7. You, Medal of Honor Recipient
Karl had been back at the academy for a week.
During that time, no one from the 22nd batch had approached him....
*
Recalling my past life, academy stories in novels were almost like reality.
A world similar to university. Good male friends. Cute female friends with a fresh vibe.
And the mysterious environment setup that made it easy to get fed sidereal drinks in between.
There was a reason for the fun and the popularity.
Maybe I got hooked on that point and applied for re-enrollment.
'Yeah. I didn't expect this...'
I had forgotten. That all the protagonists in academy stories were regular students.
Not like me, who was mingling with juniors three years behind after serving in the military!
“Let's start the lecture. We did up to page 25 yesterday, right?”
“Professor! The weather is so nice today, what do you think?”
“Yeah. The weather is really nice. In that case, shall we have a note exam?”
“Aaaah!”
“It's a joke. Hehe.”
Great atmosphere. Good atmosphere. Huh? Yeah, this is the real academy flavor.
But I had to sit in the corner and just doodle with my pen.
The 22nd batch friends were chatting and joking with each other, but I couldn't do that... sob.
Actually, I understand. From the 22nd batch juniors' perspective, I would be uncomfortable too.
Being a senior three years ahead in the same first year is natural, of course.
Especially since I was a noble who enlisted as a private — the ultimate crazy act!
...Damn. Thinking this way, even I wouldn't want to approach.
“Sigh.”
I let out a sigh without realizing it. But it seemed they noticed.
“Ah! Sorry!”
“Eh? Uh, uh...”
A junior pushing back the chair and bumping my desk slightly.
So, thinking I sighed because of that, he immediately apologized.
No, junior. I wasn't mad. And even though our class numbers differ, our years are the same, right?
Please, I beg you, don't use honorifics... just treat me casually...!
“Ah, everyone. I'll let you know in advance that this midterm exam will be replaced with a group project.”
“Aaaah! Professor niiiiim!―”
“Why are you all like that? It would be better to study for the exam rather than that, right? It's not the beginning of the semester, and now we're all pretty familiar with each other, aren't we? If you don't like it, we can change it back to an exam.”
“That's not it!”
“Thinking about it, I think the group project is good!”
Damn it. No, I don't think so. I don't like it at all!
Professor! Please! Don't do that. Let me take the exam! Exam! Pleaseee!!
⟡
“...”
Instantly, I saw it. When our eyes met, the professor winked with one eye as if asking what I thought.
Probably, in his mind, he was giving me a chance to get close to the 22nd batch while I'm a returning student.
Ah! But at least, I should hear the parties' opinions first! Are my opinions not being considered?!
I feel like I'm going to die from discomfort! They'll figure it out on their own, so please don't!
Which first-year would want to be in a team with a human three years older?!
Please, I beg you, please, please! Let someone step up and say they don't like group projects!
I begged earnestly, but there was no god in my previous life either.
Eventually, the first midterm after returning was replaced with a group project. Damn it.
“Then, I'll give you some time. Please form your groups now.”
With the professor's words, the 22nd batch students started laughing and chatting excitedly.
For them, using class time for group formation was good, I guess.
But not me. No way.... Professor. I don't even know their names....
Right now, my classmates' names and faces are vague....
If I had known this, I wouldn't have just stuck a stake in the military... I was crazy.
“Um, senior...?”
“Eh?”
“Um, there's still some space left in our group. Would you like to join?”
Oh. Oh! Yeah, yeah! There was a god! Damn it! There was!
Not some smelly guy, but a female student approached first!
“If you agree, I'd be grateful. But is it okay? Won't your friends be uncomfortable?”
“No. Rather, everyone is curious about what kind of person the senior is. The two guys say they want to hear about the soldier enlistment story.”
So, this is like giving me a crazy human treatment? Then the senior would be a bit sad.
But what can I do. Better than crying alone and the professor forcing me to join.
Thinking nicely, I was about to follow the junior to the seat.
Knock knock knock!―
Even in the noisy classroom, the knock was clear.
Where have I heard that before? Where was it... Ah... When I barged into the squad leader's room?
“Huh? Everyone, be quiet for a moment. Who's outside?”
“From the Imperial War Ministry. Sorry for interrupting the lecture, but may we enter?”
“Eh? Ah, yes! Come in!”
The classroom door opened, and a group of Imperial Army officers poured in.
Behind them, Marcus senior was looking flustered and unsure what to do.
More than that, what the hell was going on that War Ministry officers came to the academy?
Perhaps there's a deserter here? No, then not officers but military police would come, pass.
Or voluntary Imperial Army enlistment guidance? That was weird too, since the war ended.
I didn't hear that officer positions were lacking while I was on the front lines for nearly three years.
“Again, sorry, professor. It's a very important matter.”
“No. You are the glorious shield and sword protecting the Empire, so of course we understand. But why suddenly at my lecture...”
“Is there a student named Karl Adelheit in this classroom?”
“Eh? Who? Karl Adelheit? What the hell? I don't know anyone by that name!”
But I'm already discharged. I severed ties with the army forever after retirement.
Why are they looking for me? Did I do something wrong upon discharge?
Quickly, I recalled events before retirement.
I did some shady things, but other discharged soldiers did them too.
For example, stealing some military supplies or graffitiing at home.
Or gossiping with commanders and a bit of lewd talk.
It wasn't a big deal. If they're coming for that, it's bullshit.
“Karl Adelheit student... is it the returning student from the 19th batch?”
“Um. Seems so.”
“Then... there. There he is. Karl student? Guests have arrived.”
With the professor pointing, all students turned to me.
At the same time, the officers standing in front turned their gazes to me.
“Karl Adelheit Sergeant?”
“...Yes. I am Karl Adelheit Sergeant, at least.”
Click click click!―
Damn it, don't march in like that even inside the classroom.
We're fresh 1st years! Don't come close to us!
After finally getting to know the 1st years, what is this!
Eh? What's this gun at the waist!? Are they coming to intimidate us?!
“Karl Adelheit Sergeant. Enlisted as private in Imperial Year 219, April. Served actively for 3 years in the Luzens War. Promoted to Sergeant after, and discharged in Imperial Year 222, July. Is this you?”
“Yes, yes, that's me. But why are you doing this? I'm already retired, not affiliated with the army anymore, so there's no reason for you to come like this.”
No wrongdoings, but already scary. Officers, not just captains, but generals.
In military life, such people coming usually meant the end was bad.
Whatever, scolded badly, soul sucked out, etc.
Suddenly, PTSD hit. Please, disappear quickly. Please...
Click! Click!!―
A group of officers suddenly saluted me in unison.
The angle was so sharp, it felt like even touching it would cut.
“Karl Adelheit Sergeant. First, we express our respect for your dedication to the Empire. We have decided to award you the Medal of Honor to eternally honor your contributions to the Empire.”
“...Eh?”
Wait a minute. What are you awarding? And to whom?
“The Medal of Honor ceremony will be held in a week at the War Ministry headquarters.”
A week later? Wait, a weekday. I'm a student, don't you see that? Skipping class to go to the War Ministry?
“Um, excuse me for a moment.”
“Please speak.”
“Um, since the ceremony is on a weekday, it might be inconvenient. I'm a student right now.”
I only thought of explaining to the professor after saying it.
Because after 3 years of messed up military life, speaking up felt unfamiliar.
So, at the moment I tried to correct my words: 'Thinking about it, I might have spoken out of turn!'
“Understood. Then we will convey your request for the Medal of Honor ceremony inside the academy.”
“Eh, yes?”
“We again thank you for your hard work and dedication. We'll see you on the ceremony day.”
Click!―
No! Let people speak more during salute time! Suddenly awarding Medal of Honor?
Meanwhile, why is this damn body saluting too!
Military habits not fixed yet. To get rid of the otaku military novel vibe, still a long way to go!
“I apologize for interrupting the lecture, professor. Thank you for your understanding. I'll be going now.”
With greetings, the officers left in a rush.
The door closed, and the academy classroom became normal again.
“...”
“...”
“...”
No one could open their mouths. Including me.
...What the hell is this.