I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator Angel Dust]

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Chapter 101

We didnt achieve what we wanted, but the princess is quite perceptive. If she had made a fuss without understanding the situation, I would have labeled her an enemy and kept her far away from Karl.

Its a shame. I wanted to hear her describe what it felt like to be held by Karl. Well, if she had, she wouldnt have backed down so easily, but thats just talk. Hahaha!

She seemed determined not to say anything about it.

It seems both Eloise and Lav had similar thoughts to mine. They were likely testing the waters with Laskers Fifth Princess, or rather, the student now known as Lefia, to see how she would react.

But she got the hint, didnt she? Both Selena and I, and even Lavrenti here. We were warning her that Karl already has far more formidable women around him, so she shouldnt bother trying anything.

Eloise is right, but you never know whats in someones heart.

If I could go back three years and tell myself, Youll regret it if you dont accept Karls confession, I would have called myself crazy.

I never doubt that Karl would choose me, and the other women here, over anyone else.

If he were that kind of man, all three of us wouldnt have fallen for him.

The problem is, even if he doesnt waver, others might find him attractive. Having too many competitors isnt good. Its tiring!

I hope were just misunderstanding her.

Its a bit funny to hear Lav, who was just as hostile as Eloise, say that. But her words suggest she doesnt want more competition, which I can understand.

The problem is, my gut feeling tells me thats not going to happen. Its a special ability of our family. Both my father and brother have benefited from this intuition.

Judging by that feeling Lefia isnt just a passing breeze.

I dont know if she thinks shes hiding it perfectly or if shes not sure herself. I cant read her mind.

But one thing is clear. Lefias eyes sparkled whenever she talked about Karl, like a child hearing their favorite fairy tale.

How should I put it? Its like Uh, happiness? Utopia? Something similar, a person wandering in search of it?

Selena?

Ah, yes. What is it, Eloise? Do you have something to say?

Im going to head out. Its time for me to check our elves homework.

I see. Go ahead Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Homework? Whats this homework thing about? And even from the elf exchange students?

As far as I know, elves are so proud that professors try not to assign homework as much as possible.

Theyll accept exams, but they dont want their academic passion to be evaluated through assignments or something like that?

Honestly, everyone knows its nonsense. But the professors accept it because the elf exchange students academic achievements arent bad.

Because of their pride, and their determination not to lose to the Empires students, they really do work hard.

If they channeled that effort into being more open-minded, Hyzens would have grown as much as the Empire, if not more. Anyway, I dont understand why elves are all so strange!

Especially Eloise, whos the strangest ahem. No. I cant let this show on the outside. She might use it as an excuse to do something weird to Karl. Anyway!

Did you say homework, just now?

Yes. Homework.

Elf exchange students are doing homework? Willingly?

They have to. If they dont, Im going to cut off their ears and pickle them in salt!

It feels like I just heard something too absurd to be true. But whats scarier is that I think Eloise might actually do it.

I think its a good idea. Thats how it should be with elves who dont listen to reason.

Meanwhile, Lav is agreeing with her. Could Karl be the same? He must have suffered a lot in the war with Luzernes. He cant have a good opinion of elves.

Yes, that could be it. Its highly possible. Then I agree with Eloise and Lav! If Karl says elves are bad, then they must be bad!

Selena. I will accompany Lefia from now on.

Suddenly? Why, Lav?

Because I was the last to meet Master, but the closest to him. That is the reason.

I see.

At Lavs answer, I momentarily glanced at Eloise. As if she understood the meaning, she whistled and winked, as if to say, Lets keep it a secret.

This time, I decided to follow Eloises lead. In fact, if you count those who got close to Karl, Im not far behind. I even wore a single robe and leaned against his back in the same hot spring.

If Lav were to find out, the aftermath would be Ugh, its better to keep it a secret!

* * *

Lefia opened her eyes and slowly sat up. As if she had a nightmare, her back was drenched in cold sweat.

Haa

Lefia wiped her face with her hands and let out a long sigh.

The same dream again. The Second Princess, who was so kind when they were young, her own sister, was strangling her.

Whats even scarier is that the bodies of her other siblings were already piled up behind her.

Why does this keep happening?

She had to forget. It was her homeland, but now she had to live like a citizen of the Empire more than anyone else.

Thats what the Second Princess wanted. It was the only way out that the Second Princess had given her.

At first, she resented her. But soon she understood. Why she was sent to the Empire.

It was called studying abroad, but it was closer to exile, a forced study abroad.

If I had stayed in my home country, I dont know what would have happened to me in this chaotic situation.

Despite being neutral, she is still a direct descendant of the royal family. The opposing faction of the Second Princess, cornered and desperate, could very well choose her as their figurehead and rally for resistance.

In such a scenario, even if she has no contact or shared intentions with them, there could be calls for her elimination as an enemy simply due to her lineage.

So the Second Princess sent her to the Empire. To go there and live as an Imperial citizen.

Then, no one in the kingdom would view her as a princess in the line of succession any longer. They would see her as someone who has taken to Imperial ways by living there, making her unsuitable for the throne.

I understand, Sister. I truly do. ButI cant help but feel a little hurt.

With about a month left before the new semester at the academy started, Lefia resolved to make the most of her time.

She would interact with as many Imperial students as possible, ensuring a smooth transition into her life as an exchange student.

This was both a response to the Second Princesss final act of mercy, showing her a path to survival, and Lefias own determination to live.

I was supposed to have tea with them this afternoon

Lefia muttered to herself, then let out a hollow laugh.

Yesterdays events came flooding back. Three women, their attention solely focused on a single mans embrace.

They were from different backgrounds, with distinct speech patterns and personalities.

One, a high-ranking noble of the Empire. Another, a commoner of the Empire. And the last, neither Imperial nor even human, an elf from Hyzens.

Yet, they shared one thing in commontheir affection for a man named Karl. And it wasnt just a fleeting interest, it was a deep-seated love.

It was palpable.

Lefia had a sinking feeling shed made a bad impression. It was as if shed unwittingly flirted with a man who was already taken.

But it wasnt intentional! She was just caught in the moment.

Karl was the one who embraced me, not the other way around! It was so unfair!

But saying that out loud would only reopen the wounds shed just barely managed to close.

Despite the awkward start, Lefia realized that Selena, Eloise, and Lavrenti were good people. Well, two people and an elf, to be precise.

She reminded herself that it was wise to get along with them. Even if it was a bit embarrassing and unfair, she resolved to explain herself and smooth things over.

Since we were supposed to meet for tea today anyway, it wouldnt be a bad idea to try and get a little closer to them.

Alright.

But first, she needed to familiarize herself with the academys layout. Shed heard it was so vast that one could easily get lost without knowing where they were going.

Leaving her room, Lefia began by exploring the dormitorys surroundings. Using it as a starting point, she gradually learned the geography of the area.

Once she had a rough grasp of the local layout, she moved on to the central area, where the academys main building and several other large structures were located.

It was impressive when she first arrived, but seeing it up close like this made it even more so.

It was almost larger than the royal capital of Lasker, with a bit of exaggeration.

Perhaps the saying, The Imperial Academy is similar in size to the capital, wasnt an exaggeration after all.

Princess Lefia?

A voice calling her name from behind made her turn around.

Ah!

Lefia realized that the person who called her was Karl Adelheit, the man the women had been searching for yesterday.

We meet again.

Yes, yes. We do. I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Lefia Arkebel.

Karl Adelheit.

Karl introduced himself, but with a slightly uneasy expression as he glanced at Lefia.

Sensing something amiss, Lefia asked, Is something wrong?

Youre not surprised.

Surprised? Why?

Um Do you not know of the Adelheit family?

Lefia shook her head.

Or the Friedrich County?

Once again, Lefia shook her head, causing Karl to be taken aback.

But, Father. You said you destroyed Lefias maternal family. Why doesnt she seem to know anything about it?

Ah, wait a minute. Just a moment?

Suddenly, as though remembering something, Lefia lets out a gasp.

The Friedrich County. Count Friedrich. Friedrich Oh! W-wait, could it be?!

Lefia was horrified. A single word escaped her lips.

B-Baba Yaga?!

Father. You didnt kill anyone right? Right? But that nickname Its so terrifyingChck out ltst vl on novl/bin(.)cm

[Translator Angel Dust]

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