I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 19

Minister of War, Boss Ahsim (that’s his name and title), told me explicitly.

There’s no need to keep it a secret, but don’t go around blabbering about it everywhere. Be discreet, if possible. It would be even better not to mention it at all.

Since I also had some military experience, naturally, I agreed to do so.

People may praise it as a good deed, but it’ll only attract unnecessary attention. All I want right now is a peaceful life at the academy.

But both I and the Minister had forgotten something at that time.

< Shock! Bold Train Hijacking in Broad Daylight! >

< Hijackers Identified as Elves! >

The next day, as the newspaper articles poured in, I couldn’t help but be amazed.

Oh, right. There’s the media. I had forgotten about the important part.

Everything else may be controlled, but the eyes, ears, and hands of the reporters are unstoppable.

< According to witnesses, the elves referred to themselves as leaders of the temple... >

< Despite the brave efforts of the crew, they all fell victim to the hijackers... >

The first articles contained information that anyone could easily know. I thought it was a decent article for highlighting the bravery of the crew.

But then, it started getting serious.

< Breaking News! The ultimate goal of the hijackers was a station explosion! >

< Recently defeated Luzerne rebels. Once again, they're challenging the Empire! >

< Is there a breach in the Empire's security? Are we safe? >

Whoa, easy there. Isn’t this too sensitive of a topic? Journalists, please.

I understand chasing breaking news, but still, maintain some boundaries! People are dying left and right in various departments!

< Were there heroes besides the brave crew? >

< Lieutenant Magi Kantate, from the Imperial Army (24 years old). Safely evacuated passengers! >

< Admirable! Our Imperial Army! Fantastic! Our youth! >

Oh boy, this guy is bound to get promoted soon. Even if he wasn’t, he’d still get high marks.

Isn’t it the duty of a country to promote and nurture officers who put their lives on the line for the people? Of course, promote him vigorously and let him thrive in higher positions!

It’s quite satisfying to see someone who suffered with me being rewarded.

Yeah. That’s how it should be. Only when we achieve that can we confidently face any similar situations in the future—

< Exclusive Report! Another unnamed hero saved the Empire's citizens?! >

< The one who saved the citizens and eliminated the terrorists has been revealed... >

< Hero, Lieutenant Magi. "I am not a hero. The real heroes are elsewhere." Confession! >

I threw the newspaper aside. Lieutenant Magi… Did you really have to do it all by yourself?…

This poor returning student is already struggling enough as a recipient of the Medal of Honor and being with the four main protagonists!

My head was pounding, so I rushed out of the room for a walk.

Once this is revealed, our juniors will be chasing after us again starting tomorrow. They’ll definitely accuse us of being elf murderers or judges. It’s obvious.

…You might say becoming famous is a good thing. But the reason for becoming famous isn’t so great.

From my perspective, my military service wasn’t a shining memory I want to recall. I just want to bury it deep and keep it to myself, but it keeps getting dragged out forcibly!

“Karl.”

The culprits behind all this turmoil, the Kanfras, and the four protagonists.

While sitting on the bench and resenting them, I heard a familiar voice from behind.

“…Selena?”

“Mind if I sit for a moment?”

“Huh? Uh, sure. Sit, sit.”

This bench is for students’ use. Why is she even asking for permission?

“….”

“….”

Honestly, I’ll tell you the truth. It’s really uncomfortable. So uncomfortable it’s driving me crazy.

Just sitting here brings back memories of what I did back then.

Selena on the verge of a confession attack. I was a freshman, and I couldn’t even make it through freshman year.

And then I, the bastard, made a little ‘public confession’ right there.

‘Couldn’t I have done it when we were alone? Fucking idiot. Why did I do it in front of everyone?’

Given that, it was natural for Selena to be angry with me.

Back then, Selena was quite cold. So, I was even more shocked.

You know, when someone who usually smiles suddenly gets serious and angry, that memory sticks with you for a long time.

Maybe at that time, I felt even more ashamed than ever.

Of course, I don’t blame Selena. Not at all, really.

It was only natural. When you think about it, I was the one who caused it all.

No one asked me to confess. I did it willingly, all by myself.

I knew Selena was aware of the situation, yet I burdened her with it.

‘It’s not like she dumped me and insulted my character.’

And fleeing to the military after being rejected was also my doing.

I have no reason to be angry with Selena.

“Karl.”

Perhaps that’s why. Maybe I now truly feel it’s okay.

“Will you… forgive me?”

Sitting beside Selena and saying that out of the blue.

Stupidly enough, all I could muster was a ‘Huh?’ and a sigh.

* * *

A few days ago, when I visited the office, Senior Marcus said this.

“Have you heard the news? Those four. They suddenly tried to enlist as soldiers.”

“What do you mean by those four?”

“Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim. Those guys.”

I heard that those four suddenly disappeared. I knew they took leaves of absence.

But the reason being they tried to enlist? As soon as I heard that, it hit me. This must be…

“Karl, it looks like that bastard cheated. Anyway, he’s not in his right mind.”

Hearing his words, I felt a pang in my heart without realizing it.

Back then, in my immature days. The moment I thought being loved was a given.

The past when I poured out the negative emotions I received from others onto someone undeserving.

Karl was the victim of my actions. He ended up with a big wound.

But he smiled and stepped back. He said he understood and even cheered me on.

And then he enlisted as a soldier, went to the battlefield, and saved my brother.

He must have struggled a lot too. Yet, he thought of others before himself.

‘He was the opposite of who I was back then, thinking of others more than myself.’

Whether it was a coincidence or something else doesn’t matter.

What matters now is that the shameful past came back vividly to my mind.

And another thing. I realized something new about myself.

I suddenly felt uneasy. It was a feeling I had never experienced before.

My time at the academy is almost over, not even half a year left. That means graduation.

Of course, I might still meet Karl outside. But, it won’t be the same pure feeling.

Only encounters filled with political and external factors await.

I hated it. I wanted to somehow undo the mess I caused.

Since Karl approached me first last time, should I approach him this time?

I’d apologize for my immaturity, explain my excuses, my situation in the moment.

Maybe that would give me a second chance.

‘Ah.’

Was it a coincidence? Or was it a chance given to me by God?

Even though it was a weekend, I happened to meet Karl at the academy.

“Mind if I sit for a moment?”

When I came to my senses, I was already in the middle of speaking.

It occurred to me later that Karl might feel uncomfortable too.

So, even though I said it, I couldn’t help but feel a slight regret.

“Uh? Sure. Sit, sit.”

Karl accepted my words nonchalantly. Really, completely nonchalantly.

It was just like that time, when I took it all out on him, even though it wasn’t him.

I’d hurt him so badly, and he’d just smiled and walked away.

Perhaps he enlisted as a soldier after dwelling alone on the embarrassment and pain.

He may deny it, but there must have been a reason. It’s clear. Because of me. He ended up suffering, even though he didn’t have to, because of me.

But Karl, even amidst all that, was thinking of others, not just me.

And through that, he saved countless people, even my brother.

Karl was a hero. But he never boasted about it. Instead, he felt ashamed.

I know why. It wasn’t to become a hero. It was for someone else. Because that’s the kind of man Karl was, the one I knew.

“Karl.”

So, I had to say it even more. He needed a moment for himself now.

“Will you… forgive me?”

“…Huh?”

“Well, you see…”

Unknowingly, I poured out my story in front of Karl.

I didn’t hate you so much that I was so mean to you.

It’s just… I received too many confessions and couldn’t even enjoy being a freshman properly.

I know you did nothing wrong, but I took it out on you so relentlessly.

I feel even more stupid now that I say it. I’m making excuses while begging for forgiveness.

I felt pathetic, but my words kept coming out regardless of my will.

In the midst of it all, Karl, thankfully, not only listened but also supported me quietly, preventing me from feeling embarrassed or awkward.

“…That’s why I rejected you so bluntly. That’s why I hurt you. I want to apologize for that. And I want to ask for forgiveness for the suffering you endured because of it.”

“Selena. That’s not…”

“You said it wasn’t because of me. But, it wasn’t right. I know. Inevitably, I became a reason, even if just a little. You suffered, you felt pain, because of me.”

Karl continued to listen quietly, not denying my words this time. It felt relieving to acknowledge that.

“So, I’m sorry. Karl.”

“…”

“It’s not for any other reason. Well, there might be… other reasons. Anyway… Can I ask for your forgiveness?”

I tense up. My heart races. What will Karl’s response be?

“Of course…”

As Karl was about to reply, his expression suddenly stiffened.

“Selena.”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Later.”

With an uneasy expression, he stood up from his seat.

Without looking back, he turned and walked away.

“Oh…”

Tears suddenly welled up. I still can’t be forgiven—

“He’s over there! There! Confirm! It’s Sergeant Karl Adelheit!”

“Sergeant! Sergeant!! You’ve been featured in the State Gazette! Can we have a word?”

“Do you believe reconciliation between the Empire and the Elves is possible? Please answer!”

“What are your thoughts on national security? We’d like to hear your opinion!”

“Could you give us a brief interview, Sergeant Karl Adelheit!”

Uh. Uh…. Wha– what? What is this all about…?

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶