Virgin Knight Who Is the Frontier Lord in the Gender Switched World - Chapter 54

In Queen Liesenlotte’s chamber at the Anhalt Royal Palace.

Valiere let out a deep sigh, her thoughts possibly wandering to the future, wondering what kind of land Polydoro, where she would likely live for many years, might be.

A knock at the door broke the silence.

“Who is it?”

“Lady Liesenlotte, Lady Anastasia, and Duchess Astarte have arrived. They have something to discuss with you.”

“Let them in.”

Upon acknowledgment from Valiere, the queen’s guard allowed the visitors entry into the chamber.

Such eagerness.

As I allowed them to enter, I thought about Faust’s virginity.

So, right after the marriage was decided, they will talk to Valiere about this.

“Have you finished your talk with Valiere?”

“Did you come here to ask that? So quick to join the fight over Faust.”

“No, that’s not why I’m here. I came to discuss Faust’s actions tomorrow with you, Mother. However…”

Anastasia fixed her sharp, snake-like gaze on Valiere sitting in a chair.

It seemed she had another matter to discuss first.

“Valiere, you have agreed to marry Faust, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sister. Is that why you’re here?”

“No, but that aside, I’m claiming Faust’s virginity.”

A moment of silence.

What is my elder sister saying? Valiere seemed to freeze at that thought.

Did she think her sister’s obsession with Faust was merely for his abilities?

Anastasia loves Faust in a way that is incomparable to your feelings.

“Sigh.”

“Are you listening properly? I will take the first night. Understand that. And I’ll also make him my lover. I’ll bear many of Faust’s children.”

“Wait, why am I? Why would my sister take Faust’s virginity? And, sister, did you love Faust that much?”

Valiere responded with an intensely puzzled look.

Of course, anyone would dislike the idea of their first night with their betrothed being snatched away.

“Do I have to agree to this?”

“In the House of Anhalt, it is tradition for a sister to ‘sample’ her sibling’s husband.”

“I’m hearing about this tradition for the first time.”

There’s no such tradition.

As I thought this, I interjected.

You have something for me, don’t you?

I attempted to question her.

“Anastasia. Upon reflection, a tradition allowing a parent to ‘sample’ before their daughter might also be acceptable.”

“Are you out of your mind? I’ll kill you, old woman.”

What I said was entirely different.

My personal feelings had inadvertently shown through.

Even so, my eldest daughter was unusually foul-mouthed.

“And I’m second, so that you know. I, too, will make him my lover.”

Duchess Astarte mentioned making him her lover with her usual carefree tone.

Valiere muttered with a look of resignation.

“Wait, I’m third? Even though I’m his wife, I’m the third to bed Faust?”

“That’s how it goes. All sisters must overcome such hardships to grow.”

Duchess Astarte’s ever so nonchalant persuasion.

Being the wife but third to bed one’s husband.

Overcoming such an ordeal offers no merit.

Valiere seemed unconvinced, but this was decided even before Valiere’s marriage was arranged.

Clearing her throat, Anastasia commanded Valiere.

“Valiere, accept it. I too have made compromises. This is the furthest I, as your elder sister, can yield. Your marriage to Faust is settled.”

“No, we haven’t received Faust’s consent yet.”

“Right. Upon reflection, tomorrow may not even be the right time for this. Perhaps we should postpone the marriage discussion.”

Anastasia turned to face me.

Finally, onto the matter for which she came to this room.

I glanced at the bed, indulging in the fantasy of pressing Faust’s large frame beneath this body.

The five years since losing my husband, Robert, have stretched interminably.

Very long.

My body yearns every night.

If only, by some chance, a law allowing a widow to ‘sample’ her daughter’s husband first could be passed.

But no.

One must separate personal desires from public duties.

Being a queen is such an unpleasant role.

“So, Anastasia. What is your business here?”

“Tomorrow, Faust von Polydoro will present the threat of Toktoa Khan before a full assembly of lords and high-ranking nobility.”

“Toktoa Khan? Who is that?”

This is the first I’ve heard of this.

“The Sacred Gusten Empire has been voicing concerns about a threat from beyond the Silk Road, east of the east—a nomadic equestrian nation that has overthrown dynasties. That is the name of their Queen.”

“Ah, I see. So, you’ve learned the name of their Queen.”

Faust must have obtained some information from Virendorf.

My gaze shifted from Anastasia to Valiere.

“Do you know of this as well, Valiere?”

“Yes, I am aware. They are a people who once built an empire using composite bows and superior horsemanship, employing traditional mounted archery tactics. It is said to be a resurgence of those people. Yue-dono, a guest general in Virendorf and a warrior who fled from a fallen dynasty in the east claimed this.”

“But?”

I questioned Valiere further.

“Honestly, the significance eluded me. My intention was to brief you in the official report at tomorrow’s peace negotiations with Virendorf”.

“So, you concluded it was not crucial to inform me beforehand.”

“I hadn’t heard this information from you, Mother. I understood from Queen Katarina of Virendorf that you were already aware of the situation through information from the Sacred Gusten Empire. Is it that significant?”

This is giving me a headache.

No, perhaps it’s my fault for not informing Valiere.

From the information provided by the Sacred Gusten Empire, it was “Coordinate with the other country and prepare for war. Build a bulwark that can withstand the threat.”

I do believe it.

We should follow the advice of the Sacred Gusten Empire.

But…

“Valiere, my apologies for that. It was judged best to keep the number of informed people small. Regardless of you, it would be problematic if the information leaked from the Second Princess’s guard.”

“Is the matter truly that grave? I see the rationale for withholding the information, given the uncertainty of potential leaks.”

“Now that I think about it, I should have informed you.”

After all, even if it leaked, no one would believe it.

From the far east of the Silk Road, the idea that a nomadic equestrian nation is coming our way.

Even Virendorf may not fully believe it.

Turning to Anastasia, we continued our conversation.

“Well, let’s not dwell on regrets. So, what’s the problem with this? If Faust raises an issue, I will listen.”

“Faust is convinced that the nomadic equestrian nation will arrive within seven years. That is what concerns us.”

“That is—”

Seven years?

Impossible.

Think of how many countries there are from the far east of the Silk Road to this far west.

There are grand duchies to the east.

They wouldn’t bypass those to raid our country.

That means they would have to plunder, massacre, and rule over every country along the way.

After all, I’ve heard that the eastern dynasty mentioned was a vast nation, more significant than the entirety of the Sacred Gusten Empire.

They would be preoccupied with governing it.

If they still come, they have no intention of thoroughly governing their entire land.

They’d be satisfied with collecting taxes; all non-nomadic peoples might as well die.

Such selfishness and desire for control, unrestrained by any autonomy, are nothing but traits of an abnormal person.

They are mere beasts.

No.

Think carefully, Liesenlotte.

The nomadic equestrian nation.

How they think and act is unknown to anyone.

A mere horde of beasts, unified, could overthrow a dynasty.

Killing, violating, looting.

Merely repeating those three actions as if they would die without them.

A nation truly akin to beasts.

The existence of such a possibility cannot be dismissed.

Once, long ago, a “Queen” sought to rule the ends of the earth.

The “Queen” was never defeated in battle.

Her eastern campaign seemed endless, boundless.

Yet, even she faced fierce opposition from her subordinates, she eventually abandoned the campaign.

Hmm?

I tried to trace the mad ideology through the “Queen,” but instead, it felt abnormal.

Be cautious.

We must be cautious.

Let’s adhere to the peace negotiation summarized by Faust.

In the meantime, we’ll exterminate the northern nomadic tribes and fortify our defenses.

“To conclude, after careful consideration, seven years seems implausible.”

“But Faust is convinced of it.”

“I deny it.”

That’s the only way.

Let’s challenge Faust von Polydoro to a debate.

Just as when Faust made a plea for Martina’s life.

Even if he prostrates himself on the ground this time, I won’t accept his plea.

“What does Faust expect from me, as the Queen?”

“Unified military authority.”

“Not even I, as the Queen, can accomplish that.”

It’s an impossible demand.

It’s no longer something that can be achieved with royal authority.

Implementing a harsh governance policy of executing those who do not comply is impossible in a feudal lord system.

They are, albeit small, lords of their lands.

Unless it’s like the old times of centralization.

The lords must voluntarily offer their swords; otherwise, it’s out of the question.

Unified military authority is impossible.

“Faust von Polydoro is not so foolish as to not understand that.”

“Indeed. However,”

“He must believe there’s no time to waste, that if he does not speak out now, before the assembly of lords and high-ranking clergy tomorrow, it will be too late.”

This is foolish.

Depending on the circumstances, Faust could become a laughingstock.

That would be better.

No, it’s not better, but it’s more bearable.

The worst-case scenario would be having to punish Faust for lying if it comes to that.

I disagree with Faust’s words, but I’d instead not reach the point of making a spectacle of him.

“Additionally, Faust plans to bring a priest from the Cologne Sect tomorrow.”

“The Cologne Sect, huh?”

I frowned.

They’re troublesome.

They keep pushing for muskets, which are still inadequate as weapons.

Their range is too short, and their accuracy too low.

In the end, the brave charge of the heavy cavalry wins.

Since the conflict—what was it, Wagenburg?—when that tactic was used, firearms have become more critical.

But it’s still not enough.

It’s too early to incorporate them as a branch of the military.

Though they are quick to master, their production is low.

Mercenaries who believe in the Cologne Sect seem to favor using them.

Or rather, mercenaries tend to become part of the Cologne Sect because that’s the only way to get muskets cheaply.

Well, that’s fine.

The only potential thing worth adopting from the Cologne Sect is the weaponry they are developing.

Still in the research phase, but what was it, cannon?

Or was it a canister shot, the thing that packs musket balls? That’s very good.

Devastatingly effective.

A single shot can dominate an area.

“Mother, what are you thinking about?”

“About the Cologne Sect. They are troublesome, especially the priests. But even so, I won’t nod along.”

“That’s fine. It’s not as if we need your approval.”

Anastasia slowly shook her head.

“The problem is Faust’s recklessness. Please let him present all his claims to the full assembly tomorrow. Then, Astarte and I will join him.”

“Why?”

“To curb Faust’s recklessness. After he has said his piece, Mother can judge as you see fit.”

She’s making it sound complicated.

Leaving all the burden on me while you two side with Faust?

This could worsen my image in Faust’s eyes even further.

Especially after the cold manner during Martina’s plea for mercy, he might already think poorly of me.

As a person, as a woman, this saddens me.

“Enough, I understand the situation. Let’s handle tomorrow as best we can. But how it turns out is uncertain.”

“Well, we understand that. We simply don’t have time.”

“Faust’s return gave us only one day to cleanse the travel dust. That was a mistake.”

We should have waited at least a week.

Then perhaps I could have had a proper discussion with Faust.

But tomorrow’s principal announcement is the marriage between Valiere and Faust.

This will be a reward for Faust’s past achievements.

And regain the trust of the lords, especially the smaller territorial ones, in the royal family.

We can’t leave Faust’s position as it is.

It unsettles me too much.

“Royal Guard, inside!”

“Yes.”

I called one of the royal guards standing watch at the door, whom I trust.

It’s been 16 years since her first battle.

Our acquaintance predates that, making it a genuinely long relationship.

“Go to Faust’s lower house and deliver these words: ‘First, let us hear all you have to say. So, you, too, listen quietly to all that I have to say.’ Conflict won’t resolve anything. If Faust becomes enraged and turns into the Knight of Wrath, we won’t get anywhere.”

“Understood. I will go to Lord Polydoro’s lower house with these feet. I’ll send someone else for guard duty in my place.”

The guard bowed deeply and left the room.

Well.

The conversation ends here.

“Just for one night, Valiere. Would you sneak Faust into my bedroom? Think about how we’ll manage Polydoro territory in the future. It could lead to a brighter future.”

“I understand about sister and Duchess Astarte becoming lovers. I dislike it, but sharing one man among several women is not unheard of among nobility. However, selling my husband’s innocence to my mother is out of the question.”

My younger daughter is stubborn.

After five years of loneliness, she shows no kindness to her mother.

Is this what it means to separate personal and public life?

Queen Liesenlotte deeply detested her position as a Queen.