Chapter 2
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Possessed in a War Hero Family
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I've heard the saying that pressure can drive people insane.
They say it's something anyone with a world-renowned figure in the family goes through.
Of course, as someone who'd lived an ordinary life, I couldn't relate at all.
My family weren't exactly famous celebrities on the global stage.
No one had ever put that kind of faith in me to feel any pressure.
'And ta-da, it actually happened to me.'
My grandfather, father, and even my older brother—they were all war heroes.
Naturally, as their grandson, son, and little brother, all eyes were on me.
Every time people saw me, they called me the "next war hero" or "war hero." I nearly lost my mind for real.
Of course, it wasn't like that from the start. At first, I was thrilled, my happiness circuits firing on all cylinders.
Soul Possession! The legendary Soul Possession! Out of the three-generation lineup, I got the possession slot!
I bowed down east, west, south, and north, screaming, "Ah! Possession is fucking sweet!"
Nobility! Not just any nobles, but one of the empire's prestigious families!
Hard-mode life, bottom of the dirt-poor barrel, no dreams or hopes—gone!
Now, spread before me was the sweet life of a prestigious family's second son, sucking honey all day!
Meet a pretty young lady, fall in love, flirt, get married, have a bunch of kids, be patriotic, and for family matters, just say, "Oh dear, I have no opinions on such trifles."
The plan was perfect. Painful family succession? My brother was over ten years older.
Why fight him for it? Stay the cute little brother, and everyone's happy ending, right?
Get involved in all sorts of incidents? Why me? This isn't some potato-filled novel where the protagonist handles it all.
Just ride the coattails, live as a powerless but wealthy noble. Heh heh heh!!
"Richi. Don't you think it's about time you started preparing?"
Then one day, my brother suddenly asked me that.
Thinking back still fills me with regret. I should've played crazy and wailed dramatically.
Wah! Our baby Richi can't do that stuff yet 'cause he's just a kid!
Sob sob! All I can say is today's food was yummy!
Act like I'd been shot in the head with a bullet. No, magic. Something like that.
"Yes! If big brother asks, I can do anything!"
That was my mistake—trying to look good in the eyes of the heir apparent.
Ah, damn it. Even now, I want to rip out my tongue.
Hearing my answer, my brother laughed, "Haha! That's my Reinhardt boy!" and dragged me off somewhere.
We ended up in front of burly men running laps in the training grounds, shirts off.
"Richi. Your grandfather, father, and I will pave the way. Just follow in our footsteps."
I learned later those weren't just any uncles.
They were the key officers, commanders, and NCOs who would lead the future imperial army.
Why introduce me to them? Huh? Why do you think!
"Oh! Young Master Richi, you've arrived!"
"Young master? He's the future war hero! Marshal Excellency! Please, come inside!"
You bastards. Having you as friends makes my life legendary.
The moment we entered the classroom, my head throbbed.
Others want to kill their professors; I want to beat these guys.
If I really became an officer, I'd stab each one with my sword.
"Our dad's still active duty. Did you get hit in the head with scatter magic or what?"
"Gasp! Then he's Field Marshal Excellency!"
"Sorry, Field Marshal Excellency!"
This is bullshit. Stop it. I'm not joining the military. I can't!
"Cut it out. Teasing him every day is killing Richi."
Sob sob. My one true friend is Enter!
My amigo! My friend! My light! The family member protecting me from these demons—
"He pulled out this much hair yesterday. His scalp might get a hole soon."
"Gasp."
"For real? Hey, Richi. You got alopecia?"
Enter, you family-like bastard. Why'd you tell them that?
"Ahem. Uh. Sorry, man."
"Take your seats. Professor's coming."
These demons, who wouldn't budge no matter what I said, shut up instantly at "hair loss" and sat staring forward.
Makes sense why Enter mentioned the hair... No, fuck that. It doesn't.
Even now, thinking back makes my eyes tear up, hands and feet sweat buckets.
Waking up, washing my hair, and handfuls of precious strands in my palm.
The nightmare I thought impossible happened to me.
"No need for thanks."
Enter smirked, oblivious or not to my pain.
They say you can't spit in a smiling face, but I think I could. Wanna try?
I could nail him right in the face like precision shooting.
"Heard the news. Congrats, Richi."
"What."
"Allied Forces Supreme Commander. Your dad. Getting another medal, right?"
Oh, that. Medals don't excite me anymore.
Line up the ones he's got, and it'd circle the training grounds twice like a review formation.
The finance ministry even begged, "Uh, so much gold and silver for medals... Sorry, but could you maybe use plating?"
War ministry roared back and bowed their heads immediately, of course.
"My sister said the social circles are buzzing about your family every day."
"Why us in high society? They hate parties."
"True, but you're the hot topic right now."
Of course we are. Smashing Koenihesen skulls left and right.
Just 50 years ago, they were plowing our imperial soldiers like fields. Not overkill at all.
"Jealous. So jealous. Grandson, son, brother of the empire's war hero. Way too jealous."
"I'd give it to you, but it'd seem like a provocation."
"You already said it. You're a bastard too, huh? Anyway, thanks."
That was sincere, but saying so might get my collar grabbed, so I let it go.
"Richi?"
Time before next class. Thinking of heading to the library.
A girl I'd never seen snuck up from behind.
"Did you call me, senior?"
No face from freshman welcome.
Not a classmate, so senior it is.
"Richi, right? The Reinhardt."
"Yes. Richi Reinhardt."
"Ah, yeah. Nice to meet you. I'm Yuria von Plae."
"Von Plae... Wisconhina Count Family?"
She nodded—yep. Von Plae, Wisconhina imperial count.
My family aside, theirs was no slouch either. Empire prestige.
Imperial count—one of ten founding meritorious retainers who backed the first emperor.
The palace sends handwritten letters praising their loyalty every year.
Hope I didn't mess up greeting Senior Yuria.
No good clashing with Wisconhina imperial counts.
Ruins my quiet second-son future.
"Pleasure to meet you, Senior Yuria. But why me...?"
"H-Here. Take this."
Senior Yuria suddenly thrust a letter at me.
"Uh..."
What the hell? Reached for it.
Tremble tremble—
Her pale hands shook like an earthquake holding the letter.
Hey? Anyone'd think she was signing over her body to a debt collector.
"Mind if I ask what this is?"
Tucked it in my breast pocket and asked.
Her face turned explosion-red.
"...Ah!"
Idiot. You clueless bastard. Lost your touch?
At the academy. A girl. Gives a letter. Blushing hard!
And you go, "Heh heh, what's this?" You'd deserve getting neutered. Duh.
"My apologies. Ignore my question just now..."
"Love letter."
Kaboom! Effect sound in my head.
Love letter! A serenade of words to your crush!
Hoped not, but yep! Aah, this is tricky!
Second son of fancy Reinhardts, but love letters already—
"Please deliver this to Douglas Reinhardt."
...Ah, got it. Not me, my brother.
"Wanted to give it myself, but... couldn't. Sending via family name might embarrass him if it spreads..."
So you ask me. Haha. Am I a magpie or crow now?
"Please, I'm begging you. Just deliver it. A reply would be nice, if possible..."
"I'll pass it on, but can't promise a reply."
"That's fine. Thanks, Richi. I'll repay this favor someday."
Our Senior Yuria said that and spun away.
Probably screaming inside, "Kyaa! Did it! I did it!"
"..."
Want to curse, but this isn't the first time.
Miserable how used to it I am. What can you do? Blame having a too-perfect brother.
Still, handled smoothly—
"Hey, you're Richi Reinhardt, right?"
"Wait! Can you do me a favor?!"
"Deliver this to him, and I'll..."
This shit. Stop! I'm not the romance minister!
Want to deliver love letters? Do it yourselves!
I've never gotten one! Brother, too much!!
"Ahem. Deliver this to Doug bro, please."
And you—what. Guy's letter? Creeps me out, pass!
Exhausting. Too exhausting. War hero's grandson, son, brother. Way too hard. Sob sob.