[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 123
As he said, ‘You need to show a better side of yourselves than those you dislike,’ he fiddled with the greatsword at his waist.
All the juniors standing before me are from noble families. There are no commoners.
That’s why they show such animosity towards the exchange students from the elf kingdom.
It’s true that they’ve been acting all high and mighty, and it must have been quite an unpleasant sight for the juniors.
As a noble of the empire, and rightfully so as part of the privileged class of this land, I acknowledge that it’s unpleasant.
It’s only natural. If they were acting like this in their own country, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but seeing them act like this in the empire would make anyone growl, ‘Yeah, all Kanfras should die.’
Meanwhile, the situation back in Hyzens has become quite chaotic, and the exchange students have suddenly changed their stance due to some kind of change. That stance is to show a strong pro-empire sentiment.
‘That must be quite annoying for the juniors. I understand.’
Just a while ago, they were sticking together and muttering, ‘Humans are…’ They were the ones who barely survived thanks to the empire’s help, yet they kept acting like they were superior.
If I were looking at those guys, I might have growled about killing them too.
But that’s just what’s inside. It’s a feeling you should have, but not show on the outside.
The moment you reveal it openly, we become no different from those Kanfras.
“I hope you understand what I’m saying, juniors. You need to become a better person.”
If words don’t persuade them, I’ll have no choice but to persuade them with my greatsword and words.
As I thought about drawing my greatsword from its sheath, thankfully, the juniors didn’t turn out to be those kinds of noble brats.
“…We apologize, Senior.”
“Our thoughts were shortsighted. We will reflect on our actions.”
Hmm. That’s unexpected.
Because of my past life memories, I thought they would immediately object.
You know, like those nobles who are obsessed with their privileges, acting like they’re something special and shouting, ‘Traitor! How could you do this after receiving a medal from the empire!’ But they’re not like that, are they?
I quietly let go of the greatsword I was fiddling with.
Thankfully, I didn’t become a crazy senior who brandishes a greatsword at juniors.
Then, I turned to the elf exchange students who were cautiously observing the situation.
“And all of you. If you really want to get close to the juniors, don’t separate them by Empire or Hyzens—humans or elves, approach them as equal students of the academy. If I see you discriminating against them one more time, then—”
All I was going to say was, ‘You’re in trouble with me.’ Seriously.
I swear I wasn’t about to say, ‘I’ll chop your heads off and turn them into mood lighting for my sister, the Crown Princess’s room.’ with this greatsword.
“Next time, I’ll cut off your ears, salt them, and send them back to your homeland.”
At least, that’s what I would have said if Eloise hadn’t suddenly appeared behind me, giggling and tugging on my ear.
“Eek!”
“Gah!”
They were terrified. The elves, in particular, were shaking like leaves.
Understandable, considering she was the commander of a unit that basically acted as an extermination squad. They made people disappear, elf or human, no problem.
Eloise, with an even brighter smile, went a step further. fre𝚎w𝐞bn𝗼v𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝗼𝚖
“So, let’s all get along, okay? Like me and Karl! Oh, I mean, like Senior Karl!”
Why was she getting so close to me? I tried to push Eloise away, but the sight of the elf exchange students linking arms with their juniors and shouting, ‘Yes, ma’am!’ was too funny, and I missed my chance.
“Alright then, we’re off. No more fighting, okay? Or Karl will… I mean, Senior Karl will get mad! And then it won’t just be ‘you little rascals’ anymore! Ehehe!”
This is weird. Really weird.
Hearing Eloise call me ‘Senior’ is strange. I thought about telling her to call me by my name like she used to, but that wouldn’t fit the academy’s culture. It’s funny how being called ‘Senior’ can be so embarrassing.
“Karl.”
After leaving the juniors and exchange students behind and gaining some distance, Eloise giggled and called my name.
“You can’t say things like that after what you did.”
What nonsense was this now?
I stared blankly at Eloise, urging her to get to the point instead of beating around the bush.
She winked and continued.
“Like, ‘I’m not that great of a guy,’ or ‘I’m not all that special.'”
“Saying that makes me suddenly want to become a truly unremarkable man.”
“Not a chance! You’ve already shown everything you’ve got! Karl, you have no idea, do you? You do all the things that capture a woman’s heart, but you’re completely oblivious to it!”
I couldn’t help but scratch my head at her words. That was supposed to be heart-fluttering? Which part? I simply didn’t like the fact that my comrades and I were doing the same things as the Kanfras.
Eloise was one thing, but Lav was another.
I only taught her how to shoot a gun. I offered some gentle and practical advice in the process, along with some praise, but that was all. It wasn’t like I was flirting or leading her on.
At least with Lefia, I could say I had nothing to say. It was true that I helped her by chance. My body reacted before my mind could, but I did catch her before she fell out of the carriage and prevented her from getting into a difficult situation.
When the four guys misunderstood the situation, I did think, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’, but I couldn’t say I didn’t understand them at all.
“You should know this, Karl. You’re too good.”
“To say such a thing so casually. Is this some new assassination technique to make me die from embarrassment?”
“Who knows? If I were to assassinate you, I’d rather do it in bed.”
“….”
I’ll just stop talking. This woman wouldn’t let me win a single word. She even left me speechless.
“Anyway, it’s surprising, Karl.”
“What’s surprising?”
“I thought you hated all elves.”
“I told you before. My enemies were the Kanfras, not the elves. Elves were my comrades too.”
Eloise nodded at my answer.
“If I hated all elves, I wouldn’t let you, Eloise, be by my side even for a second.”
“What about me? Aren’t I a beautiful woman who craves love and attention?”
“What about me? I’m pretty, crave love, and demand affection, you know?”
“The fact that you can say that with a straight face commands my respect and admiration, woman.”
But thinking about it, she had a point. Elves were beautiful, and Eloise was even more so… I wouldn’t deny that. Of course, Selena was always the most beautiful in my eyes.
“Like I said, I fought against the Empire’s enemies. I have no intention of hating, loathing, or turning against all elves. That would be the same as the Kanfras who hated all humans.”
I cursed them, fought them to the death, and believed in the cause of that war.
Perhaps it was my justification. I didn’t want to deny it myself. I couldn’t be like them. I was afraid that if I did, my sacrifices and those of my comrades would become meaningless.
“So, don’t think that just because I lost a lot in the Luzernes War, I’ll automatically hate all elves. It’s actually quite offensive.”
“I understand. I’m sorry. I won’t say anything like that again. Well, then I can really relax and be more open now. I was holding back a bit because I’m an elf.”
“…That was you holding back?”
How? In what way? If that was holding back, what were others doing? Explain, please!
“Alright then! Let’s start with a simple date today!”
“Can you explain why that’s happening? And it’s not simple at all?!”
“Hehehe! First, I already know Selena is busy today! Second, since you have completely stolen my heart, you have to take responsibility! Isn’t that enough?”
So, what was she saying? That she wouldn’t mind being a second choice? That was some dedication. It was absurd, but it made it even harder to push her away. Oh dear.
* * *
The ministers and officials from the Imperial Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Justice gathered. They exchanged light handshakes and greetings before getting down to business.
“I think we need to approach this matter very carefully.”
“I agree. If we’re not careful, it could easily be interpreted as a political move.”
“It could also give the impression that we’re belittling the many heroes of the Empire who have come before. We need to be extremely cautious.”
Were they trying to establish a new law? Were they preparing a new policy?
To put it bluntly, yes. It was a new law, a new policy.
However, what made it different from previous ones could be summed up in one thing.
“Honestly, I’m still not sure if this is the right thing to do…”
“I understand. It’s not like this hasn’t happened before, has it? Creating a new medal named after someone who’s still alive and well.”
“But the atmosphere in the Empire, no, the entire continent, is different this time…”
The Imperial officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Justice couldn’t help but clutch their heads. What were they supposed to do?
It felt wrong to do it, but it also felt wrong not to, considering the immense feats accomplished by that unbelievable young man.
They once again reminded themselves why they were gathered here and looked at the title of the document in front of them.
– Important Meeting Regarding the Establishment of the Karl Adalheit Medal –
[TL/N: ????]
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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