It Seems the Demon King Has Returned to a World Where Gender Roles Are Reversed - Chapter 70

 Chapter 70 :

Fighting to protect the kingdom.

That is the duty of a knight.

For someone who has sworn to dedicate their life to the kingdom, it is only natural.

“I understand. I will make arrangements to provide support immediately.”

Karen said, rising quickly from her seat. But Christine raised a hand to stop her.

“Wait, there’s no need to rush. And the conversation isn’t over yet.”

“…?”

What more could there be to discuss? Karen thought, looking at Annerose. With a wry smile, Annerose spoke.

“There’s no need to worry so much. The royal court has already deemed this an urgent situation and has swiftly dispatched reinforcements.”

“…”

“Well, that’s the situation. Of course, sending you there would greatly aid in resolving the issue, but that’s not the main point right now,” Christine added.

“If that’s the case, then why…” Karen began.

“We have another task for you, Lady Karen. Do you remember what I mentioned earlier?” Annerose asked.

At her question, Karen nodded as if it were obvious.

“Then you’ll also recall that, aside from the crisis in the frontier city, I mentioned another issue,” Annerose continued.

Karen’s eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled Annerose’s earlier words: “The western frontier city is currently under attack by magical beasts. Numerous in number. Signs of a massive beast outbreak detected nearby.”

“…Could it be the signs of a massive beast outbreak?” Karen ventured.

“Ho, as expected, you’re sharp. You hit the nail on the head,” Christine said, giving a faint smile.

Karen realized her guess was correct.

“Yes, exactly. What we’re asking of you, Lady Karen, is to investigate the massive outbreak of magical beasts occurring in the frontier region,” Annerose clarified.

“…”

Karen nodded, understanding the gravity of their concerns. She could see what Annerose and Christine were thinking.

Their worry was about the current massive outbreak of magical beasts. They suspected it might be a precursor to a great invasion of magical beasts.

If so, understanding the cause of this outbreak in the frontier could confirm whether a great invasion was indeed beginning.

“Of course, we don’t expect you to handle this alone, Lady Karen. We plan to assemble a force for the investigation,” Annerose added.

“Hm…” Karen murmured.

“No need to take it too seriously. You’re an important asset to Shreid, Lady Karen. There’s no need to overexert yourself,” Christine said.

“But even so, the mere fact that a great knight like you is involved will greatly boost the morale of the troops. That’s why we want you to take on this investigation,” Annerose explained.

If the investigation succeeded and they could discern the truth, they might even uncover why the magical beasts periodically invade.

With that thought, Karen nodded.

“I understand. I’ll take on the task.”

“Good. We’re counting on you,” Christine replied, nodding back.

“When should I depart?” Karen asked.

“Hehe, no need to rush. The frontier is still in chaos. It would be impossible to conduct an investigation under these conditions,” Annerose said.

“But…” Karen’s expression grew frustrated.

To serve the kingdom loyally.

To wield a sword to protect it.

For Karen, who held such steadfast chivalry as her mission, the urge to rush to the aid of suffering people was overwhelming.

But that was merely a knight’s ideal. For those grounded in reality, it wasn’t a decision to be made lightly.

“As Lady Christine said, you’re a vital asset to the kingdom, Lady Karen. You can’t move recklessly. If other nations catch wind of this and act, we don’t know how they’ll respond,” Annerose cautioned.

“…”

It wasn’t just about Karen alone. As mentioned, the frontier lands were unclaimed territories.

Naturally, each nation was engaged in a tense struggle over who would claim them.

If word got out that someone like Karen was dispatched to the frontier, and that her golem was in action, there was no telling how other nations would react.

“For now, please wait until the forces are prepared,” Annerose advised.

“…Understood,” Karen replied reluctantly, nodding.

Trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere, Annerose continued, “By the way, how is Seria doing? I heard she’s been commuting from your mansion to the academy while under your guidance?”

“Ah, yes… that’s correct,” Karen answered, slightly flustered by the sudden change in topic.

Annerose smiled. “No need to worry. We’ve heard the full story. And as I said before, entrusting Seria to you was Lady Christine’s decision. We fully trust you with her.”

“I’m counting on you,” Christine added, nodding solemnly.

Karen hurriedly adopted a respectful posture, as if apologizing for any perceived slight.

Annerose gave a light smile at the exchange.

“I’ll make sure to train her into an outstanding member of the White Knight Order,” Karen vowed.

“Hehe, we’re looking forward to it. Oh, this might be a good opportunity,” Annerose said.

“…?” Karen looked puzzled.

“To join the White Knight Order, mastering golem control is crucial. That’s why the academy emphasizes it in training. But gaining real combat experience is difficult,” Annerose explained.

“Hm, is that where this is going?” Christine mused.

“What do you mean…?” Karen asked.

“What I’m suggesting is this: why not use this investigation as an opportunity for Seria’s practical training?” Annerose proposed.

“…!” Karen paused, considering the idea.

It was indeed a clever plan.

Recently, Seria’s training had been highly effective, to say the least.

After Ragna’s reprimand and considering Seria’s earlier reactions, Karen had adjusted the intensity and quality of the training.

Initially, Karen thought Seria’s progress would stall.

But contrary to her expectations, Seria’s skills had surpassed what Karen had anticipated.

The key to this was Ragna’s presence.

Ragna’s healing magic was remarkably effective. Thanks to it, sparring sessions between Seria and Karen, which used to occur every three or four days, now happened daily.

And Seria hadn’t become unstable either.

Perhaps because she had regained mental stability—living with Ragna, reconnecting with friends at the academy, and spending time with them—her mindset had shifted from fleeting negativity back to positivity.

Seeing this, Karen had to admit her own methods had been flawed.

No matter how much you hammer steel to forge it, you can’t keep it in the fire indefinitely.

Once sufficiently tempered, the steel needs to be cooled in water and given time to rest.

But when results are visible, it’s natural to want more.

Seria had already built a solid foundation. This investigation could be the chance to elevate her to the next level.

“I understand. That’s a good idea. I’ll do it,” Karen agreed.

“Hehe, is that so? Then Seria will join this mission… Hm, that means you’ll depart around winter, after the academy term and the martial festival,” Annerose said.

“That timing should be fine. By then, the beast situation in the frontier should be clearer, and since it’ll be early winter, there shouldn’t be any major issues,” Christine added.

“Yes, exactly,” Karen nodded.

Looking at her, Annerose said, “Then let’s wrap up this matter here. Is that alright, Your Majesty Christine?”

“No objections. I’d like to see a detailed plan later, though,” Christine replied.

“Hehe, of course. Well then, let’s end this discussion here,” Annerose said, still smiling as she looked at Karen.

“…Now, shall we talk about something else?”

“…?” Karen looked confused.

What else could there be? Was there another issue? As Karen wondered, Annerose gave a meaningful smile.

“Hehe, there’s still one topic left to discuss, isn’t there? About Lady Christine’s ‘partner.’”

Lady Christine’s partner?

What could that mean… Wait, no way?!

“…!” Karen’s expression froze.

Christine looked displeased at Annerose’s teasing, while Annerose continued to smile and named the person in question.

Ragna Steiner.

_____________

“So, how is Ragna doing?” Annerose asked.

“Y-Yes, w-well… I h-heard there’s n-nothing p-particular to r-report,” Karen stammered, visibly flustered.

Annerose chuckled lightly at her reaction.

“Hehe, is that so? By the way…”

“…?” Karen looked wary.

“I heard recently that a duel took place at the academy among first-year students. A duel between a male knight and a female knight, no less,” Annerose said.

“…!” Karen’s eyes widened in shock.

She knew exactly what Annerose was referring to.

“Hm, a duel between a male and female knight? That’s intriguing. Who won?” Christine asked, her interest piqued as someone known for her fascination with golem battles.

Karen broke into a cold sweat, her expression uneasy.

Annerose, with a mischievous look, chuckled softly.

A bead of sweat rolled down Karen’s back.

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Translated by Reversalnovel.web.id