The Genius Prosecutor in a Gender-Reversed World

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Polaris Academia.

An educational institution located in the central continent, which can be considered the core among the various fragmented ‘Valdeon’ continents.

While there are many similar educational facilities, the largest and most prestigious one is undoubtedly Polaris.

To the extent that it is customary for children of noble families, and even royalty, to enroll here.

“After all, it’s a facility that has existed since before the founding of the Empire.”

As such, it has deep roots and many undisclosed elements.

In fact, it’s the location with the most content in the ‘Valdeon Saga.’

“Hidden pieces, secret quests, legacies of former headmasters, hidden spaces, and so on.”

Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Given its significance, all aspects are focused on growth, which is a definite advantage.

At least before the inevitable event occurs, there’s plenty to achieve.

“It’s also optimal for protecting Angela.”

It’s a place filled with highly esteemed students.

The security of such a place wouldn’t easily be breached.

If I rescue Angela during the princess rescue event, she will undoubtedly enroll in Polaris.

“Unlike the game, where there’s just one guy targeting Angela, that’s a bit concerning.”

Even if that guy shows up, he can’t harm the princess within Polaris.

That’s likely why he hired the Yan family instead of acting directly.

So for now, let’s just focus on reaching the central continent.

“Are you ready?”

“…Yes. I’m ready. Let’s go.”

We left the village that very evening.

From now on, it’s a race against time.

*

“So, who are you looking for?”

On a night cloaked in darkness, a girl draped in a cloak stared intently at a woman across from her.

“Even if I look a little shabby, just bear with me. I have to do this to avoid getting caught, you know?”

The shabby wooden sign sported crooked letters in the empire’s common language.

[Mouse Hole]

Both the name and the shop’s state were exceedingly shabby.

[Mouse Hole] is the top information-selling establishment in the underground.

With secretive and stimulating information that can’t be obtained in the light, even high-ranking individuals come here with concealed faces.

Information brokers are filled with those who would disregard legality for valuable information.

“Alright, just say whatever. I’ll tell you everything except what I don’t know. Just make sure the money’s good.”

Thud!

“Is this enough?”

The woman placed a hefty pouch of coins on the table.

Seeing that, a greedy smile blossomed on the girl’s face.

“Indeed, it’s different for the offspring of a prestigious family, isn’t it?”

“…This isn’t your money yet.”

“I know, I know. So, what are you curious about?”

Without wasting a moment, the woman dove straight into the topic.

“My brother….”

Just thinking about it made her heart ache.

“Please… Find my brother. His name is Alben. Alben Oldair.”

Her long gray hair trembled slightly.

The sister of the missing Alben, Elma Oldair.

‘Oh….’

The girl knew a fair bit about her.

The current head of the Oldair family, Carbon, is a remarkable swordsman genius, showcasing the same talent.

At just 19 years of age, she has already fulfilled the responsibilities of a sub-family head while serving as the Vice Student Council President of Polaris—quite the little monster.

“I’ve heard she’s merciless and has no compassion. Who knew she could also show such expression?”

Elma, speaking about her missing brother, looked like a mere ordinary person struggling in despair.

Trembling limbs and darting eyes.

That expression was soaked in weakness.

Who could possibly call her a monster now?

‘This is intriguing.’

Who exactly is this Alben to cause Elma to be so distressed?

It seems excessive for someone just worried about their blood relative; she looked far too anxious.

“Alright then. I’ll start gathering information now. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Does that mean it’ll take more time?”

“It’s not like we have the identities of people all across the continent, you know? But don’t worry. Once I compare a bunch of things, finding one person will be quick.”

“…I’ll trust you.”

“Oh~ I appreciate your request~.”

I thought today would be the day I could locate Alben.

Elma, suppressing her frustration, paid the advance fee.

‘Alben, where on earth are you…?’

It’s been quite a long time since Alben went missing.

With each passing day, the weight in Elma’s heart grew heavier.

I wonder how frightened he must be by now.

“Alben….”

Could he be dragged away by some bad guys suffering from untold horrors?

Is he calling out her name every time, seeking help…?

“It’s okay… I will definitely save you….”

I want to hold Alben tightly when he returns safely.

I want to return to the peaceful days we used to have.

‘The semester is starting soon.’

If it were up to me, I’d drop everything and search for Alben.

But if I did that, Carbon would surely forbid any search for Alben.

That’s why I urgently discovered the existence of [Mouse Hole] and put in a request.

At least while she’s stuck in Polaris, she needs someone to look for Alben’s traces.

“…Before the succession ceremony, for sure.”

I will find Alben.

Because that seat doesn’t belong to the ‘fake’ me.

*

“Are we hiding our identities?”

While riding in the carriage, crossing the ridge, I seized the opportunity to bring it up.

Perhaps it was because it’s the central continent bustling with people, but carriages headed there overflowed at the village platform.

It’s the virtue of carriage drivers to also take passengers along while moving cargo to make extra money.

Though we passed over quite the expensive jewelry to get on with only the two of us, it’s still better than walking or hiding while avoiding others’ eyes.

“Yes, I will change my face and name from the central continent.”

I made this decision for a simple reason.

‘All things considered, hiding my identity is for the best right now.’

Given that the game and situation have changed slightly, it’s not good to neglect Angela just because we’re inside Polaris.

However, the position of a knight escorting the princess is unofficial but still requires various qualifications.

Better to be an unknown skilled person who simply ended up escorting a princess than someone kicked out of a prestigious family for not having qualifications.

Moreover, if the Alben before my reincarnation is somewhat known in the central continent, it might even pose a problem for entering the academy.

-‘How dare a person abandoned by their family step foot into Polaris? Get out, you fool!’

Even if he’s merely a scion of the renowned Oldair martial family.

If they took in someone ejected from there, it could tarnish Polaris’s reputation.

Most likely, I wouldn’t want to enroll anyway, but for now, I have to absorb the sweet nectar of the academy.

‘Ugh.’

I swallowed my saliva that pooled in my mouth.

“I thought it’d be better if I stayed close to keep watch over you.”

“T-That’s…!”

Angela’s eyes shimmered with tears, and her cheeks flushed.

‘…Plus, Angela’s a great source of energy.’

With Angela around, I can rapidly recharge energy in crisis situations.

Being a knight escorting her provides another reason to stay by her side.

“But… how do you plan to change your face? Isn’t there a limit to illusion magic…?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I have a perfect method.”

At my bold declaration, Angela smiled brightly.

“Yes, I’ll believe you. If it’s your word, then anything.”

Hmm.

You really don’t have to believe everything so blindly.

Twinkle, twinkle…!

Those strangely sparkling eyes make me a bit uneasy.

“Ahem, cough.”

I forced myself to turn my head while organizing my plans.

‘Anyway, I’ve traversed this route several times.’

In such times, I always relied on a ‘hidden piece.’

In the ‘Valdeon Saga,’ character appearances can’t be customized.

The AI sets the appearance automatically based on the configured [keywords].

However, this hidden piece allows for ‘appearance customization.’

‘Though I can’t change gender.’

At least it’s not some half-hearted alteration of appearance through magic.

It allows for a complete transformation into someone else’s form.

It was a handy hidden piece in builds where one needed to hide their identity or be a criminal.

“Everyone, we’ll arrive shortly.”

Lost in thought about what face to mold, the coachman announced our imminent arrival at the central continent.

“Phew, thankfully we made it without incident. At first, when you gave such a large sum, I worried you might be targeted.”

Is it because it’s a gender-reversed world? The coachman is a woman.

What a world where the coachman isn’t a middle-aged man sporting a beard!

In many ways, it feels like a fantasy stereotype is crumbling.

‘Well, targeting is indeed a concern.’

Honestly, I also expected to be ambushed along the way and stayed vigilant with my eyes wide open, yet strangely, nothing happened.

It was weirdly quiet, even though bandit attacks seemed like a reasonable expectation.

“Hmmm….”

It’s a bit suspicious.

But hey, no news is good news, right?

Anyway, we’ve safely reached the central continent.

‘About two weeks left until the entrance exam of Polaris.’

That’s what Angela informed me.

Applications usually close a week prior, so….

‘I need to secure that as soon as we arrive. Plus, I need to fabricate a false identity.’

I sighed inwardly knowing I’d be busy.

Still, it’s fine.

“Here we are, at this place.”

The center of the Valdeon Saga and the main stage of the game.

[Central Continent, Centinium]

The carriage boldly advanced forward.