Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 382 (Part 1):

Even if she were the daughter of a minor noble family, the Emperor would not speak to her with such a friendly tone.

The Emperor was known for his sternness.

However, considering the blood ties between the imperial family and the Grand Duchy of Renosa, from Charlotte’s perspective, the Emperor was a family elder she had known since childhood.

The Emperor showing favor towards Charlotte was not a bad thing for her.

The Emperor gave her a meaningful look.

“I heard you came with the commander of the Black Wing Knights.”

The Black Wing Knights’ commander was not present at the meeting; he was merely escorting the Duchess of Renosa.

However, his presence here symbolized that her words were equivalent to the words of the Grand Duke of Renosa.

Since the attempted assassination of the crown prince, Renosa had not shown any significant response. Michael was not truly involved with the temple; it seemed he had merely relayed a message at their request. Making unnecessary apologies would only make them appear guilty.

Nevertheless, it was clear that they could not simply let the matter pass as if nothing had happened.

Charlotte’s visit to the Empire thus held significant meaning.

The Grand Duke of Renosa would likely propose a solution to ease the strained relationship between Renosa and the Empire.

“Yes, I visited the Empire on the orders of the Grand Duke of Renosa to convey his intentions to Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

The Emperor tried to recall the appearance of the Grand Duke of Renosa. In his memory, the Duke appeared quite young.

It was rare for the monarchs of both countries to meet.

Even after ascending to the throne, he had only seen the Grand Duke of Renosa once.

He was a man of seriousness and thoroughness, not one to move lightly.

‘I am curious about what solution he has in mind.’

After a moment, Charlotte’s lips slowly parted.

“To affirm that the friendship between our two nations remains strong, and to further promote greater harmony in the new era, we propose hosting a joint swordsmanship tournament between both countries.”

Charlotte added clearly,

“This is the will of the Grand Duke of Renosa.”

A brief silence ensued. The Emperor brought his hand to his short beard. Charlotte carefully observed his reaction.

“An interesting proposal.”

The Emperor’s deep voice, which followed, carried a tone of approval.

“A swordsmanship tournament between our two nations. I would like to hear more details.”

Charlotte then outlined the plans set by the Grand Duke of Renosa.

The tournament would be held within two months, with the location to be decided through discussions, somewhere between the Empire’s capital and Latona.

The Emperor, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

“There’s one thing I want to clarify. I’ve heard that the Grand Duchess of Renosa is friendly with the temple.”

And it was well-known that the relationship between the Grand Duke and Duchess was quite close.

If this plan was part of another scheme by the temple…

The Emperor’s gaze sharpened. For him, who was working to expel the temple’s influence from the Empire, this was an issue he could not overlook.

At the mention of her mother, Charlotte’s expression darkened slightly, but she responded steadfastly.

“One’s personal faith cannot dictate the intentions of Renosa, and the Grand Duke of Renosa has expressed concern and anger regarding the temple’s attempt to assassinate His Highness the Crown Prince.”

If the temple had tried to harm the Empire’s Crown Prince, there was nothing to stop them from targeting the Grand Duke of Renosa as well. In Renosa, the real obstacle to the temple’s influence wasn’t Charlotte—currently enrolled in the Academy—but the Grand Duke himself, who consistently and firmly blocked the temple’s demands with his unwavering fairness.

To place Michael, who was friendly to the temple, on the throne, they could easily repeat such actions.

From that perspective, Charlotte was inwardly anxious about the Black Wing Knights commander being away from the Grand Duke.

Therefore, the Grand Duke of Renosa had taken another measure.

“…Moreover, within the Renosa Grand Duchy, all contact with the temple has been severed, so please be at ease.”

In a way, the temple had provided the pretext.

The Grand Duchess’s religious activities had ceased, and this was true for everyone living in the royal palace of Latona.

After listening calmly, the Emperor nodded shortly.

“Very well, I accept it.”

“Thank you for your decision. I hope this will strengthen the friendship between our two nations once again.”

“Charlotte, will you participate as well?”

Charlotte shook her head.

“Unfortunately, that seems unlikely.”

This tournament was not for her. The participants were limited in scope.

Charlotte would have to watch this event from above.

With that, her role here was temporarily concluded.

Charlotte would observe the tumultuous waters from outside.

This concluded the most critical dialogue. She felt a sense of relief.

As Charlotte let out a breath of relief, the Emperor suddenly asked,

“Moreover, are you not at all interested in marriage proposals? I heard you were quite clear with the crown prince.”

At his words, Charlotte flinched. The Emperor continued,

“Don’t the imperial men meet your standards? They are presentable and capable in their own right.”

Although the Emperor had never seen Asuka, he knew about him.

Grand Duke Farnese was cautious about presenting him because he might cause trouble, and Asuka himself was not keen on meeting his great-uncle, who was the Emperor, leading to no formal introduction.

“It’s not that I find any fault in them, but for now, I only wish to stay by my father’s side and assist him.”

The Emperor carefully observed Charlotte’s expression at her response.

He saw no hopeful signs for the Crown Prince.

“…I see, understood. May you stay comfortably in the palace.”

With those words, the audience ended.

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