Chapter 47
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 47
‘The more I see him, the more I like him.’
Karl Adelheit. The eldest son of Count Friedrich.
Count Friedrich, his wife, and Rika, even her. The Adelheit family had always shown fervent loyalty to the empire.
And now, even the eldest son of that household had displayed his loyalty wholeheartedly.
Rescuing allies on the battlefield deserves praise, indeed.
Just that act alone should be enough for the empire to express gratitude to this young hero.
But in my view, Karl did something even more significant.
‘If the terror had proceeded as planned, the casualties would have skyrocketed, and it could have turned into a full-scale battle.’
The empire never loses. It cannot be defeated by the likes of the Luzernes.
However, it weighs on my mind that the empire’s soldiers, too, suffer injuries and deaths.
No one would like it if they came back victorious and were told to go back to the battlefield.
Moreover, the three-year war incurred costs far beyond expectations.
This is not a conquest war. It’s about reinstating the order of the empire, the foremost power on the continent.
Therefore, despite expending significant war costs, the immediate gains are minimal.
While the empire’s steadfast position can be reinforced, it does not help fill the emptied warehouses.
He prevented that. There were some losses, but they were enough.
Most importantly, didn’t a ‘discharged member of the Imperial Army’ destroyed dozens of Luzernes?
Karl single-handedly demonstrated the overwhelming superiority of the empire.
‘Next, the foreign students. It would have been exhausting if Lasker and Abilestti had rebelled.’
Despite knowing it, the secret operations mistakenly revealed to the public by the Special Forces at the last minute caused a critical situation.
But the reason it could be covered up was, once again, Karl sitting in front of me.
It shouldn’t be difficult. Think about it. First, elevate the reins intentionally and give some slack.
As if the Empire hadn’t already noticed, they were targeting foreign students from both kingdoms.
And the secret alliance that’s foiled by a man who just happens to be a student.
It’s not unavoidable that the empire’s face gets tarnished, but thinking about what comes next, it’s somewhat bearable.
Both kingdoms will likely show discomfort towards the empire, but it will lead to unity against the common enemy, Luzernes.
‘Of course, the empire will have the upper hand in that alliance.’
Luzernes. Those fanatical elves probably wanted to undermine the empire’s reputation.
In the end, that’s what happened, but ultimately, their foundations were shattered.
I think I understand why Miquella, who was supposed to present the medals, praised him so much for this.
If he knew all this and acted accordingly, it would be admirable to the point of being frightening.
Even if he did it unknowingly, he acted with the right mindset, bringing good to the empire in the end.
‘Is this why Rika cherishes her younger brother so much?’
I suddenly remembered the incident. She asked for a meeting and insisted on helping her get back to work.
She’s very close to Miquella. She’s done things for the Empire herself.
So I was happy to help, as a way of repaying her, and because we were in a relationship….
Apparently, Rika just didn’t want to interfere with her brother’s return to school.
“Karl.”
Anyway, I guess I should get down to business.
“I’m sure you already knew this, but you’re going to be awarded another Medal of Honor.”
“…I see.”
You don’t sound pleased. I understand. Almost all Medal of Honor recipients are like that.
Few of them thought of themselves as heroes, or as extraordinary.
Maybe that’s to be expected. Heroes don’t become heroes by calling themselves heroes.
You only become a hero when others praise you as a hero.
“So, does this mean that the first princess….”
“Hmm? Alas, no. You’re the first person in the history of the Empire to be awarded two medals of honor, so it’s a bit odd when it’s the same person, don’t you think?”
Suddenly, I wanted to see his surprise.
I’d originally thought of doing it in a designated place… but that would be neither touching nor funny, right?
“I’ll do it myself. I’d like to present it to you at the Academy.”
“…What?”
“His Majesty the Emperor was interested. But it’s a bit much for the Emperor to go to the Academy, so I’m thinking of going there myself to present the Medal of Honor to you.”
Oh. Oh, yeah. That look. That reaction. I love it.
Rika’s a lot like Miquella, so she’s not much fun to joke around with.
But Karl, he’s… Uhm, brother-in-law? Whatever. You know, unlike his sister, he seems to have a really good reaction?
* * *
Something’s going on here beyond what I could have imagined.
Excuse me?! This is beyond what I can handle, Your Highness?!
What did you say? Who’s coming? The crown prince? Oh my goodness, what a mess!
Moreover, the earlier conversation is even more terrifying. The Emperor… showed interest?
“Your Highness, I… I feel like it’s too much of a burden…”
“It must be burdensome. But what can we do! You’ve already been awarded the first medal by the First Princess. Karl, and now you’re being awarded another medal. Since the awardee is the same, shouldn’t the presenter be different? And who’s more impressive than the one who’s already been awarded twice!”
He’s right. Yeah, he’s right, but… it’s still too much to handle!
What I wanted was to be a normal academy returnee, right?
Buying lunch for juniors when they ask, making noises like ‘wow!’ when talking about military life, getting exhausted with assignments and exams, and laughing when it’s vacation time!
I never imagined the First Princess coming to present the medal, and then protecting against terrorism, and now the crown prince coming to the academy and saying, ‘Congratulations on the second medal!’
“Karl, I think you’re underestimating your own position too much.”
“Your Highness.”
“Medal of Honor. It is given to those whom the Empire must remember, whom it must honor. The moment we forget them, we cease to be an Empire. That is why we do this. This is what must be done, even if it is burdensome.”
It’s not just for me, but for those who were like me in the past. And for the future heroes who will one day walk the same path as me.
The crown prince laughed and patted me on the shoulder, hoping for a little understanding.
“Shall we have another cup of tea? Or do you need more snacks? These cookies are really delicious!”
For a moment, I was about to politely decline and then immediately regret it.
But now that I recall everything the prince has said to me so far, that thought quietly disappeared.
Everything happening to me right now is not just for me but applause and praise for everyone who fought for the empire. In that case, wouldn’t it be best to accept it wholeheartedly?
“Yes, Your Highness. I will do my best.”
“That’s right. That’s the spirit, Karl. Here, have another cup. The tea I poured this time is excellent. It goes really well with these sweet cookies. Eat plenty before you go. Oh, and if you need more, I can pack some for you.”
Oh no, Your Highness. Packing is not necessary. I’ll decline.
“Um, then about the medal ceremony.”
“The sooner, the better. It’s best to do it when there’s high interest in heroes.”
“Then, may I request it before midterms? It might cause a disturbance if it’s later, and the juniors might throw stones at me.”
“Hahaha! That’s right! I’ve been to the academy, so I know it’s hell there! How they give you such terrifying assignments and merciless exams!”
Wait, the prince was also an academy student before? Surprising.
But now that he mentioned it, I suddenly feel a sense of camaraderie.
“By the way, I can’t help but mention your sister.”
“I didn’t know that Your Highness was acquainted with my sister.”
“Didn’t Rika tell you? Hmm. Well, there will be another chance to explain later.”
Explain later? Why not explain it here?
“Anyway, a while ago, I was in quite a dilemma when suddenly asked for a favor.”
“Dilemma? Could it be about my sister…?”
“Temporary return to the Special Operations Division. More precisely, it will be a field return.”
“Ah…”
“It goes without saying that it’s impossible for a retiree to come back just because they want to. But Rika got permission. She’s such a capable friend. Everyone regrets retiring too early.”
Well, since she’s the next head of the family, she has to prepare, right?
Otherwise, I might end up receiving the title of count.
I don’t know anything else, but I really want to refuse that. There’s so much to do!
“I’ve had enough of dangerous tasks, but… Anyway…”
Knock-knock—
Just as the crown prince was about to continue speaking, there was a sudden knock, and someone entered the room.
“My apologies, Your Highness.”
“Oh, it’s fine. Is something urgent?”
The prince looked at the news handed to him.
Meanwhile, I took a sip of tea and popped a cookie into my mouth.
“…Hmm.”
Uh-oh. A sigh came out of the crown prince’s mouth. That is never a good reaction.
I might as well make a run for it before he starts blaming me for something…
“Karl.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Would you be interested in working on something with me?”
What’s this all of a sudden? You need to explain it further.
“Ah, Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything. Um, actually, this. It’s from Hyzens. You know, the ones who deserve to be called elves. Not the Kanfras.”
“I see.”
“Yeah. These guys decided to send an envoy to our empire this time, and they made a somewhat unexpected request.”
They have a request? What could it be?
“They’d like you to be there.”
“…Me?”
“Yeah, Karl. You.”
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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