Virgin Knight Who Is the Frontier Lord in the Gender Switched World - Chapter 34

“How long will this last?”

Valiere von Anhalt, the second princess, murmured as she gazed upon the spectacle before her—sounds of sword clashes reverberating.

“How long will this go on? This…”

“I cannot say.”

“No, surely it’s Faust’s doing.”

Faust responded indifferently to my question. Right now, two knights are fighting before us. Faust is not involved in their quarrel, yet the reason these two knights are fighting is indeed Faust. They are contesting for the right to challenge Faust von Polydoro in a duel.

“Enough! You mere provincial lord! You lack the strength to challenge Lord Polydoro!”

“A noble of the law cloth from Anhalt, like a weakling knight. Do you really think you can stand against me, who has shouldered the entire land and accumulated military service?!”

They even went as far as to call Anhalt a weakling. Well, if they’re going to talk like that, it’s no wonder Anhalt gets called weak. Instead, we refer to them as barbarians. It seems Faust has grown tired of their bickering and approaches the two.

“Is this enough? You both have exchanged dozens of blows, but it seems a conclusion can’t be reached with blunt swords. To avoid further trouble, I’ll face both of you in duels.”

So, it has come to this. It would be quicker if Faust just knocked them down, but…

“If Lord Polydoro says so. However, the thought of this woman being defeated in one blow, exposing the shame of Virendorf.”

“I have no objections either. I cannot see this woman as a fitting opponent for Lord Polydoro in a duel.”

“Silence!”

The squabble between the Virendorf knights starts again. Just knock them down already, Faust. You might as well take them both on at once. I sigh. Against six fully-armored elite knights at the border, Faust moved with ease, despite not being accustomed to wearing fluted armor. Although he was hit by swords several times, his body didn’t seem to take any damage, thanks to the magic-imbued armor he wore.

In every duel, Faust finished his opponents within minutes. The border commander, impressed, said, “Indeed, you are a hero beyond words,” and led our party towards the royal capital.

However, on our way, everyone seems to challenge us to duels. Faust never refuses, upholding his principle of facing each challenge with honor.

From direct governors to provincial lords, regardless of the size of their territories, all knights representing their lands, along with selected knights, and even military officers from the royal capital travel to nearby provinces just to challenge Faust.

It will soon be over. This incessant stream of duel challenges will finally come to an end. Once we leave this town, the royal capital is close.

“Valiere-sama, aren’t you worried about Faust-sama? Just asking.”

“I’ll answer just because. Is there a need to?”

Martina von Bösel, a squire and Faust’s attendant, spoke up. I reply to her. Do you know how many battles he has fought? 97 battles, 97 victories. With these two, it will be 99 battles, 99 victories. It’s a pity it won’t be a neat 100 battles, 100 victories. Faust himself probably isn’t keeping count.

It’s not that he looks down on his opponents. That’s just his nature. He doesn’t keep track of kill scores or duel victories. Victory is expected. The result is something that naturally comes to him.

In Virendorf, the duels are meticulously recorded. Perhaps these will become legends, and dueling Faust will be an honor for those knights.

Is this what being a hero is like? As an utterly ordinary person, I cannot comprehend it. Even though I’ve been receiving higher education as a spare for the royal family and recently lessons from my sister Anastasia, I’m still just ordinary.

There are limits to what I can achieve and understand.

“Well then, who shall I face first—ah, never mind. It would be troublesome if you started arguing again. I’ll decide.”

Faust, while fitting his great helm, spoke. Just end it quickly, Faust.

My worries throughout our journey were unnecessary. There’s no way Faust would lose.

Perhaps Queen Katarina of Virendorf also thought of her hero in the same way. Though Reckenber lost.

To Faust, the embodiment of martial prowess in this world. Faust himself said, “There was a hero among the Reckenber knights, stronger than me. Surely, there must be stronger women out there in the world, though perhaps not in Virendorf anymore.”

I can’t even imagine it.

The thoughts of those anointed by the Valkyries of Valhalla before their death are beyond my comprehension.

“Let us begin the duel in good faith. I challenge you with the pride of my land and its people.”

The first opponent has been decided—a provincial lord. Well, it doesn’t matter. Whether they are defeated first or last doesn’t change the outcome. I don’t need to watch the duel. After a few exchanges to let the opponent realize Faust’s strength, he’ll likely throw them over his shoulder and end the duel by placing his blunt sword at their neck.

Faust’s concern is evident in his actions. He could easily knock them out in one hit if he used his full strength.

I ponder again, not about Faust’s actions. Faust honors his opponents by engaging in duels with them. It’s considerate, but not something to be simply termed as holding back.

What troubles me then?

“How to capture Queen Katarina’s heart, indeed?”

Exactly. No matter how many duels are fought, they are ultimately meaningless. While they might improve the impression of the knights of Virendorf, the conclusion of the peace negotiations rests entirely with Queen Katarina of Virendorf.

Think, Valiere. I am well aware that I’ve been sent here as nothing more than a ceremonial envoy. In fact, no one in Virendorf takes me seriously. I’m just a decoration. But it would be too shameful to leave it at that, especially towards Faust. If these negotiations succeed, my mother, Queen Liesenlotte, promised to promote me within the personal guard. At the very least, I must earn that.

“Martina, about Queen Katarina’s peace negotiations.”

“Yes.”

Without hesitation, I chose to rely on the abilities of a nine-year-old child. Never mind the criticism. Ultimately, I am but a mere mortal. What’s wrong with borrowing someone else’s strength? Thus, I ignore the voices of criticism that seem to come from somewhere in my mind.

“Mother said, ‘To succeed in the peace negotiations, you must win over Queen Katarina’s heart.’ What do you think, Martina?”

“Faust-sama had previously investigated Queen Katarina and I assisted him in gathering the information.”

It appears Martina is well-versed in the matter.

“We listened to epic poems about Queen Katarina from a minstrel who came from Virendorf at the lower residence provided to us in the royal city. We heard episodes about the encounter with the captain of the Reckenber knights, and gathered any information we could from the negotiating bureaucrats and nobles from Virendorf’s side. But honestly…”

Martina continues. It seems Faust was making moves behind the scenes as well.

“We didn’t achieve any results.”

That seems to be the answer. I felt the same. Even with the intelligence of my mother, Queen Liesenlotte, the advice was abstract. “Win over Queen Katarina’s heart.” That’s all she said, without explaining how. The cold-hearted queen. Known for her emotionless efficiency in administration, making her competent. The inhuman Katarina. The queen of Virendorf, even bearing a detested name. It’s not that she’s disliked. She’s just too dispassionate. Her competence is acknowledged by everyone in the country. While she respects the values of Virendorf, she doesn’t truly understand them from the heart. This slight resentment results in contempt from the knights. Until two years ago, the captain of the Reckenber knights, who deflected all this resentment, was there. But now, she’s gone.

“However, Faust-sama seemed to have grasped a little, just a tiny bit, about it.”

“Did he find a way to win over Queen Katarina’s heart?”

“No, not exactly.”

Martina shakes her head. Well, that’s to be expected.

“Is there anything I can do to be of help?”

I ask, not expecting to be asking this of a nine-year-old. But with Faust fighting before us, this child is his representative here. And she is wise. It wouldn’t hurt to shed my pride and ask.

“Are you dissatisfied with being just a figurehead envoy?”

“Dissatisfied.”

I answer honestly. I want to be of some use. Even as a figurehead, I want to contribute something. To be a whetstone for the sword that will win Queen Katarina’s heart, so to speak.

“Then, if, after all this, Faust-sama, well, what is it?”

“After this?”

Martina hesitates.

“If, afterwards, Queen Liesenlotte becomes extremely angry, could you apologize with me?”

“Huh?”

I don’t understand what Martina is getting at. Did Faust do something to warrant anger?

Ah, never mind. Let’s hear it out.

“Faust, did he do something to make her angry?”

“Yes. From what I’ve heard, Queen Liesenlotte is probably very angry.”

It seems Faust is unaware of how significant his actions might be. Not a bad move, perhaps. Is there meaning in that action? However, this thought process goes round in circles. Martina mutters something like a monologue, deeply intriguing me.

“Can you tell me what it’s about? I’m fine with apologizing. I’m used to apologizing to my mother for the foolishness of the second princess’s personal guard. But I need to be prepared, too.”

“I cannot tell you.”

Martina shakes her head.

“Why not?”

“Because it includes your reaction at a full meeting of knights in the royal court of Virendorf, which is intended as a gift to Queen Katarina.”

“I don’t quite understand what you’re saying, but…”

I look at the merchant’s wagon belonging to Faust, guarded by the Ingritt Trading Company’s security. Ingritt, the head of the company, occasionally enters the wagon nervously and comes out looking relieved.

“Is there a secret in that wagon guarded by Ingritt, the merchant?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“That, huh…”

The security guards of the Ingritt Trading Company. They are not just guarding the trade goods but specifically the wagon itself. Occasionally, Ingritt enters the wagon nervously and then exits looking relieved. What could they be hiding?

“Well, if that’s the case, I won’t ask for details. So, I just need to apologize with you?”

“That would be very helpful.”

Martina sighs slightly and then looks straight ahead. The sound of clashing swords and armor comes to an end. Has the duel been decided? Faust is seen pinning down the opposing lord knight, a blunt sword firmly against his neck.

“98 wins, 98 battles. Victory to Faust von Polydoro!”

The border commander announces the victory.

“You were not weak. But I was stronger.”

“I don’t need your consolation. I can tell you were holding back.”

Faust offers words of comfort, but the opponent responds with appreciation.

“It’s no wonder. You truly are a hero. It’s understandable why the captain of the Reckenber knights lost.”

Accepting her defeat, the knight seems to come to terms with the death of the captain of the Reckenber knights, as if bidding farewell. Everyone who loses to Faust says the same thing. To them, it’s a ritual—a memorial service for the captain of the Reckenber knights. After 98 repetitions, even I, a mere mortal, can understand this.

“Give me your hand.”

“Ah.”

Faust firmly grasps the lord’s hand, helping her to stand. Anhalt and Virendorf, although enemies, there was undoubtedly honor among knights. Yet, feeling helpless for not being able to do anything is frustrating. So, I resolve to fulfill the request Martina has made of me.

“I’m counting on you, Faust.”

Ultimately, I am but a mere mortal. Facing Queen Katarina, all I can do is rely on Faust, the advisor. While watching the start of Faust von Polydoro’s 99th duel, I quietly hope that this man can win over Queen Katarina’s heart.