Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 245 (Part 2):
“What do you mean something happened?”
“His Highness was moving with a small elite group. However, not long after, signal flares were launched from the mountain, and the nearby troops headed there.
Up until that point, we did not think anything unusual would happen. His Highness was accompanied by fifteen members of the Black Wing Knights, after all.
But when the troops arrived, all they could see was dug-up ground and bodies. Torn apart bodies of the Black Wing Knights.
Seven have been confirmed. This incident occurred just a few hours ago, and this report was only recently delivered to the palace. The thick fog made it impossible to search further. We await your orders on how to proceed.”
The Grand Duchess’s lips trembled. Charlotte and Michael’s eyes also showed shock.
Especially Michael, who had wiped away his usual smile entirely.
Had they ever faced such a crisis before?
Charlotte shouted as if vomiting her words.
“Who could have done such a thing!”
“As I mentioned earlier, strange phenomena have been occurring. A hunter in a nearby village, barely alive, spoke of a ‘beast.’ It’s possible that some terrifying magical beast has appeared along the mountain range.”
The reporting knight lowered his head as if guilty.
“So, His Highness’s safety remains unconfirmed?”
“Yes. The frequent fog makes it difficult to search. Several soldiers dispatched to the mountain have already gone missing. We need elite forces.”
It was a foregone conclusion that all members of the Black Wing Knights guarding this Ratona place, including the commander, would be deployed.
But that alone was insufficient. The current missing person was the ruler of Renosa. The Grand Duchess, calming her shock, thought rationally.
“We need not only elite forces but also someone to assess the situation. We cannot just sit here and wait not knowing what has happened to His Highness.”
The Grand Duchess spoke decisively.
“I must go personally.”
Michael and Charlotte simultaneously looked at their mother. They were surprised but for different reasons than before. Michael was the first to object.
“With His Highness missing, it’s unacceptable for you to leave the palace too, Mother.”
“Indeed, Mother should stay and protect the palace.”
Charlotte agreed. But the Grand Duchess shook her head.
“Someone has to go there. It could be dangerous. If that’s the case, I think it’s right that I go, not you two who are to inherit Renosa.”
Margret was also a mother. She could not send both Charlotte and Michael.
If someone had to go, it should be Charlotte, not Michael, who couldn’t wield a sword.
But Margret could not allow that either. She could not risk losing either of her children. It was almost an obsession.
Moreover, without revealing Helmut’s existence, if Charlotte were to die in an unfortunate accident, Michael would be left alone to inherit Renosa.
Assuming the Grand Duke was dead, it would be a simplified succession line, but it would be extremely unfair.
Although the Grand Duchess acted as if she supported Michael, she could not support such an outcome.
It was a decision worthy of the Grand Duchess of Renosa.
However, if she could not risk her children, Charlotte, too, could not risk her mother.
Charlotte was a swordswoman. A strong swordswoman. One who would not retreat and would fight to the death against any enemy.
A swordswoman wields a sword to win, to protect with her own hands, to achieve what she wants.
This was true even if she held the noble status of Grand Duchess.
Charlotte declared firmly.
“Mother, I will go. Please stay here with Michael and protect Ratona.”
“That cannot be. It’s too dangerous.”
“I can wield a sword. I am quite skilled and have good stamina. I can escape if it becomes too dangerous. But Mother cannot.”
Charlotte pointed out the truth. As a commander, Charlotte was the most suitable.
Michael was the same as his mother. His stamina was no different from the Grand Duchess’s. Going there without collapsing was the most he could help with.
Michael, being rational, knew his limits and did not step forward.
He was good at distinguishing between what he could and could not do.
This allowed him to avoid danger, but it was painful that he could not step forward in such a crucial moment as a successor.
If Charlotte succeeded in this mission, her position as a successor would be further strengthened.
Michael was more concerned about that than the possibility of the Grand Duke being dead.
The Grand Duchess knew it was the most appropriate but still shook her head.
“What if I lose you too?”
“There is a way.”
Charlotte was not reckless. Saving the Grand Duke was important, but minimizing sacrifice was essential.
She calmly devised a plan.
An idea flashed through her mind.
“Senior Helmut is at the palace. He is an incredible senior. I will go with Senior Helmut. If I explain the situation and ask for his help, I believe he will assist.”
Somehow, she felt safe with him. Helmut was the strongest swordsman she had ever seen. Perhaps even stronger than her master, the Black Wing Knights’ commander.
The Grand Duchess’s expression wavered. She soon nodded, knowing she had no choice.
“Alright.”