Chapter 9: Entering the Academy

Chapter 9: Entering the Academy



Contrary to what Bruno's father initially believed would happen following his son's duel with the Prince of Lippe, the Kaiser was not at all offended by the boy's actions. And was actually quite pleased with his performance. Going out of his way to approach Bruno's father and establish ties with him.

Because of this, Bruno's father and the Junker coalition would gain a significant amount of favor in the Reichstag's next election. And in the coming years, Bruno's father would be appointed to the Bundesrat as he desired.

Despite Prince Julius' grievous injuries, he did not perish, and instead made a full recovery. And though he wanted to take vengeance on Bruno for humiliating him to such a degree, his father condemned him in the most severe of terms, and made sure that the Prince would not make any trouble.

Another two years had passed in the blink of an eye. Bruno finished up his schooling without incident and applied for admission to the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. With the personal recommendation of the Kaiser himself.

Who had begun keeping a close eye on Bruno ever since his performance on that fateful night. Bruno was accepted with ease into Prussia's foremost military academy for training new officers.

Like most military academies, Bruno would be forced to live in the barracks. Meaning he would not be able to return home for some time. Because of this, he gathered his mother, father, and young fiancée together in his home. Where he said his temporary farewells, as he would not be able to see any of them until the holidays when they were granted leave.

Both Elsa and Heidi were in tears, as they did not want to wait so long to see the boy, no, the young man, return from the academy. However, his father had a look of pride on his face, as he congratulated Bruno on getting admitted to the academy like his brothers had before him. "Bruno, I had no doubt that someone of your talents would get accepted to the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. Your talents are exceptional, perhaps even peerless among those your own age. But you will come to understand that your noble status means nothing where you are headed off to.

Gone are the days where nobility gain esteemed positions in the military because of their heritage. The Army is a place of pure meritocracy. You will gain your position when you earn it, but you must start out from the bottom like everyone else.

I recommend that you do not behave poorly towards those of common birth, as they too will be alongside you as your fellow cadets. And it would be unwise to make enemies simply because our family has earned the honor of being called Lords."

Bruno naturally had no intentions of looking down upon commoners. He had never done so in this life, and the reason for that was simple. He still had memories of his past life where it was an era long after the monarchy and noble families had fallen from power and glory.

Because of this, he had no such arrogance simply because his family was born into a higher social class. Thus, he nodded his head and assured his father he need not worry about such things.

"You don't need to fret over such matters, Father. Since when have I ever treated someone poorly simply because they were a commoner?"

This assuring statement caused Bruno's father to smile and nod his head in agreement with his youngest son's remarks.

"Indeed, you are not like your brothers. Since a young age, you have had an air of wisdom and maturity that usually only comes with exceptional life experience. I do not worry about you in the slightest. Now, I believe you have two ladies waiting to say their farewells to you."

Bruno shook his father's hand before turning to address his mother. Despite the fact that she was in her mid forties, she looked as if she were ten years younger. She was crying profusely over the idea that her youngest son had finally become a man.

No matter how much she tried to resist the urge to hug her youngest son, Elsa could not do so. She clung tightly to Bruno and made him promise that he would be okay.

"My baby boy is all grown up, and going off to the Academy. Promise me, Bruno, that you will write to your mother every day! I want to hear how life is treating you in the Army! If anyone dares bully you, you tell your mother and she will straighten them out real quick!"

Bruno had to force himself away from his mother's embrace. He had long since grown accustomed to her overprotective nature. But he would also never make a promise he couldn't fulfill. Because of this, he was quick to reject his mother's request, but assured her everything would be fine.

"Relax mother, it's not like I am going off to war. I'm simply attending a Military Institute of higher learning. I'll be fine."

Unfortunately, one of the other noblemen within the barracks overheard him and was quick to

approach Bruno. After all, he had made quite a name for himself after besting Prince Julius two years prior, and nobles seemed to have long memories.

"Hold on a second. Did I hear you correctly? Bruno von Zehntner, as in the guy who bested Prince Julius von Lippe in a duel of honor? That's you?"

Bruno looked over at the man who said this and was quick to confirm he was indeed that man.

"That's correct. Although it was really just a glorified fencing match. Why do you ask?"

The young nobleman was quick to push Heinrich aside and introduce himself, which was something that Bruno found distasteful.

"I have heard a lot about you. They say you're a peerless genius among those your own age. Although, I have been known to be something of a genius myself! I look forward to competing

with you!"

Bruno looked at the man with an odd expression. Almost as if he was looking at an idiot who self-proclaimed himself to be more intelligent than he actually was. Which was something commonly found among stupid people.

And because of this, he leaned over and whispered to Heinrich, inquiring just who this young

man was.

"I'm sorry. Who is this guy supposed to be?"

Heinrich sighed. He was well aware of who this man was. He was infamous for abusing his privilege as a nobleman, and that of his father who was in the Reichstag.

"That is Erich von Humboldt. He thinks he is some kind of prodigy. But in reality he is a bit of

a dullard. The only reason he is here is because his father intervened on his behalf and pulled some strings. Normally that isn't supposed to happen, but when your father is in the Reichstag, certain shady deals can be made behind the scenes..."

Bruno was curious about this, he had earned his place in this school, what with his unapparelled academics, as well as the fact that he earned the Kaiser's favor through chivalric action who was more than happy to write a letter of recommendation on his behalf.

But that was the extent of the help he received from the Kaiser. Kaiser Wilhelm II was not willing to personally pull strings to get Bruno admitted, as the relationship between the Kaiser and Bruno's father was not that deep. Nor did Bruno or his father ask such a massive

favor.

It was these kinds of people who Bruno despised. But he did not say anything to Erich. Because he figured that a guy like him would wash out of the Academy in a few weeks, maybe a few months at the top.

And so Bruno's life in the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. It was a place where lifetime friendships would be forged. And where Bruno himself would earn his place as an officer in the Imperial German Army.