Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 246 (Part 2):
“Will you be alright?”
The Grand Duchess of Renosa he faced asked quietly. Mother’s blue eyes gazed at Helmut, distorted with concern.
“It will be dangerous.”
“You want me to go, right?”
Helmut replied calmly. He wasn’t blaming her.
If his mother wanted it, Helmut had to go.
She was Helmut’s mother, and that alone gave her the right to command him. That right was virtually absolute.
They say children who are neglected by their parents become more devoted in order to be loved.
Helmut was even abandoned.
Though it probably wasn’t his mother’s intention. That’s why he wanted to show his strength, to prove he was a child capable of fulfilling his mother’s wishes and more.
Perhaps Helmut wanted to prove his necessity to his mother. To avoid being abandoned again.
“Of course, I do. But I also don’t.”
With a sorrowful expression, his mother continued slowly.
“I am the Grand Duchess of Renosa. I have a duty to make choices for Renosa.”
Her wavering heart had firmed. She was thinking not as a mother, but as the Grand Duchess of Renosa.
“I heard you were planning to go yourself. I understand that Charlotte and I going is the best choice.”
Helmut thought so too. His mother was far from being capable in combat. Against such powerful beasts, she would only be a burden.
In fact, Charlotte wasn’t much different. If he went with her, Helmut would have to consider her safety as well.
Moving alone would be most convenient, but Helmut understood that someone from the Renosa Grand Duke’s family with the authority to command troops needed to accompany him.
“Don’t be disappointed. I think this is a good opportunity.”
Helmut understood what his mother was trying to say.
This was an appropriate opportunity for Helmut to be accepted as a member of Renosa.
Achieving merit. If Helmut rescued the Grand Duke of Renosa, the Grand Duke could accept him more easily as well.
Although Helmut couldn’t be officially recognized due to the Temple, he could be accepted unofficially at least.
Even if it meant risking antagonizing the Temple.
If the Temple found out, Helmut could simply leave on his own.
Renosa could claim they didn’t know he still had the Dark Seed.
Helmut appeared normal on the outside, and he was an honor student attending the academy normally in Baden.
‘With Alea, and her master Heike who is also a Temple public enemy, living away from the Temple’s eyes isn’t difficult. Even without confronting them directly.’
Thinking positively, it wasn’t that dangerous.
The Temple is hostile to those with the Seed of Darkness.
But recently two High Priests died. The Temple’s power has weakened, and they’re in conflict with Basor.
They couldn’t afford to make an enemy of Renosa as well.
Although the Temple and the Empire are still on good terms, the Temple couldn’t exert absolute influence on any country.
Renosa might face some disadvantages, but they wouldn’t be too severe.
If they threatened Renosa, Helmut was ready to destroy the Temple at any time.
He knew two high-ranking temple enemies, both archmages.
Basor’s Luke Yeager also owed Helmut.
Though he had never formed a faction before, Helmut felt it wouldn’t be impossible.
After all, Helmut was born with the bloodline of rulers. He was the legitimate heir of Renosa with noble blood.
“Just as Charlotte believes in your skills, I believe in them too. Though I don’t have the eye to judge a swordsman’s ability, Charlotte has high standards.”
In some ways, his mother was fair. She initially offered to go herself, unafraid of losing her life.
But Charlotte stepped up, saying it would be better if she went instead. Suggesting a better option.
The Grand Duchess agreed to that persuasion ultimately because it was the choice befitting a Grand Duchess.
For Margret, motherly affection couldn’t surpass duty.
If Charlotte had to take risks, Helmut could too.
Michael was left out of this calculation because he was weak, not for any other reason.
“And if possible, could you make sure Charlotte doesn’t get hurt?”
“I will.”
Helmut readily agreed. Defeating the mysterious powerful beast and rescuing the Grand Duke.
And protecting Charlotte. These were the two duties given to him.
To some, it might feel like a mountain of responsibility.
“I believe in you.”
With those brief words, his mother willingly passed that weight onto Helmut.
Though she said it couldn’t be helped, she was the one who had abandoned him. There was no time for tenderness.
But Helmut was also a member of Renosa. That’s what bloodline means to grand nobility.
Just by being born with that blood, one shoulders responsibilities.
His mother was recognizing him in her own way.
His strength, and the fact that he too was a member of the Grand Duke’s family.
Strangely, Helmut could clearly feel this fact. And surprisingly, he felt no aversion to it.
“I’ll see you when I return.”
With those final words, Helmut rose from his seat.
There was no time to delay. Once decided, they would move as quickly as possible.
Helmut soon joined the troops led by Charlotte. A grave expression colored everyone’s faces.
“I hope you both return safely.”
Michael, uncharacteristically without a smile, saw them off.
His face was strange, not simply cold.
Helmut and Charlotte standing opposite him looked like siblings even to strangers.
In contrast, Michael looked like an outsider, not mixed with their blood.
“Take care, Charlotte.”
As he said those words, Michael’s gaze shifted. His eyes twisted slightly as he looked at Helmut.
After a moment, Michael uttered:
“And you too, Helmut.”
“Yes.”
Helmut replied briefly.
With that, they immediately left Ratona and set out for where the Grand Duke had disappeared.