I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

Chapter 49

[Translator Angel Dust]

[Proofreader Prototype]

Chapter 49

Its because were not in any kind of relationship, right? Were not in any kind of relationship, right? Were not in any kind of relationship relationship rela

If Karl were here, he might have chuckled and asked, Whats with this echo effect?

Right now, Selena was experiencing exactly that. It was very clear and definite. A sticky, persistent feeling she wanted to shake off but couldnt.

I wanted to say something. I wanted to refute it quickly. Its not really that were not in any kind of relationship.

Even though I rejected his confession three years ago, it wasnt a genuine action from my heart.

Rather, were getting along better now than we were then!

Huh?! You just met Karl, and from what he told me, youve only known each other for less than a week, and he doesnt even remember much about you! On the other hand, Ive gotten a confession of my own! I even have a favor to ask!

I felt an overwhelming desire to say all that. I wanted to shout it out right now.

But I couldnt bring myself to do it. Ultimately, Lavrentis words were right.

From a rational standpoint, me and Karl were nothing to each other.

At best, we were colleagues. A little more, we were friends. Thats it.

Anything more than that is impossible in the current situation. The reason, of course, is because I turned him down.

Regardless of whether I regret it now or claim to have changed my mind, its not important.

Whats more, if asked whether that part applies to Karl as well, Im unsure.

The one who would have been hurt the most is Karl. Beyond that, nothing is possible without his permission. Yes. Just like that day, when Karl confessed to me.

No, Karl! Why did you have to confess in public!

Suddenly, a sense of resentment crept up. Honestly, it was too difficult to endure.

Even without this, as a freshman, I had been struggling with confessions for over a month. And doing it in front of everyone!

But I shook my head. Its not right to blame Karl like this.

If I really loved him, she would have accepted his confession.

Its me who should be blamed now, for suddenly regretting it.

Selena?

Do I know my inner thoughts or not? To be honest, I think I know it very well.

At Lavrentis urging, I was silent for a moment, then slowly parted my lips.

The secret is.

Wait. How did she get close to Karl again, now that I think about it?

We were clearly uncomfortable with each other, but somehow were very close now.

What was the trigger for that? I mean, was there a trigger at all?

If I really think about it I guess thats it.

I hesitated for a moment, but then spoke up.

The academy.

What?

Nothing much, just that Im in the academy, and so is Karl. Were at the Academy. Were students at the Academy. We bumped into each other, said hello, and then we started talking, and then we got closer. Like Rav said, even though were not in a relationship.

The academy. The academy. Lavrenti murmured the words as if under a spell for a while.Fllw ew stories at n/v(e)lb/in(.)com

Is the secret, the academy?

From Selenas perspective, it might seem like she gave a reason without any thought, almost embarrassingly so.

But to Lavrenti, it felt completely different. Rather, it seemed quite reasonable.

Right. I havent seen master since that time. And master always wanted to go back to the academy.

Even though there were comrades, and it was undoubtedly a crucial turning point in life.

Surely, it was a place where no one would want to stay. If they could leave, it would be the place they wanted to leave the most.

So when Karl, who had left the military, went to the academy and met Selena there.

Meeting someone in a place they desired would feel different from the start. They would have easily become close. Since the atmosphere was good, their relationship naturally became closer.

Indeed, the academy is the answer.

Lavrenti turned her head and stared at the academy for a moment.

Academy life. It might be unknown to others, but to me, it was like a dream.

I have a family to support right now, and I need to repay my parents for their kindness.

On top of that, I need to find the money to pay for the academy.

Considering the amount of money I have to provide for my younger siblings, its very tight.

Plus, Im ashamed to say it, but Im not an educated person.

I can read and write, but thats about it. I never thought I wanted to learn more than that.

If it werent for Karl, I might have just stayed in the military. I would have certainly done that.

Its difficult. The academy. I want to get closer to my master, but

Lavrenti fell into contemplation, touching her lips.

And Selena, looking at her, was lost in thought as well.

Lastly

How do I look?

Just a while ago, you were very sharp, but now youre quiet again.

Hmm Im curious how this will unfold!

Karl, youre one lucky bastard.

Even the four who were eavesdropping secretly.

Now, if only Karl would appear, it would be perfect.

What are you all squatting there and doing?

Didnt they say even a tiger would come when you call it? Karl appeared behind the four.

Although they heard he went to the Imperial palace. It was quite an early appearance.

Karl?

What? Already here?

I heard you went to the Imperial palace?

What did you do there?

Whoa, calm down, you bastards. One question at a time. One at a time.

You guys have four mouths, but I only have one!

* * *

To cut to the chase, I ended up working with the crown prince.

I dont know why Hyzens requested my presence at the meeting.

Will it be okay? They wont debate whether to kill me right there in the meeting, will they?

What matters on the battlefield is only one thing. Distinguishing between friend and foe.

Even if theyre the same person, if theyre a traitor, theyre killed.

If theyre an elf and fought together, theyre treated as comrades.

In that regard, although Hyzens, like Luzernes, are elves, they seemed somewhat tolerant probably because they had the perception of being allies.

But unavoidably, both are elves. From my perspective, its a struggle between elves.

Hyzens probably wouldnt want to be seen as ignorant hardliners like Luzernes, but what can you do? Just at the sight of elves, its reflexive to look for the Great Sword.

The crown prince seemed to be aware of that aspect, as he added, If its too much, let me know immediately. Ill do my best to reject their proposal.

After a brief hesitation, I nodded. I couldnt be buried in the past forever. Besides, Hyzens is clearly an ally and a comrade who fought alongside me.

Ill go. To the meeting.

When I gave an immediate response, the crown prince smiled gratefully.

He said if I ever needed his help, I should ask. I even managed to get a promise from him to do everything he could within his power.

Well, I should probably save my favor for when the crown prince becomes the emperor, right?

Anyway. So, I received another Medal of Honor this way. The end.

I briefly mentioned the meeting with Hyzens and only told the four about the medal ceremony.

Then, the way these bastards looked at me suddenly seemed to get weird

This, this crazy guy.

Is he even human? Hey, Karl. Are you human?

Receiving two Medals of Honor is unbelievable

Do you happen to have an autograph?

Ha. This popularity. PopularNo, not that.

To be honest, Im also confused. I left the military, so what kind of Medal of Honor is this?

As far as I know, the Imperial Medal of Honor is awarded only to soldiers or combatants.

It honors their bravery and sacrifice, hoping for more heroes to come forward.

And I, Ive been discharged. Even though some still call me a sergeant, strictly speaking, its a position before discharge. Now, Im just a regular academy student.

I even asked the crown prince about this part, as it was doubtful. How could I receive a Medal of Honor? Wouldnt there be resistance in the Ministry of War?

Then came the response, which was quite ironic No, remarkable?

I suggested it. Karl.

Your Highness?

Yes. Dont worry. I didnt push my status. When you did heroic deeds, you were still a soldier. Theres a law that allows ex-soldiers to be re-summoned within three months of discharge in case of a similar situation.

So, technically, Im still a soldier because I have some military status!

Huh? Im retired, but Im still a soldier, so I guess I can get a medal of honor! Oh, my God.

It was ridiculous. Its half-assed. Thats like saying that the other guys who left the military with me are still soldiers.

I guarantee if I relayed that message to other discharged folks, thered be an uproar. Aaah! Still a soldier! Aaah!! theyd shout in protest.

Of course, that was just a pretext for awarding me the Medal of Honor.

Considering how they brought up such forced interpretations of the law just to present me with the Medal of Honor, its clear that the crown prince not only pushed for it but also approved it even during wartime.

Think of it positively. Its good to receive it again.

Thats right. Ive never seen anyone receive two Medals of Honor before.

Will this record never be broken?

I bet it wont be broken.

In the meantime, those guys just looked amazed. And Joachim. You dont have a tail, you asshole.

But anyway, what were you what were you guys doing?

Us? Just watching.

Watching?

When I subtly turned my gaze to where Shulifen was pointing

Selena and Rav? Why is she back at the academy?

We dont know.

Of course we dont.