Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 382 (Part 2):

“Did the conversation go well?”

The Black Wing Knights’ commander spoke to Charlotte.

With a slightly tense expression, Charlotte answered with a gentle smile,

“Yes, I’ve conveyed the Grand Duke’s intentions to His Majesty without issue.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, there is a place I need to visit. I would like to leave the palace. I plan to visit some shops in the capital. I’d like to move quietly, so please dismiss the other guards and only have the commander accompany me in the royal carriage.”

“Understood, I will make the arrangements.”

Even if the Duchess of Renosa went out, the palace would not interfere.

Nevertheless, they needed to know where she was heading.

Charlotte’s eyebrows slightly furrowed.

‘Even in the palace, you can’t let your guard down.’

Michael’s spies had infiltrated even the academy. Fortunately, in the capital, it was difficult for him to operate people or tail someone, especially with the sharp senses of the Black Wing Knights’ commander.

Rather than disguising themselves for a covert operation, which might look suspicious, Charlotte chose a more natural approach.

Michael would not expect her to take action immediately after meeting the Emperor.

As planned, the carriage visited several shops, and Charlotte purchased some items.

After boarding the carriage again, she said nonchalantly,

“Let us head to Grand Duke Farnese’s mansion.”

It was an unannounced visit, but they could hardly refuse to admit the daughter of the Grand Duke of Renosa.

As expected, the royal carriage boldly announced its presence as it passed through the gates of the Farnese mansion.

Soon after, she faced familiar faces.

Asuka, who had been in an etiquette class, looked both surprised and pleased as he greeted her.

“Charlotte! What brings you to our house!”

Charlotte calmly ignored his joy.

“I came to see Helmut.”

She could contact Alea, but this was something she needed to discuss in person.

Everyone looked at Charlotte, who had come to the Farnese mansion as a noble lady, with curious eyes.

“I’ve heard about it from Asuka, but seeing you dressed like that really is… shocking.”

Sian was almost unable to recognize her, shocked by the transformation.

She was usually seen in the academy’s swordsmanship department uniform or in pants, casually wielding a sword.

Seeing her now, dressed in a gown, made up, and walking in heels, was like seeing a different person.

“Why, she’s just beautiful.”

Asuka grinned as if showing off his girlfriend.

Alea, who had been enjoying her research time thanks to the Grand Duchess of Farnese’s absence, propped her chin and asked, “Is this something you need to discuss with Helmut alone, or…?”

“It’s something everyone here can hear. There’s nothing more to hide at this point.”

“Go ahead.”

Finally, Helmut spoke, his black eyes meeting hers straight on.

Though both were deep like the abyss, they were different; one held a warmer, more honest light, while the other was filled with the resolve of steel.

Helmut’s eyes did not reflect the vitality of youth; they seemed like remnants on land once ravaged.

In contrast to Charlotte’s meticulously dressed appearance, Helmut was in simple attire, just a shirt and pants, as if he had just come from swinging a sword.

Seeing him, Charlotte felt an odd mix of pain and longing.

Originally, Helmut should have been in that position, representing the Grand Duke of Renosa before the emperor.

‘But it can be undone.’

She clenched her fist. Though slow, they were making progress step by step.

She believed that at the end of this path, there would be light. For this, she had run for the past four years.

“I’ve just come from an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.”

Charlotte then spoke at length about the upcoming swordsmanship tournament.

She explained that it was a joint event between the Empire and Renosa, as per the will of the Grand Duke of Renosa.

Her voice carried strength as she emphasized the last point.

Asuka narrowed his eyes.

“So, does that mean Helmut’s father is on Helmut’s side? Is he telling him to win the tournament and proudly declare his existence?”

Though sometimes a complete fool, Asuka could be sharp at times. Sian frowned.

“Did you, by any chance, tell the Grand Duke about Helmut? How does he know Helmut escaped from the Forest of Roots?”

“I have never spoken to the Grand Duke about Helmut-senpai. I haven’t even met him privately.”

Alea spoke softly,

“But Helmut met people after returning, so maybe he found out through that process?”

“That sleazy Michael guy might have orchestrated this conspiracy!”

The negative one was, as always, Sian.

Having grown up in a harmonious family, he could not understand the situation in the Grand Duchy of Renosa, where one could betray and drive their kin to death. This bred hostility.

But all this was mere speculation. Charlotte quietly shook her head.

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