#234
Helmut
Episode 234
“Oh, Charlotte. “Why on earth are you like this?”
The Grand Duchess, pale and tired, came running over and caressed Charlotte’s cheek.
Charlotte greeted her with a smile.
“Mother, are you here?”
Charlotte did not blame her mother for showing up without considering the risk of her identity being discovered.
I have already interacted with my mother several times. No matter how careful she was, she still could have been caught by someone. Since the competition is nearing its end, it won’t be a big problem.
It would be difficult if the Greta Academy found out that Charlotte was the Grand Duchess of Rinosa.
Charlotte decided not to think any further. She was enjoying the happiest and most rewarding moment.
It was confirmed that she would advance to the finals, and her mother was giving her full attention to Charlotte. There is nothing more to ask for.
Marguerite frowned. Concern appeared in her eyes.
“I don’t know if it’s right for you to swing your sword while shedding blood like this. “I thought my heart dropped the moment your shoulder was cut by the knife.”
“I can’t help it because it’s a real sword competition. “I knew I wasn’t going to die, and I won.”
“Okay, good job. But I don’t want you to go through that kind of danger again. I can’t open my eyes and see. “Can’t I just withdraw from the next game?”
It is the time before the finals. If Charlotte abstains here, the competition will be a mess.
Marguerite, not caring that the competition prepared by Michael would be ruined, was urging Charlotte to abstain.
That was something that Grand Duchess Linosa should not have said.
Speaking as a mother. It was the first time that Marguerite spoke to Charlotte in that manner.
Charlotte had always thought that her mother liked Michael more than she liked him, but she realized that her reasons for favoring Michael might be different from what she thought.
‘Maybe the mother is afraid of the possibility of losing her child.’
As I watched Magritte’s reaction, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
Looking back, Magritte always paid particular attention to Michael when he was sick.
It was just that Michael was sick so often that Magritte’s attention was entirely focused on him.
Marguerite was an aristocratic woman who was faithful to her role as the Grand Duchess of Linosa.
It took precedence over affection for children.
Although he was worried that Michael’s condition would worsen, Marguerite did not do anything irrational, such as follow Michael when he went to Basor.
Charlotte was healthy from an early age and rarely got sick like Michael.
Even when she was sick, it was just like a cold, and on the rare occasions when Charlotte was sick, Michael was often very sick.
In this swordsmanship competition, Charlotte fought with a real sword and faced the risk of being seriously injured or killed several times.
Magritte could not have been indifferent to it.
Charlotte shook her head calmly.
“It’s something I have to deal with as a prosecutor. but… … That won’t happen in the next game. Senior Helmut has a different level of skill than me. a lot.”
There were opponents for whom luck or persistence did not work.
Even if Helmut comes on stage staggering with a high fever, Charlotte will not be able to defeat him. That was the gap.
Therefore, unless Helmut intended, Charlotte would never be in danger.
Because Helmut can win without hurting Charlotte in the slightest.
Perhaps with a single blow, as he has often done so far.
“I’m sure he’ll come up.”
“Yes, I won’t be able to beat my senior. It’s not that I don’t have confidence, that’s the truth.”
Helmut is strong. A comprehensive swordsmanship competition like this is laughable.
Marguerite nodded thoughtfully.
“Thank goodness. “I wanted you to win, but more than that, I’m glad you weren’t in danger.”
Marguerite added in a cautious voice while holding Charlotte’s hand.
“Take care of yourself.”
“Yes, mother.”
*
The next day, Helmut confirmed his advancement to the finals.
As simple as it should be. Defeating the enemy with one sword.
In front of the gaze of Grand Duchess Linosa, who was observing the competition, Helmut concluded the match more calmly than usual. Only the finals remain in two days.
That night, Area asked Helmut.
“Your plan remains the same, right?”
“okay.”
Immediately after the finals, Helmut will receive more attention than ever here in Latona.
As the winner of the swordsmanship competition and the honor bearer of Greta Academy.
Helmut’s skills were overwhelming.
Those with eyes will pay more attention to Helmut than to the senior winner.
If you are that dominant among your peers, I don’t know how much more you will grow in the future.
Helmut was planning to stay in Latona for a while, based on his calling card as the winner.
The Grand Duchy of Rinosa will treat him accordingly.
“I don’t know if I’m good at it.”
Area sighed. She also had a premonition. A feeling that Helmut was following a certain trend. I have a feeling that things will not go smoothly like this.
It seems like some huge event is waiting ahead.
But Helmut, they were still in the fog. It was difficult to imagine any situation after the final.
Helmut tilted his head to one side.
“According to the rumor, the high priests have not arrived in Rinosa yet.”
“Then maybe something happened in the middle.”
There was also a way to track their movements through Talon. But it’s not a good idea. Because it will raise doubts about Talon.
The question of why Helmut is curious about the whereabouts of the high priests.
‘Where on earth did he go? Has anything happened to distract the temple’s attention these days?’
Area also had doubts. She spoke as if she had made up her mind.
“I will also head to Linosa as soon as possible.”
Alea’s eyes deepened. I’ll have to find out.
Heike, the archmage, might have a way to find out.
Final exams are now over and Area is on vacation. It won’t be long until we meet again.
Area added with a smile.
“Have a good time in the finals.”
*
Now the accommodation was empty.
Loen Academy, which failed to produce even a single finalist or even a semifinalist, already left the dorm in a depressed state.
Without leaving any greetings.
In this respect, Baden’s academies did not show much unity.
The competitive spirit is clearly evident. Since there was a sense of superiority over each other, there was no such thing as shaking hands to encourage friendly competition.
In contrast, Greta Academy’s performance was remarkable.
In the senior competition, Leon succeeded in advancing to the finals, while Nils failed.
Nils stayed at the dorm and sparred with Leon, who still had a match left, but left the dorm yesterday.
Since it’s vacation, I can’t just stay in Latona.
During vacation, you can enjoy freedom away from the academy for the first time in a while. Because everyone has their own life.
Instructor Patricia said jokingly.
“It’s good for the academy because the students’ performance is so good, but for us, we end up working until the holidays.”
“Well, good things are good things.”
Professor Luxen answered with a smile.
As if Matesis Academy had something to brag about, they left one finalist in the senior competition.
Except for him, all other students left the dormitory immediately.
The faculty remained, but somehow they seemed to be avoiding the Greta Academy faculty.
They would have no choice but to admit it. The current Greta Academy swordsmanship department is superior to the Matesis Academy swordsmanship department.
Now the dorm is quiet. After the finals there will be complete silence. Because everyone will leave here.
Helmut thought about where he would stay after the final. You could stay at an inn, but it would be too exposed.
This accommodation felt more private.
‘I wish Linosa would provide me with separate accommodation or allow me to use this place.’
I was going to ask for it as a privilege of the winner.
If not, at least through Charlotte.
Helmut looked forward to the final with a heart that was neither heavy nor light.
*
The day before the finals, Michael was finally able to get out of bed.
His physical condition was still not very good. He is both drowsy and tired.
Although it was annoying that I was born with a body that never allowed me to do things that were too difficult, I got used to it.
‘It was a bit long this time.’
Because I had a fever and couldn’t work properly, I couldn’t do my work properly.
No, actually, I haven’t done anything these past few days. If the Archduke found out about this, he would reconsider his disqualification as successor.
Michael knew that the Archduke was keeping score with his children.
Charlotte had an absolute strength that Michael did not have. Swordsmanship and health.
‘At least, I don’t have to lie down sick like this.’
Michael frowned. That was something Michael, who was accustomed to handling every situation as he pleased, could not control.
Becoming healthy.
Still, it’s definitely better than when I was a child and couldn’t leave the bed. This is because she poured in her magic and expensive and good medicine.
Michael stood up. It was time to take stock of the situation.
A well-organized report was placed by his bedside so that he could view it at any time.
Michael frowned as he scanned the report.
Although she meant to, her mother continued to watch Charlotte play.
It seems that he cares about Charlotte, who is going through a tough game, refusing to hold on to her mother with the excuse of being sick.
It would be difficult if her heart were to change.
But I wasn’t worried. Michael knew how he could win his mother’s heart.
‘By the way, it’s the finals.’
Time passed without me even being able to properly watch the competition I had prepared.
Michael’s eyes fell on the names of the finalists in the lower grade comprehensive sword fighting competition.
Charlotte and Helmut.
‘Helmutra… … .’
It’s a name that strangely catches people’s attention. I don’t know why. Michael tilted his head and made a calm decision.
‘I guess I should attend.’
Everything will become clear when you see it with his eyes.