Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 437 (Part 2):

At the head of the table sat the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess side by side. To the Grand Duke’s right was Helmut’s seat, followed by Alea’s. Next to Alea was Sian.

On the Grand Duchess’s other side was Michael’s seat, directly across from Helmut.

Michael averted his gaze. He looked healthier than before.

“Forgive my tardiness,” Charlotte said as she arrived and took her seat beside Michael, greeting everyone.

Michael didn’t acknowledge her, not even sparing a glance.

Though he usually played the dutiful son in the Grand Duke’s presence, he seemed to have abandoned that pretense now.

His attendance at all was surprising, though it likely wasn’t by choice.

“Having overcome the crisis of Renosa and adorned this occasion with victory, I am overjoyed. Now, let us dine freely,” the Grand Duke declared.

At his words, they began eating.

The Grand Duchess of Renosa reached for her food with a calm expression.

Unlike Michael, who avoided eye contact, her gaze never met Helmut’s either.

As the mistress of the Grand Duchy of Renosa, she had always led such occasions, but today she was noticeably subdued.

Though she appeared serene, Margret’s heart was tumultuous.

The son she had abandoned had saved Renosa.

The temple’s pretext had been Helmut, but it was power that allowed them to wield that excuse.

By crushing the temple, Helmut had negated their power with his own.

He was the victor, and that victory proved his worth as Renosa’s heir.

Moreover, Helmut had been impeccable in every way.

The path she had deemed too difficult and turned away from—he had revived it and walked it unflinchingly.

It had been that way from the start. Winning the martial arts tournament. Helmut had returned boldly, proving himself as he strode into Renosa.

The darkness within him shone brighter than light.

It was the aura of a man destined to rule Renosa.

Four years ago, was her choice truly the best?

Had she cast Helmut aside out of fear, overwhelmed by the burden of leading Renosa in the Grand Duke’s absence?

Seeing so many—Basor, the Empire—support Helmut, and through this crisis, Margret questioned her decision for the first time.

That doubt turned into a piercing guilt in her heart.

But it was irreversible. This radiant Helmut might be Renosa’s heir, but he would never again be her son.

It was a regret too late.

Margret couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

Charlotte spoke to Helmut.

“I regret I couldn’t be of more help. The enemy didn’t even come near the castle.”

Tasked with guarding the castle, Charlotte had been left to wait anxiously for news from the battlefield. For a swordswoman, it was deeply unsatisfying.

Helmut replied casually, “No, your presence allowed me to focus without worrying about the castle.”

Her role had been to keep the Grand Duchess and Michael in check, so it wasn’t an untrue statement.

She had fulfilled her duty admirably.

Taking his words at face value, a smile spread across Charlotte’s face.

“I’m glad you think so.”

But then, a blatant scoff broke the moment.

It was Michael.

To him, who had done nothing and could do nothing, this conversation was grating.

In a war where absolute power clashed, what could Michael, without even command authority, do?

All he could do was remain in the castle, protected.

He spoke sarcastically, “Victory or not, this war wasted immense manpower and resources for no gain. But I suppose winning is all that matters, right?”

“Michael,” the Grand Duchess quietly admonished her son.

The Grand Duke retorted coldly, “No gains, you say?”

In a stern tone, he continued, “Renosa has gained a Sword Saint. Is there a greater gain than that?”

The most essential quality for Renosa’s heir: swordsmanship.

Michael’s eyes trembled with jealousy and inferiority, emotions deeply rooted in him.

He, too, had fought unprofitable battles.

But unable to suppress his twisted feelings, he had spoken out of compulsion.

“And there may be even greater gains to come. Now, finish your meal,” the Grand Duke added, his words sounding like a warning.

Michael lowered his head, staring at his plate.

Helmut knew what those “greater gains” were.

Strictly speaking, the temple hadn’t admitted defeat; it had merely retreated.

Renosa couldn’t invade the temple to extract a price for defeat.

Or so it seemed. In truth, they had a way to claim compensation.

High Priest Agato.

By demanding a hefty ransom under the guise of a hostage exchange, along with other conditions.

Michael seemed unaware of this fact.

Sian, witnessing the discord in the Grand Duchy, glanced around uncomfortably.

But soon, with a mental shrug of “whatever,” he picked up his fork again.

The food was delicious, and he was hungry.

Helmut, alongside a composed Alea, continued to enjoy the meal leisurely.

This unfamiliar scene would, in time, become familiar.

Someday.

Otaku_Tensei

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