Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 380 (Part 1):

“Wh-what do you mean I lose?”

“Then there’s nothing more to say.”

The Crown Prince’s crisp, straightforward demeanor was enough to fill Asuka with anxiety.

For someone of the Crown Prince’s stature, it wasn’t baseless confidence. It was hard to guarantee that Charlotte wouldn’t be swayed by him.

After all, the Crown Prince was likely skilled at presenting himself in a way that could charm women.

“…Do you remember the promise you made before?”

“Promise?”

“I saved Your Highness that time in the library. You said you’d take my side because of that.”

The Crown Prince slowly nodded.

“I recall. Back then, I did say that that it’s the duty of a royal knight to protect me, the Crown Prince. Nevertheless, I’m willing to offer my cousin a suitable reward.”

“Reward or whatever, if that’s the case, then give up.”

“Give up?”

Asuka abruptly pointed a finger at him—a blatantly disrespectful gesture.

“I’m telling you—don’t go messing around with Charlotte.”

“What a foolish thing to say.”

The Crown Prince clicked his tongue.

“I’m the Crown Prince. Opportunities to request something from me aren’t that common. Are you sure you want to squander it so thoughtlessly?”

“Who’s being thoughtless……”

All Asuka wanted was to block off this formidable rival at all costs.

After all, aside from the Crown Prince or possibly some prince he hadn’t even laid eyes on, no one else out there outranked Asuka by birth. He’d done the quick calculations in his head and decided this was the best approach.

“For example…”

In a leisurely tone, the Crown Prince offered his cousin some advice.

“Think about the future—about a time when you might urgently need my help. Be prudent and save this opportunity. If a day comes when you do need my assistance, even if what you’re attempting goes against Grand Duke Farnese’s will, I’m still willing to support you.”

Asuka still hadn’t decided whether to continue living as Grand Duke Farnese’s successor.

For now, he was in the self-imposed grace period he’d declared. Both he and the Crown Prince knew perfectly well that Grand Duke Farnese wouldn’t simply stand by and let Asuka abandon his rightful position and slip away.

Even if Asuka reached a skill level on par with a knight commander, making it harder to restrain him physically, Farnese had a tenacious and methodical streak; it was doubtful he would just “let Asuka go.”

“Are you really fine throwing this opportunity away?”

At the Crown Prince’s question, Asuka was momentarily at a loss for words.

Whether or not the Crown Prince was sincere, his argument sounded entirely plausible, and it was starting to get to Asuka.

Like driving in a final nail, the Crown Prince spoke again:

“Besides, I did say it, didn’t I? In the end, it’s her choice. I won’t resort to any tricks; I’m offering to compete fairly. Strictly speaking, this marriage is a union between Renosa and the Empire. It’s a matter of national interest. Even if you don’t see it that way, she surely does. To me, the Duchess of Renosa is more than a suitable partner, and if I strongly desire it, I can change the subject of the marriage discussion.”

It certainly seemed possible. Michael had already made one major misstep, so if the Crown Prince pushed this with enough force, Renosa might find it difficult to refuse outright.

In a gentle tone that sounded almost like admonition, the Crown Prince continued:

“But I won’t do that. If she chooses you, I intend to respect her wishes and step aside without letting my position as Crown Prince get in the way. That’s what I mean by fair competition.”

It sounded as if he held Asuka in high regard.

In reality, if Charlotte hadn’t piqued his interest, he wouldn’t have even looked her way. Yet, despite intervening out of personal feelings, his words were skillfully crafted.

Asuka, however, had no clue what the Crown Prince truly felt inside.

“Fair competition, huh.”

*Grrr…* Asuka’s teeth ground together in frustration.

“Fine. Let’s do that.”

What else could he do? His opponent was none other than the heir to the Empire.

A victorious smile crossed the Crown Prince’s lips.

“Then I suppose there’s nothing more to say.”

“Let’s hope you don’t embarrass yourself.”

Spitting out that parting shot, Asuka turned on his heel.

‘I need to meet her. As soon as possible.’

At the very least, he had to be faster than Asuka. The Crown Prince moved with determination.

The Crown Prince, who had weathered a storm, began to move a few hours later.

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