Chapter 15

Chapter 15

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 15

After spending about two weeks together and receiving training together, the four of them are getting out by the end of the week!

The news quickly spread to their fellow trainees.

Children from noble families and imperial aristocratic households, quite different from themselves.

Despite the huge difference in status, they got along surprisingly well. Folll0w current novÊls on n/o/v/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Perhaps it was the camaraderie of being “soldiers” and the bond forged through shared hardships.

“They’re leaving, the noble ones?”

“That’s a shame. I thought we were going to be assigned to the same unit.”

“Well, at least we’ve got a lifetime supply of drinking buddies now. We’re the only ones who’ve rolled with those immensely noble folks, right? Hahaha! We can score a few drinks from this!”

“That’s true. I thought nobles would be different, but they’re just like us. Haha!”

Nobles they may be, but at the same time, they’re their barracks mates.

It’s disappointing to hear that they’re leaving. They were just starting to become friends. It felt like they were friends just because they shared the same space and suffered together.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they want to hold onto them.

“Frankly, it’s right for them to go. It’s fun now, but it’ll be tough later on.”

“My older brother from the neighborhood says if you’ve got wealthy relatives, the unit gets tougher.”

“The higher-ups just want them to stay high up. It’d be a loss for both of us if they came here and embarrassed themselves. We appreciate them sharing the same hardships, but it’s a bit burdensome for us, you know?”

There are those who can handle it and those who can’t.

The country noblemen who are used to seeing each other a lot, yes, that’s fine.

But those four are the eldest sons of marquises and the sons of imperial families.

Without a jest, if those folks even cough once, the instructors will either swear to kill the cold or swear to kill the instructors who caused the cold.

That’s why, when Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim return to the dormitory.

“Hahaha! It’s been fun! Lords!”

“Now that you’ve had your fun here, please acknowledge how hard we’ve been working and consider raising our soldier’s pay!”

“It was a pleasure training with you! Thank you for your hard work!”

They were already watching. From beginning to end. All of them.

They stood firm till the end, despite being told to give up.

It was impressive to see them persist, even though they didn’t have any obligations and simply enlisted.

No trainee dared utter the words ‘It’s too hard, so I’m running away.’

Meanwhile.

“...This is ridiculous. Seriously.”

By some twist of fate, I found himself spending a day in the recruit training camp against my will. Having even eaten dinner of simple rice and finding myself in need of sleeping in a bed for the night.

‘This feels like I’ve completely re-enlisted.’

Was this some kind of premonition? If I knew, I would’ve at least brought some salt.

I silently turned my head to survey my surroundings.

A spacious and comfortable area, cleared out by instructors and sergeants from one of the barracks.

I was relieved to see that it would be enough to get me through the day.

Of course, this was their perspective; from Karl’s viewpoint, it would only result in PTSD.

If they dared assign me to any guard duty or fire watch, I’d really snap.

Karl thought as he spread a blanket on the mattress and lay down.

I was wondering what would happen if the blanket was of inferior quality, but fortunately, the instructor had managed to procure a special A-grade one for me.

– 101 Reasons Not to Trust Kanfra –

For reference, when I say ‘Kanfra,’ I mean the pro-elf faction, the Luzerne.

On the other hand, Hyzens, a dove, is a type that fits the word elf itself.

“There’s a saying. If you know your enemy and fight, you will not be in danger even if you fight a hundred times. As you all know, I am a veteran of the Luzerne’s War. Therefore, I consider myself well-versed in their ways. That’s why today’s lecture topic is precisely this. The ongoing threat to the Empire’s security posed by the Kanfra. It’s about the aggressive and radical elves, Luzerne .”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs might come running, saying the atmosphere towards the elves could get hostile...

But what can you do? Honestly, they struck first, didn’t they? Isn’t the Kanfra hostility a result of their own actions?

And on top of that, the Heizens don’t hesitate to criticize the Luzerne without considering them fellow Luzerne if they’re found in Luzerne’s territory.

During the lecture, I passionately listed reasons why one should not trust the Kanfras, even recounting the fierce battles fought with the Luzerne over nearly three years.

And when the lecture ended, nearing two hours.

“Trainees, elves are our allies. But Luzerne are not. So, what should we call them?”

“Kanfras!”

“That’s right. So what are Kanfras to us?”

“Our enemies!!”

Hmm. Very satisfying. You all seem like excellent soldiers!

* * *

It was a sudden deployment task. But it was quite satisfying.

To think that a mere Lieutenant like me would be moving alongside a recipient of a medal of honor.

It’s an honorable thing. I’ll definitely brag about it when I have kids! Definitely!

“Are you really leaving tomorrow? Why not just go together today?”

“I just want to attend the religious ceremony and say proper goodbyes.”

“Sigh... Fine. Do as you wish.”

After exchanging greetings with my friends (though Sergeant Karl Adelheit referred to them as enemies), I traveled back to the station with Sergeant Adelheit in a carriage.

Apparently, the camp commander had already arranged for us to have first-class seats on the train.

“Phew.”

As soon as we sat down, Sergeant Adelheit let out a sigh and leaned back in his seat, appearing quite exhausted.

Well, giving a passionate lecture in front of hundreds of trainees would understandably take its toll. I needed to be careful not to disturb him.

“Oh, Lieutenant Megi. You’ve also worked hard.”

At the somewhat unexpected words, I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Honestly, calling it ‘hard work’ would be an exaggeration. It was just a deployment task, after all.

And I’m an officer, so it’s expected of me. But even though Sergeant Adelheit has already been discharged, he’s still like this.

So, if we’re talking about hardship, Sergeant Adelheit has probably endured ten times more than me.

“No, Sergeant, you’ve endured much more.”

“That’s true. Well then, let’s both take a little rest. Being in that damn barracks makes your mind race, so I couldn’t sleep well.”

What soldier dislikes rest! Indeed, it seems different for a recipient of a medal of honor.

If he were a senior, he’d probably advise me on what to do after returning and finishing remaining tasks. Well then, let’s get about 40 minutes of good sleep...

Kwaaang! ―

“Uuueeerk!”

W-What was that? An explosion? Oh, could the train have derailed?! Is it a major accident?! Am I going to die? I just got promoted to Lieutenant!

“C-Sergeant Karl! A-Are you okay—”

“...Damn it. Those damn Kanfra bastards.”

Instantly, without realizing it, I found myself holding my breath. The person I knew as Sergeant Karl had disappeared, and an apparition from hell had taken his place.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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