I’m Just an Ordinary Academy Student

47 – Let’s Work Together Like One

“The more I see, the more I really like this friend.”

Kal Adelheit. The eldest son of Count Friedrich.

The Adelheit family has always shown fervent loyalty to the empire.

And now, even the eldest son of that family has expressed his loyalty wholeheartedly.

Rescuing allies on the battlefield deserves the commendation it has received.

Even with just that, the Empire owes gratitude to this young hero.

But in my view, the sword accomplished something even more crucial.

‘If the terrorism had continued unabated, the damages would have grown exponentially, leading to all-out war.’

The Empire never loses. Would they lose to someone like Luzens?

However, what bothers me is that in the end, the Empire’s soldiers get hurt and die just like anyone else.

Returning victorious only to be told to go back to the battlefield— who would be pleased with that?

Moreover, the three-year war incurred costs far beyond what was anticipated.

This is not a conquering war. It’s about re-establishing order in the continent, the supremacy of the Empire.

Therefore, despite the significant war expenses, there is not much to gain immediately.

The Empire’s unwavering position can be solidified, but it doesn’t help fill the empty warehouses.

That’s where he came in. There were some casualties, but it was enough.

Above all, didn’t the ‘Imperial Army veteran’ dismantle dozens of those Luzens guys?

In essence, Karl single-handedly demonstrated the overwhelming superiority of the Empire.

‘Next are the exchange students. If Rasker and Abilushti had opposed, it would have been troublesome.’

They knew about the special forces kept secret from both countries but made a mistake in the end.

A critical situation where the operation was exposed to the public.

But what covered it up was, once again, Karl sitting in front.

It won’t be difficult. Think about it. First, deliberately elevate Luzens.

As if even the Empire was targeting students from both kingdoms without anyone noticing.

And such a secret conspiracy was coincidentally thwarted by Karl, a returning student.

While the Empire’s face is undoubtedly damaged, considering what comes next, it’s surprisingly bearable.

Both kingdoms will show discomfort to the Empire, but it’s more likely to lead to discomfort with Luzens.

Why did they target their own students in a war waged by the Empire!

Even with just that, the hardliners in both kingdoms can be subdued, and they can unite against Luzens, a common enemy.

‘Of course, among that alliance, the Empire takes the upper hand.’

Luzens. Those disgustingly stubborn elves must have tried to tarnish the Empire’s reputation.

In the end, it turned out that their foundation was shattered into pieces.

Didn’t Hygens already declare giving up negotiations with Luzens?

Mikaela, who went out as a medal awardee, might know why she praised Karl so much.

If he knew all this and acted accordingly, it’s not just admirable, it’s almost terrifying.

Even if it was an unintentional act, it was done with a righteous mindset, so it’s a good thing for the empire.

No matter what happens, in the end, it’s not a fortunate situation for the empire. It’s not like I’m a high-ranking noble, so being called to public service is also fine!

“So that’s why Lika is so concerned about her younger brother?”

Suddenly, that incident from back then comes to mind. She, who had requested a meeting and then boldly asked for assistance in returning.

Because she was close friends with Mikaela. She had done things for the empire on her own.

So, in the spirit of reward, and being in a romantic relationship, I had willingly helped her…

Thinking about it now, it seems like Lika just didn’t want her brother’s return to school life to be disrupted.

“Captain Kal.”

Anyway, now I should gradually get to the point.

“You probably already know, but you’ll be awarded another honor medal.”

“…Is that so.”

No joy is apparent. I understand. Almost all recipients of medals were like that.

There were hardly any who considered themselves heroes or thought highly of themselves.

Perhaps, it’s only natural. A hero is not someone who calls themselves a hero.

It’s when others praise and acclaim you as a hero that you truly become one.

“Then, this time, the First Princess…”

“Hmm? Oh. That’s not it. You, who will be receiving two honor medals for the first time in imperial history, wouldn’t it be a bit strange if the same person does it again?”

Suddenly, I wanted to see the surprise on his face.

Originally, I thought of doing it at the designated place… but wouldn’t that lack excitement and amusement?

“I want to do it personally. I want to present the honor medal to Captain Kal at the academy.”

“…What?”

“The Emperor Majesty also showed interest. But wouldn’t it be a bit strange for the Emperor Majesty to come to the academy? So, I plan to go to the academy myself and present the honor medal to Captain Kal.”

Oh. Ohh. That expression. That reaction. I really like it.

Lika is similar to Mikaela, so there wasn’t much fun in joking with her.

But this friend Kal. Ah, brother-in-law? Anyway, unlike my sister, his reaction seems quite positive, doesn’t it?

*

Something is going way beyond what I imagined.

Excuse me?! Isn’t this on a scale beyond what can be handled, Crown Prince?!

What did you say? Who’s coming? The Crown Prince? Goodness, what on earth is going on!

Moreover, the earlier words are even more frightening. The Emperor… showed interest?

“I, Your Highness. I find it too burdensome.”

“It must be burdensome. But what can you do? The first honorary medal was already bestowed by the First Princess. Colonel K, and once again, received another honorary medal. Just one is already impressive, but adding one more? The recipient cannot be the same just because the awardee is the same. Someone even more remarkable should receive it!”

It’s a valid point. Yes, it’s a valid point, but… it’s just too overwhelming!

Wasn’t what I wanted to be a simple academy returnee?

Buy lunch for juniors when they ask, share military stories with a hearty laugh.

Lose energy over assignments, barely survive exams, and laugh during vacations!

Never did I imagine a princess would come, bestow medals, prevent terrorism, and protect foreign students.

Now, a crown prince comes to the academy to say, ‘Congratulations on your second medal!’ It’s beyond imagination!

“Colonel K, it seems you are underestimating your own position.”

“Your Highness.”

“What is an honorary medal? It is something bestowed upon those the Empire must remember and honor. If you forget yourself and those like you, the Empire cannot exist as an empire. That’s why it must be done this way. Even if it’s burdensome, it must be done.”

Not just for me, but for those who were like me in the past.

And for the future heroes who will follow in my footsteps someday.

Prince Honey, with a request for understanding, chuckled and patted my shoulder.

“Shall we have another cup of tea? Or do you need more cookies? These cookies are really delicious!”

I momentarily thought of saying, ‘No, thank you!’ and refusing.

But recalling what the prince had said to me so far, that thought quietly disappeared.

Everything happening to me now is not just for me but applause and cheers for everyone who fought for the Empire.

In that case, I feel I should accept it with all my might, that’s what I think.

“…Yes. Your Highness. I request it.”

“That’s right. That’s the spirit, Colonel K. Come, let’s have another cup. The tea I brewed this time is excellent. It goes really well with these sweet cookies. Eat a lot before you go. Oh, and if you need more, I can provide some.”

No, Your Highness. Packaging is fine. I’ll decline.

“Um, then what about the medal award ceremony?”

The sooner, the better. It aligns well when there is high interest in the hero.

“Then, before the midterms, please. It might cause trouble if it’s noisy, and the juniors might throw rocks.”

“Hahaha! That’s right! I’ve been to the academy, and it’s hell there! How can they have such daunting assignments and merciless exams!”

What? The prince was also an academy student once. Surprising.

To think that he, too, struggled with assignments and exams suddenly creates a sense of camaraderie.

“Come to think of it, I can’t avoid talking about your sister.”

“Your Highness, I didn’t know you were acquainted with my sister.”

“Lika didn’t explain, did she? Well, there will be another time for that.”

To explain again. Why not do it here and now?

“Just a while ago, it was quite awkward to make a sudden request.”

“Awkward? Is it about my sister…?”

“A temporary return to the Special Operations Task Force. More precisely, a return to the field.”

“Ah…”

“It’s obvious that someone who retired and wants to come back on their own is impossible. Nevertheless, Lika got permission. She’s a highly capable friend. Everyone regrets retiring too early, it seems.”

Well, the next Friedrich Count is in line, so preparations need to be made, right?

Otherwise, I might end up receiving the Count’s title involuntarily.

I don’t know about others, but I really want to decline that. There’s too much to do!

“I thought I was done with risky business. Anyway…”

Knock-knock—

As the Crown Prince was about to speak, suddenly, a knocking sound was heard, and someone entered.

“Apologies, Your Highness.”

“No worries. Is it urgent?”

The Crown Prince took a moment to glance at the news presented to him.

Meanwhile, I sipped from my cup and popped a cookie into my mouth.

This tastes good. Palace stuff is different, indeed, even the cookies.

“…Hmm.”

Hmm. A sigh escaped the Crown Prince’s lips. That’s definitely not a good reaction.

Maybe it’s better to flee before I get caught up in something I shouldn’t…

“Captain Kahl.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You. How about collaborating on something together?”

What’s this sudden talk about? You should finish explaining.

“Oh, yes. I’ll explain everything, so don’t worry. Um. Actually, this… It’s from the Heisen’s side. Not the Kämpf, but those friends eligible to hear the voices of the elves.”

“Is that so?”

“It is. These friends are sending an envoy to our empire this time and made a somewhat unexpected request.”

They want you to attend that meeting.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. It’s Karl. It’s you.”