Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 226 (Part 2):
It was an issue arising from the fact that only the dean knew Alea was disguised as a man.
Helmut pointed out one fact.
“Professor Luxen can track me.”
A magic department professor could do that. He had been keeping a close eye on Helmut lately.
He even volunteered to watch the lower-year swordsmanship tournament.
If Helmut disappeared, he would be the first to know.
He might even be monitoring him now, sensing Helmut wanted to get eliminated from the tournament.
“Then, do you have a plan?”
Alea asked with a sigh. Helmut gave a predictable answer.
“I’ll figure something out.”
He had to make a decision on his own now.
*
The next day was Charlotte’s tournament.
It was uncertain whether she would advance to the next stage.
Her opponent was said to be a second-year from the Imperial Academy. Being selected as a representative meant he was likely the top student of his year.
‘They will all be tough opponents for me.’
Charlotte, who had diligently trained in the familiar air of Ratona, felt confident.
‘Alright.’
She wasn’t sure if her mother would be watching, but she intended to do her best. Her eyes gleamed with determination.
Charlotte tied her long hair tightly. It was almost time for her match.
Meanwhile, Michael was ill. Of course, he was often sick, so it wasn’t unusual.
Michael no longer cursed his frail body as he used to.
But it was still frustrating when his body didn’t cooperate.
‘I’ve prepared for this tournament and now I can’t watch it.’
A bitter smile appeared on Michael’s lips, who had been bedridden for days.
His condition had improved, but moving around was still too much. It seemed he was being punished for treating Charlotte poorly.
Whenever he had conflicts with Charlotte, Michael would always fall ill.
As twins, Michael and Charlotte were connected in some way, causing such effects.
Yet, Michael couldn’t help but bother Charlotte.
‘Today is the day Charlotte competes.’
Michael furrowed his brow. Pushing himself to get up would worsen his condition.
But Charlotte might get eliminated today.
She was still a first-year, too young to achieve notable results in the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament.
Even though she had been trained by the commander of the Black Wing Knights and was a talented student at Greta Academy.
All participants in this tournament were so-called geniuses.
So this might be the first and last chance for him to see her compete in the tournament he organized.
‘Do I want Charlotte to get eliminated?’
In the past, he would have been consumed by jealousy, hoping for her elimination.
But now, it wasn’t quite the same. Time apart seemed to have had a healing effect. Michael pondered.
“Michael, are you feeling any better?”
A worried voice came. The only person who could enter his room without permission.
Michael looked up. An elegant blonde noblewoman was looking down at him.
“Mother.”
“I heard your fever has gone down… but you still can’t get up. This bout of flu has been quite severe.”
Michael closed his eyes and smiled gently.
“Please keep your distance. I wouldn’t want you catching my flu.”
“I rarely get the flu, you know.”
“Indeed.”
Surprisingly, Michael was the only weak one in the Renosa family.
Even his mother, who didn’t wield a sword, was very healthy.
That was why Michael had felt extreme deprivation. The whole family was healthy and strong, but he was frail alone.
“What a shame. You love swordsmanship tournaments. You must be disappointed not to watch it.”
He had the privilege of watching the matches from the best seat as the host.
But it was meaningless if his body couldn’t keep up.
“Yes, it’s a shame.”
Michael suddenly had a good idea.
“Today is Charlotte’s match. Could you watch it on my behalf?”
“Are you sure that’s alright?”
In fact, the Grand Duchess of Renosa knew Michael was jealous of Charlotte.
She looked at him with surprised eyes.
“Yes, of course. Charlotte will be happy to see you.”
“I’m glad you’re thinking of Charlotte. She will appreciate it.”
If Charlotte knew Michael sent her, she wouldn’t be so pleased. She would be suspicious of his intentions.
But she would be happy to see their mother watching her.
‘Although she probably wouldn’t want to be eliminated in front of Mother… I wonder how it will turn out.’
While harboring mischievous thoughts, Michael still spoke with an angelic expression.
“That’s fortunate. Just watch from a distance. Charlotte doesn’t want her identity revealed.”
“Of course. I’ll be careful.”
The Grand Duchess of Renosa gave Michael warm tea and medicine before leaving gracefully.
She was heading straight to the tournament hall.