Volume 1 Chapter 26 Genderbent Female Knight, Being Targeted
"The Autumn Great Exercise Festival, huh."
When they returned to the academy and the heat from the hot wind gradually subsided, the event took place. It is like a tournament held separately for each grade. The female-majority faculties mainly involve solo performances and contests of wisdom, while the males engage in duels and group battles, and most notably, the marquee event, juggle. A juggle is a mounted lance match between knights, where they compete to hit the opponent's horse first and knock them off.
"Well, I've never done it though."
As for horses, they are farm horses, attaching plows instead of carts, pulled by farmers to till the soil. Naturally, their personality tends to be gentle or slow-paced, and a slightly foolish one is more appreciated. On the other hand, military horses are brave; at least, they do not scare at noise or other horses pursuing them, even though they are originally timid animals. Horses that are selected and trained not to be afraid of such things tend to cost a lot. If anything, they are probably still more expensive than ten humans, as humans can be used cheaply and discarded if needed.
"Kamitafira is going to participate in what?"
Gustavo, who once fought Eleonora and became friendly, sat down and asked her that.
"I'm not really interested in things like that."
"Ms. Eleonora, you stand out, so wouldn't a juggle be better?"
Another male student joined the conversation, suggesting that if you are a knight on horseback with a lance, this is the stage to make a name for yourself.
"Even if I promote my own name..."
"Besides, there might be some important people who dislike the idea of girls participating in juggles."
Several students who had been listening raised their voices.
The Kingdom of Ashreach is somewhat open-minded, but it's true that a male-first wind is blowing.
"Can we sleep during this and it be okay?"
"No, it's not."
"But if Ms. Eleonora enters, she'll probably win the duel or the tournament."
The various things they said about how they liked it, reminiscing about fun student days, made Eleonora feel nostalgic. But then she turned her gaze to the noisy area outside the classroom to check what had happened.
"Is Countess Retonto present?"
The young boy, who had long blonde hair waved to resemble that of a noble prince, called out.
"Your Highness Crown Prince Fabiano!"
Gustavo let out a voice of surprise, and along with Eleonora, the surrounding students rose to their feet and offered their respectful bows.
"While at the academy, we're all classmates. Please don't act so formal."
"Yes..."
(Why is the Crown Prince coming?)
Because he had bowed his head, he didn't see the crooked lips. But after gaining permission to raise his face, he remained expressionless and took a step back, placing Gustavo in front.
"It's the grand exercise festival, but could you join the army I will command?"
"Huh... Me!?"
"If you come from the renowned military family of Retonto, there's nothing more reassuring."
"It's an honor, Your Highness!"
Overcome with emotion, Gustavo bowed his head again. At that moment, no one could have imagined a sort of bomb being thrown at him.
"However, I hear there is a brave person who defeated such a knight. I would like that person to join too, but where are they?"
"That, Your Highness, is right in front of you."
Gustavo, who cast a sidelong glance at Eleonora, and Fabiano, the Crown Prince, whose gaze was attracted by this, all gathered attention.
(Don't answer honestly.)
Gustavo looked at her with resentment, but his eyes were diverted.
"This woman? Why is a woman here in the first place? Usually, it's the second."
"With all due respect, the Acting Knight of Kamitafira has already gained experience in actual combat and is a master of martial arts that I, myself, cannot match."
"Kamitafira knight? I've never heard of it. Where is it? Answer."
With permission for a direct answer, Eleonora took a step forward, knelt, and placed her arm over her chest, taking a pose of sworn loyalty.
"There are 3 villages near the coast of the southern continent's Tyria Peninsula, Your Highness."
"Your ancestors?"
"My father, Lamberto, received it from His Majesty in the recent chaos."
"Ha, climbing up the ranks. No wonder I don't know."
When staring from head to toe, Fabiano sneered.
"Well, fine. If you have defeated Count Retonto, then there is use for me. You also, come forth."
After leaving those words behind, he departed as if his business was done. Everyone else could only stare at his retreating figure with a sigh.
"Does His Highness perhaps harbor ill feelings towards me?"
"Given the way he looks, he probably dislikes you."
In response to Eleonora's question, Gustavo frowned and answered thus, shaking his head. The other students also looked grim and shook their heads in confusion.
"From the look of it, he seems to harbor aversion towards the fact that I am a woman and that I am a fake noble rising in status."
"Probably, he's not on good terms with Lady Vittoria..."
"No matter how handsome he is, if he's that stern, things won't go well."
"Hey, that's downright disrespectful."
Eleonora, shrugging her shoulders, let out a dry laugh and looked into Gustavo's eyes after yawning once.
"I figured as much."
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!