I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[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.

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.

‘It feels like I just bought a new pair from the clothing store.’

Perhaps it was because I was a recipient of a medal of honor that they took such care.

The glittering medal had never felt so precious before.

* * *

Tap-tap-tap-tap! ―

“…!”

Even before his mind fully registered the faint bugle call, his body reacted instinctively.

Of course, unlike when I was a private, I didn’t jump up in a panic and tidy up my bedding.

I simply pretended not to hear and waited for someone to wake me up again.

…Oh. Wait. Come to think of it, I don’t have any junior soldiers to wake me up since I’ve been discharged.

I sluggishly pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes.

Let’s just do it roughly. I’m neither a soldier nor on active duty anymore, so it doesn’t matter.

Then, as I opened my eyes, I realized something unbelievable. Why am I even caught up in the blanket? I clearly said I’d do it roughly!

Knock knock―

“Good morning!”

“Oh, hello, Lieutenant Megi. Did you sleep well?”

Apparently he slept rough on the couch in the break room.

He could’ve slept here. Why did he do that when there’s twenty other people here?

No matter how much I persuaded him, he insisted on using the lounge, saying he didn’t want to inconvenience a recipient of a medal of honor.

Actually, I was thankful. It would’ve been a bit… no, very awkward if he stayed until I fell asleep.

“As I mentioned yesterday, the morning schedule consists of a lecture for the trainees. After a brief greeting, you can return by train.”

“Oh, those guys… the discharged trainees?”

“Yes, those four individuals will conclude their stay after the Sunday religious ceremony.”

“Really?”

“The individuals themselves requested it, and the camp has approved it.”

Well, whatever. You guys do whatever you want. There’s nothing much to do at the academy on weekends anyway.

Honestly, there’s nothing better than finishing camp life with a religious ceremony.

“More importantly, is it really okay?”

“Did you hear well?”

“It’s Saturday today, the weekend. Isn’t it the trainees’ rest time? My lecture was originally scheduled for weekdays. This way, the conditions for weekend rest…”

“Oh, that matter has already been settled. Today’s scheduled lecture will be replaced by ensuring rest conditions for the soldiers during next week’s scheduled lecture!”

“…”

Really… amazing. Huh? Impressive. If they put in this much effort, I should probably go through with that darn lecture. I should.

“Anyway, looking forward to the lecture!”

“Would the Lieutenant also…?”

“Of course! A lecture given by a recipient of a medal of honor! Isn’t that amazing?!”

It’s astonishing. If anyone hears about this, they’d think I’ve prepared the lecture in advance.

Me giving a lecture? The only thing I’m good at talking about is military anecdotes.

What lecture topics could I possibly have in front of trainees. Uh… What on earth is there?

‘…Oh, I don’t know. Shit. It’ll be what it is.’

And during the morning lecture, in front of all the trainees (including the four heavenly kings), I confidently wrote on the board in large letters:

– Why does the Imperial Army call elves ‘Kanfra’? –

Incidentally, the term “Kanfra” exists in this world too. Perhaps because the original work is a novel.

– 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]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

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