I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy
Chapter 48

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 48

“Hmm…”

Lonely. The thought suddenly struck me, and I was startled. Why now? I’ve never felt this way before, so why all of a sudden?!

But as I looked at the empty seat across from me, my body sagged again.

Karl isn’t here… Ah. That’s right. That’s why I felt lonely.

‘This is usually the time I usually meet Karl.’

After settling our past differences and reconciling, Karl and I became friends again…

Well, more accurately, I haven’t quite reached that level yet.

Anyway, thanks to that, I was able to talk and meet with Karl quite comfortably.

How was his day today? How were the lectures? Is he treating his juniors well? And what about the four of them whose graduation has been postponed indefinitely?

It was a topic I could discuss with others, just an ordinary conversation.

But even so, that ordinary conversation felt special to me. Despite being a seemingly insignificant subject, it was more interesting than any other topic, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Once again, there were so many things I wanted to say to Karl today.

Are the four of them whose graduation has been postponed indefinitely losing our minds, making weird food.

Or the news that graduation may be a little bit difficult for me too.

‘…Actually, I’m trying my best to avoid graduating.’

I’m still contemplating that part. I want to spend more time at the academy with Karl, but at the same time, I don’t want to hear him call me an idiot… I really don’t want that, no matter what.

But today, I couldn’t avoid it. Karl isn’t at the academy right now.

Karl is far away. He’s in the heart of the empire, the most central figure.

‘The Imperial Palace…’

It was an imperial command that even the representatives of noble families, loyal to the empire, hesitate to receive.

It must either be a significant mistake or, conversely, a level of achievement so exceptional that it surpasses ordinary noble deeds.

And that’s what Karl received. A mere nobleman of the same age as me!

It’s great news. Truly remarkable. When Karl returns, I must congratulate him. I wonder what he did to receive the imperial command…

But that’s for later. For now, congratulations come first. If Karl tells me himself, there couldn’t be better news than that.

“Selena?”

Lost in thoughts about when Karl will return, I heard someone calling me from behind. When I turned my head to see who it was, I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Rav?”

“Hi. It’s nice to see you again.”

The red-haired woman, Sergeant Lavrenti, bowed politely.

She and Karl had a priestly relationship… but Karl still didn’t understand, did he?

“Weren’t you supposed to visit your family?”

“I’ve seen them all.”

“Really? Are they all doing well?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Surprising. It’s a bit sudden. She said she was going to see her family, but she’s back after only a few days.

Since she’s not an academy student, there’s no reason for her to come here. Then, it must be…

“Did you come to see Karl?”

“Yes?”

“You’re back at the academy. And It seems like there’s no reason for you to be here except to see Karl.”

“Ahaha. Does it look that way?”

Yes, you do. No matter how you look at it. You definitely do.

“Actually, I… came to see you today, Selena.”

“…Me?”

“Yes. I have something I want to ask you.”

You have something to ask me? Not Karl?

“…Um, it’s a bit awkward to talk about it here. Let’s go somewhere and have a cup of tea, Rav. How about that? I’ll treat.”

“If you insist, I’d be grateful! Actually, I gave all the money I received this time to my family. So, I’d appreciate it if you treat me to something.”

I took Rav and headed to a nearby café. After sitting in a secluded corner and ordering some drinks and dessert, I took a deep breath and focused my gaze on her again.

“Now. Go ahead and tell me. What do you want to ask me?”

“Oh, yes! Well, um…”

Well?

“That… um, Selena, what kind of… relationship do you have with master?”

…Huh?

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you see! Last time, I thought you and master… were lovers. But master said no. So, I’m asking. What are you to master?”

“What am I…?”

For a moment, I almost said, ‘Someone who confessed his feelings to me.’ If I were a bit more shameless, I probably would have. I’m sure of it.

But I can’t. Even though I regret it, I rejected that confession. No matter what the circumstances were at the time or what happened afterward, I still pushed Karl away.

“Just…”

“Just?”

“Just… a friend.”

A friend, I said, but I couldn’t help but feel a strong urge to bang my head against something.

Stupid. If only I had thought a little more back then. Even if I rejected him, it would have been okay if I did it as carefully as possible, leaving room for doubt. You fool…!

“Just a friend, you say?”

“Yes. Just a friend.”

For now. Yeah, gor now. It may change again someday.

Someone might ask if I have a conscience, if I cared, I shouldn’t have done it.

I know. I know, but what can I do? My feelings have only blossomed now. Better late than never.

I don’t wish for Karl to come back. As he moves away, I can move closer to him.

Just like I did before, if Karl pushes me away, hating myself a little for being young and stupid. We’ll smile and go our separate ways.

So…

“How fortunate!”

…Fortunate? Suddenly? What’s fortunate about this situation?

* * *

“How fortunate!”

Phew. How fortunate indeed. Yes, really fortunate! Lavrenti heaved a sigh of relief.

“I was really worried that you and master were in a romantic relationship or something similar!”

“Yes! I’m so glad, it’s not a relationship at all!”

“Yes! It’s really fortunate! You’re not in any kind of relationship!”

My expression in front of her noticeably hardened. But Lavrenti either didn’t notice or ignored it and continued speaking.

“Right, Selena? There’s no relationship at all!?”

Perhaps she’s deliberately pretending not to know, even though she knows.

“It’s really fortunate. This way, I can stay closer to my master.”

“Next to Karl?”

“Yes. There’s no problem, right? It didn’t seem like you were romantically involved with anyone. Even you, who seemed like that, said it’s nothing.”

I, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke up.

“Uh, Rav. Right now, we’re not in any kind of relationship, but… um, maybe it could develop into something?”

“Oh, I see. You’re right, Selena. That could definitely happen. I could also develop a closer relationship with master!”

“…”

Uh-oh. This woman just understands things her own way!

Just let it pass. There’s nothing really important to argue about here anyway. What’s important is Karl’s reaction. He alone will decide how to proceed.

“Anyway. How fortunate, Selena.”

Stop saying “fortunate.” I feel like I’m losing my mind. It was when I was about to lower my arm to put down the shaking teacup.

“Well, thank god. There’s no relationship whatsoever.”

Rattling—

My forced smile turned into a grimace, and the teacup I was holding experienced a tidal wave.

Moreover, I must have gripped the teacup tightly because the handle broke off with a snap!

“Then again, you seem very close to master. Could you tell me the secret?”

“The secret…?”

“Yes! Actually, I’ve been separated from master for so long. I’m curious about how even Selena, who’s not in any kind of relationship, could become close to master!”

“Uh, Rav.”

I finally spoke up, maintaining my composure.

“Why are you asking me that? Isn’t it obvious?”

“Huh? Isn’t that a natural thing to ask?”

Lavrenti responded with a bright smile.

“Beacause you’re not in any kind of relationship with master, right?”

* * *

“…Hey, isn’t that Selena over there?”

Wilhelm, who had been deep in discussion, spoke up.

And soon, the other three turned their heads.

“Yeah, it’s Selena.”

“It’s Selena, right.”

“But who’s she meeting?”

The four soon realized that the woman with red hair they had seen before was Lavrenti.

“Isn’t she the lady who came looking for Karl last time?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s right.”

“But why is she meeting Selena instead of Karl?”

As they looked at each other, they soon realized.

“Hmmm.”

“As expected…”

“That’s it.”

“That makes sense.”

It was a scene from one of those romance novels you read when you’re bored.

Two women fighting over one man, I’m sure! Oh my God!

“Let’s tell Karl about this later.”

“Hey, Alexander. Don’t you have any popcorn?”

“It’s quite interesting. I’d like to get a closer look.”

“Hey, if you get caught, you’ll be scolded by Selena.”

It’s always so much more fun to watch other people’s relationships than your own.

And if it leads to giggling ladies? Where else can you replace such fun!

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]