It Seems the Demon King Has Returned to a World Where Gender Roles Are Reversed - Chapter 71

 Chapter 71 :

“The result was a draw, they say.”

“Hm, a draw? Even for first-years, that’s impressive…”

For first-year students, the magical power difference between male and female knights might be comparable.

This was something Christine, of all people, should naturally be aware of.

It meant there was a possibility for a male knight to defeat a female knight.

However, even so, it was no easy feat for a male knight to fight on equal terms with a female knight.

The issue wasn’t just innate talent but the environment in which they were raised.

Typically, male knights were rarely allowed to wield a sword.

This was because it would be reckless to send rare talents like male knights to the battlefield, where they could easily be lost.

Instead, it was far more efficient to have them support female knights or handle intermediate administrative roles.

Thus, even if a male knight possessed magical power comparable to a female knight, the gap in swordsmanship skills and experience made it nearly impossible for a male knight to defeat a female knight.

Yet, to have fought to a draw.

From Christine’s perspective, this was an undeniably intriguing story.

“So, who was it? Who fought?” Christine asked eagerly.

“Hehe, curious, Your Majesty?” Annerose teased.

“Of course! To hear such a story and not be intrigued would disqualify me as someone who wields a sword. So, who fought whom?” Christine pressed, urging for an answer.

Karen, watching Christine, displayed a restless expression.

“Well, the female knight was Hazel Granstig,” Annerose answered.

“Oh, Hazel?” Christine responded.

“You know of her?” Annerose asked.

“Yes, I’ve heard of her. They say she’s among the top first-years. I believe she’s currently holding some role in the student council…”

“She’s currently the representative for the first-years. By the way, you seem to know quite a bit,” Annerose noted.

“She might be the future of the kingdom, a talent worth noting. As a ruler, it’s only natural to keep track of such individuals,” Christine replied with a dignified expression.

But Annerose gave her a sidelong glance, saying, “Hmm, not just scouting for a young lady to satisfy your personal tastes, I hope?”

“W-What are you talking about, Annerose?! As if I would do such a thing! Ahem!” Christine stammered, clearly flustered, as if her inner thoughts had been exposed.

She coughed awkwardly, and Annerose chuckled softly at her reaction.

“A-Anyway, we know about the female knight. I thought she was just an ordinary knight, but to think she fought Hazel Granstig to a draw? Hmm… I’m growing more curious about this male knight,” Christine said, redirecting the conversation.

“W-Well, Your Majesty, that’s, um…” Karen faltered.

“So? What’s the name of this male knight?” Christine pressed.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The male knight’s name is—

Ragna Steiner,” Annerose answered.

“…Oh?” Christine raised an eyebrow.

“…”

“I’ve heard that name before. No, wait it’s the same name that came up just moments ago,” Christine said.

Annerose nodded in confirmation. “Exactly as you say.”

“How did this happen?” Christine asked.

“No further explanation needed it’s just as I said,” Annerose replied.

“Hmm…” Christine stroked her chin, deep in thought.

Karen, meanwhile, looked as though her soul had left her body.

Seeing Karen’s state, Annerose reflected that she might have teased her a bit too much and spoke up gently.

“Lady Karen?”

“W-What is it, Lady Annerose?!” Karen responded, startled.

“Hehe, no need to be so tense. What you’re worrying about won’t happen,” Annerose reassured.

“…Pardon?” Karen blinked.

“I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re probably recalling what I mentioned earlier about a marriage between Lady Christine and Ragna, right?” Annerose said.

“…!” Karen’s eyes widened.

Had she been found out?

Had she made some mistake?

But she didn’t feel the magical seal of Geass on her tongue activating, so she hadn’t broken any oaths.

Still, this situation could be dangerous…

As Karen thought this, Annerose suddenly bowed deeply and said, “I was out of line back then.”

“Pardon?” Karen asked, confused.

“Hehe, I was just a bit curious. I was merely testing you and Ragna,” Annerose explained.

“What do you mean?” Karen asked.

“I said it was a test, didn’t I? In other words, that talk about a marriage between Lady Christine and Ragna it was just nonsense I made up,” Annerose clarified.

“…What?” Karen asked, dumbfounded.

Christine, with a slightly displeased expression, snorted. “Isn’t that obvious? As if I’d ever agree to such a thing. The idea of a man’s hand touching mine? Utterly distasteful!”

“…!” Karen gasped.

“That’s the gist of it,” Annerose said with a chuckle. “After all, Lady Christine, who doesn’t even know how to love a man, being paired with Ragna is an impossible premise.”

“…”

Hearing this, Karen let out a sigh of relief.

One of her worries had been resolved.

“Hm, but even so…” Christine began.

“…?” Karen looked at her.

“As expected, Ragna is quite the individual. A person with considerable talent. Perhaps this isn’t a matter to be dismissed as a mere joke,” Christine mused.

At those words, Karen’s heart sank again. Christine, still looking displeased, continued, “You’re not seriously suggesting we go through with that absurd idea, are you? If you are, even you, Annerose, will face my wrath.”

“Hehe, I understand, Your Majesty. But… I don’t know, I just have an uneasy feeling,” Annerose said.

“An uneasy feeling?” Christine asked.

“Yes. It’s hard to explain, but I feel uncertain about where Ragna will go or how he’ll live in the future,” Annerose elaborated.

Karen’s eyes widened as she looked at Annerose.

Christine frowned. “What are you talking about? This Ragna is someone Lady Karen brought here. And Lady Karen is a knight of Shreid. Doesn’t that make Ragna a citizen of Shreid? To think he could just waltz off to another country after stepping foot in mine?”

It was a “mine is mine, and yours is mine too” kind of logic.

But Christine had grown up in such an environment, so it was only natural for her to think this way.

Annerose shook her head. “That’s not what I meant, Your Majesty. It’s just… how should I put it? Ragna feels rootless, like he doesn’t have a firm place in this world. It might be because of his amnesia.”

“Hm, now that you mention it, wasn’t Ragna said to have amnesia?” Christine recalled.

“Yes, Your Majesty. That’s why I feel uneasy. A person without roots is unpredictable. No one knows what they might do. And what if…” Annerose trailed off.

“What if?” Christine prompted.

“It’s just a hypothetical, but what if Ragna regains his memories? And what if those memories reveal he’s from Nord, Udisella, or even Baifram? What would happen then? Would he still want to stay in Shreid?” Annerose asked.

“I told you, I’m not letting him go that easily,” Christine insisted.

“But what if Ragna turns out to be from a prominent family in one of those nations? What if that family asserts their claim over him? Would you still be able to act so forcefully?” Annerose countered.

“Hm…” Christine’s expression soured.

Annerose continued, “If that happens, it won’t be easy to act as you do now. But even so… honestly, Ragna isn’t someone who can be easily taken by another nation. Hearing about the outcome of this duel only confirmed it. Ragna is someone with remarkable lineage. Letting another nation take him would be dangerous.”

“Ugh…” Christine groaned.

“Though it’s still unconfirmed, there are rumors that Hazel Granstig has started making moves to secure Ragna. They say she’s even using the Granstig family’s private intelligence network to investigate his background,” Annerose added.

Karen flinched at those words.

Only she and Seria knew the full details of what happened at the lumberyard. Karen believed she knew more than Seria did. She thought there wouldn’t be any issues, but she couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

“That’s convenient, then. Let this Hazel girl handle him…” Christine began.

“Didn’t you hear? Hazel and Ragna had a duel recently. It’s unlikely their relationship will progress smoothly,” Annerose pointed out.

“Ugh…” Christine muttered.

“And there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you, Lady Karen,” Annerose said.

“What?” Karen asked, startled.

Annerose leaned in and whispered her request.

As Karen listened, her expression grew increasingly bewildered. By the time Annerose finished, Karen’s lips were sealed shut.

Looking at Karen’s pale face, Annerose urged her for a response.

Reluctantly, Karen nodded, as if she had no choice.

Annerose gave a deep smile.

_____________

____

In a dimly lit room.

Gazing at the full moon through the window, Christine lay naked on the bed, smoking a pipe.

Puff, the smoke slipped from her lips, spreading into the air.

Annerose, lying beside her, leaned closer and asked, “You look displeased, Your Majesty.”

“Hm…” Christine murmured.

“Hehe, is this Ragna boy that bothersome to you?” Annerose teased.

“Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re so fixated on him, Annerose. It feels like some man is stealing you away from me,” Christine said, pouting like a child whose favorite toy was taken.

It was hard to believe such words came from the acting queen of a nation. Annerose giggled and slowly sat up, wrapping her arms around Christine.

The soft blanket slid off her body.

Like shedding skin, the blanket fell away, revealing Annerose’s naked form, just like Christine’s. Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window, her fair skin shimmered.

With a goddess-like presence, Annerose smiled as usual and said, “Don’t worry, Christine.”

“…”

“I’m yours. I’ve decided to live for you alone. I’d give up everything for that even the ‘god’ I’ve served until now.”

“…Right,” Christine said, her stern expression softening.

She reached out, caressing Annerose’s cheek.

Setting the pipe aside, they shared a gentle kiss.

After the light kiss, Annerose frowned slightly at the bitter taste of tobacco on her tongue.

Christine couldn’t help but laugh at her expression.

“By the way, about this Ragna issue,” Christine said.

“Still upset?” Annerose asked.

“Hm, I understand you’re not interested in him romantically. But I still don’t get why you’re so focused on him,” Christine admitted.

Christine loved golem duels not just participating but also analyzing others’ battles and strategizing for victory.

She knew even the most talented male knights had their limits.

So she couldn’t comprehend why Annerose was so invested in Ragna.

“If you want him as a stud, just force him. Make him leave his lineage problem solved. Why go through such a troublesome method?” Christine asked, recalling the “method” Annerose had discussed with Karen.

She frowned in dissatisfaction.

But Annerose shook her head. “Ragna’s value isn’t just that.”

“Hm? What do you mean?” Christine asked.

“His current abilities may seem only slightly above other male knights, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ragna has a far greater power hidden within him,” Annerose explained.

“What are you talking about? What power?” Christine asked, confused.

“Hehe, well… before I say, please keep this a secret,” Annerose said.

“What kind of nonsense is that? Who do you think I’d blab to?” Christine retorted.

“Oh, really, Christine? What about that young lady you had a secret rendezvous with? Didn’t you brag to her about the details of a meeting with another nation?” Annerose teased.

“…You knew about that?” Christine asked, stunned.

“Of course,” Annerose replied with a smile.

Christine sighed, rubbing her forehead. “I can’t let my guard down… Fine, I promise.”

“Good. Then… Ragna’s hidden secret. It’s something that could shake the world.

Ragna Steiner can use magic.”

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Translated by Reversalnovel.web.id