Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 235 (Part 1):
‘Helmut… Where have I heard that name before?’
In the carriage heading towards the tournament venue, Michael furrowed his brow.
He had a remarkable memory. He could recall even the fleeting moments that had brushed past him.
But nothing specific came to mind. It wasn’t a commoner’s name. It was a name that would be more fitting for a noble, even in Renosa.
Michael tapped his forehead as he tried to recall information about the person named Helmut instead of the name itself.
‘Extremely skilled. Black hair, black eyes. A handsome face that gives off a cold impression, as if he inherited the blood of Renosa.’
Michael, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, did not like his own appearance. It seemed to highlight his weakness.
Michael had always made good use of his delicate and gentle appearance.
An angelic appearance with a kind demeanor, but with a frail and pitiful side.
One of the strongest emotions that govern people is compassion.
Although no one dared to pity him, most people genuinely felt sympathy towards Michael.
That sympathy cloaked Michael in an aura of purity and goodness.
Even if his intentions were impure, he was rarely suspected.
That was Michael’s greatest weapon. Naturally, eliciting trust and affection from others, interpreting his intentions in a favorable light.
However, that very appearance, which made it easy for him to get what he wanted, didn’t quite suit someone aiming to become the Grand Duke of Renosa.
Charlotte had that appearance. An appearance that perfectly resembled the Grand Duke of Renosa.
But so what? Michael possessed something she did not.
Michael bit his fingertip.
A belated sense of anxiety welled up. While he had been bedridden, unaware of the unfolding situation, his mother’s attention had shifted to Charlotte, and Charlotte had advanced to the finals.
It was an incredible feat for a first-year student in the swordsmanship department.
It was as if she was declaring to Michael that she had achieved something he could never attain, no matter how hard he struggled.
‘How annoying.’
Michael, with a childish expression, recalled Helmut.
‘A commoner, wasn’t he? And they said he resembled Charlotte.’
Perhaps he could become a variable. If he truly is a branch family member of Rinosa.
If his exceptional swordsmanship caught the eye of the Grand Duke of Renosa, how would the Grand Duke accept this new Renosa bloodline?
It might be an overactive imagination. But it nagged at him.
‘Something doesn’t feel right.’
No matter what Michael thought, the carriage arrived safely at the tournament venue.
Michael glanced at the other carriages that had already arrived. His mother must have been notified.
A seemingly kind smile spread across Michael’s face.
“Mother.”
Soon, upon arriving at the seats prepared for the people of the grand ducal family, Michael bowed to the Grand Duchess of Renosa.
She, already seated at the head seat, opened her eyes wide.
“Michael, welcome. Are you feeling better?”
“I’ve recovered enough to come here. Since I’m hosting the tournament, I should see it through to the end.”
“I’m worried you might have overexerted yourself coming here.”
“Above all, it’s Charlotte’s match. It’s worth it.”
“Charlotte has seen blood several times on stage. In my heart, I wish she wouldn’t compete any further.”
Michael had wished the same. He hadn’t expected Charlotte to climb this high.
Had he known in advance, he might have tried to obstruct her.
The achievements she displayed would shine brightly when it was revealed she was the Duchess of Renosa.
And Michael didn’t want Charlotte to be in the spotlight. He replied with a smile.
“Since she’s reached the finals, you should watch with peace of mind. I’m worried about Charlotte too.”
Michael glanced at the stage. He had arrived at just the right time.
The two finalists were being led to the stage. Michael murmured.
“It’s about to start.”
Charlotte had a stiff expression. Was it the pressure of the final stage?
She was just one step away from winning. Though that one step was nearly impossible to take.
After all, it had been no easy feat for Charlotte to reach this point.
In that respect, Michael felt reassured by the appearance of the genius Helmut.
‘At least because of him, Charlotte won’t be able to win.’
Helmut, a second-year student at Greta Academy. He had swiftly defeated all his opponents, to the extent that it affected the tournament’s popularity, but Michael couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of irritation and fondness towards him.
Michael liked strong individuals. They were always useful as his chess pieces.
‘Regardless of the match outcome, I must meet him.’
There might be other ulterior motives, but if he’s of common birth, it would be difficult for him to refuse the wealth and honor Michael could offer.
Michael had a talent for making others desperately want what he could give.
Margret’s gaze momentarily wavered as she looked at the stage.
But she soon spoke in an elegant yet calm voice.
“Charlotte said she wouldn’t be able to win. Her opponent must be exceptionally strong. Being from the same academy, she would know better.”
“Did you meet her separately?”
Michael’s voice became slightly sharp.
Margret didn’t notice.
“Yes, I know it was rash. But I couldn’t help it after seeing her hurt. Fortunately, no rumors have spread. I’ve taken care of it.”
“That’s a relief. But that’s not like you, Mother. If it becomes known that Charlotte is the Grand Duke’s daughter of Rinosa, she’ll be exposed to even more danger.”
Perhaps Michael himself might have to create that danger if the situation calls for it.
If Margret continued to pay more attention to Charlotte, and if the Grand Duke of Renosa’s gaze started turning towards the accomplished Charlotte.
Michael’s eyes gleamed coldly. But Margret didn’t notice.
“I know.”
She seemed lost in thought, unable to continue speaking.
Michael’s gaze shifted from Charlotte to the boy on stage.