I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 198

The winter wind is quite cold. I suddenly miss the warm tea that Selena brews.

I see the guard marching past. They’re diligently performing their duties even in this bitter cold.

Rain or snow, strong winds or sunshine, they perform their duties under any circumstances.

“…”

I glanced around and noticed signs that others have been here before me.

Perhaps they were family, relatives, or friends of the soldiers resting here.

“I’m here.”

It’s been a while.

Even though I have my reasons, I worry if I’m forgetting them.

I might have to apologize in my dreams if they complain that I visit too infrequently.

[ Corporal. Thomas. Imperial Army Infantry. Age 22. ]

I took out the things I’ve prepared. I’ve gotten the best I could this time as well.

I know they can’t eat this. This is just self-consolation for me.

[ Corporal. Martin. Imperial Army Infantry. Age 21. ]

Even so, I made sure to bring something every time, hoping they’ll smile, even in my dreams.

I don’t want to hear them asking for this or that in the afterlife.

[ Sergeant. William. Imperial Army Infantry. Age 24. ]

Ice water in the middle of winter? I know it’s crazy, but what can I do?

This guy was famous for drinking cold water even in winter.

“It’s been too long. It might sound like an excuse, but I’ve been very busy. Really. So please don’t visit me in my dreams complaining about the youngest being slacking off or anything. It gives me nightmares.”

Thankfully, the sun is shining moderately even though it’s a chilly day.

I think I can sit here for a while before I go.

“Didn’t I tell you guys before? My older sister became the Crown Princess. But now, she’s the Empress. That’s right, the Empress of the Empire! That’s my sister.”

If these guys were here, I wonder what they would have said.

“Don’t you feel the difference in power? You’re our junior, so shouldn’t we be able to use your connection to Her Majesty the Empress?”

Maybe they would have said something like that.

Or maybe…

“Oh, Karl, please take good care of us.”

Yeah, they definitely would have.

At least Thomas would have, with a high probability.

And Martin, that guy, would have gone even further.

And Sergeant William… Yeah, he would have said it’s embarrassing to ask favors from a junior, I think?

“Truth be told, if I pulled some strings, I could get everyone here transferred to a more prestigious cemetery. Or, you know, use my family connections to have them moved to the officers’ burial grounds.”

Of course, it’s not going to happen. And I don’t intend to do that. It’s just a joke.

Besides, the guys here would be terrified if I actually did that.

They would definitely say they’d rather die than be buried in the same place as the officers.

“Oh, and by the way, I’m now an uncle. Her Highness was born a while ago. If you’re wondering why I call her ‘Her Highness,’ it’s because she’s the Crown Princess. The next Empress, you know.”

My niece, Lily, will be one year old in a few months.

It’s a shame she could have had many other great uncles besides me.

“And, I’ll be a count in two years. Yes, a count. Even if you’re my senior, you can’t boss around a count, can you? Hahaha.”

I still remember the looks on those guys’ faces the day I was first assigned to the unit.

‘We’re screwed.’ Or ‘Why is a noble young lord here?’ Or ‘Damn it.’ Something along those lines.

Of course, I have no intention of saying anything about it.In fact, I understand completely.

If I were them, my reaction would’ve been the same if a high-ranking person came as a soldier.

“Karl.”

I turned my head to see Selena, followed by Lav, Lefia, and Eloise.

“…Why is Eloise fidgeting like that?”

“Ah, that’s…”

“Forget it. How many times do I have to say it? The Kanfras are the bad guys, not the elves. Even the seniors here would chat with the Hyphens’ elves whenever they had the time.”

It’s not like Eloise hurt my comrades. In fact, she’s the woman who hunted down those Kanfras.

I’m sure the seniors wouldn’t jump out of their graves yelling ‘Go!’ at the sight of her.

“Um… I’m technically a foreigner too. Is it really okay for me to come in here…?”

“The Imperial Ellington National Cemetery doesn’t discriminate based on status or nationality. As long as you don’t do anything weird in here.”

So come on over here, everyone. Hurry up. Let me introduce you.

“Ahem. I’m a bit embarrassed to introduce you all of a sudden. Hey guys? These four beauties standing here are my future wives. From left to right, Selena, Lavrenti, Lefia, and Eloise.”

There’s no response. Nevertheless, the women greet them as if someone is in front of them.

“Greetings, everyone. I’m Selena Ifrit.”

“Seniors, I’m Sergeant Lavrenti.”

“I-I’m Lefia Arkebel! I’m from the Lasker Kingdom!”

“Uh… Eloise Loengrand. As you can see, I’m an elf. Sorry for being an elf.”

I think I hear someone saying, ‘Wow, Karl! Four beauties!’

Or maybe it’s, ‘Damn it. You have to pay more taxes. I’ll kill you if you don’t.’

Afterward, I told the women in more detail about these guys.

Who they were, what they were like, and what kind of comrades they were on the battlefield.

How they met their end and how amazing they were even in their last moments.

“…So I’m sorry. And that’s why I can’t forget them. These damn seniors. They made me work so hard as the youngest. And when the youngest became the most powerful, they all left like they were running away.”

“Karl.”

“If they were still alive, I would have tormented them all night long.”

I find myself talking faster and faster. I keep saying unnecessary things.

Then Selena, Lav, Eloise, and Lefia came to my side and gently stroked my hand and shoulder.

“Are you still grieving for them, Kal?”

“I am.”

“Do you still miss them, my love?”

“I do.”

“Do you still… blame yourself?”

“I can’t help it.”

“Do you still hate yourself for being the only one who survived?”

“…There are moments when I do.”

I’m sorry, I miss them, I feel guilty, and I hate myself.

It’s all true. I’m not lying. And I probably never will.

“But you know what?”

I placed my hand on the tombstones, as if shaking their hands, as if comforting them.

“I’m going to live. Because you guys told the youngest to live. To live well. I’m going to live so well that you guys will be writhing in jealousy up in the sky.”

So that I can tell them later. Thanks to you, I lived a really good life.

That I met good seniors and lived a comfortable life before coming to see you.

* * *

Um, well. The youngest, who gave such a touching farewell yesterday, has returned today.

But don’t say anything, seniors. Do you see these people next to me?

“This is the place. Where my brother-in-law’s comrades are buried.”

“This is my first time here as well, Your Majesty.”

You asked if it was really them? Yes, it is. the Emperor and the Empress.

“Baa! Baa-baa!”

And this little one, nestled in my arms and babbling away, is my niece.

The future ruler of this Empire. So please don’t say anything.

They had originally planned to visit yesterday, but when they heard I had already come to pay my respects, they postponed their visit until today.

Whenever the imperial family goes somewhere, the area is naturally cleared out.

Access is strictly restricted, and only a selected few are allowed to remain nearby.

The reason for changing the schedule to today was that I didn’t want to cause such a commotion while I was visiting my comrades.

In other words, I’ve suddenly become the crazy guy who changed the Emperor’s visit schedule.

“They’re young. Every single one of them, so young. Almost too young.”

The Emperor, who is personally touching the tombstones of my comrades, cannot hide his bitter tone.

“Brother-in-law, may I offer these men a drink?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’m sure these men would be honored and prostrate themselves in gratitude.”

“I should be the one prostrating. They literally gave everything to protect the Empire.”

The Emperor receives the alcohol and cups from the attendant behind him and pours a drink in front of each comrade’s grave.

Then he steps back slightly and slowly bows his head.

“Your Majesty!”

“Such an act of humility!”

“Let it be. If we can’t show respect to those who have passed, how can we properly show respect to those who are living?”

Today’s glory of the Empire was built on the blood they shed yesterday.

The Emperor said this, bowed his head once more, and offered a moment of silence for my comrades.

“Aww…”

Did my niece in my arms sense the solemn atmosphere?

She babbles softly and then suddenly starts touching my cheek.

“Saaa…”

“I’m not crying, niece. It’s okay.”

Yes, your uncle won’t cry. On this fine day, when my old comrades are receiving a royal drink.

I quietly raised my head and looked up at the sky.

It was the end of another year, a day filled with cold but fresh air.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

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