Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 238 (Part 2):
The very next day, the Greta Academy group dispersed.
The swordsmanship tournament had ended, and with the vacation upon them, everyone went their separate ways.
Only the faculty had left. The three remaining students had no intention of leaving Renosa immediately.
Helmut stayed at the lodging, and surprisingly, so did Leon.
Charlotte staying was simply a given.
That afternoon, a carriage arrived from the palace along with some people.
As promised by the Duchess of Renosa, Helmut was to move to a new residence.
But unexpectedly, Leon accompanied him.
“We’re here to escort you to the palace. All three of you.”
Leon followed along willingly, as if he had received some kind of assurance.
Helmut realized belatedly that Leon was also a tournament champion.
In other words, a talent that the Black Wing Knights would covet. If they were giving Helmut a place to stay, it would be natural to do the same for Leon.
In fact, as a senior and soon-to-be graduate, Leon would likely receive even more generous treatment. To maintain appearances.
Margret, the Duchess of Renosa, managed it perfectly.
She maintained a perfect distance and carried out the procedures.
As he had felt when they met before, if Helmut hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed that his mother had been moved upon seeing him.
She was very composed.
In a way, she neither showed special affection nor animosity towards Helmut, who might be suspected as the Duke of Renosa’s illegitimate child, and treated Helmut and Leon with the same fair treatment as the tournament champions they were.
Upon stepping out of the carriage, Charlotte, guided by someone, slipped away quietly. Helmut and Leon bowed their heads in unison upon meeting the Duchess of Renosa.
“We are honored to meet you, Your Grace the Duchess.”
“Welcome to our Renosa palace.”
The elegant and graceful Duchess smiled kindly. A smile that made the young boys feel insignificant.
Even the usually arrogant Leon couldn’t bring himself to look up at her.
“Please enjoy your stay. Since it’s vacation, rest as much as you like and leave at your convenience. Latona’s scenery is beautiful, so feel free to go out and enjoy it. As champions, you deserve to enjoy this.”
“It’s an honor, Your Grace.”
Leon was the first to respond promptly. He was from a noble background. Helmut thought Leon was useful in this situation.
Helmut didn’t know what to say. He just replied briefly.
“Yes.”
Her gaze lingered on Helmut for a fleeting moment. Eyes as blue as a lake, filled with an indecipherable emotion.
However, Margret, who had looked at Helmut briefly, immediately turned her attention to Leon.
“I’ve heard that my son Michael is very interested in you. He said you had a conversation right after the award ceremony.”
“Yes, His Highness showed great interest in my swordsmanship.”
“Michael must have been deeply impressed by your skills. I hope you can get along well, even if it’s a bit inconvenient.”
“Inconvenient? Not at all, Your Grace!”
Leon immediately lifted his head. He already seemed half-enchanted by Michael.
Michael had a knack for winning people over. Especially someone like Leon, who had lived somewhat isolated due to Helmut’s overshadowing presence.
Michael was not only impressed by Leon’s skills but also intended to gather information about Helmut through him.
Because even if Michael was certain in his heart, he was the type of person who needed evidence for his certainty.
That’s what Helmut thought. He wasn’t particularly skilled at understanding people, but he could read Michael’s intentions clearly.
It wasn’t knowledge-based understanding; it was perhaps an understanding born from blood.
“Michael is indeed a brilliant and intelligent person, fitting for the heir of Renosa. If he had joined the academy, we would have formed a deep friendship.”
“Oh, I’m glad you think so highly of Michael.”
Margret responded with a soft laugh. Leon passionately praised Michael, the future lord.
He already acted as if he had become a member of the Black Wing Knights.
In that short moment, he seemed to have decided his path completely. Watching them, Helmut calmly collected his thoughts.
‘The Black Wing Knights are indeed desirable for top students from the academy.’
Even without ulterior motives, Leon’s skills alone would make Michael want to recruit him.
Although he had lost to Helmut in a single strike, Leon was still a recognized talent outside.
Michael had a strong desire for talent.
It was strange that he hadn’t tried to recruit Helmut, the champion, yet.
Or perhaps it wasn’t strange. Michael was convinced that Helmut was Hyde.
‘Michael… I will have to face him eventually.’
Since the award ceremony a few days ago, Michael hadn’t approached Helmut personally.
Normally, Michael would have gathered enough information about Helmut with just a few conversations, but he decided to hold back for now.
Helmut didn’t think Michael had lost interest in him. Michael was persistent.
He wouldn’t just rely on Leon to gather information about Helmut.
And Helmut’s guess was precisely correct.
*
Returning to her room and changing her clothes, Charlotte stretched her back.
She felt comfortable, as if she had found her place.
No matter how high her status, Charlotte had lived her entire life as the Duchess of Renosa.
She was more familiar with being the Duchess of Renosa than Charlotte from Greta Academy.
Now, she wasn’t even the runner-up Charlotte; she was the Duchess of Renosa during the vacation.
She didn’t intend to hide it from Leon either.
Just as she was about to leave the room, someone’s voice came down upon her.
“Charlotte, what do you know about that person called Helmut?”