Chapter 53 - The Scandalous Letter Fiasco (3)
Ernest went to see the Disciplinary Officer again.
Robert, unwilling to enter the Disciplinary Officer's Office, decided to wait out in the hallway.
"Hmm..."
After hearing Ernest's story, the Disciplinary Officer fell into deep thought, unable to answer right away.
A mere cadet—the son of a retired soldier—had no business meddling in matters involving a Count and Major General Armin.
Still, as someone directly involved in the incident, Ernest had the right to protect himself.
More importantly, technically, Ernest could have acted on his own, but he came to explain his plan and follow the chain of command.
Because of that, the Disciplinary Officer couldn't simply reject his request.
Especially since there had already been a case where two Disciplinary Officers, having told Ernest, "Use your own judgment and act as you see fit," ended up being dismissed from their positions after paying a painful price—nearly dying from their rash decision.
From the moment Ernest reported to the Disciplinary Officer, this was no longer a matter of a cadet acting on personal discretion; it now had to be handled in accordance with the procedures of the Imperial Military Academy as an institution.
Of course, under normal circumstances, he might have brushed it off, saying, "Stop with the nonsense and stay put."
"I'll submit a report first."
After much deliberation, the Disciplinary Officer spoke in a calm voice.
"But Krieger, your plan won't be accepted."
Ernest wasn't flustered by those words.
He merely listened in silence to what the Disciplinary Officer had to say.
"The moment you reported this to me, it passed out of your hands. This is no longer just your personal problem. And your plan is meant solely to protect yourself. The Military Academy is an organization, and it cannot put itself at risk for the sake of a single individual within it."
The reason the Disciplinary Officer was explaining the situation to Ernest in such detail wasn't because he suspected Ernest might do something reckless.
Rather, he appreciated that Ernest had chosen to report up the chain for the sake of academy discipline, even though he could have acted on his own. That was why he was giving advice out of a sense of approval.
Even though the Cadet Corps had suffered because of Ernest, it wasn't as if they took no pleasure in seeing the growth of this young cadet.
"Remember this, Krieger. An organization acts for the good of the whole, and it doesn't move rashly in the face of uncertainty. Unless the Military Academy can secure decisive benefit and a clear chance of success, it won't sanction your plan."
After listening quietly to the Disciplinary Officer's serious advice, Ernest glanced aside with calm, dark eyes.
The Disciplinary Officer watched his anxious expression closely. Soon, Ernest looked the officer straight in the eye again.
The Disciplinary Officer realized that this young boy had come to his own answer.
"My thinking was too narrow. I'll give it more thought and speak with you again."
"In that case, I won't file the report."
"Thank you."
When Ernest said this politely, the Disciplinary Officer decided to treat the matter as if it had never happened.
Ernest saluted the officer and left the Disciplinary Officer's Office.
***
"So, how did it go?"
"For now, we're pretending the whole thing never happened."
"Hm… So what are you going to do?"
"..."
Ernest couldn't answer Robert's question so easily. Robert pursed his lips and walked alongside Ernest as they made their way down the hallway to their room.
Even after returning to the room, Ernest sat motionless at his desk. Robert took his seat at his own desk, quietly eating candies one by one, the silence stretching between them.
"Even if I do nothing…"
After a long pause, Ernest spoke in a low, almost whispering voice.
"…the problem will resolve itself in the end."
Because of Count Wolfram's actions, all sorts of people had gotten tangled up in this affair.
Not just the Society, but even Major General Armin, the headmaster, and the high-ranking officials of Grimman would surely be paying attention by now.
One way or another, this issue would be resolved. It had to be.
If, by some chance, a resolution still seemed out of reach in the end, they'd probably deploy a First-Class Baltracher to read the cadet's thoughts and root out the culprit.
It would be madness to pull a stunt like that at the Imperial Military Academy, where so many noble young men had gathered, but from Count Wolfram's perspective, it was an action worth taking—even if it meant enduring all the criticism and danger.
In the Noble Society, the value of honor was frighteningly high. If his honor were left tarnished like this, just imagine how lightly others would treat Wolfram in the future. A price must be paid in blood, no matter what. If that's what it takes to protect one's honor—if it means showing the world just how resolute and ruthless the Wolframs can be—then even such madness could be seen as a wise move.
And Ernest understood exactly what that meant.
"There's definitely going to be a duel."
A fight to the death was inevitable.
While being found out for an affair was disgraceful, it wasn't something punishable by law.
The only possible resolution was through a duel. Otherwise, the families involved would be left with no choice but to go to war. Even Count Wolfram surely didn't want things to escalate that far.
"Someone's going to die."
And one of them simply had to.
Whether it was Gunter, whose honor had been sullied by his fiancée Theresia's affair, or "Ingrid," the one who had the affair with Theresia and was now cornered.
"..."
Ernest stared in silence at the blue light of the Balt fixture.
Robert, sucking on his candy, quietly watched Ernest's profile.
"Even if they're doomed anyway, is it really right for me to get involved in this?"
Even if Ernest decided to step in, it probably wouldn't change the outcome. But if someone was destined to die anyway, and Ernest's involvement led directly to that person's death, could he really say he bore no responsibility?
"I don't know..."
Ernest hadn't really expected Robert to answer him, but after rubbing his chin and thinking it over, Robert spoke.
"You're not acting without reason. You're doing this for yourself, for your father, and for the Krieger family."
If Ernest took decisive action this time, the Noble Society would see just how resolutely this young boy could act for the sake of his family.
Count Anton Wolfram would have no choice but to formally apologize to Haires, who was just an ordinary retired soldier, and his son Gunter would also have to make a formal apology to Ernest.
And they'd have to pay the price for having received Ernest's help.
It wasn't something you could see with your eyes, and it wasn't big, but it was a real, tangible power that would protect the Krieger family.
"Is that really more important than a person's life?"
But even if Ernest did nothing, the Kriegers wouldn't be put in danger. Still, was it really right to have a hand in someone's death?
"From a commoner's perspective, Ernest."
Robert popped one of the small candies he'd broken into his mouth and tossed another one to Ernest. Ernest caught it and put it in his mouth.
"Of course, a life is more important. Honor and all those things—they don't really help you get by."
Robert shrugged as he spoke. But then he let out a deep sigh and went on.
"Even so, most people wouldn't hesitate to act. They'd do far worse, you know? There are plenty of people who wouldn't think twice about hunting their adversary down and stabbing them with a sword themselves, if that's what it took. He's going to die anyway, so why not get something out of it? There's no reason to turn down a chance like this."
As the son of a merchant, Robert had seen all kinds of people and understood well just how selfish and ruthless humans could be. He knew that, just as he made his own calculations, so did everyone else.
"If it doesn't belong to you, if it's someone else's, it doesn't matter if you smash it or steal it. What does it matter if you're not the one getting hurt? That's just how most commoners think. Honestly."
Nearly fifteen years had passed since the war ended. But the Great War, which had lasted almost thirty years, had changed the world completely—and people still hadn't really escaped that era. It was the greatest war this land had ever seen, a time when the value of human life had plummeted to record lows, and each day seemed to set a new bottom.
"And from a merchant's perspective, the opportunity you've been given is far from trivial. You can gain something incredibly valuable from the life of a man doomed to die anyway. The attention of many, and a reputation. As you know, that's powerful. You're well aware of it."
Of course, Ernest knew.
How could he not?
He was the one who had told Robert how important reputation was, and that he ought to become a model student.
"I may not know much about the Noble Society, but from what Wilfried says, this looks like a very tempting opportunity even from a noble's point of view"
No matter how you look at it, there's nothing holding Ernest back from taking action. He has a legitimate reason, he can claim his rightful authority, and he stands to gain a fair reward. No one could blame him for it.
Except for one person—Ernest Krieger himself. In the end, he found himself circling back to the same question. Could Ernest accept being complicit in the death of someone already doomed to die? Or could he not accept it?
Fourteen years old. Maybe it's still too young an age to kick the chair out from under a condemned man with a death sentence already pronounced. But if it were any other first-year cadets, they wouldn't have hesitated to act. They were born into a world where that was the norm—raised and educated to see it as natural.
Ernest Krieger's father, Haires Krieger, had taught him never to hesitate to pull the trigger when aiming the muzzle at an enemy. But he had never taught him what to do when the muzzle was pointed at someone who wasn't an enemy.
"I'll have to ask Father."
"Right now?"
"Right now. Immediately."
"It'll be too late by the time he replies."
As Ernest took out letter paper and began to write, he said,
"The academy will handle things one way or another until then."
"Aren't you being a bit too needy?"
At Robert's incredulous remark, Ernest calmly replied as he moved his quill pen.
"I'm fourteen, you know. Still just a kid."
"Hmm… Well, if you're a fourteen-year-old First Year Officer Cadet, that's about the perfect age for whining and making a fuss."
Since it was undeniably true, Robert could only nod in agreement.
Unlike his usual style, Ernest wrote the letter as concisely as possible.
He didn't even bother putting it in an envelope—he just took the letter paper straight to the Disciplinary Officer.
"I'd like this sent to my father as quickly as possible."
"Hm…"
The Disciplinary Officer looked as if he had a headache, but he accepted the letter without any complaints.
"You may read it, if you wish."
At Ernest's words, the Disciplinary Officer glanced at him briefly, then shook his head slightly.
"That's not for me to decide. Please wait here a moment."
"Yes, sir."
Without reading the letter, the Disciplinary Officer simply carried it, still folded, and left the office. Ernest waited quietly in the Disciplinary Officer's Office. The Disciplinary Instructor, who had already been briefed on the situation but ordered to keep quiet, kept glancing at Ernest but didn't say a word.
It wasn't long before the Disciplinary Officer returned, empty-handed.
"The letter will be delivered in the name of the Military Academy. The only person who could possibly intercept your letter or your father's reply is someone who stands outside the authority of the Imperial Military Academy."
With the permission of Armin Mannheim, the Headmaster and Major General of the Imperial Military Academy, Ernest's letter would be placed in an envelope stamped with the Academy's seal and delivered directly by a courier from the Military Academy. And in this world, there is only one person who exists outside the authority of the Imperial Military Academy. That is none other than His Majesty the Emperor himself, who graciously lent his illustrious authority to the Academy.
Armin had granted permission in this matter because the Academy bore a responsibility to protect Ernest and his family, the Kriegers, when they found themselves in a difficult position due to Academy tradition. Even if that responsibility wasn't an official one.
"Thank you."
"Think nothing of it. I'm only doing my duty. For now, return to your room and wait. As soon as a reply arrives, I'll bring it to you."
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
The Disciplinary Officer's gesture as he accepted Ernest's salute was clearly one he was well accustomed to, but it somehow felt different from before.
***
"So, all that's left is to wait now?"
Waiting in the hallway, Robert spoke in a lighter tone as soon as Ernest stepped out. He believed the matter was now completely out of Ernest's hands. All that remained was to follow Haires's judgment and decisions.
"No. There's something I need to prepare."
"Prepare? Prepare for what? ...No, wait. Whatever it is, just don't say anything. And if possible, don't do this preparation thing at all."
Robert, the sharp sting of past memories flashing before his eyes, desperately tried to stop Ernest from preparing anything.
However, since Robert was no match for Ernest in terms of strength, he had to resort to logic to dissuade him. Unfortunately for Robert, Ernest had already thought things through thoroughly, leaving no room for persuasion.
"You need to prepare too."
"No way!"
When Ernest grabbed Robert by the shoulders and said this, Robert recoiled like a frightened child who'd just seen a monster under the bed, trying to shake off his hands. But Robert's resistance was futile. Ernest firmly held onto both of his shoulders and wouldn't let go.
"Don't do this to me, Teacher Ernest!"
"Student Robert. Let me be clear: there's absolutely no chance you'll get dragged into anything dangerous. In fact, in a certain sense, this could even benefit you."
"Stop talking nonsense! How on earth could any of this possibly be good for me?"
To focus on what he could gain instead of the risks in this situation—he truly was consistent. And precisely because of that consistency, Robert knew he wouldn't be able to refuse Ernest's request.
"It's time to repay your debt, Student Robert."
"...Ah, damn it."
This was a deal.
Ernest had saved Robert multiple times from being nearly kicked to death by a horse, rescued him from senior students' bullying and prevented his expulsion, and had tirelessly tutored him so he could keep up with the rigors of the Military Academy.
Robert Jimman, the merchant's son, knew just how valuable all of that was, and he also understood that unless he was ready to drop out of the Military Academy right this second, he absolutely had to pay Ernest back.
"Fine. Fine. Teacher Ernest, do whatever you want with me."
"Please never say that again. That tone is really unpleasant and disgusting."
"So, what exactly do you want me to do?"
As Robert raised his hands in surrender, Ernest replied calmly.
"I need you to help me prepare for a duel."
With one hand, Robert smacked his own forehead, and with the other, he covered his nose and mouth.
"You're insane."
Robert was now convinced his friend had completely lost it. No, come to think of it, Ernest had always been this kind of guy.
Robert seriously wondered if he had just chosen the wrong friend.
***
Haires' reply arrived swiftly.
The courier delivered it directly, skipping all the usual intermediaries.
Ernest immediately unfolded the letter he had received in the Disciplinary Officer's Office and began to read.
"Your words telling me not to worry only made me worry more, I think.
Since you've grasped the situation, I trust you know I'm in no real danger.
Personally, I wish you wouldn't get yourself involved in this any further. If left alone, it will eventually pass.
But even knowing that, the fact that you're still agonizing over what to do brings me a small joy.
I'm glad you've learned not to settle for what you're given and have started to find your own answers.
I've sent a letter to Headmaster Mannheim. If he approves, you may take action.
However, I want you to promise me that you'll never do anything dangerous.
And whatever happens, do not forget that you did your utmost, even if things go wrong.
Sometimes, even when we try our best, we may still fail. If that happens, I'd rather see you learn to get back up afterward than see you crushed by disappointment.
Take care of yourself."
After carefully folding his father's letter, Ernest tucked it into the inside pocket of his cadet uniform and looked up at the Disciplinary Officer. The Disciplinary Officer met Ernest's gaze and slowly nodded.
"The Headmaster has given his permission. I'll explain the details."
"Yes, sir."
Armin had approved it.
Moreover, he even filled in the gaps of Ernest's plan, which Ernest had come up with on his own.
Most likely, the letter Haires sent Armin also played a part in swaying him.
A short while later, after receiving the full briefing on The Plan, Ernest stepped out of the Disciplinary Officer's Office and strode forward without hesitation. Now, all Ernest had to do was carry out his assigned task. And for this, even someone like Ernest couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Excuse me."
"Krieger? What's going on?"
"Do you know where I might find Senior Wolfram?"
Ernest headed straight to the Fourth-Year Dormitory and sought out Gunter.
The fourth-year cadets, who remembered how brightly Ernest had performed at the Silver Horseshoe Tournament and how he had granted so many favors as this year's first recipient of leave, were happy to tell him where to find Gunter.
"What's the matter, Krieger?"
Gunter seemed a bit taken aback to see Ernest at the very end of his free time, but he greeted him with genuine warmth. He assumed Ernest had thought of something helpful, or had come to actively lend him a hand.
"Could we talk privately for a moment?"
"Of course. Follow me."
At Ernest's request, Gunter immediately led him to an empty room. He closed the door, switched on the Balt Lighting to drive away the darkness, and within the pale blue glow, the two of them faced each other.
"I have a way to find that man."
Ernest spoke with unwavering confidence.
"What is it?"
Gunter's face lit up. Even under the pallid light of the Balt Light, his pleasure was impossible to miss. As Ernest watched the emotions flicker across the face of a young man intent on tracking down his opponent for a duel, he began to speak.
Following Wilfried's advice—and drawing on the plan he'd pieced together, then refined with Haires and Armin—Ernest explained their completed strategy.
"Are you serious? Krieger, do you really expect me to do that?"