Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 418 (Part 1):

The banquet hall was abuzz with guests who had flocked from all corners of the land.

This was the first time the next Grand Duke of Renosa would make an official appearance.

The events of the martial arts tournament’s final had already stirred fervent talk, reaching even foreign lands.

Those who had regrettably missed that spectacle had eagerly awaited the day Helmut would once again step into the public eye, fueled by rampant rumors.

And now, that moment had finally arrived.

Those of sufficient status to attend the Grand Duke of Renosa’s banquet had made time, no matter how scarce, to rush to the event.

Among them were a significant number of high-ranking nobles from the Deus Empire.

Ordinarily, the task of greeting them would fall to the Grand Duchess of Renosa, hailing from one of the empire’s most prestigious marquess houses.

However, she was absent from this banquet.

She had cited poor health as an excuse, but people quietly speculated about the true reason.

It was widely known that the Grand Duchess had supported Michael.

In such a context, the sudden appearance of the eldest son, claiming the position of heir, must have been an unwelcome development for her.

Of course, some argued that it shouldn’t matter whether Helmut or Michael was the Grand Duchess’s trueborn son.

But not all children are close to their mother.

Especially if Helmut was the forsaken child.

Though no one dared openly discuss the Grand Duke of Renosa’s extramarital affairs, rumors were already spreading that Helmut might not be the Grand Duchess’s biological son.

The Grand Duchess’s absence drove a wedge into those rumors.

The banquet hall overflowed with hushed whispers about such matters.

Even as they exchanged cautious words, some ventured to speculate deeply about the internal affairs of the Grand Duchy of Renosa.

“Lord Michael seems to have completely lost his authority. I heard he’s been confined to his quarters, perhaps due to failing health.”

“What a pity. He was one who brightly lit up any banquet.”

“Since Renosa sided with the imperial family against the Temple, it’s only natural that Lord Michael, who was close to the temple, would be sidelined.”

“With his missteps, and now a new heir emerging, it’s rare for a younger son to outshine the eldest.”

“Moreover, this martial tournament was said to surpass even the renowned Basor tournament in caliber, and he won it, didn’t he?”

“The Grand Duchy of Renosa holds swordsmen in high esteem. If he’s the finest swordsman, his qualifications are as good as proven. Other matters are secondary.”

The ability to govern a nation was distinct from swordsmanship, but in some countries, the latter was highly valued as a measure of an heir’s worth.

Renosa was one such place.

In Renosa, swordsmanship was prized so highly among numerous qualities that it was believed to influence other aptitudes.

Even lacking that most critical quality, Michael had distinguished himself through exceptional talent in other areas and truly relentless effort.

Even now, as his standing crumbled entirely, he was spared the mockery of those who reveled in others’ misfortune.

Regardless of his true temperament, Michael had an effortless charm, easily winning people’s favor and captivating their hearts.

Not killing him was not only an act of revenge but also a prudent choice for Helmut.

Had he killed Michael, Helmut would have been branded a ruthless and cruel tyrant, stirring resentment, while Michael would have been enshrined as a tragic hero.

That, too, had been Michael’s intention, as he had been prepared to embrace death willingly.

The topic quickly shifted. Someone more knowledgeable about Renosa’s affairs spoke up.

“I hear even the Black Wing Knights follow Lord Helmut’s commands now?”

“Dividing military authority like that—doesn’t it mean the Grand Duke has already made his decision?”

“The Forest of Roots… Can it really be true that someone was abandoned there? I thought it was just a legend.”

“They say it happens when a noblewoman gives birth but holds no celebration, and the newborn dies.”

“Well, in most noble houses, high-level healers and priests are assigned for childbirth.”

Yet, even to those for whom the phrase *‘born with the Seed of Darkness and sent to the Forest of Roots’* sounded like a strange myth, there was unease.

“So, is it really not a problem? This Seed of Darkness…”

Those born with the Seed of Darkness going berserk had only occurred in Renosa over the past century, and even then, it was barely spoken of.

The Temple of Lumen had tightly controlled such matters from birth, which dulled the sense of alarm.

“The Grand Duke says there’s no issue.”

“Has the temple made any response yet?”

“I heard they’re protesting, demanding the release of the holy knight who caused a commotion at the martial tournament. They’ll likely act once that’s resolved. That knight seems to be someone important to the temple.”

Both the speaker and the listeners nodded slowly.

There were no temple sympathizers here.

Such individuals had been keeping a low profile since the Crown Prince’s assassination attempt.

Unbeknownst to them, the holy knight had been released and returned to the temple just a day prior.

This was a few days after the martial arts tournament had concluded and the Grand Duke of Renosa’s entourage had returned to Renosa.

The crown prince had delayed just long enough before releasing the holy knight.

Despite the temple’s vehement protests, he had held the knight under the pretext of investigation.

Though the knight’s actions were audacious, the crime was too minor to warrant punishment, so the intent was to let him suffer in a cramped, uncomfortable cell—a taste of hardship from the perspective of a Crown Prince accustomed to plush beds and spacious rooms, but also a warning.

It signaled that the temple’s blanket immunity would no longer hold full sway, and those affiliated with it could face punishment.

Being detained was itself an unprecedented humiliation for a revered holy knight of the temple.

Yet the knight did not resist with his sacred sword or attempt to escape. Rather than breaking out like a fugitive, he wished to walk out openly, with all eyes upon him.

And so it came to pass. For a swordsman who had endured rigorous training, a few restless days were bearable.

Since then, no significant moves had yet come from the temple.

It was widely expected that, with the Deus Empire and Renosa solidifying their alliance, the temple would hesitate to brandish its sword against both.

The banquet’s attendees soon forgot their worries amid the music, indulging in food, drink, and socializing.

In the midst of this, the Grand Duchy of Renosa’s family made their entrance.

The Grand Duke, Helmut, and Charlotte.

Otaku_Tensei

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