Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 372 (Part 1):

“……Charlotte probably didn’t mean anything by it.”

When Margret began speaking in a soothing tone, Michael snapped irritically,

“How can you be so sure of that, Mother? You haven’t spoken with Charlotte in ages.”

“People don’t change so easily. That girl isn’t clever enough to scheme like that.”

Margret answered calmly. It was only natural for a mother to know her child well—especially someone in her position.

She could sense Michael’s growing anxiety, as if he were being chased by something. The Grand Duke of Renosa had yet to name his successor. Even after surviving near-death, he still hadn’t given serious thought to the matter of succession, leaving the decision hanging indefinitely.

Perhaps he was waiting until after Charlotte graduated from Greta Academy. What once seemed distant—the day of her graduation—was now drawing near. Yet, instead of staying cautious, Charlotte, who had always been on Michael’s radar, suddenly began acting out of character.

Skipping classes during the semester wasn’t enough; now she was entangled with the imperial royal family. Amidst this unease, Michael needed to maintain a delicate balance with the Temple’s support.

This recent action of hers—if nothing had happened, it might have gone unnoticed as a simple mistake. But an incident *did* occur, and as a result, Renosa’s position became awkward. With his own actions having brought about these results, what could he possibly say?

On the fundamental issue at hand, Margret remained silent.

‘As for me, I cannot interfere in the matter of the Grand Duke’s successor.’

Such was the duty of the Grand Duchess. Margret had to make choices for the sake of Renosa, trusting that the Grand Duke, as both ruler and her husband, possessed better judgment than she did. After all, his decisions mattered more to her than Michael’s—or anyone else’s.

Besides, it wasn’t as though Margret didn’t love Charlotte or believed absolutely that Michael had to inherit the title of Grand Duke. Of course, she supported Michael—but only because he had proven for himself that he wasn’t a lost cause, but rather had the potential to become Grand Duke

Moreover, there was an instinctive calculation: having a child close to her on the throne would benefit her as well.

‘Above all, Michael…’

Unlike Charlotte, Michael was ambitious. If he failed to become Grand Duke, he wouldn’t be able to endure it—and that very ambition could lead to his downfall. For Margret, ensuring Michael became the next Grand Duke was the only way to protect both her children.

Michael pressed his brow firmly, calming his agitation before speaking in a composed tone.

“Do you think they’re plotting to take hostages? What if something happens to Charlotte while she’s there?”

A subtle mix of affection and resentment. If Charlotte had been utterly talentless compared to him, Michael might have gladly cherished her without hesitation. But Charlotte possessed talents Michael lacked—talents in swordsmanship! Not only that, she was the top student in Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department and had a close relationship with the Black Wing Knights’ commander.

Michael couldn’t ignore the achievements Charlotte would bring to Renosa upon her graduation. Those were accomplishments Michael could never hope to achieve.

“Renosa is also of imperial bloodline. If they wanted to take a hostage from Renosa, they’d demand you, not Charlotte.”

The Grand Duchess gently pointed out. There was no way the empire wasn’t aware of the dynamics between Michael and Charlotte. Even if Michael had made a mistake, they wouldn’t use his rival as leverage—they’d never take her as a hostage.

Michael stared at his mother with piercing blue eyes. She was his strongest ally, yet sometimes she moved in ways he couldn’t control. The Grand Duchess of Renosa was no puppet, after all. Throwing tantrums like a child wouldn’t solve anything.

By the time Michael’s expression softened into its usual angelic guise, he gave his mother a slight smile.

“I understand. Though I’m worried, if His Grace has decided, there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m tired.”

“Yes, go rest.”

*Tak.* The sound of the door closing echoed through the room, leaving silence behind. Michael sank into thought, as he often did, weighing favorable and unfavorable scenarios.

‘If Charlotte becomes involved with him…’

If Charlotte were to marry the heir of Grand Duke Farnese, it would grant her immense power—she’d have the backing of the empire. While threatening, it wasn’t necessarily detrimental to Michael. The Grand Duke of Renosa, wary of the empire despite maintaining cordial relations, would surely consider the possibility of the empire swallowing Renosa whole.

After all, Renosa had long since separated itself from the empire. Though still of imperial lineage, Renosa had secured its independence long ago. The current Grand Duke wouldn’t want that status threatened.

‘But if we consider the matter of succession, it’s true that the Empire is a more advantageous force than the temple. Though if Charlotte…’

Michael furrowed his brow.

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