Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 227 (Part 1):
The Grand Duchess of Renosa was an impeccable noblewoman.
With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she was a beauty with an air of grace and sophistication, hailing from one of the most prestigious noble families in the empire.
A fitting partner for the Grand Duke of Renosa, who carried the royal bloodline.
Although she did not enjoy public engagements, the Grand Duchess supported the Grand Duke quietly from behind the scenes.
Even the cold-hearted Grand Duke of Renosa cherished her deeply.
The fact that the Grand Duchess favored Michael wasn’t an issue. She never openly supported Michael in the succession competition, maintaining a certain level of neutrality.
It was only natural for a mother to be particularly concerned about her frail young son, who seemed to be at death’s door.
Some merely found this bias unfortunate.
*
Before the tournament began, Charlotte frowned upon meeting someone.
“It’s troublesome if you visit me like this.”
She had been called to a nearby room after entering the waiting room.
There, Charlotte encountered a familiar face.
Alonso, the commander of the Black Wing Knights.
His piercing eyes shone beneath his hood. Dressed not in armor or the Knights’ uniform, but in noble attire with his hood pulled low, he radiated an aura that couldn’t be underestimated.
No one could instinctively look down on him. His presence alone confirmed his identity as the commander of the Black Wing Knights.
He smiled at the young grand duchess.
“I’m on vacation. I didn’t come to see Lady Charlotte. I came to see my disciple, Charlotte.”
Despite this, he showed due respect.
“I was careful not to be detected. Don’t worry. But it seems you’re not pleased to see me.”
Only then did Charlotte’s face brighten.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Do you have confidence in winning?”
“I want to win.”
“You seem confident. Your eyes are sharp.”
“I don’t know how far I’ll go, but I’ve been lucky so far. I believe I can at least advance to the next stage.”
Charlotte awkwardly smiled. She wasn’t used to openly speaking about underestimating her opponents.
Alonso responded leisurely.
“It’s fine. As long as you’re not complacent. By the way, I heard His Highness Michael visited you… How was it?”
Alonso scrutinized Charlotte’s face.
“We exchanged greetings well.”
Charlotte succinctly ended the conversation.
Even though Alonso was her master and a retainer of the grand ducal house, it wasn’t wise to expose family matters. In this regard, Charlotte was every bit the great noblewoman.
Charlotte’s gaze was firm, unwavering. Alonso spoke after a moment.
“…I was going to mention it, but I suppose it’s better this way.”
“What is it?”
“The Grand Duchess has come to the arena. Probably to watch her daughter’s match.”
“My mother?”
Charlotte’s eyes widened.
She had assumed Michael was unwell and wouldn’t appear at the tournament.
When Michael was sick, the Grand Duchess’s attention was entirely on him.
She didn’t expect her mother to be interested in her match, believing she wouldn’t even look at her matches on the bracket.
“She doesn’t usually enjoy these kinds of tournaments, so she must have come to see your match. Do you feel motivated?”
“Yes.”
Alonso looked at Charlotte with a pitying gaze as her face lit up.
After a few more words, Alonso was the first to bid farewell.
“Then I’ll be off. I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you for coming, Master.”
As soon as he left, Charlotte sighed as she returned to the waiting room.
She wondered what Michael would do if he found out about this.
‘It should be fine. He must have acted discreetly.’
Even Michael couldn’t track every move of the Black Wing Knight commander, especially since he was currently bedridden.
Charlotte found solace in knowing that someone in Ratona prioritized her over Michael.
The problem was that person happened to be the Black Wing Knight commander. The fact that he was on her side was significant.
But no one could harm or pressure Alonso.
In Renosa, if not as much as the commander of the Palma Knights in Basor, the Black Wing Knight commander held a formidable presence.
Even Michael wouldn’t dare lay a hand on him.
‘For now, I need to focus on today’s tournament.’
Though confident, her opponent was no pushover. She couldn’t afford to be distracted.
Charlotte steeled herself.