Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 378 (Part 1): The Wind Rising in the Empire

“Welcome, Your Grace.”

As Charlotte stepped down from the carriage, she lifted her chin slightly and extended her gloved hand to grasp the knight’s offered hand. Though she didn’t need assistance as a skilled swordsman, the formalities were unavoidable—she was, after all, the Duchess of Renosa.

The moment her feet touched the ground, she withdrew her hand. The shoes she wore were uncomfortable, but such minor inconveniences were hardly obstacles.

With a rhythmic *click-clack* of her heels, she began to walk. It wasn’t so much elegant as it was decisive, each step filled with strength.

Yet to any onlooker, she appeared every bit the beautifully adorned young noblewoman from head to toe.

Her blistered hands were hidden beneath her gloves, and the sword that usually hung at her waist was nowhere to be seen. Instead, her body was wrapped in a soft, flowing dress.

The Charlotte who had lived her life as a swordswoman at Greta Academy all but vanished in this moment. Though she felt strange without a weapon at her side, she recognized that this, too, was part of who she was.

Before she was Charlotte of Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department, she was the Grand Duchess of Renosa.

She never expected that sense of duty to come knocking quite like this, but it wasn’t hard for her to accept.

Since she had no dresses among her belongings at Greta Academy, she had been outfitted as soon as she joined the Renosa delegation.

—

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

A few familiar faces stood waiting, including her personal maid. Yet in the next moment, Charlotte could not hide her surprise.

“Greetings, Your Grace.”

Among the delegation from Renosa was none other than the Commander of the Black Wing Knights, Alonso—Charlotte’s mentor. His gaze was as unwavering as ever.

He bowed and spoke in a solemn tone.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again. I hope you’ve been well.”

“How is it that the Knight Commander is here?”

Ever since the Grand Duke of Renosa nearly came to harm, security had been tighter than ever.

Even if the Grand Duke was safe in the royal palace of Renosa, the Commander of the Black Wing Knights was always by his side.

That he had left the Grand Duke’s side to come here meant it would have been impossible without the Grand Duke’s approval.

“Since Your Highness was so rarely making an appearance, I decided I must come to you instead.”

“…I see.”

Charlotte’s face showed some unease. She was well aware that avoiding her mentor had been an unfilial act.

Still, she simply did not wish to see anyone from Renosa, a place that stirred painful memories for her.

Even though years had passed and even if the victim had made a miraculous recovery, there were some things she could never forgive. As both Duchess and swordswoman, Charlotte was uncompromising to the point of severity. She could not pardon such offenses, even if they came from her own parents.

Sensing her feelings, Alonso offered a small smile as if to put her at ease.

“I understand the circumstances. I have no intention of blaming Your Highness, so please don’t worry.”

“Did you come all this way solely because of me? What about His Highness the Grand Duke?”

A hint of worry crossed Charlotte’s features. Alonso shook his head.

“It’s not appropriate for the commander of the Black Wing Knights to visit the Empire without reason. This was His Grace’s wish.”

“His Grace’s wish?”

Charlotte’s eyes went wide, and she instantly grasped the meaning behind those words.

The Black Wing Knights of Renosa held a reputation that surpassed even the Imperial Knights of the Empire.

Not only was the Knight Commander an exceptional swordsman, he was also the strongest military asset in Renosa—the Grand Duke’s right-hand man. Having him accompany this visit lent considerable weight to the delegation’s presence.

It showed that the Grand Duke held Charlotte in high regard, that she was a daughter close to the line of succession.

It also suggested the possibility that this marriage might not come to pass.

The Grand Duke of Renosa had not yet decided on an heir.

Because of Michael’s past transgressions, Renosa had complied with the Empire’s request for the time being, but the Grand Duke had declared this to be merely a somewhat special envoy from Renosa.

Michael’s mistakes did not need to become Charlotte’s burden. Yet if she fulfilled her duties as an envoy, the credit would be hers.

“His Highness the Grand Duke wishes that this affair not force any hardship upon Your Grace against your will. Thus, he sent me here to assist you.”

“I see.”

Without needing to think deeply, Charlotte, having lived her entire life as a Duchess, quickly grasped the Grand Duke’s intentions.

Simply put, this meant the Grand Duke was not leaning in Michael’s favor.

From the Grand Duke’s perspective, he had little reason to welcome the idea of his heir—potentially Charlotte—entering a marriage with an imperial royal, which could invite interference from the Empire.

Nor could he be comfortable with Charlotte stepping entirely out of the line of succession. Regardless, her marrying into the imperial family might spark problems of its own.

Except in one case.

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