Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 425 (Part 1):

As dawn approached, the Temple’s army came within sight of Latona.

Clad entirely in white armor, their disciplined ranks advancing in formation struck terror into the hearts of Latona’s citizens, who had sensed the gravity of the situation.

Since Latona had come under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Renosa, never before had an enemy army been permitted to approach so closely.

Was this the judgment of the gods? If so, did it mean that the Grand Duke of Renosa, and his heir, were truly tainted by an evil force?

Though doubt and confusion simmered, the people of Latona remained silent. No one had yet stirred unrest from within.

This was because measures had already been taken, such as expelling those closely aligned with the Temple from Latona.

The people of Latona had lived under the governance of the Grand Duchy of Renosa from birth until death.

To them, the Grand Duke was a sun-like existence.

That absolute authority held greater sway over the people of Latona than the Temple’s influence.

The Grand Duke of Renosa and the Black Wing Knights would surely protect Latona.

Gripped by anxiety, the people hid within their homes, holding their breath.

*Thud-thud-thud-thud!*

The sound of horses’ hooves thundered in unison.

At last, the Black Wing Knights were marching out to face the enemy.

There was no need to venture far. They would fight with Latona at their backs.

At the forefront stood the Grand Duke of Renosa and Helmut.

They wore armor and cloaks emblazoned with the crest of Renosa.

The only difference was that the Grand Duke wore a helmet, but otherwise, the father and son were strikingly alike, as if cast from the same mold.

Helmut glanced at the Grand Duke and spoke indifferently.

“Why not stay inside?”

“There’s no need for you to worry about me. I’ve been swinging my sword these past few days to prepare.”

Who said anything about worrying?

Helmut kindly corrected his misconception.

“I meant you might be a burden.”

In the past, Helmut had saved the Grand Duke’s life.

Even then, the Grand Duke had been in a position to be protected, not particularly helpful.

Though the Grand Duke was a fairly skilled swordsman, the Black Wing Knights had many knights of comparable ability.

Yet, the Grand Duke was an irreplaceable figure, unlike any knight.

However, Renosa was a nation that revered the sword.

As a commander, it was also the Grand Duke’s duty to face the enemy in battle.

For the Grand Duke of Renosa to wait safely for news while Latona was in peril was unthinkable.

Helmut agreed that the Grand Duke had reason to lead the charge himself.

But, coldly speaking, the Grand Duke would be better off remaining within the castle.

The Grand Duke’s eyebrow twitched. He was unaccustomed to such insolent conversation.

Who would dare treat the ruler of Renosa as a burden?

Yet, the Grand Duke reluctantly conceded.

“…I’ll stay at the rear. But what about *her*?”

Helmut immediately knew who the Grand Duke meant.

“Alea… she seems to have her own plans. She’s gone off somewhere.”

What those plans were, even Helmut didn’t know.

It stung a little that she hadn’t told him, but he was relieved that she wouldn’t be joining the battle.

That way, he could fight without looking back.

‘It’s not something dangerous, is it?’

If it was Alea, she could handle herself.

“It would’ve been better if she stayed to protect Latona’s royal castle,” the Grand Duke said, clicking his tongue. He seemed uneasy about leaving the Grand Duchess and their children behind.

The forces guarding the castle were minimal. If the Temple’s followers within the city made a move, they would target the Grand Duke’s family.

“Charlotte is there. She’ll be enough.”

After all, they were facing the Temple with Latona at their backs.

Charlotte had been left behind to keep watch over Michael, who might subtly scheme, or any potential enemies within.

Even though the Grand Duchess prioritized Renosa and the Grand Duke over the Temple, she wasn’t entirely trustworthy in Helmut’s eyes—especially since he had experienced her betrayal before.

‘I’ll go too! The fate of Renosa is at stake—I can’t just wait safely for the outcome!’

Charlotte had been adamant about joining the battle, but she was persuaded to stay behind under the pretext of needing someone to protect the castle.

Even as a top graduate of Greta Academy, a swordsman as inexperienced as Charlotte couldn’t be sent into such a war.

Moreover, she was the Duchess of Renosa.

If she were injured or captured by the enemy, it would be a disaster.

Charlotte has never cut down anyone.

And their opponent wasn’t a demonic beast but the Temple.

Could Charlotte ruthlessly cut down holy knights and priests, even if they were enemies?

Even the Black Wing Knights, trained to serve Renosa and the Grand Duke and to cut down any foe without hesitation, might waver slightly in such a situation.

“Yes, that’s true. She’s still my little kid in my eyes, but Charlotte is a fine swordsman.”

“Everyone just needs to fulfill their role. I’ll take the vanguard.”

Otaku_Tensei

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