Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 372 (Part 2):

Michael couldn’t be certain whether his understanding of Charlotte still held true. This recent incident had come as a shock—an entirely unexpected turn of events. Yet, one thing remained constant: Charlotte’s devotion to Renosa. She valued her duties and honor as the Grand Duke’s daughter above all else.

Even if she married the heir of Grand Duke Farnese, she wouldn’t allow the empire to swallow Renosa. In fact, she might reject the marriage proposal outright.

After all, the Grand Duke of Renosa would never force a marriage against Charlotte’s will—and it would be unjust for her to have to cover for Michael’s mistakes.

‘It could end with Charlotte becoming the Farnese Grand Duchess.’

If Michael won the succession battle, Charlotte’s position in Renosa would become ambiguous. Marrying someone of equal standing and living comfortably might suit her best. Either way, her trip to the empire was inevitable.

Michael considered a less likely scenario.

‘What if, by some chance, the Crown Prince takes an interest in Charlotte?’

Charlotte was beautiful. If the hidden son of Grand Duke Farnese had fallen for her, who’s to say another unforeseen event wouldn’t unfold? If Charlotte became empress, it might simplify things.

The moment that happened, the Grand Duke of Renosa would strip her of any authority over Renosa, ensuring she could never claim the title again.

“The empire…”

Michael murmured absently. Until now, he had steadily fortified his position, overcoming countless obstacles. With Charlotte’s graduation approaching and new winds blowing, Michael resolved to bend these winds to his advantage. If he couldn’t overcome them, then he didn’t deserve to become the Grand Duke of Renosa.

—

It was nearing the end of the semester. By Charlotte’s standards, her grades this term were a mess—though “mess” was relative, as she still ranked among the top students. However, she hadn’t taken the midterm exam.

Though she’d taken a makeup test, only 80% of her written scores counted toward her final grade. For someone who had consistently ranked first, this felt inadequate.

‘Maybe I should’ve taken a leave of absence this semester and focused on graduating early next term.’

But returning halfway through the semester had complicated things. Still, having saved Helmut, Charlotte couldn’t abandon the academy—she had responsibilities to fulfill as a student of Greta Academy.

‘This is my last semester.’

Once the next term ended, she’d graduate from Greta Academy. But whether she’d return after this vacation, even Charlotte didn’t know. She held a letter bearing the seal of the Grand Duke of Renosa, delivered personally by a Black Wing Knight dispatched from Renosa to Baden.

“His Grace’s orders.”

As soon as the break began, she was to head straight to the empire from Baden. There was nothing left to prepare here. On the way, she’d meet up with others from Renosa and journey onward to the empire.

This would be her official visit as the Grand Duke’s daughter. She might even run into other academy students, which would inevitably spread rumors about her identity like wildfire.

Though only one semester remained, this was something Charlotte wished to avoid—but it was unavoidable nonetheless.

“I must comply.”

It was the Grand Duke’s command, after all. Yet, the reason behind the empire’s request troubled her.

“Is it because of Senior Asuka…?”

When Alea briefly visited Baden and revealed Asuka’s true identity, Charlotte had been shocked. Still, she’d suspected he wasn’t of ordinary birth—no commoner would work so hard to hide their lineage, even from friends.

“Still, a marriage proposal…”

Charlotte gazed at the letter with conflicted eyes. She knew Asuka had feelings for her. He wasn’t one to hide his emotions, and it was obvious to anyone that he was interested in her. Even even the dullest observer couldn’t miss it.

Charlotte, being a noble herself, could just as easily choose to conceal her true feelings as she could to reveal them.

Her expression shifted momentarily, revealing something indiscernible before settling back into calm composure.

“We’ll all meet again there.”

The memories of risking their lives together in the Forest of Roots lingered vividly in Charlotte’s mind. She missed them—Helmut, Alea, Asuka, and Sian. They were all in the empire’s capital now.

During his stay in Baden, Helmut hadn’t contacted her, knowing she was under Renosa’s watchful eye. Alea had appeared in disguise, exchanging only a brief conversation before leaving.

“I need to prepare.”

She tucked the letter neatly into her chest. She’d already informed the knight that she would obey the Grand Duke’s orders. Though the prospect of an official visit to the empire weighed heavily on her, she couldn’t deny the excitement of an impending reunion.

As Charlotte entered her room to pack, a faint flutter of anticipation stirred in her heart.

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