a lesson.
“If you want, I’ll take you on. A real sword duel.”
“Very well.”
Charlotte nodded. It was a good opportunity for her as well.
At Greta Academy, most seniors avoided dueling with her for fear of losing and being humiliated.
But these two seemed eager, confident they wouldn’t lose.
The opposite, in fact. The reason was that they didn’t think Charlotte could ever beat them.
‘At least they don’t seem to be planning to gang up on me together, thankfully.’
Matesis’ standards were high. There was no guarantee Charlotte could beat either Robin or Taren.
But unlike when facing Helmut, she didn’t feel like she would definitely lose.
Charlotte was often underestimated, but she had also achieved many unexpected victories.
Winning against complacent opponents was something she had done countless times.
And Charlotte trusted her instincts. While she wasn’t sure about Taren, she felt she could handle Robin. She could definitely win.
Robin sneered.
“Well, let’s introduce ourselves first. I’m Robin, a third-year at Matesis Academy.”
“Charlotte, a first-year at Greta Academy.”
Robin looked at her with disbelief.
“A first-year? This is a joke. Doesn’t Greta have any better talent? Or is it because you’re pretty that no one bothers to swing a sword properly at you?”
“Thank you for the compliment. Though not the kind of compliment I’d like.”
It was a familiar treatment. Everyone underestimated Charlotte. But as the Duchess of Renosa, she had never been underestimated, even by the Commander of the Black Wing Knights himself.
And Charlotte always showed them with her sword. Because that’s how swordsmen communicate.
“Doesn’t matter either way. I won’t go easy on you just because you’re a girl. You’re going to get a real lesson today.”
“We’ll see who gets taught a lesson.”
“Your mouth is sharp! But not for long.”
Robin glared at Charlotte with fierce eyes.