Chapter 80

[Translator Angel Dust]

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Chapter 80

Im Tired

Im out of gas. I can see why they say debating makes you old.

Throughout the trip, Ive been arguing with that Eloise woman.

I was so nervous that the elf would take advantage of an opening and get close to Karl.

I wish it was Lav. Laverenti wouldve been better. But Eloise? Its like shes determined to figure out how to deal with Karl no matter what. How can I ignore that?

Whenever Karl looks somewhere, she tries to meet his eyes. Whenever Karl moves, she tries to be there.

It would be easier to handle if she acted subtly, with some tact. But shes too obvious.

Could you please tone it down a bit?

Eventually, I found myself blurting out irritably.

Revealing emotions first in a fight like this puts you at a disadvantage. I felt like I made a mistake. If Eloise tries to take advantage of this, it could be quite awkward

No.

.

Wow. Really. How can she respond so nonchalantly with a smile like that?

Shes not laughing to provoke or tease me further. Shes just finding this situation amusing. Shes enjoying it.

Why are you acting like this?

Usually, when someone actively blocks you like this, most people either give up or pretend to give up and think of another plan. Thats reasonable.

But Eloise is different. She just laughs and charges at me head-on. Its like watching a dog determined not to let go of a toy its found.

It feels good.

Feels good? This?

Yes! Isnt it great? Just being like this is enough, isnt it?!

.

Theres something a strange aura thats hard to handle. Madness? Is that the right word? Thats what it feels like.

I cant grasp what kind of character she is. Werent elves supposed to look down on humans, be incredibly proud and full of pride?

And, Selena, be careful. Even if the shield blocks, the spear always wins!

Ah. Wait, wait a minute. No. No way! I cant just let this slide.

The spear beats the shield? This is what Karl and I argued about before! I remember hearing that!

Is that really the case? Everyone in the world knows that shields are far more advantageous.

What are you talking about? How can the shield be superior?

The spear has to pierce through, right?

The shield has to block everything. What else is there?

Wait Wait a minute. What was it again? Oh, right!

So! What Im saying is, no matter what scenario unfolds, in the end, the shield is more advantageous. Even if both are broken and destroyed

If the spear breaks and the shield shatters, wouldnt it be better to have neither?

Thats well, right? Now that I think about it?

The moment I heard Eloises words, I thought of Lav.

If Eloise and I both back off, naturally, that woman will be the final winner. Broken spear, shattered shield.

And even a ridiculous situation where the common enemy becomes more favorable!

Right? So, in that sense, Selena, I think its best for us to fight moderately!

.

Its oddly convincing. To the point where I cant immediately refute it

And since were going to fight moderately, its also good to just pretend we didnt see anything! And as for me going next to Karl

Dont even think about it.

Id rather have Lav. Youre too dangerous! Too obvious!

* * *Chck out ltst vl on novl/bin(.)cm

The quartet laughed happily. And between them, there were two women who seemed to be making crackling noises!

And finally, theres the recipient of the Medal of Honor who seems determined not to leave the compartment even if the passengers crowded around, saying, Wow, its the hero the conductor talked about! Amazing! Wow!

They spent their time like that until darkness fell, finally reaching their destination.

Ladies and gentlemen, our train will be arriving at the terminal shortly.

And before that, our Medal of Honor recipient will be disembarking. We kindly ask all passengers to remain seated until the Empires hero has exited the train.

Enough. Please stop. I had to maintain a stern expression.

Part of me wanted to just hide on the train, but then the other passengers would have to wait on the train indefinitely. That wouldnt be fair.

The Empires hero!

Medal of Honor recipient!

We salute you!

Unaware of Karls thoughts, Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim were busy teasing.

Selena would usually step in to calm things down, but she seemed preoccupied with a staring contest with the prospective elven raider.

With a sigh, I started to gather my belongings, but the attendants waiting outside the door panicked and hurried over.

Allow me to assist. Well handle everything, sir.

Huh? Oh, its fine, but

Its not fine for us. Well take care of all your belongings.

Strange. They seemed respectful when I boarded, but not to this extent.

The attendants practically snatched the bags from my hands.

Could it be because there were no servants around? But that wouldnt make sense since there were already servants waiting in the south. Or did the four families request something separately?

As I stepped out of the train, I understood the reason.

Clap, clap, clap!

Applause so thunderous that even I, who had spent three years on the battlefield, was startled.

Although there was no shouting, the applause was enough to drown out any cheers.

The south.

Right. I momentarily forgot where we were going.

This was the southern part of the Empire. Just a few hours by carriage from here will take you to a region where soldiers like me have fought in battle.

Naturally, war is no stranger to the people here. For them, it was a matter of survival, whereas the rest of the Empire was just fighting against elves.

There were tons of Imperial soldiers being drafted here. Men who had lost comrades, lost arms and legs, and eventually lost themselves, and were returning home as lifeless corpses.

So they were desperate. For them, it was a war against the Elves, a distant battle that would end in Im worried. For others, it was a war that mattered to them, and they wanted it to end.

Out of that war came a man who wore the Empires highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

A nobleman of the Empire who enlisted as an ordinary soldier. And then theres Luzernes, who suddenly collapses not long after he saves his men.

To them, that young nobleman seemed like the key to ending the war.

And as if to prove it, when other things happened, he stepped up to the plate and performed the insane feat of earning another Medal of Honor.

.

Meanwhile, Karl, who received those praises, simply smiled and followed the attendants without any further acknowledgment.

He raised his hand in response, but there was no gesture to show off or encourage more praise.

Not pretending either. It was clear that he thought it was natural to receive such praise and that it was a far cry from wanting more.

Now, he was receiving on behalf of those who couldnt receive.

That was how one could define Karl Adelheit, who was now quickly escaping the station.

* * *

Hehe.

I barely managed to suppress a chuckle that almost escaped my lips.

If Selena had heard that, would she have been on guard again? Phew. Thankfully not.

So different. Not like other men of my kind. So different.

If Karl werent there in that situation, but instead another male from my kin, I wonder how it wouldve been.

And the conclusion I came to was that he would likely walk around with an air of Praise me more, I deserve it, as he moved.

Is it because theyve lived for so long? Or were they just born exceptionally talented?

Our kin inevitably have excessive pride. To me, it seems a bit extreme.

But when they were beaten by the Empire, their pride mustve taken quite a hit.

As a result, those who couldnt bear it became Luzernes, and those who endured became Hyzens.

As for me? Well, honestly, I dont care much about winning or losing. I just enjoy the process.

Anyway, watching Karl shyly sneak away made me chuckle. Even though hes the hero of the Empire, seeing him like this makes him seem childish. Hehe. Isnt he just too adorable?

Youre running away without knowing where youre staying?

I dont care, we need to get out of the station first.

When I caught up with Karl and asked him that, that was his response.

Honestly, I wanted to tease him a bit more, but I decided to hold back to avoid denting the few points Ive accumulated.

Karl.

Still, I have to say it. Honestly, how do I hold this in?

You seem like a really cool guy.

Whats with the sudden talk? Have you been drinking? Are you drunk?

Huh? Oh! Yeah, Im drunk! Drunk on an amazing human being whos incomparable to other male kin! Hehehehe!

Are you seriously crazy?

You wouldnt understand. Probably, forever. Because all heroes, they dont know why others worship them.

But thats exactly why everyone keeps falling for them.

So, be careful, Karl! Im so deeply in love with you, I cant escape now!

I even quit my job for this! Even though I will manage during my study abroad with my severance pay, after that, youre gonna have to support me!

[Translator Angel Dust]

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Chapter end