Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 234 (Part 1):
“Oh, Charlotte. What happened to you?”
The Grand Duchess, pale and distressed, rushed over and caressed Charlotte’s cheek.
Charlotte greeted her with a smile.
“Mother, you’re here?”
Charlotte didn’t blame her mother for revealing her appearance without considering the risk of exposing her true identity.
She had already exchanged words with her mother several times before. No matter how careful she was, someone was bound to notice her eventually. But at this late stage of the tournament, it wasn’t a major issue.
It would be problematic if it became known at Greta Academy that Charlotte was the Duchess of Renosa.
Charlotte decided not to think about it any further. She was enjoying the happiest and most rewarding moment.
She had secured a spot in the finals, and her mother was completely focused on her. There was nothing more she could ask for.
Margret frowned, concern evident in her eyes.
“I don’t know if it’s right for you to wield a sword while bleeding like this. My heart nearly stopped when your shoulder got cut.”
“It’s a real sword tournament, so it couldn’t be helped. I knew I wouldn’t die, and I won.”
“Yes, well done. But I don’t want you to go through such danger again. I can hardly bear to watch. Shouldn’t you withdraw from the next match?”
They were facing the finals. If Charlotte withdrew now, the tournament would be ruined.
Margret was urging Charlotte to withdraw, disregarding the chaos it would cause to the tournament Michael had organized.
It was an unacceptable suggestion from the Grand Duchess of Renosa.
It was a mother’s plea. Margret had never spoken to Charlotte in such a manner before.
Charlotte had always thought her mother favored Michael over her, but now she realized that the reason might be different from what she had imagined.
‘Perhaps Mother is afraid of the possibility of losing her child.’
Seeing Margret’s reaction, that thought crossed Charlotte’s mind.
Looking back, Margret had always been especially attentive when Michael was ill.
It was just that Michael was often sick, which had directed Margret’s attention entirely towards him.
Margret was a noblewoman who faithfully fulfilled her role as the Grand Duchess of Renosa.
That duty took precedence over her affection for her children.
She worried about Michael’s health, but she never acted irrationally, like following him to Basor.
Charlotte had always been healthy, rarely falling ill like Michael.
Even when she did get sick, it was usually just a cold, and often when Charlotte was unwell, Michael was severely ill.
In this swordsmanship tournament, Charlotte had faced real swords and had to endure several serious injuries and near-death experiences.
Margret could not remain indifferent to that.
Charlotte calmly shook her head.
“It’s something a swordsman must endure. However… there won’t be such a thing in the next match. Helmut is far superior to me in skill. By a lot.”
There were opponents that neither luck nor perseverance could overcome.
Even if Helmut were to stagger onto the stage with a high fever, Charlotte would not be able to defeat him. That was the gap between them.
Thus, unless Helmut intended otherwise, Charlotte would not be in danger.
Helmut could win the championship without even causing Charlotte a scratch.
Probably with a single strike, as he had done so often before.
“You’re certain he will advance.”
“Yes, I won’t be able to defeat him. Not because of a lack of confidence, but because it’s a fact.”
Helmut was too strong. This kind of comprehensive swordsmanship tournament was almost trivial for him.
Margret nodded slowly.
“I’m relieved. I wanted you to win, but more than that, I prefer you to be safe.”
Margret held Charlotte’s hand and added cautiously.
“Take care of yourself.”
“Yes, mother.”
*
The next day, Helmut confirmed his advancement to the finals, as expected.
It was almost effortless. He defeated his opponent with a single strike.
Under the watchful eyes of the Grand Duchess of Renosa, Helmut wrapped up his match more composedly than usual. Now, only the finals, two days away, remained.
That night, Alea asked Helmut.
“Is your plan still the same?”
“Yes.”
After the finals, Helmut would attract unprecedented attention here in Ratona.
As the champion of the swordsmanship tournament and a bearer of Greta Academy’s honor.
Helmut’s skills were overwhelming.
Those with eyes would notice him more than the senior winner.
Given his dominance among his peers, no one knew how much more he could grow in the future.
Helmut planned to stay in Ratona for a while, leveraging his title as champion.
The Grand Duchy of Rinosa would surely give him such treatment.
“I’m not sure if this is the right thing to do.”
Alea sighed. She too was having a premonition. A premonition that Helmut had caught some kind of flow. A feeling that things wouldn’t continue smoothly like this.
As if a major event was lying ahead.
However, Helmut was still in the fog. It was difficult to imagine any situation after the final match.