Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 403 (Part 1):

‘Father, how could you leave me out like this…!’

Asuka barged into Grand Duke Farnese’s quarters, fuming. Yet the Grand Duke received him with unshaken composure.

“Asuka, you’ve finally arrived. I was just about to call for you.”

“……Huh?”

The Grand Duke’s reaction left Asuka momentarily stunned.

“Prepare yourself. You must attend the banquet today. It’s a formal occasion in His Majesty the Emperor’s presence, so mind your manners.”

“…Weren’t you planning to go without me?”

Asuka’s eyes narrowed. He suspected his father had already heard about his impending outburst and prepared this response.

But Grand Duke Farnese remained unruffled.

“I had considered it. I thought your presence might only cause discomfort.”

“You decided that without even asking me? Or is it that you’re the one embarrassed by me?”

Of course, Asuka despised formal gatherings, and the Grand Duke had rarely consulted him on such matters before. So he was just nitpicking out of habit.

Grand Duke Farnese ignored his complaint.

“However, the Grand Duke of Renosa expressed curiosity about you. He asked if you’d be attending the banquet. I replied that you likely would.”

“The… Grand Duke of Renosa?”

Asuka stiffened, his expression flickering. His mind raced.

The man who might one day become his father-in-law had singled him out. The thought alone made anticipation bubble up inside him. His irritation melted away almost instantly.

“The Grand Duke and his wife will be attending. You’ll want to leave a good impression.”

“R-right.”

The Crown Prince could charm anyone, befitting his status. The problem was Asuka himself.

“Prepare yourself.”

With those words, Asuka left without another complaint. His demeanor had completely reversed from when he’d stormed in.

But just as he was about to step out, he froze mid-stride, realizing something.

‘Huh? Wait… if the Grand Duke and his wife are attending…’

That meant she would be there too—Margret Irene, the woman who had betrayed Helmut. The same woman he’d cursed in his heart countless times. Now, he was about to meet Charlotte’s mother.

Asuka’s face twisted in discomfort. He had no idea how to face her.

‘I’ll figure it out when I get there.’

With that half-hearted resolve, he resumed walking.

What could have been a major incident was quietly settled just like that.

*

“Charlotte, you look pale. Are you tired? I heard you’ve been working hard to prepare for the martial tournament.”

“I’m fine.”

At the gentle words, Charlotte bowed her head slightly, avoiding eye contact. It was just before their departure for the banquet.

While the Grand Duke was briefly absent, having received urgent news from Renosa, mother and daughter found themselves alone.

For Charlotte, it was a moment she’d wanted to avoid.

She still felt uneasy around her mother, Margret.

Even after all these years, she couldn’t forget their last conversation.

Her mother had been an icy shield, and Charlotte had no choice but to turn away after crashing into it.

Something inside her had shattered violently that day. The shards left scars that hadn’t fully healed.

A dull ache rose from the unhealed wound.

Was it disappointment? Despair? If this was what love had warped into, then no trace of its original form remained in Charlotte.

After all, her feelings had long been worn down by Margret’s favoritism.

Margret still wore the same elegant, composed smile—the face Charlotte had once admired so much.

No matter how they had parted, it seemed effortless for Margret to speak to her daughter after so long.

“You seem to have been doing well.”

“Yes.”

“Once you graduate from the academy, there will be much to do in Renosa. The Knight Commander has been quietly hoping for your return.”

If Charlotte returned to Renosa, she would take up duties within the knight order.

Her outstanding performance in Greta Academy’s swordsmanship department was proof enough of her qualifications.

Even if she joined the Black Wing Knights directly, she would be recognized as an exceptional young knight.

“I’m not sure what will happen yet.”

Charlotte gave an ambiguous answer, unwilling to commit.

Her family’s sins weighed on her, leaving her with little freedom of choice.

But Charlotte would continue making choices for Helmut’s sake. That was her atonement—her way of repaying her debt.

“Do you still resent me?”

Margret finally asked, her tone gentle. Charlotte’s gaze lifted. Her mother’s blue eyes were warm, as if ready to embrace her.

But Charlotte knew how ruthless those same eyes could be.

Even if she wasn’t Helmut, she was no different in her mother’s eyes—a sore finger, but not one that couldn’t be cut off.

“You were separated from me at such a young age. Greta Academy is a fine institution, but…”

“……”

“Looking back now, I wonder if sending you there was the right decision.”

Had they stayed together, would they have ended up so opposed? Would they have understood each other better? Margret seemed to be reflecting on this.

Michael, who had grown up in Renosa, understood Margret well.

Charlotte had been a somewhat rigid child, but their relationship had once been harmonious.

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