Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 436 (Part 2):

Helmut stood before the Grand Duke of Renosa. He was there to hear about the aftermath of the battle.

Unlike Helmut, who had collapsed from exhaustion and lost consciousness, the Grand Duke, who had been in the rear, looked pristine.

Meeting Helmut’s impassive gaze, the Grand Duke stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Even as a Grand Duke, he could not have been entirely unscathed amidst the whirlwind of war, yet before Helmut, he seemed insignificant.

Moreover, as soon as Helmut awoke, he sought out the Grand Duke to fulfill his duties without the slightest hint of negligence.

Anyone would envy having such an heir.

For a moment, a satisfied smile flickered across the Grand Duke’s lips.

Michael and Charlotte, each with their own strengths, had once caused him to agonize over his choice, but Helmut was the clear answer.

“Well done. You performed splendidly.”

Praise flowed naturally from the Grand Duke’s lips.

Coming from a man who never spoke empty words, the compliment carried deep meaning.

Helmut responded indifferently.

“They must be pleased, having achieved victory before their reinforcements could even arrive.”

The alliance’s victory was their victory as well. The Deus Empire and Basor had only paid lip service to supporting Renosa, and in the end, they had sacrificed almost nothing.

The reinforcements they had prepared to send returned to their posts without any losses.

In contrast, despite some sacrifices, Renosa had defended itself.

“Indeed, that’s true. We’re recruiting new members to fill the vacant spots in the Black Wing Knights. There are regular knights who distinguished themselves in the war; they should suffice.”

“That is fortunate.”

“A Sword Saint in Renosa! Thanks to your exploits, we’ll likely attract fine talent in the future.”

The Grand Duke was pleased with Helmut’s achievements for another reason.

Accepting Helmut had not only been a matter of honor or conviction but also a wise choice for the nation of Renosa.

Yet, concerns naturally followed.

“The Empire will now have no choice but to be wary of Renosa.”

The Black Wing Knights might keep their silence, but regular soldiers could not be expected to do the same.

Helmut’s valor—charging into the heart of the Temple’s army and cutting down enemies at the forefront—had already become the stuff of legend.

Through Renosa’s soldiers, word had spread, and the Empire and other nations learned how Renosa had secured its victory.

The rumors, exaggerated beyond reality, claimed that with each swing of Helmut’s sword, enemies fell like waves.

Such overwhelming strength inspired awe.

Unlike the Sword Saint, who had rarely left Basor in his lifetime, Helmut emerged as a vivid threat, capable of turning his blade on other nations at any moment.

No matter how much the tales were embellished, a swordsman who could face an army alone was an excessive force for a nation of Renosa’s size.

With Helmut’s presence alone, Renosa’s military might could potentially surpass that of the Empire.

And the Empire would not take that fact lightly.

Basor, a desert nation plagued by demonic beasts, was more likely to invade than be invaded.

But the Empire was different. With its fertile lands, vast wealth, and numerous gemstone mines, it possessed everything any nation might covet.

Holding the continent’s greatest economic and military power, ruling from the pinnacle, would the Empire look kindly on Renosa’s rise?

Moreover, the Grand Duchy of Renosa carried the bloodline of the Imperial family.

The direct line of the Renosa family was treated as royalty in the Empire, and though low in the line of succession, they held a claim to the throne.

That claim could, perhaps, become a pretext for usurping the throne.

Having swiftly pieced this together in his mind, Helmut realized one thing for certain.

“Charlotte may face some difficulties.”

With the Empire currently at odds with the Temple, it could not openly challenge Renosa.

Thus, strengthening the alliance with Renosa would be the wisest course.

The best method would be a marriage alliance—between the Crown Prince and Charlotte.

Conversely, a union between Asuka and Renosa’s Grand Princess became even more challenging.

If the power of Renosa were added to the Grand Duchy of Farnese, which also held a claim to the throne, Asuka could pose a threat to the Crown Prince.

Of course, that was irrelevant to Asuka, who would flee the Empire without a backward glance if asked to become Emperor.

The road ahead would be fraught with challenges.

But Helmut was unperturbed. He would respect Charlotte’s choice, even if she chose to remain unwed.

“I intend to respect her wishes,” the Grand Duke said gravely, concluding the matter.

Helmut shifted to another question.

“What will happen with the Temple now?”

He already knew they had gone quiet, as if dead.

The Grand Duke responded calmly.

“They still don’t know that one of their High Priests is our captive. Depending on their next move, we may reveal him and negotiate.”

With such a hostage, even the Temple would have to swallow its pride and come to the table.

At the end of their conversation, the Grand Duke informed Helmut.

“There will be a banquet this evening.”

It was obvious who would attend. After a brief silence, Helmut replied.

“Understood.”

He could not be absent from a celebration of their victory.

And the one who would feel uneasy would not be him.

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