喵绅HCMOIC士网页版

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

It’s because we’re not in any kind of relationship, right? We’re not in any kind of relationship, right? We’re not in any kind of relationship… relationship… rela―

If Karl were here, he might have chuckled and asked, ‘What’s with this echo effect?’

Right now, Selena was experiencing exactly that. It was very clear and definite. A sticky, persistent feeling she wanted to shake off but couldn’t.

“…”

I wanted to say something. I wanted to refute it quickly. It’s not really that we’re not in any kind of relationship.

Even though I rejected his confession three years ago, it wasn’t a genuine action from my heart.

Rather, we’re getting along better now than we were then!

‘Huh?! You just met Karl, and from what he told me, you’ve only known each other for less than a week, and he doesn’t even remember much about you! On the other hand, I’ve gotten a confession of my own! I even have a favor to ask!’

…I felt an overwhelming desire to say all that. I wanted to shout it out right now.

But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Ultimately, Lavrenti’s words were right.

From a rational standpoint, me and Karl were nothing to each other.

At best, we were colleagues. A little more, we were friends. That’s it.

Anything more than that is impossible in the current situation. The reason, of course, is because I turned him down.

Regardless of whether I regret it now or claim to have changed my mind, it’s not important.

What’s more, if asked whether that part applies to Karl as well, I’m unsure.

The one who would have been hurt the most is Karl. Beyond that, nothing is possible without his permission. Yes. Just like that day, when Karl confessed to me.

‘No, Karl…! Why did you have to confess in public…!’

Suddenly, a sense of resentment crept up. Honestly, it was too difficult to endure.

Even without this, as a freshman, I had been struggling with confessions for over a month. And doing it in front of everyone!

But I shook my head. It’s not right to blame Karl like this.

If I really loved him, she would have accepted his confession.

It’s me who should be blamed now, for suddenly regretting it.

“Selena?”

Do I know my inner thoughts or not? To be honest, I think I know it very well.

At Lavrenti’s urging, I was silent for a moment, then slowly parted my lips.

“The secret is….”

Wait. How did she get close to Karl again, now that I think about it?

We were clearly uncomfortable with each other, but somehow we’re very close now.

What was the trigger for that? I mean, was there a trigger at all?

‘If I really think about it… I guess that’s it.’

I hesitated for a moment, but then spoke up.

“The academy.”

“…What?”

“Nothing much, just that I’m in the academy, and so is Karl. We’re at the Academy. We’re students at the Academy. We bumped into each other, said hello, and then we started talking, and then we got closer. Like Rav said, even though we’re not in a relationship.”

The academy. The academy. Lavrenti murmured the words as if under a spell for a while.

‘Is the secret, the academy…?’

From Selena’s perspective, it might seem like she gave a reason without any thought, almost embarrassingly so.

But to Lavrenti, it felt completely different. Rather, it seemed quite reasonable.

‘Right. I haven’t seen master since that time. And master always wanted to go back to the academy.’

Even though there were comrades, and it was undoubtedly a crucial turning point in life.

Surely, it was a place where no one would want to stay. If they could leave, it would be the place they wanted to leave the most.

So when Karl, who had left the military, went to the academy and met Selena there.

Meeting someone in a place they desired would feel different from the start. They would have easily become close. Since the atmosphere was good, their relationship naturally became closer.

‘Indeed, the academy is the answer.’

Lavrenti turned her head and stared at the academy for a moment.

Academy life. It might be unknown to others, but to me, it was like a dream.

I have a family to support right now, and I need to repay my parents for their kindness.

On top of that, I need to find the money to pay for the academy.

Considering the amount of money I have to provide for my younger siblings, it’s very tight.

Plus, I’m ashamed to say it, but I’m not an educated person.

I can read and write, but that’s about it. I never thought I wanted to learn more than that.

If it weren’t for Karl, I might have just stayed in the military. I would have certainly done that.

‘It’s difficult. The academy. I want to get closer to my master, but…’

Lavrenti fell into contemplation, touching her lips.

And Selena, looking at her, was lost in thought as well.

Lastly―

“How do I look?”

“Just a while ago, you were very sharp, but now you’re quiet again.”

“Hmm… I’m curious how this will unfold!”

“Karl, you’re one lucky bastard.”

Even the four who were eavesdropping secretly.

Now, if only Karl would appear, it would be perfect….

“What are you all squatting there and doing?”

Didn’t they say even a tiger would come when you call it? Karl appeared behind the four.

Although they heard he went to the Imperial palace. It was quite an early appearance.

“Karl?”

“What? Already here?”

“I heard you went to the Imperial palace?”

“What did you do there?”

“Whoa, calm down, you bastards. One question at a time. One at a time.”

You guys have four mouths, but I only have one!

* * *

To cut to the chase, I ended up working with the crown prince.

I don’t know why Hyzens requested my presence at the meeting.

‘…Will it be okay? They won’t debate whether to kill me right there in the meeting, will they?’

What matters on the battlefield is only one thing. Distinguishing between friend and foe.

Even if they’re the same person, if they’re a traitor, they’re killed.

If they’re an elf and fought together, they’re treated as comrades.

In that regard, although Hyzens, like Luzernes, are elves, they seemed somewhat tolerant probably because they had the perception of being “allies”.

But unavoidably, both are elves. From my perspective, it’s a struggle between elves.

Hyzens probably wouldn’t want to be seen as ignorant hardliners like Luzernes, but… what can you do? Just at the sight of elves, it’s reflexive to look for the Great Sword.

The crown prince seemed to be aware of that aspect, as he added, ‘If it’s too much, let me know immediately. I’ll do my best to reject their proposal.’

After a brief hesitation, I nodded. I couldn’t be buried in the past forever. Besides, Hyzens is clearly an ally and a comrade who fought alongside me.

“I’ll go. To the meeting.”

When I gave an immediate response, the crown prince smiled gratefully.

He said if I ever needed his help, I should ask. I even managed to get a promise from him to do everything he could within his power.

Well, I should probably save my favor for when the crown prince becomes the emperor, right?

“Anyway. So, I received another Medal of Honor this way. The end.”

I briefly mentioned the meeting with Hyzens and only told the four about the medal ceremony.

Then, the way these bastards looked at me suddenly seemed to get weird…

“This, this crazy guy.”

“Is he even human? Hey, Karl. Are you human?”

“Receiving two Medals of Honor is unbelievable…”

“Do you happen to have an autograph?”

Ha. This popularity. Popular…No, not that.

“To be honest, I’m also confused. I left the military, so what kind of Medal of Honor is this?”

As far as I know, the Imperial Medal of Honor is awarded only to soldiers or combatants.

It honors their bravery and sacrifice, hoping for more heroes to come forward.

And I, I’ve been discharged. Even though some still call me a sergeant, strictly speaking, it’s a position before discharge. Now, I’m just a regular academy student.

I even asked the crown prince about this part, as it was doubtful. How could I receive a Medal of Honor? Wouldn’t there be resistance in the Ministry of War?

Then came the response, which was quite ironic… No, remarkable?

“I suggested it. Karl.”

“Your Highness?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. I didn’t push my status. When you did heroic deeds, you were still a soldier. There’s a law that allows ex-soldiers to be re-summoned within three months of discharge in case of a similar situation.”

So, technically, I’m still a soldier because I have some military status!

Huh? I’m retired, but I’m still a soldier, so I guess I can get a medal of honor! Oh, my God.

It was ridiculous. It’s half-assed. That’s like saying that the other guys who left the military with me are still soldiers.

I guarantee if I relayed that message to other discharged folks, there’d be an uproar. ‘Aaah! Still a soldier! Aaah!!’ they’d shout in protest.

Of course, that was just a pretext for awarding me the Medal of Honor.

Considering how they brought up such forced interpretations of the law just to present me with the Medal of Honor, it’s clear that the crown prince not only pushed for it but also approved it even during wartime.

“Think of it positively. It’s good to receive it again.”

“That’s right. I’ve never seen anyone receive two Medals of Honor before.”

“Will this record never be broken?”

“I bet it won’t be broken.”

In the meantime, those guys just looked amazed. And Joachim. You don’t have a tail, you asshole.

“But anyway, what were you… what were you guys doing?”

“Us? Just watching.”

“Watching?”

When I subtly turned my gaze to where Shulifen was pointing…

“…Selena and Rav? Why is she back at the academy?”

“We don’t know.”

“Of course we don’t.”

“But, you know, Karl.”

“We do know one thing.”

From behind, laughter erupted from the four.

What? Why. Why are you laughing, you rascals. It’s annoying.