Chapter 7

Chapter 7

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]Folll0w current novÊls on n/o/v/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Chapter 7

It’s been a week since Karl’s arrival at the Academy.

During that time, no one from Class 22 approached him...

***

Reflecting on my past life, I could see the truth in novels featuring academies.

A world similar to college. Close friendships among peers. Fresh feelings with opposite-sex friends.

And even the peculiar environment conducive to enjoying cider at intervals.

There’s a reason for the fun, for the popularity.

Maybe I, too, was drawn to that aspect when I applied for re-enrollment.

‘Yeah. I wasn’t expecting this....’

I had forgotten. The protagonists of academy stories were all regular students.

They weren’t like me, attending classes with juniors who had spent three years in the military!

“Let’s begin the lecture. Did we cover up to page 25 yesterday?”

“Professor! The weather seems so nice, don’t you think?”

“Yes, it’s truly lovely weather. Shall we have a pop quiz then?”

“Aaaaaah!”

“Just kidding. Hehe.”

The atmosphere is nice. I like this vibe. Huh? Indeed, academies should be like this for my taste.

But here I am, sitting in the far corner, scribbling away.

My classmates in class 22 are talking and joking around with each other, but I can’t... sigh.

It’s not that I don’t understand. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for them.

A senior with nearly a three-year difference, but still in the same freshman year. It’s only natural they would feel that way.

Especially since I, a noble, made the crazy decision to enlist as a soldier.

...Damn it. Now that I think about it, I don’t blame myself for not fitting in.

“Phew.”

I sighed unintentionally. And it seems like someone noticed.

“Ah! Sorry!”

“Huh? Oh, um, it’s okay...”

They pushed their chair back, accidentally grazing my desk, and apologized.

Did they mistake my sigh for irritation and jump straight to apologizing?

No, junior. I’m not angry. And even though there’s a difference in our class years, we’re in the same grade, right?

Please, I’m begging you, don’t be so formal... Just treat me comfortably...!

“Ah, everyone. Let me inform you in advance that this midterm exam will be replaced by a group project.”

“Aaaah! Professor!”

“Why are you all like this? Wouldn’t that be better than studying for an exam? You’re not freshmen anymore, and by now, you all know each other to some extent, don’t you? If you don’t like it, we can change it back to an exam.”

“That’s not it!”

“Come to think of it, a group project sounds good!”

Shit. No. I don’t think that’s it. No. No!

Professor! Please! Don’t do this. Let us take the exam, the exam! Exaaaam!!

Wink-

“...”

At that moment, I saw the professor wink as our eyes met.

Perhaps, in his mind, he’s giving me, a returning student, a chance to bond with class 22...

Ah! Still! Shouldn’t you listen to the opinions of the parties involved first?

Won’t you consider my opinion?

At the professor’s indication, all the students turn to look at me. At the same time, the officers standing in front also turn their gaze towards me.

“Sergeant Karl Adelheit?”

“...Yes. I mean, I was Sergeant Karl Adelheit once.”

Clack! Clack! Clack!-

Damn it, don’t march so confidently even inside the classroom.

Our fresh-faced freshmen are intimidated! So don’t come so close to me!

I was starting to get along with our freshmen, but what’s all this about?!

What the hell? What’s with the pistol in your waistband!? Are you trying to scare the kids?!

“Sergeant Karl Adelheit. Enlisted as a volunteer in the Imperial Army in April of Imperial Year 219. Actively served in the Luzerne’s War for three years. Promoted to sergeant and discharged from the army in July of Imperial Year 222. Is this correct?”

“Yes. That’s me. But seriously, why are you doing this? I’ve already been discharged, so I’m not even part of the army anymore, there’s no reason for you to come looking for me like this.”

I haven’t done anything wrong, but it’s already terrifying. Officers, and not just regular ones, but high-ranking ones too.

I remember when I was a soldier, when people like that came to visit, it usually didn’t end well.

They’d chew you out, criticize you harshly, and sometimes even tear into your soul. And so on.

Suddenly, I feel like I’m experiencing PTSD. Please, just go away quickly. Please...

Clack! Clack!!-

Suddenly, several officers salute me in unison.

Their salutes are so sharp that it feels like they could cut through anything.

“Sergeant Karl Adelheit. This is to express our respect for your dedication to our Empire. We have decided to award you the Medal of Honor to commemorate your services to the Empire.”

“...What?”

Wait a minute. Award me? And to whom?

“The award ceremony will take place at the Ministry of War’s Headquarters in a week.”

A week? Wait, hold on.

In a week, it’s a weekday.

Can’t you see I’m a student? Are you telling me to skip classes and go to the Ministry of War headquarters?

“Um, excuse me.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Um, it’s just that the ceremony being on a weekday might be a bit difficult for me. I’m currently a student.”

The thought of explaining the situation to the professor only occurred to me after I said it.

After three years of idiotic military life, speaking and acting on my own felt so unfamiliar.

So as soon as I said it, I thought, ‘Oh, I might have said too much!’ and tried to correct myself.

“Understood. I will inform them that you would prefer the award ceremony to be held within the academy.”

“Oh, um, okay?”

“Once again, we express our gratitude for your hard work and dedication. We will see you on the day of the award ceremony.”

Clack!-

No! Instead of saluting, can you listen to people a bit more! A sudden award ceremony for distinguished service?!

And why the fuck am I saluting along with them in the first place!

Seems like I still have a long way to go to shake off my military habits. Looks like I’m far from being free of that soldierly demeanor!

“Excuse me for interrupting your lecture, Professor. Thank you for your understanding. If you’ll excuse me.”

With the salutations, the officers rush out.

As the door closes, the classroom returns to its usual state.

“...”

“...”

“...”

No one spoke. Not even me.

...What the fuck is going on?

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]