Chapter 351: To the North (3)
On the last day of the first semester, I ended up having a meeting with the Principal early in the morning, even before the closing ceremony.
“I heard the departure ceremony is in a few days.”
“Yes, we’re just waiting for His Majesty’s orders now.”
I nodded and answered the Principal’s calm words.
The Northern Forces had already gathered, except for the minimal forces needed to maintain public order, and the three corps from the Western Forces had arrived at the Duchy of Havlem. The Central Forces corps and private armies from various regions had also gathered at the assembly points designated by the Emperor, so all that was left was the formal departure.
“Another war before we’ve even fully healed from the last one. What a tragedy.”
The Principal sighed softly, his tone bitter.
One might think the Principal, who stayed only at the academy, had little to do with this war. However, he was a great mage who once played an active role in the military and an educator who has taught countless students. Knowing that his juniors or disciples would be participating in the war most likely did not sit well with him.
“If it were up to me, I’d return to the frontlines myself. At least then, perhaps, a few more young ones would survive.”
In fact, shortly after the assembly order was issued, the Principal submitted his resignation to the Minister of Education for the reason he mentioned—that it might reduce the sacrifice of young people if an old man stepped up.
Of course, his resignation was rejected. It wasn’t right to send someone who had already dedicated their youth to the empire, and who was now nurturing the empire’s future, straight to war. Besides, having a retired elderly person participate in the war would damage the empire’s dignity.
“There are many experienced generals in the military to lead the young soldiers. Many of them also fought in the last war. I understand your concern, but please don’t dwell on it too much.”
I offered some words of comfort to the Principal. I understood how he felt, having probably lost many juniors and disciples in the last Great Northern War, but the Principal’s role was that of an educator. Trying to step away from that role would only be tiring and troublesome for everyone.
“Yes, I suppose so. The Executive Manager is right.”
The Principal nodded at my words. He was probably just venting his frustration, so it was best to agree and move on. After all, what else could the Principal do in this situation but complain after having his resignation rejected?
Now, all he could do was hope that the students and soldiers he had taught would not die in vain.
“Please take care of yourself too, Executive Manager. It’s hard to imagine you getting hurt, but war is unpredictable.”
“Thank you for your advice.”
I smiled slightly as I answered the Principal’s words. I was also included among the people the Principal had met. We’d been workplace colleagues for a year and a half, so we didn’t have a light relationship.
But what could I do? I had to deliver some bad news to the Principal, who was worrying about me.
“By the way, the Ministry of Finance contacted me yesterday. If the war drags on or if something happens to me, the 1st Manager will come as the academy inspector in my place.”
I saw the Principal flinch at those words. It was problematic enough to have someone else replace the inspector they’d just gotten used to, but for it to be the 1st Manager, who was in charge of torture? It must be dizzying for the Principal.
But I couldn’t blame them. To fill my vacancy, another director or minister would have to step up directly, which was impossible. So instead, they settled on someone who at least had some prior connection to my circle of acquaintances—someone the club members might be more familiar with.
“A graduate of the academy coming as an inspector. What a unique experience.”
“Haha, I suppose it is.”
For a moment, it seemed like the 1st Manager’s school life was flashing through the Principal’s mind, but I deliberately didn’t pay attention to it.
“If the 1st Manager comes as the inspector, I’ll put in a good word. We should still be able to communicate during the war.”
Of course, the best-case scenario would be for the war to end during the vacation, but we couldn’t be sure since the last war dragged on for two years. I couldn’t give the Principal false hope with careless words, so I should consider the 1st Manager’s dispatch as a given.
***
I was surrounded as soon as the closing ceremony ended.
“Carl, you must take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it, eat your meals on time... Oh, what else?”
“And get proper sleep too.”
“Ah, right. Sleep is important, too.”
My lovers and club members were about to return home. Among them, I was the one heading to the battlefield instead of home, so I was currently receiving all sorts of worries and encouragement.
But something was off about these worried words. Didn’t they sound like mothers worrying about their child?
“I take good care of myself, so don’t worry.”
They were worried, so I answered as brightly as possible. We wouldn’t see each other until the end of the war, so there was no need to make them worry with heavy emotions—
“And yet you were walking around with wounds like that?”
“Didn’t we agree not to talk about that anymore...?”
I almost became speechless at Irina’s sharp jab. Bringing that up at this timing was foul play.
Still, I instinctively lowered my head after seeing Irina with tears welling up in her eyes. Actually, wasn’t the foul play not Irina bringing up the wounds but me having such wounds in the first place? I should reflect on that.
“...We can’t do anything about your existing wounds, but you can’t come back injured again, okay?”
“Of course.”
So, I hurriedly nodded at Irina’s slightly teary words.
The only reason I had gotten those injuries in the first place was Kagan. If it had been any other situation, something like that would never have happened. Saying this might sound like a flag, but realistically speaking, how could another bastard like Kagan appear in the same era? That didn’t make sense.
I was confident that I’d return safely this time. This wasn’t foreshadowing—it was common sense.
“Hopefully, we’ll see you again before the year is over. Wishing you the best, advisor.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Meanwhile, I was touched by the normal and ordinary greeting that came out of Rutis’s mouth. I shouldn’t be moved by something like this.
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