Virgin Knight Who Is the Frontier Lord in the Gender Switched World - Chapter 51

The realization that sisters exist, but not brothers, suddenly struck me.

In the Holy Gusten Empire, none of the religious figures, including the Gusten Pope, bishops, and priests, are referred to as “father.”

There were no priests in my previous life.

In this world, that role is known as the “Mother.”

Meaning, they are all women.

Even the Christ-like figure who founded monotheism in my previous life is a woman in this other world.

Male believers, the so-called brothers or monks, are not normally found in churches.

In a world where chastity’s concept is reversed and the male-to-female birth ratio is 1:9, failing to father more than ten children would bring the world to a standstill. The population will decrease, leading to the extinction of mankind.

Therefore, unless there are very special circumstances, it is almost impossible for monks to be in the church.

Well, it can’t be helped given the circumstances.

Mysteriously, only the nuns’ habits resemble those from my previous life, for reasons unknown.

In this crazy world, why is there a need to symbolize purity to God by wearing a veil-covered habit and reducing skin exposure?

Well, it’s probably best not to worry too much about it.

It doesn’t matter, not at all.

Right now, I just need to focus on the reason I came here.

“I will guide you to the priest. And for the recompense, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.”

“My apologies for the modest sum, despite owing a great deal to the people and the subjects.”

“No, no, all the people of Polydoro are few but faithful followers of our Cologne Sect. That alone grants Lord Polydoro the right to meet our priest.”

Welcome is always provided.

Sighing.

In my previous life, the term ‘Cologne Sect’ might have referred to paintings from a specific German region. However, in this world, it denotes a small faction that worships the Holy Gusten Pope.

Though it’s called a small faction, it’s large enough to form its sect.

And their object of faith is no different.

The biggest difference lies with orders like the Cistercians and the Cluniacs of my previous life.

The Cistercians, who valued labor and learning, took up farming tools to guide the peasants’ cultivation.

The Cluniacs, prioritized prayer within their rule, staging luxurious liturgies and being deemed aristocratic.

These are entirely different entities.

Or rather, the religious sects in this other world do whatever they want.

The monotheism itself incorporates elements of Norse mythology, with the idea that warriors are welcomed into Valhalla as Einherjar after death.

In short, it’s all beyond my comprehension.

To put it simply, the religion of this other world is all kinds of crazy.

Therefore, I didn’t want to know more, and simultaneously, I never had the chance.

I only know well about the Cologne Sect, which has been clinging to my territory for generations beyond generations.

My mother, Marianne, muttered, “Our church is crazy, but just accept it as it is.”

I wish I could convince everyone else, including those in other territories who despise the Cologne Sect, with that explanation.

But that would be impossible.

I have given up.

Yes, I’ve resigned myself.

“Setting that aside, Lord Polydoro. How many crossbows do you currently have?”

“We’ve confiscated five from bandits.”

“That is wonderful.”

What’s so wonderful about it?

In the Cologne Sect, the use of crossbows, which the Pope has tabooed for the battlefield, is encouraged.

A weapon that allows commoners to kill knights, what a marvelous thing.

That’s not right.

At least in my previous life, it was precisely because a crossbow could easily kill a knight in chainmail that its use was prohibited.

No, even in this world, the present, it’s the same.

Why does the Cologne Sect go against the grain?

My mother, Marianne, once said, “Our church is truly crazy, but just accept it as it is.”

I cannot accept it, Mother.

This is wrong.

They are outright defying the Pope’s directives.

How they are allowed to continue as a sect is beyond me.

Well, it might not be my place to say, as a knight who blatantly ignores the Emperor’s directives.

Regarding the use of crossbows, neither Anhalt nor Virendorf nor most of the knights of the Holy Gusten Empire adhere to it.

Because if the enemy uses them, we have to as well, or our people will die.

I can easily deflect crossbows with my sword and thus won’t die.

“Recently, firearms have also developed. Unlike in the past, when they were said to make noise only, they can now penetrate even the breastplate of a knight’s armor. What do you think of that musket?”

The Sister pointed to the musket displayed in the center of the church.

Maximilian armor.

I caressed the breastplate of my fluted armor, also known as such in my previous life.

Even for a superhuman like me, deflecting bullets with a sword is difficult.

Not impossible, but challenging.

But still…

“Indeed, the advancement of firearms is impressive. Yet, this armor, imbued with magic seals, remains impenetrable.”

“Doesn’t that seem somewhat unfair?”

The Sister chuckled merrily.

I’ve reiterated multiple times how absurd this all is, but let’s draw a conclusion.

The Cologne Sect, as evidenced by the central display of a musket in their church, worships firepower.

Vanquishing the heretical enemy requires firepower above all. Their doctrine dictates that saving allies involves eliminating as many enemies as possible.

I understand what they want to say. But should religious figures be advocating this?

Is my discomfort due to sensibilities from my previous life? But then, knightly orders in my previous life had monks who were knights.

In this other world, it’s naturally the nuns who take on the role of knights.

I’m tormented by a mix of knowledge from my previous life, contemporary moral values, and the honor of being a knight in this world.

My thoughts are becoming entangled, progressively worsening my headache; however, it’s manageable.

My purpose here isn’t to question the doctrines and rules of the Cologne Sect.

“Where is the priest, then?”

“She is currently in the confessional, hearing a believer’s confession. She should be back soon, please come this way.”

Inside a room of the church.

Led by the Sister, I entered the room.

I settled into a small chair, hardly suitable for my two-meter stature, and awaited her.

Opposite me was the large desk of the priest.

I had met the priest of this cathedral before.

It was probably about two years ago.

Before becoming an advisor to Lady Valiere, during the months I waited for an audience with Queen Liesenlotte for the transition of the Polydoro domain.

I had begged the priest of this great church to somehow expedite our waiting list for the audience.

At that time, my request was met with a look of bitter sorrow.

The Cologne Sect, being a small faction, had no ability to interfere with state politics.

Especially since the Cologne Sect was not skilled in such maneuvers.

Eventually, I became an advisor to Lady Valiere, and my audience with Queen Liesenlotte was granted, which was good.

Ah, that’s right.

The Cologne Sect has no ability to influence national politics.

They’re not adept at such machinations.

Yet I came here.

As a last resort.

The only method I could think of to petition Queen Liesenlotte.

After the Sister left, I simply waited in the priest’s office.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Eventually, the priest appeared.

She was elderly.

Certainly younger than the Minister of Military Affairs of Virendorf but still approaching old age.

As I stood up to greet her, the diminutive priest slowly walked towards her desk.

Then, slowly taking her seat, she looked at me and cleared her throat with a cough.

“It’s been two years, Lord Polydoro.”

“It has been a while. I apologize for not visiting sooner, as I have been quite busy.”

I lowered my head in pace with her leisurely tone.

“No, no, I understand you’re busy. The hero of Anhalt, the believer Faust von Polydoro. To be honest, I never imagined that the peculiar knight I met two years ago would become such a celebrated figure. It’s truly an honor that a baptized follower of our Cologne Sect has become a hero.”

“I’m flattered.”

“I’ve heard from the Sister about the generous recompense. As a priest, I want to express my gratitude.”

The priest bowed slightly.

Being bowed to by an old woman barely the height of my waist felt somewhat awkward, and I wished she’d stop.

But it’s alright.

Today is not the day for such exchanges.

“Priest, I have come today with an important matter.”

“Oh? What does the celebrated Lord Polydoro have to discuss with an old woman like me?”

“It’s a request only you can fulfill.”

The matter I intended to request was clearly organized in my mind.

The main points were clear.

I had prepared how to steer the conversation, all in my mind.

After organizing my thoughts, the first thing I asked her was.

“First, I would like to ask if you’ve heard anything from the Holy Gusten Empire, from the Gusten Pope?”

The priest feigned ignorance with a puzzled expression. However, as I continued to stare intently into her eyes, she seemed to resign herself to answering.

“It seems you’re already informed. Indeed, the Pope issued a directive to priests like me. It was to prepare for war, to build a bulwark against threats. In case of emergency, even this old body is prepared to take up a musket and join the fight.”

“I believe the Pope’s intended message was not precisely that.”

I thought it meant to comfort the citizens as a spiritual pillar in fear of the hypothetical Mongols, and to shelter the people in churches if necessary. Though, if the hypothetical Mongols were to attack, they would likely not respect religious sanctuaries, simply setting fire to the churches and massacring the fleeing populace.

“If that’s already understood, then this will be quick.”

“And what is that?”

“Queen Liesenlotte.”

I mentioned her name directly.

“The challenge lies in persuading her and mobilizing the nation; that’s where we fall short.”

“Hmm. And how do you suppose our Cologne Sect could be of any help in this?”

“Divine prophecy.”

Again, I stated my point succinctly.

“What if I told you I had received a divine prophecy?”

“Oh? That is indeed something.”

The priest’s eyes widened slightly.

“Many have claimed to have heard the voice of God before. But…”

“I know. None of their ends were pleasant.”

“Yes, as you’re aware. The most famous case was that man from another country. A rare male superhuman born to peasant parents who claimed to hear God’s voice. He was eventually subjected to an inquisition and burned at the stake. Although a retrial later restored his honor, it was a tragic affair. Do you wish to end up like him?”

Now, how to proceed from here?

“If I said that within 7 years, the fifth calamity of the Apocalypse, or something equivalent, would strike the Holy Gusten Empire, would you believe it?”

“I would find it hard to believe.”

“Even if I claimed to have heard God’s voice?”

I met the priest’s gaze.

In response, she slowly murmured.

“Stop it. To blaspheme against God like this, you will surely incur divine punishment.”

“Priest.”

“I express this concern because I care about you, believer Faust von Polydoro. I will do what I can. I’ll send a letter through the bishop, so that the Gusten Pope receives this information.”

Unfortunately, that’s nowhere near enough.

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“Priest. I’m not joking when I say I’ve received the voice of God.”

“I understand you believe you have some conviction in saying this. That’s why I’m trying to deter you. Calm down, believer. God has not forsaken you. You don’t need to attempt such self-sacrifice; God will surely protect you.”

It’s already too late.

This madness has already corrupted my mind.

“Priest. I would like you to accompany me to tomorrow’s audience with Queen Liesenlotte, even if I have to drag you there.”

“I don’t mind assisting in the persuasion. If that satisfies you, I will comply and help. However, if you claim to have heard God’s voice, I will oppose you on the spot, dismissing it as delusional talk for the sake of the country. Are you alright with that?”

That’s fine.

If she’s willing to accompany me, that’s all I need.

With this, she can’t escape.

I raised my hands in a gesture of surrender.

“Understood, priest. Your cooperation in persuasion is all I ask for.”

“If you understand, then that’s good. I’m relieved.”

The priest smiled, a sigh of relief escaping her as she held her chest.

Everything is proceeding according to my plan.

“I will come to pick you up with a carriage tomorrow morning.”

I stood up, leaving behind only those words as I prepared to leave.

Everything is going as planned, smoothly.

Now, the musket is loaded.

But in my bullet pouch, there’s only one bullet.

Whether I can capture Queen Liesenlotte’s heart with a single shot is the only question.

Unless the heavens fall and crush me, I will not break my vow.

Now, Faust von Polydoro, are you ready to make the cut?

Bound and protected by the knight’s status, a covenant with God.

Have you prepared yourself to fulfill it, with no regrets, asking yourself one last time?

My thoughts, tainted with madness, silently nodded in agreement.