I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 146

“Congratulations! I’ve heard the news. They say when a new Saint of the Empire appears, you too will be enshrined as Patron Saints, enjoying eternal glory.”

Ha-ha! Remus Bayern, the Heir to the Duchy of Bernstfall, approached with a laugh.

[TL/N: Remus Bavaria → Remus Bayern ]

Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim all forced smiles onto their faces, their lips twitching as they looked at him.

“Thank you, Young Lord.”

“It’s an honor, sir. Ha-ha-ha.”

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh, this is wonderful! Ha-ha!”

“…Is something the matter?”

Of course, given who they were dealing with, their change in demeanor was immediately noticed by Remus.

They weren’t strangers, having met more than a few times. They knew each other well, including the fact that they tended not to show their emotions easily.

They weren’t enemies, but there was no need to reveal too much. The five heirs faithfully adhered to that simple principle.

Whenever and wherever they met, they always wore a calm smile, their eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

But this time was different. And not just a little different. They were practically broadcasting their feelings.

“What do you mean, ‘something wrong,’ Young Lord?”

“You all look stiff. Your smiles are forced. It seems like something unpleasant has happened.”

Something unpleasant? Oh, yes. Yes, indeed, Young Lord. That’s exactly what’s wrong.

Patron Saints! Ugh! That bastard Karl has gone and made us all eternally enshrined!

—They wanted to scream, but they couldn’t bring themselves to do it. Their noble status held them back, and they wondered whether the other would even remotely understand.

“Hahaha. My goodness. Shulifen, you have given our family such an incredible gift.”

“Well done, Wilhelm! Well done! Your name will forever shine in our Fritz family!”

“Come here, my son. Today, I will embrace you as a mother should. Al, come quickly.”

[TL/N: Al – Short for Alexander]

“It seems we need to strengthen our ties with the Adelheit family even further, Joachim.”

These were the reactions of the four family heads upon hearing the news of their sons becoming Patron Saints.

It wasn’t just anyone else, but their own parents. They laughed and rejoiced, saying how proud they were of their children, how remarkable they were, and how they would become great treasures of their families.

And was it just them? No, other family members, retainers, and servants at the main residence felt the same way.

Even other nobles they knew, and even those they barely knew, applauded them and exclaimed how envious they were.

But what was there to complain about? It wasn’t a matter of whether others heard or not, but rather the possibility of being misunderstood as if they were bragging about receiving such an important role.

“Young Lord Remus, about the Patron Saints thing… We never wanted this, not at all.”

“I heard. That’s why it’s even more remarkable.”

“What does that—”

“Young Lord Karl Adelheit has proven himself to be a remarkable figure, worthy of being called a saint. The fact that he chose you as his Patron Saint is a testament to your own greatness.”

He’s not listening to a word I’m saying. Ha ha.

The four of them thought almost simultaneously.

“In any case, this has once again greatly elevated the Empire’s prestige. Who knew that the current Heirs, who will one day lead their own territories, were such devout individuals?”

“Well, about the devout part, we’re not exactly—”

“Modesty is a virtue, but there’s no need for it in front of me. You, who joined forces with Young Lord Karl and even established the Pension Foundation, are truly righteous people for the continent. Surely, the Goddess recognized this and bestowed a miracle upon Young Lord Karl, thereby leading you all on the path to glory.”

Wilhelm almost reflexively shouted, ‘That’s not it! It’s not like that!’ at Remus’s words, but thankfully, Alexander and Joachim gave him a warning look before he could.

Judging by the Remus’s obliviousness, it was clear how the rest of the nobility would react. They would likely be singing their praises, and the more pious among them might even offer prayers of gratitude.

Now they understood why Karl was so terrified of receiving medals and honors. Some might find this situation enjoyable, but they certainly didn’t.

“…Hey, wait a minute.”

The four stepped out onto the balcony to calm their upset stomachs. Then, Alexander grabbed the other three and spoke.

“We can’t just let this happen.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“We should really make Karl pay for this! We can’t just let him get away with this!”

“…Do you have a good idea, then?”

Should we pray diligently and hope for a result like, ‘From now on, let Karl be surrounded by a blinding light’?

If not that, how can we get back at him without causing any harm?

Joachim, Wilhelm, and even Shulifen were skeptical.

“Listen, I’ve thought really hard about this.”

But Alexander showed no signs of giving up, eagerly presenting his idea.

“The Pension Foundation. Let’s expand it even more.”

“…What?”

“No, it’s already huge! If it gets any bigger, we won’t be able to handle it!”

“We have plenty of people helping us, and most importantly, we have, you know, ‘him’ behind us.”

Officially, the four families were in charge of managing the Foundation. Officially, they were supported by the Duke’s family and several other noble families.

And unofficially, the Imperial Family also had a hand in it. The reason for their unofficial involvement was to avoid the appearance of blatantly taking advantage of the nobles’ voluntary good deeds.

In any case, Alexander’s point was this—They could handle further expansion! If things got a little tricky, the Imperial Family would help them out in some way!

The only question remaining was, why expand the foundation’s scale?

“To spread Karl’s name far and wide.”

“…Huh?”

“What?”

“Karl Adelheit Early Childhood Education Centers in every region of the Empire. Karl Adelheit Hospitals and medical support facilities. Karl Adelheit Relief Systems. You know, make his name shine wherever you go. What do you think?”

This is madness. Utter madness. Has this guy gone completely mad after being burned by Karl’s Guardianship?

Cover the entire Empire with Karl Adelheit? Is that even possible?! Putting aside all the other issues, the reason for this is simply revenge for being made Patron Saints!

“This is ridiculous…”

“This is so stupid.”

“Is this really Alexander’s final conclusion?”

For a while, the three remained silent. Then, they finally spoke in unison.

“Let’s do it.”

* * *

“…?”

What the hell? Why am I suddenly getting goosebumps? They say that chills are never a good sign. This is ominous, very ominous! Could it be that some surviving ghouls are up to no good somewhere?

“Is something wrong, Young Lord?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“That’s good to hear.”

At first, the Imperial Knights were quite rigid, but now they were even exchanging casual conversations.

Personally, I’m connected to the Imperial Family. Officially, I’m a recipient of the Medal of Honor, a clear mark of my dedication to the Empire.

Even the most rigid knights wouldn’t excessively guard against or show hostility towards someone like me.

“You may enter the palace.”

Once again, I’m clocking in at the Imperial Palace. Honestly, is this truly the life of a mere Young Lord?

As I walked further, I noticed the Minister of the Imperial Household Ministry himself coming out to greet me.

This is driving me crazy. The Minister of the Imperial Household Ministry, along with the Chamberlain, is one of the Emperor’s closest aides.

The fact that he personally came to greet me means the Emperor has postponed all his appointments to meet with me.

“Greetings, Minister.”

“I see the Blessed One.”

“…That’s a bit embarrassing, please don’t.”

“Hahaha. My apologies, Young Lord. Your reputation has been quite extraordinary lately.”

I suddenly feel worried.

How will that staunch Imperial loyalist perceive me? Will he yell, ‘Because of you, the people of the Empire are chanting your name more than the Emperor’s! You scoundrel! If you ever become a traitor, I’ll personally drive the carriage to capture you!’

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing.”

“…Let’s go. His Majesty has been waiting for a while.”

This is insane. I’ve even made the Emperor wait. As expected of a man like me… No, wait. This is truly crazy.

I quickly followed the Minister, and soon, I was once again in the Emperor’s presence.

“Long live His Majesty. I, Karl Adelheit, have arrived at the palace in response to the imperial summons.”

“Welcome. I have been waiting for you.”

An Emperor waiting for his subject. I’m both honored and terrified. What could be the reason this time?

“Please, have a seat. It pains me to see you kneeling like that.”

“…”

To be granted the privilege of sitting in a chair before the Emperor… Wasn’t this only allowed for Dukes?

The Chamberlain, perhaps sensing my inner thoughts, personally guided me to a chair with a look of surprise on his face.

I should have asked the Crown Prince about the reason for the summons. I should have used my brother-in-law card for this.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]