Chapter 46
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 46
People miss the passing festival, or fear the upcoming midterms.
Or maybe they curse professors who throw assignments right after the festival ends.
Even the juniors who were preparing group projects together had grim faces.
“Professor… I’ll kill… I’ll kill….”
“Wow…. I want to set the lab on fire….”
“The exam is just around the corner… Why are you giving assignments elsewhere when you say you’re replacing it with group assignments here… Please, professors, unify things a bit!!”
I’m not a sophomore, junior, or even a senior, I’m still a freshman.
Seeing him growl like a zombie like that, I’m not just feeling sorry for him, I’m questioning him.
I mean, how many assignments did they bomb them with?
Ah. Of course, I also received the same assignment as those guys.
It was a bit difficult. Is this an assignment, or an experiment to see if people explode or not?
But it was okay. Unlike the juniors who said they would die, I could handle it.
To be precise, I didn’t have the leeway to get annoyed because of other things.
– Student Karl Adelheit. Are you preparing for the royal palace? –
I thought it was a joke. I thought the crown prince was just being polite.
But when a palace minister sent someone to bring me to the point like that.
I realized that all of this was not a joke or a prank but reality.
A mere nobleman’s son enters the royal palace! Incredible! Incredible!!
I desperately asked Father for help, but his reaction was too calm.
[ Karl. You seem to forget often, but try to remember what you achieved. ]
At Father’s words, I involuntarily turned my gaze to the medal I had thrown on the desk corner.
Yeah. If you think about it, the reason I was invited to the palace this time was all because of this.
Now, whether to add one more to it or not, the Ministry of Justice even expressed their opinion.
Although others keep emphasizing that presence, the one who forgets it constantly is me.
…Maybe it’s not that I forget, but that I want to forget.
Whenever I feel like I’m okay, something oppressive resurfaces, making my chest feel tight.
[ It’s natural as an achiever. So you don’t need to feel too burdened. ]
“It’s burdensome for a mere nobleman like me to go to the royal palace. Father.”
[ If it’s really burdensome, you can refuse to go. ]
Huh? Is that possible?
[ You’re a recipient of a medal of honor. If you find it burdensome, even His Highness the Crown Prince can respect your wishes. Do you really want that? ]
“…No. That’s not it.”
Can you really refuse when the next emperor suggests having a drink? If there really is such a person, then it’s either crazy or about to die soon.
* * *
Eventually, the day came when I was actually going to the palace.
I was wondering what clothes to wear, and what I ended up wearing was… shit. I never thought it would be an army uniform.
Wearing the medal with other clothes was a bit strange, so I couldn’t help it.
Hmm. Dressing like this reminds me of the day I was discharged from the military. That was the best feeling.
‘Let’s see. How was it when I entered the palace in my past life?’
Let’s recall. Whether it’s from a book, movie, or drama. What picture was drawn there?
I imagine a strict search under heavy security, knights glaring at me angrily.
Now, after going in, I should learn how to behave properly, kneel down, and bow my head… Well, something like that, maybe?
Anyway, to sum it up shortly, there’s a lot to do.
It’s natural. Because it’s the royal palace. Isn’t it the heart and mind of the empire?
No matter what nobleman, in front of the emperor, regardless of rank, it’s only proper to respect the emperor’s authority and bow one’s head, isn’t it?
Yeah. So while thinking about that, when I was about to say ‘There will be a search’, but….
“Ranshtak. Are you Karl Adelheit? We’ve come to escort you to the palace.”
There wasn’t a strict search waiting for me. There weren’t knights watching me suspiciously.
From the moment I entered the palace gates, there was no shortage of people showing me the proper etiquette and protocol. It felt as if I was being escorted to where I rightfully belonged, within the palace walls.
Even as I walked, every time my eyes met those of the knights, they hurriedly saluted.
I had heard that these were the strongest and noblest knights in the empire. The guardians of the royal family. Devoted souls who lived and died by the orders of the emperor.
Seeing them behave with such deference left me breathless.
What made me even more nervous was what happened next, or rather, who stood before me.
“Ranshtak. Finally, we meet Sergeant Karl Adelheit. Ah, should I call you Karl, then?”
“Yes, feel free to address me as such, Your Highness.”
“Well then, Karl it is. But I’d appreciate it if you also addressed me informally, like a brother! Haha!”
No, absolutely not. I would never. Would a mere nobleman address a prince as his brother?
That would only lead to disaster. Even if ordered, I would never do it.
“The Emperor intended to meet you himself, but wasn’t able to for a reason. I hope you understand.”
“…”
Please, spare me the understanding and self-recognition. Please. How much further do you intend to elevate me…
Some may envy this situation, but considering the weight of the title ‘Emperor’, I could never feel that way. The empire’s name couldn’t be so heavy if one could move through it lightly.
Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the presence of the prince, but now I’m relieved that he’s here.
‘…This is quite remarkable.’
Once again, I keenly felt the power of the prestigious medal shining on my chest.
While I had previously read about it or heard others talk about it, now I was experiencing firsthand the weight of this medal.
I suddenly realized what I had done and how crazy it was.
‘Wait. You’re giving me another one of these?’
I don’t think so, because that would be exhausting in so many ways.
They say that having two Medals of Honor is that great, but at the same time, wouldn’t it be a shortcut to being treated like the ultimate weapon that can be used at any time?
I mean, look at it now, the Ministry of Special Affairs is rubbing their hands together and asking for help.
There are still some Kanfra bastards left, and we don’t know how diplomatic relations will change in the future.
There’s a possibility they might ask for my help again.
Honestly, I could help if asked. That wouldn’t be difficult.
The problem lies in how to tell my mother and seek her forgiveness.
I don’t want to see the scene where my mother opens her eyes wide in disbelief!
“My younger sister spoke highly of you, Karl.”
“Your Highness?”
“I’m talking about the First Princess. Haven’t you met her, Karl?”
The crown prince actually pours tea into my teacup, which I politely accept with both hands.
“I will drink it gratefully, Your Royal Highness.”
“Don’t be like that. Considering what you’ve done for the empire so far, it’s only right that I show you a respectful attitude. If it weren’t for my imperial pride, I might have asked for an autograph.”
You’re kidding, aren’t you? Where do you write the autograph of a student returning from military service?
“By the look on your face, you think I’m joking, but I’m serious.”
Where on earth are you going to write my autograph? Oh, no way. No, right?
Crown Prince, are you married? Wait. Come to think of it, you’re not? Oh, no, really?
“That’s your face again. I’m straight!”
“Umph! I’m sorry! No, I’m sorry, Your Majesty. My rudeness was-”
“This friend can’t even play jokes properly.”
The crown prince laughs and even offers snacks to me this time.
I hope there’s no poison or radioactivity in there, right?
Am I going to be judged for insulting the royal family?
“Hmm.”
Setting down his teacup, the crown prince looks over for a moment, then opens his mouth.
“That’s something I’ll reveal in public later, but I’m not going to end it like that.”
“What do you mean… I, Your Highness? Crown Prince?!”
I almost choked on my tea.
The crown prince sitting in front of me bows his head. In fact, he bends down to his waist.
Very polite. Very formal. Showing respect to a mere nobleman.
“Thank you. Thanks to your sacrifices, the empire exists today.”
“… ”
“I understand that it’s not just a matter of receiving a simple medal. However, I want to remember and honor your contributions. I want to remember what you and others like you have done for the empire, and the process you went through. To never forget. So that someday, heroes like you can emerge again.”
To remember. To never forget. To record that proof, that testimony.
Unconsciously, I touched the medal on my chest.
“Well, that’s all. Sorry. Wasn’t that too sentimental?”
“No, Your Highness. Not at all.”
I just did what had to be done. But still, it’s okay to be a little proud. It’s not just praising my efforts, but also those of my comrades who fought alongside me.
Yes, indeed. Those guys. That’s right. You bastards.
Well, at least y’all didn’t die in vain, damn it, aren’t you guys glad?
If I stay still, tears might start flowing. Let’s just drink some tea for now.
“Do you need a handkerchief, Karl?”
“….”
The crown prince is quick-witted. Sheesh.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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