Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 231 (Part 1):
Charlotte didn’t know much about Helmut.
He was the top student in the second year of the swordsmanship department, extremely diligent, and of a cool-headed disposition, often silent. He was well-regarded by the instructors and was a central figure among his peers.
As she spoke these words, Charlotte saw Helmut in a new light.
Except for his surface-level status as a commoner, Helmut was nearly perfect. It was astonishingly refreshing.
However, she didn’t feel any particular thrill or attraction towards him.
Even as she listed his strengths that she was aware of, and even as she looked up to him and conversed with him, she felt that way.
This was something Charlotte, who had little interest in others, found oddly intriguing.
‘If I had to say, it’s a sense of familiarity… But why?’
Charlotte did not forget that they were senior and junior in the Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department, nor did she forget that she was the Duchess of Renosa.
Upon graduation, they would merely be a commoner and a noble. Therefore, it was strange to feel a sense of closeness.
Yet, Charlotte felt a natural ease in speaking to Helmut, a senior whom everyone else seemed to avoid. It came naturally.
‘Could it be that I like that senior?’
An absurd question popped into her mind. But it didn’t seem to be the case.
Charlotte had never felt her heart race when she looked at him.
In fact, she always felt calm when she was with him. Even more than with her brother, Michael.
“What’s wrong? Is there something else on your mind?”
“No, um, I think Helmut will win. Among the Greta Academy selected representatives, Helmut is the strongest. He’s strong enough to easily defeat the senior selected representatives.”
“That’s impressive at such a young age.”
Margaret nodded, looking complicated. But she asked calmly, not showing her true feelings.
“Do you know where he’s from or where he lived? He might be related to Rinosa.”
Charlotte’s thoughts did not reach the doubting of her father’s loyalty. She shook her head.
“I don’t know. Helmut doesn’t reveal much about himself. I’ve heard he was raised by a swordsman who was friends with Instructor Ethan. He seemed to have grown up in a remote place, not near Renosa.”
“I see.”
Margaret fell into deep thought. Charlotte found it novel to see her mother so attentive to her words.
Seeing Margaret show interest in Helmut, words naturally flowed from Charlotte’s mouth.
Charlotte wanted to impress her mother. She had always craved her mother’s affection, which had been focused on Michael. The words spilled out naturally.
“I don’t know if I should say this…”
She hadn’t thought about it because of the upcoming tournament, but it had once been a concern for her.
Helmut had acted secretive, making it uncomfortable to talk about it.
However, no matter how significant a secret was, one tends to spill everything in front of their mother.
After a brief hesitation, Charlotte spoke.
“Margaret Irene. Isn’t that your maiden name, Mother?”
“Yes, I am from the Irene Marquis family.”
“But… Helmut knew that name. Margaret Irene. He asked me if I knew that name.”
“…What?”
Margaret’s reaction was a beat late. Charlotte frowned slightly.
“But isn’t it strange? When you were in the County, Helmut hadn’t even been born yet. How does he know your maiden name when he doesn’t know you’re the Grand Duchess of Rinosa? He clearly told me, ‘I saw a lady like that by chance before, and you resemble her.'”
After a moment of silence, Charlotte spoke again.
“Did you ever leave Rinosa, Mother? Did you see him when you visited your hometown?”
“…I did visit my hometown once, but in secret, and I didn’t go out.”
“Then how… Has he been to Renosa? How does he know your maiden name?”
The questions grew more and more. Margaret asked Charlotte calmly, with strangely serene eyes.
“Does he know you are the Duchess of Renosa?”
“No, he probably doesn’t. But he saw you today and knows the Grand Duchess of Rinosa is the owner of that name, so he might guess who I am. He seemed convinced that I’m related to you.”
Charlotte, realizing she had slipped up, looked embarrassed.
“It doesn’t seem like he would tell anyone else, but I should still ask him to keep it a secret.”
“Yes, do that.”
Margaret’s gaze moved hazily towards the window as if looking at a distant place.
A whisper-like sound flowed from her mouth.
“That boy might have seen my portrait. The portrait of the Irene Marquis’ daughter.”
Charlotte exclaimed in realization.
“Ah! That makes sense. It could have been a portrait he saw by chance. Then it’s natural he wouldn’t know you are the Grand Duchess of Renosa.”
After a few more words, Charlotte stood up.
“I’ll be going now.”
“I look forward to seeing you again at the palace.”
“Should I ask Helmut directly?”
“No, you don’t need to. I plan to meet him myself soon. If he is as talented as you say, he will win this tournament.”
“Right. Meeting the Grand Duchess of Renosa as the champion… It’s a fitting occasion.”
Charlotte bowed and left. A maid discreetly guided her out.