I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator Angel Dust]

[Proofreader ChiSync]

Chapter 3

To be honest, that situation was very uncomfortable. It was so uncomfortable that I felt like I might die from embarrassment. Facing the embarrassing memories from my past has always been an unpleasant experience.

But then again, itd also be awkward to say in person, Ah, we shouldnt be seeing each other like this. Lets just end it here.

Thinking about it. Who was the one who confessed? Me. And who got upset? Selena, who was sitting in front of me.

If I were to say it first, shed be cold to me, and Id be sulking! Apologizing about something I didnt even do. I dont want to be that pathetic guy.

Wait. Did I really do that? Im getting a little confused about my past life. Its fortunate that my consciousness seems more aligned with the present rather than the past.

Did you greet the others?

Just Etienne. I didnt meet the others.

Theyre all probably busy. Since its the end of the semester, those who havent met their credit requirements must be busy too.

Come on, guys! The professors warned us to earn credits early and enjoy, didnt they?

Human beings are all inevitably like that. They only start working at the last moment.

Assignments, exams, and credits. Ultimately, cramming in is the best way, isnt it?

But, Karl. You mentioned that you served in the military, right?

Huh? Oh. Yeah?

You also fought in the war against Luzern, right?

Yeah. I practically spent the entire three years of my military service there.

Thats strange. I thought women hated talking about military stuff.

I suppose I should be grateful since she was the one to bring it up first.

Since Selena allowed it, I casually shared some of my military anecdotes. Though nothing too profound, focusing more on the entertaining stories.

Fortunately, her reaction wasnt bad. Look, she wasnt forcing herself to laugh.

Karl.

Selena, who was chuckling, suddenly out called my name.

I dont know if its because youve been in the military, but you seem different.

Different?

Yeah. How should I say it? It seems like you have become more composured compared to before, and also.

If I didnt know about my past life, I would have thought, Oh! Isnt that a good thing?! But as someone who has already experienced the hellish military twice, it was not that impressive.

When you mention having served in the military, dont you often hear responses like that?

You seem different. You seem more mature. But, in reality I was just a slave.

Oh, right. Karl, have you ever met my brother?

Your brother? Where did your older brother serve?

He was a platoon leader in the 7th Division of the Imperial Army.

There are many platoon leaders there, so Im not sure Hmm, I dont think Ive met him.

Really? Thats strange. I thought you said you were an officer.

I was not an officer. I was just a soldier.

Selena reflexively noded, Ah, I see, to my response.

But soon she exclaimed, Wait. What did you just say? and became visibly flustered.

How many times have I seen that reaction today alone?

If I knew it would be like this, I would have definitely enlisted as an officer.

You enlisted as a soldier?

Yeah.

Not as an officer? Why?

Yeah, why did I enlist as a soldier? Im curious too.

Lets recall how I felt at that time. Right. Lets see. The me back then. Why did you do that? Ah, yes. To forget the pain. Oh, I see! That **ing idiot.

No matter what, its still unbelievable that a nobles son ended up as an ordinary soldier.

And to make matters worse, at that time, I ended up going to war, and my family didnt even receive the slightest honor.

While all Imperial soldiers were fighting hard, someone quietly retreated to the rear?

Once thats revealed, everyone involved will suffer.

So, you went to the battlefield as a soldier, not an officer?

Yeah.

Oh

Selena must have been so shocked that she kept saying Oh my god while covering her mouth.

Then suddenly, she seemed to gain a significant realization and jumped up from her seat.

Wait. It cant be, right?

What?

Enlisting as a soldier. Th-that wasnt because of me, was it?!

Huh?

Was it because of me?! Because I rejected your confession. So, you got hurt!

Huh? Uh no, its not like that. It wasnt because of you!

I was just a bit naive back then. At best, I was an idiot.

I was a fool who thought that if my body got tired, the pain in my heart would lessen.

But Selena didnt even give me a chance to say that.

I had no idea and Ive been talking about it so casually all this time No wonder, it was strange from the start that someone like you, a nobles son, enlisted as a soldier! Karl, Im truly sorry.

Wait, there. Selena? Listen to me! Im asking you to listen!

Yes, it was because of you, but theres no need for apologies whatsoever.

If anyone should apologize, its the stupid past me for making such a ridiculous decision!

I sighed inwardly and finally decided to bring it up.

There was a story being spread around the department of war news.

First, I needed to adjust my posture and lower my voice for sincerity.

Alright, lets begin.

Thats not it, Selena.

Not a bad start. Surprisingly, Selena was taken aback by my lowered voice.

The seniors always said my voice was too high-pitched and a bit weird.

They even suggested I deliberately lower my voice, and I guess, they were right.

[Translator Angel Dust]

[Proofreader ChiSync]

I just wanted to fulfill my duty as a noble to the Empire. And since I was going to do it, I wanted to see things from a soldiers perspective, rather than being an officer.

Really?

Really. Who in their right mind would enlist as a soldier just because they got rejected?

Yeah, who would? Ta-da, this crazy guy is right here!

Well, if thats really the case Im relieved Really, right? Thats really the reason?

Im telling you, dont blame yourself. If you keep doing that, my years of sacrifice for the Empire will seem like they were wasted because of some silly reason.

Please. Please dont see me as some idiot who enlisted as a soldier just because he got rejected.

Ive had enough of those who look at me with pity. I dont need any more.

Please. Please!!

After my tearful persuasion, Selena seemed to calm down a little.

Imagine hearing that the guy you rejected ended up enlisting as a soldier and feeling sorry for him because of it.

If someone hears that and thinks, Oh, I see. What an idiot. then who would be the real villain here?

Wouldnt that be the behavior befitting of a villainess or a tyrannical empress?

***

The reunion with her was the worst Although nothing happened.

It was really fortunate. As soon as I saw her, Selena said, Sorry. Theres still no place for you in my heart. She might still be like He must still be unable to overcome the horrible things I did to him in the past and he might drop out again.

Anyways, Welcome back. Karl. Oh, are you a junior now?

Yes, yes. Im just a fledgling freshman. Senior Selena. Good luck with your graduating class.

Something about you seems drastically different from back then.

Yeah, its different! I deeply reflected on myself after seeing what life is like in the military.

Then Selena bursts into laughter.

It seems like my response really struck a chord with her.

I mean, I understand. Although I just blabbered out some nonsense.

Reflecting on themself after seeing what life is like in the military? Then that guy mustve had it easy in the military.

Where in the world would one have the time to reflect on life in the military? Theres only time to work your ass off.

Usually youre on a mission. You just get caught in a drill and you get screwed.

Then when war breaks out, you feel like ending everything but just have to keep living.

Then you get to a point where youre simpley like, Fuck life, and each day just passes by.

Um, sorry. I said something similar to my brother.

It seems your brother also had a very difficult experience.

Thats what he said. Ah, its time for my lecture now. See you later.

Why the see you later? Cant we just stop seeing each other after this?

I feel damn uncomfortable. More precisely, I feel like Im going to die thinking about the past!

But still Its fortunate that the past me wasnt some weirdo.

Seeing her face to face like this, it was definitely Selena.

She wasnt just some heroine. She wasnt just a woman who got confessed by more than ten guys for no reason.

She was extremely beautiful. Maybe if she was someone else, I would have ended up blushing.

Of course, to me right now, shes an uncomfortable colleague for a certain reason, nothing more, nothing less.

Slurp

After finishing the remaining coffee in the cup, I slowly left the cafe.

It hasnt been long since I returned to the academy, so I still dont know whats what.

I should walk around a bit and get more familiar with the place, so I dont end up getting lost at the academy.

Ugh.

Suddenly my body leaned back, and before I could know what happened, I was being dragged away.

Wait, what. Kidnapping? In the middle of the academy, of all places?!

Could this be a spy calling for the Imperial Military secrets? Please spare me! Dont burn me alive!

I brought him.

He was talking to Selena just a moment ago?

Thats right. I saw it with my own eyes.

This guy was the first. Unbelievable.

Voices from all directions come in different tones.

One thing was for sure, they were all dudes.

After a moment, I wiggled free and looked around.

What the hell.

Suddenly, I realized who the ones who brought me here without a warning were.

From the right, there were Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim.

The glorious quartet of male leads. And they were all four of the Four Heavenly Kings who had been rejected by Selena.

Right. How could I not know these guys names and faces?

It was too obvious. Even in another mans eyes, these bastards were annoyingly good-looking.

When they gathered, not in pairs, or threes, but in fours, it was almost a guarantee they were the male lead quartet.

Whats up with you guys?Findd new tories on nov/e(l)bin(.)com

However, no matter whether they were called the quartet of male leads or quartet of male lovers, Im the one who was rejected first.

Its too early for you guys to break my record not yet, bastards.

[Translator Angel Dust]

[Proofreader ChiSync]