Virgin Knight Who Is the Frontier Lord in the Gender Switched World - Chapter 70

Lord Faust von Polydoro is a remarkable figure.

Victory in the Virendorf campaign.

The traitorous Caroline’s subjugation stemmed from Princess Valiere’s first battle.

The successful Virendorf peace negotiations.

It remains to be seen if Lord Polydoro’s predictions about the unification of military authority in the nomadic nation-state war are correct.

In just two years, he has achieved numerous accolades.

It is universally acknowledged that he is now a great hero of Anhalt.

However, just because he is a hero doesn’t mean he should usurp the responsibility of investigating the assassination of the king consort, a task undertaken by the Wesperman family.

Indeed, the Wesperman family has yet to yield any results.

That is indeed shameful.

But it is troubling.

Our house’s reputation is dangerously close to being compromised, and in certain circumstances, this could lead to our death as nobles.

If Lord Polydoro were to resolve the case,

The question would then be, “What has the Wesperman family been doing for the past five years?”

King Consort Robert was genuinely beloved.

Everyone would indeed criticize the incompetence of the Wesperman family.

Pressured from above and below, someone else would likely take over my position as head of intelligence.

Therefore, with the resolve that had brought me here, I must kneel and beg Lord Polydoro to allow our participation in the investigation.

“First, let me apologize for the recent disrespect shown to the Wesperman family. I am truly sorry.”

In a room of the royal palace.

Sitting on a long couch in a guest room assigned to Lord Polydoro, the sisters faced him.

It was Lord Polydoro who made the first move.

With his eyes closed, he bowed his head and spoke his apology.

“At a full gathering of lords and the robe nobility, I insulted the Wesperman family. I believe what I did was terrible. But at that time and place, it was necessary for me. Whatever I say now, I understand it will sound like an excuse. Just know, I am truly sorry.”

Lord Polydoro continued to bow, not breaking his posture as he earnestly sought forgiveness.

Unexpected, indeed.

Of course, as the head of intelligence, I was aware of Lord Polydoro’s character.

Chaste, innocent, endearingly straightforward, and serious.

That is how the royal family views him; indeed, I once thought the same.

But my impression changed after that speech, especially the geas he performed.

—He is, after all, quite impulsive.

I recall hearing about the plea for clemency by Miss Martina.

He had opposed a royal decree from the queen herself, begging desperately while rubbing his head on the ground.

From Lord Polydoro’s position, such an act should have been unthinkable.

There was no benefit to it.

Yet, he did it out of a sense of honor.

Not that he is unintelligent. Instead, I would say he is pretty astute.

But it seems he acts based on a unique sense of honor.

As a knight, this is correct.

However, as a lordly knight, being so impulsive is questionable.

I ponder this.

But right now, that doesn’t matter.

As the head of the Wesperman family, I must consider how to respond to Lord Polydoro’s apology.

“You need not worry. We failed to break the enemy’s counterintelligence during the Virendorf campaign and did not foresee their invasion. It was a clear oversight by the Wesperman family. We are truly sorry.”

At such a time, to be arrogant would be foolish.

Especially since we are the ones cornered right now.

We should accept Lord Polydoro’s apology and graciously forgive him.

“Please, lift your face.”

“I am truly sorry.”

Lord Polydoro, shaking his massive frame, lifted his face and looked into my eyes.

Indeed, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with Lord Polydoro’s character.

Yet our house is nearly being crushed by him.

“Sabine-dono, I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity to apologize,”

“I was the eldest daughter, you know. Even though I was banished from our house.”

Sabine adds something unnecessary.

Nee-chan, pointing at me, murmurs.

“I don’t hold a grudge, and the service under Lady Valiere is comfortable, so I don’t mind.”

“I heard that story on the way back from Virendorf. Are you really sisters?”

Lord Polydoro looked us over from head to toe with a puzzled expression. For some reason, he glanced briefly at my chest before his expression grew even more puzzled. Well, indeed, my chest isn’t as complete or prominently forward as Sabine-nee’s.

A wet nurse can simply provide a mother’s milk.

Why did Lord Polydoro look at me with such deep pity for a moment?

Though not as much as Sabine-nee, I, too, have some capabilities as a chief of intelligence.

I can tell by his gaze where and what he observed.

“I see. It seems you have had your struggles.”

Lord Polydoro pitied my hardships. So, that momentary look of pity was for the difficulties I endured under Sabine-nee. I understand.

It’s about time to get to the main point.

Our time at the royal palace is limited.

“Lord Polydoro, I received your earlier apology. There is no need for a second apology. Rather, I have come today to discuss a matter.”

“May I ask what it is about? While I am prepared to accept some responsibility, there are royal commands from Her Majesty the Queen, and it would be best if this could wait until after.”

Lord Polydoro’s blue eyes fixed on my face.

I responded, feeling slightly intimidated by his presence as a distinguished hero.

“The problem is the royal command from Her Majesty the Queen. Originally, the consort’s assassination investigation was assigned to the Wesperman family.”

“…”

The air felt like it had stopped.

Lord Polydoro’s expression seemed to crack slightly.

I now realize.

Lord Polydoro probably hadn’t considered the face of his predecessor in the consort assassination case.

Of course, there’s no need to consider the dignity of a predecessor who has not achieved any results in five years.

“We don’t have time, I must shamefully speak plainly. If Lord Polydoro were to solve this case, the honor of the Wesperman family would fall to the ground. This would mean death as a noble.”

“Well, that may be.”

Lord Polydoro pondered, hand on chin.

I pleaded desperately.

“Even as a subordinate would be fine. Think of me as your hands and feet. Use me as you wish. Please, I beg of you.”

I rose from the long chair, straightened my back, and heels together.

I bowed deeply, pleading.

“Please involve me, involve the Wesperman family, in the investigation of the consort’s assassination. I ask for your help to save our house. Of course, we will pay a reward.”

If he were to refuse here, it would be dreadful.

My mother, who had handed over the family leadership to me after numerous failures, must be anxiously waiting at home.

“We couldn’t achieve any results.”

I imagine my mother fainting when I report that.

Though still young, my mother has aged visibly from the numerous challenges facing the Wesperman family and the stress caused by Sabine-nee.

Now, the rise and fall of our house rest on my shoulders.

“She’s saying she’ll pay, so can you let this one slide?”

Sabine-nee chuckled and spoke to Lord Polydoro.

This trash, she should at least try to be serious.

If it weren’t for being in front of Lord Polydoro, I’d have definitely punched her.

This is a matter of life and death for me.

But as the chief of intelligence, I must not show my emotions.

Calm down, me.

“…Understood. Let us cooperate. No need for the reward.”

After some thought, Lord Polydoro nodded.

My lungs, which felt crushed, began to function again, and I breathed a breath of relief.

Somehow, I had narrowly escaped death.

“Honestly, resolving this assassination case will be difficult given the years that have passed. However, since it is a command, I must do everything possible. In any case, I intended to ask the predecessor for all their information. This works out well. As the person appointed for the investigation, I formally request the cooperation of the Wesperman family.”

“Indeed, a good decision!”

I quickly raised my bowed head.

He’s a good man.

Lord Polydoro is a good person.

“Eh, Lord Polydoro doesn’t want the money? If you say so, she’ll pay.”

“I really can’t accept it. It would be an abuse of my position. If Queen Liesenlotte hears that I accepted money for my role in the investigation, she would be thoroughly disappointed in me.”

“Well, when you think about it, yes. But you better pay me a proper referral fee, Marina.”

Sabine-nee said this while scratching her head.

Even though Lord Polydoro refuses, she still wants to take money for herself.

Moreover, she didn’t bow to me; she just arranged the introduction.

But still—because of Lord Polydoro, I can’t argue here.

As much as she’s trash, she is my real sister. She did make the introduction, and it seems she is genuinely close to Lord Polydoro.

It’s frustrating; I’ll have to pay her a referral fee.

I just have to consider it better than paying the total amount.

I feel sick to my stomach.

“Is that all for today?”

“Yes. It’s late, and we truly apologize for this sudden request.”

“No worries. I’m also unfamiliar with the palace’s ways, and I apologize for not being able to offer even a cup of tea.”

We both bowed to each other.

Why is such a good person friends with Sabine-nee?

It’s incomprehensible.

Such a severe person should dislike a trashy and foolish sister like her.

“Before the guards kick us out, I shall take my leave. Will you start the investigation tomorrow, Lord Polydoro?”

“Yes. Her Majesty the Queen has delegated her official duties to bureaucrats for now. Tomorrow, Her Majesty and I plan to investigate the rose garden.”

“Then, I will join the investigation starting tomorrow.”

Now, think, Marina von Wesperman.

Queen Liesenlotte must be utterly disappointed in our family.

What are you doing here?

I must brace myself for cold glances or words.

The fact that Lord Polydoro has formally requested my participation will smooth things over.

“Hey, Lord Polydoro. Is it okay if I stay tonight? There’s something I want to talk about until night.”

What the hell is this trash sister talking about now?

That gaze of hers was silently staring at the large bed.

I’ll punch you, I swear.

“Unfortunately, as the fiancé of Princess Valiere the Second, I cannot accommodate a woman in my room,”

Lord Polydoro muttered regretfully.

Why does he look so regretful?

Are Sabine-nee and Lord Polydoro close in that kind of man-woman relationship?

You’ve got to be kidding.

“I must preserve my purity until marriage. And I cannot betray Princess Valiere the Second.”

Lord Polydoro muttered the obvious.

Yet his demeanor was uneasy.

“It’s not like you would hate sharing a bed with me.”

“…”

Lord Polydoro’s response was silence.

Sabine-nee’s expression, watching Lord Polydoro’s face, twisted obscenely.

Sabine-nee can discern the truth just by watching someone’s face.

Eh, seriously?

Is this for real?

What’s so good about Sabine-nee?

I seriously doubted Lord Polydoro’s taste in women.

“I cannot answer that.”

Lord Polydoro shook his head, a gesture of evident disappointment visible even to my eyes.

A person of chastity and innocence, unpretentious and sincere.

There was no doubt about it.

Yet, he was somewhat impulsive and lacking in thoughtfulness.

To his personality, there was more to be added.

Lord Faust von Polydoro was highly interested in risqué matters.

For a man of great prowess to maintain his virginity at 22 yet to have such a keen interest in lascivious affairs was something indeed.

Of course, this was not something I could tell anyone.

Should I even whisper it to Princess Anastasia or Duchess Astarte, I would be beheaded on the spot in a fit of rage.

Even if I spoke of it, no one would believe me.

Yet, perhaps because of that.

The fact that the knight before me was a virgin yet lascivious, Marina von Wesperman found herself incredibly excited, to the point of arousal.