Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 236 (Part 2):
Helmut, unusually flustered, stared at Charlotte. Charlotte frowned.
“You helped with the sparring and all… Something feels off.”
‘He has been doing things he doesn’t usually do, could it be?’
It could be possible. Helmut and Charlotte didn’t have much contact within the academy.
However, since coming to Renosa for this swordsmanship tournament, their conversations had increased significantly.
No matter how indifferent Helmut was, it was natural to develop feelings for a girl you frequently talked to and spent time with.
Helmut slightly shook his head as if to wave it off.
A pointed remark that you’re not originally that kind-hearted.
That was true, but Helmut, who didn’t actually like Charlotte, slowly denied it.
“…No.”
“I know you’re indifferent. But coming to this swordsmanship tournament with me, you might have developed affection and grown fond of me, right?”
It seemed she was questioning whether he was unaware of his feelings.
Although it could be considered presumptuous, Charlotte was extremely serious.
She was seriously asking if he liked her.
Helmut couldn’t find the words to say and remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“I have a girlfriend.”
“Really?”
“Yes, the girl I was with during the festival.”
“I’ve heard about that. Then I believe you.”
Helmut stared at Charlotte intently. Charlotte, having come to a clear conclusion, smiled brightly.
“That’s a relief. I won’t have to feel uncomfortable around you.”
This was her doctrine that such matters should be made clear.
Charlotte wanted to get along with Helmut, and she didn’t want to give false hope to him if he liked her.
Helmut might find it unpleasant, but Charlotte was the Duchess of Rinosa.
She had never even dreamed of a union with a commoner. For a high noble, there are suitable partners befitting a high noble.
Usually someone the family would at least not oppose.
And Helmut was clearly not that kind of person.
Just as Margret was faithfully the Duchess of Renosa, Charlotte had a similar inclination.
“You, why do you suspect such things so naturally?”
Helmut was a bit taken aback. He wasn’t feeling bad or unpleasant, but he had never seen anyone so confidently suspecting he liked them.
Helmut didn’t understand girls around this age well, but he thought it wasn’t a common occurrence.
“Well.”
Charlotte swallowed her words as if embarrassed.
She had received double-digit confessions since entering Greta Academy.
With her noble impression, easygoing and steady personality, she was liked by everyone, not just the instructors.
Even Asuka couldn’t treat Charlotte rudely.
Young men from good families who were confident showed interest in her.
Leon, who was brutally defeated by Helmut, was one of them.
But each time, Charlotte firmly declined, saying she wanted to focus on her studies.
Her refusals were consistent and straightforward, so they didn’t cause any resentment.
So it was natural for Charlotte to suspect that someone who was particularly kind to her might like her.
“The awards ceremony will start soon. I heard the prize money is substantial. There will probably be more special privileges.”
“Special privileges?”
Charlotte stared at him intently. And after a moment, she said.
“The privilege of meeting the people of the Grand Duchy of Rinosa.”
The Grand Duchy family of Rinosa is comparable to the imperial family of the Empire. They are people that only the noblest of nobles can meet.
However, Helmut now had the right to approach them.
Helmut didn’t ask how she knew that.
Charlotte is the Duchess of Rinosa. Helmut knew this fact, and Charlotte vaguely sensed that Helmut knew it.
Charlotte gave him advice.
“You might meet some difficult people. Be careful not to clash with them.”
Helmut silently nodded. He seemed to understand what she was saying.
‘Michael.’
He would meet him soon. Michael’s observational skills were exceptionally good.
People reveal their characteristics in many aspects.
Posture, attitude, atmosphere. Beyond appearance, all of that proves their identity.
Moreover, Helmut wasn’t very talented at acting.
Hyde was just Helmut with a changed appearance, and thus, Hyde was Helmut.
Whether Michael could discern this would only be known when they meet.