A Silver Tongue Can Force a Transfer (1)
Despite all the commotion from the start, things had ultimately worked out fine. I was a bit worried there'd be lingering gossip, but since nothing more came up afterward, it seemed our margrave had adapted well to the academy too.... In this beautiful season when flower petals danced in the sunlight, swaying like heat haze, all I wanted was to immerse myself in scholarship, savoring the scents of papyrus and parchment.
But in that lovely spring of youth, a new problem arose. And it was on my end.
"Shall we head to the Military Research Department?"
"…."
"Ah! They served pasolla for breakfast at the cafeteria today—do you know its origins? It's from that tale of the Conqueror King. He wondered if he could make nutritious rations for his troops using common ingredients, and that's how it was created. The fact it appeared today must be a sign that someone else is joining the Military Research Department, right?"
"Um, Your Highness."
"Eek! The book you're reading is the northern epic Saga of the Long-Bearded Tribe, isn't it?! It's about the legendary Skilf tribe and their war with the Hunt clan, where long-haired Skilf women were called 'long-bearded warriors' as they fought the Hunts. Oh, and did you know the saga's protagonist, the 'golden-haired' Harivaldis, is the founder of the Baiken Grand Duchy? And since the grand duke's daughter is in the Military Research Department, this is clearly a sign for you to join…."
"Your Highness, I was just about to read it…."
"Oh… I didn't realize. Sorry…."
Of course, I could tolerate her chattering beside me. I just figured she was an eccentric, noisy person and left it at that. But spoiling what I was about to read? That I couldn't abide.
As I turned serious, the princess—who'd been teasing me nonstop without pause—flinched, averting her eyes and mouth awkwardly. I sighed and closed the book.
"More importantly, shouldn't you be studying? I heard from the margrave that you have tons of reports, presentations, and discussions to prepare."
"Eh, I can just sleep a little less. Convincing you right now is more important."
What a quintessentially imperial princess response—noble and haughty. In medieval times, not sleeping was a privilege in itself. Whether lighting lamps with oil or conjuring light with magic, it all cost money, and more money. In this era without electric lights, even a noble like me with a territory could barely dream of such luxury, yet our princess rattled it off effortlessly.
I bristled and chided her. "Staying up late ruins your skin."
"That's fine. I'm still young and beautiful, and I get special care besides."
'Don't say it yourself.' I swallowed the words rising in my throat and awkwardly looked away. Ah, this youthful spring, with floral scents tickling my nose bridge, was being scattered by an unwelcome wind. I'd finally escaped my perpetually gloomy rural valley estate for the academy's fine weather, hoping for some outdoor reading…!
"Ah, worrying about me in this situation. As expected of someone who understands others' hearts! A great general must consider his soldiers' hardships, and an army that forces unnecessary suffering without such care is the first enemy to target!"
"I was just saying…."
"It's a huge loss for someone like you to be in another department! Come on, let's hurry and submit your transfer papers to the Military Research Department! This isn't a suggestion!"
"If it's not a suggestion, then what…?"
"Of course it's a request!"
In the sparkling jewel thrust before me, my reflection stared back, trapped and flustered amid her violet eyes—like being wholly devoured by her gaze. Bur… burdensome….
Only then did I realize why our margrave had begged for help while fleeing from her. He'd been through this too. I wanted to run to him right now and cry for rescue.
This princess named Charlotte Laura von Ahenmetis didn't lack manners…. But she seemed the type who wouldn't rest until she got what she wanted.
"Anyway, didn't that story end ages ago? Wasn't it settled after one fun match?"
"Oh my, you took my handkerchief yourself—surely you weren't planning to cut ties just like that──?"
With her finger to her lips, head thrown back in feigned shock, there was Charlotte Laura von Ahenmetis. At the tail end of my sigh, her white teeth flashed teasingly between her fingers.
And as the noise grew, curious onlookers gathered, buzzing about what kind of fool had attracted an imperial princess.
Unable to endure it, I raised both hands in surrender, willing to be rude if it meant escape. "Enough, enough! I need to go study too. I've got mountains to read!"
"But really, no interest? Even renowned history professors are opening lectures in our Military Research Department."
"I'll think about it, I'll think about it!"
I replied with the utmost diplomatic phrasing and slipped away. You know this, right, Your Highness? Saying politely that you'll "think about it" is code for "not considering it at all!"
I barely escaped to the dorms outside school grounds, but an ominous premonition hit me again. An unfamiliar man was coming and going from the small villa serving as our margrave's lodging.
At first, I thought something had happened in the territory—maybe the regent sent a report.
"Ah, Werner. Perfect timing—go follow that man."
"What's going on, my lord?"
"Professor Bisbaden has something to say to you. He asked if you came by, could I send you over."
"If that professor's summoning me, it feels off. You're not planning to stubbornly refuse to let me go, are you?"
"Of course for other matters, but not this. Just hear him out."
He patted my shoulder—our golden-haired margrave, taller than me. And he added,
"Even if you don't go now, he'll probably come back anyway…."
In short, just go clash once and see. Got it….
"…I'll be back."
I had to endure the déjà vu prickling my spine.
*
"A double major?"
"Yes. Keep attending history as is, but take some lectures in the Military Research Department."
"Is that possible? I recall they have separate exams. Won't there be talk of favoritism?"
A simple tea spread between us on the table, I faced Gerhard von Bisbaden, professor of the Military Research Department, discussing this.
Sponheim Academy, the empire's top institution, boasted experts in every field, but the Military Research Department received the highest regard. This once-small academy in a clean, airy village had grown to its current scale thanks to imperial patronage of that department. Entry was notoriously tough, yet a double major?
"Anyone who'd raise such controversy after seeing your performance a few days ago wouldn't get in anyway. And I checked with the foundational liberal arts professors—they say it's feasible there too."
The academy's basics were tricky, but my grades weren't bad. I'd passed most exams on the first try.
"I've heard you're very interested in history. I asked your department professors and TAs—they say you're actively participating in lectures. You even volunteered first for presentations."
"Well…. The topics intrigued me, so I stepped up. I don't think my presentation showed any profound insights."
"True, but it revealed where your interests lie."
"……Did you read it?"
As I startled, he replied with the bright, cruel smile of someone who'd publicly dissected a master's thesis.
"The Myth Named Reform. It argues that the Conqueror King's chronicles—often credited solely to him for laying the empire's foundations and enacting reforms—can't be attributed only to his merits, right?"
He really read it. I groaned inwardly.
The professor continued. "You claim his military reforms weren't just a few innovative ideas of the era but bore clear remnants of accumulated efforts from predecessors. Though some logical leaps fill unproven evidence gaps…. I found much to agree with."
The Conqueror King. The remotest founder of this 'empire,' commonly called that. Not dubbed emperor because his descendants claimed the title. Yet without unifying middling powers and toppling the 'Wheel-Turning King' who ruled demons in the east, the empire wouldn't exist. Like Alexander and Hannibal completing hammer and anvil in our world, here the Conqueror King filled that role.
"Reading that presentation, I saw Baron Hebel has deep interest in military history. So I thought to make this proposal."
"To be frank, the princess pushed the same thing—why is everyone so desperate to drag me there?"
"Make no mistake: this is my personal proposal. Nurturing promising students and drawing them in is this old man's pleasure."
Professor Bisbaden placed his hands on the table, weary yet weighty with years.
"Though I must say it's not entirely unconnected to Her Highness."
So there was a request…. But he gave a different answer.
"One question, then. What did you think of Her Highness during the match?"
"What… Just my honest impression? She lacks overall strategic vision but has incredible snap judgment."
"Exactly. That's everyone's common assessment. I hate the term, but some call her a genius."
I'd briefly thought the same, so I felt a slight pang.
The professor smiled kindly. "Conversely, she tends to drill only into preferred outcomes. I hesitate to say more, but it's a double-edged sword."
"Y… yes."
I totally agreed. Our margrave would raise both hands in agreement too.
"I believe someone like Baron Hebel could refine her traits while improving himself."
"Why's that?"
"Your match seemed like brilliant improvisation, but it was actually built on thorough tabletop theory—the best I've seen in my life."
Well, it's all from Total War playthroughs and reading histories here…. Couldn't say that.
"So… Her Highness pushes with moment-to-moment decisions, I with head full of theory. You think clashing will spark something good?"
"A worthy rival is the ultimate catalyst for growth—more reliable than alchemists' philosopher's stone. And there's more."
"Like what?"
"Even in a mock battle, you can execute and teach tabletop theory—a rarer talent than Her Highness's, in a way. That's why I call you a 'promising student.'"
That's really nothing special…. Teaching one newbie doesn't warrant this free ride…? Guilt pricked my conscience. Ah, I thought it worn away, but my heart still pounds so vividly!
Personal feelings aside.
"…."
Honestly, the game with the princess was fun. I'd play again if not burdensome. And with a professor taking my casual scribbles seriously… It didn't contradict coasting safely. Might not be bad. Plus, same department would make helping the margrave easier.
Fully self-rationalized by sweet words, I said, "Then, may I counter-propose?"
"Go ahead."
"What's this cowardly double major? Just let me transfer fully."
"!"
His heavy hands on the table suddenly moved nimbly.
"Excellent decision, Baron Hebel. Shall we start coordinating right away?"
His agility made me feel I'd been tricked somehow, too late to hide it.
'Well, I can still do history there… Should be fine…? It was just a hobby anyway….'
Melted by the revered commander's silver tongue, I swapped my department emblem that very day.
Military Research Department supplementary admittee. In the name of Werner von Hebel.