NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 7
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – ChiSync]
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?
I feel like I’m going to die of discomfort! I’ll manage to make friends on my own, so please, just stop it!
Who on earth wants to be on a team with someone three years older?!
Please, for the love of god, anyone, please step forward and say you don’t want the group project!
Despite my fervent prayers, it seems that even though I have a past life, there’s no such thing as a god.
In the end, the first midterm exam after returning to school was replaced by a group project. Damn it.
“Well then, I’ll give you some time to form your groups now.”
At the professor’s words, class 22 students excitedly began to laugh and chatter.
To them, using lecture time to organize groups must be a good thing.
But not me… Professor. I don’t even know their names…
I don’t even know the names and faces of my classmates…
If I knew it would be like this, I’d rather be pounding stakes in the military… No, that’s not it. Am I going insane?
“Um, senior. Would you…?”
“Huh?”
“Uh, we still have some space in our group. Would you like to join us?”
Oh. Ohh! As expected, as expected! There is a god! Unbelievable! There is!
And it’s not even some sketchy dude, but a female student who approached me first!
“That’s very nice of you, but are you sure it’s okay? Won’t your friends feel uncomfortable?”
“No, actually. They’re all curious about what kind of person you are. The guys want to hear stories about military enlistment.”
So, isn’t this, like, treating me as a slightly insane person? This would make seniors sad, you know.
But oh well. It’s better than crying alone because no one picked me, Heh Heh. It’s better than the professor forcing me in.
Thinking positively, I was about to follow the junior to change seats.
Thump thump thump!-
Even amidst the noisy classroom, the knocking sound reverberates distinctly.
Where have I heard that before? Where was it? Ah… Was it when I barged into the platoon leader’s office?
“Huh? Everyone, quiet down for a moment. Who’s there?”
“We’re from the Ministry of War, sir. I’m truly sorry for interrupting the class, but may I come
in?”
“Oh? Ah, yes! Please come in!”
The classroom door opens, and suddenly a group of Imperial Army officers floods in.
Behind them, Senior Marcus is struggling, not knowing what to do.
But seriously, what the hell is going on that brings officers of the Ministry of War to the Academy?
Are there deserters here? No, then it would be the military, not officers.
Or perhaps it’s a guide for voluntary enlistment in the Imperial Army? But that’s strange because the war has ended.
I never heard any complaints about a shortage of officers during my three years on the front lines.
“I apologize once again, Professor. This is a serious matter.”
“No, no. You are the glorious shield that protects the Empire, so naturally, I should accommodate you. But, why did you suddenly come to my class…?”
“By any chance, is there a student named Karl Adelheid in this classroom?”
Huh? Who? Karl Adelheit? That’s me, isn’t it? I can’t think of anybody else.
But I’ve already been discharged from the military. I’ve cut ties with the army for good.
So why are they looking for me? Why? Did I do something wrong when I was discharged?
Frantically, I rack my brain to recall events before my discharge.
I did a few things, like swiping a few military items or scribbling graffiti on my way home.
Or maybe gossiping about commanders and making some borderline inappropriate jokes?
It wasn’t a big deal. If they’re coming after me for that, it’s ridiculous.
“If you’re talking about Karl Adelheit, the student… Um, is he the one who returned to school in the 19th grade?”
“Hmm. Seems like that’s correct.”
“If it’s that student… Oh, there. There he is. Karl? Looks like you have a visitor.”
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]
Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.𝘤ℴ𝑚 for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience