Chapter 11
"The first year at military school focuses mainly on building basic physical strength and fundamental knowledge, those two things. From the second year, it shifts to skills and technical aspects, but this depends on aptitude as well. What's needed differs between frontline and rear positions. You'll need to choose your class based on which military department you hope to join in the future. ...That's how it was in my time, but for the current situation, it's more reliable to ask Ruget."
Since the school system has likely changed from the past to now, Grandfather prompted Uncle Ruget, who has sent two of his sons there, to continue the explanation.
"The basics haven't changed much... but I hear there's an academic exam every half month, and a mock battle once a year. Class assignments seem to take individual preferences into account, but they're mainly decided based on academic performance and mock battle results. From the third year, I believe there are no class assignments, and until graduation, the focus is on advancing higher-level techniques, skills, and knowledge. Practical training and fieldwork become more intensive. Many women tend to aim for civil officer classes rather than military officer ones."
"Wasn't Roberto in the civil officer class?"
"No, he took both..."
Roberto is Uncle Ruget's son and my cousin. Below Roberto is his younger brother Liam, and below him is their younger sister Rijyu.
My aunt and Rijyu live in the mansion in the Royal Capital, while Roberto and Liam are apparently living in dorms at the military school.
"As for taking multiple courses, it's possible if you have the capacity..."
"Having more options is better. Then, we need to hurry and train her, or it'll be a problem..."
At the academy, besides basic academic education, women are required to take etiquette and social training courses, while men must take knight studies.
However, at the military school, it's not mandatory but optional, with a focus on practical skills through subjects and mock exams...
I'm heading to military school, but I have no intention of becoming a soldier.
If I went that far, I'd be considered a complete eccentric.
(In that case, would I be in the civil officer class...?)
While I was mulling over this with a "Hmm...", Uncle Ruget suddenly shouted, "Wait!"
"Surely, Father, you're not the one training her, right?"
"Of course not. There's no way I can suddenly train someone raised in a greenhouse with no basic physical strength."
"...Right. Then, what do you mean by training?"
"Call Rona and Rick. Put them in charge for now."
"Even that seems questionable..."
Urged to hurry, Uncle Ruget looked at me with sad eyes before leaving the room with slumped shoulders.
Uncle Ruget was against my enrollment in military school, after all...
"Who are Rona and Rick?"
"They're in charge of training new recruits. Rona handles basic training, and Rick handles field training. If you have questions, ask them when they arrive. Well, in Celestia's case, it'll probably take nearly a year before she can start field training..."
What exactly is this basic training that Grandfather seems to doubt I can master in less than a year...?
I need to ask a lot of questions to the two who are coming soon, or I'll regret it later.
After a knock, knock... on the door, two people in military uniforms entered behind Uncle Ruget.
"Celestia, come to my side."
"Yes."
"You two, take a seat there."
Moving to Grandfather's side, and having been taught that first impressions are very important, I put on my best polite smile, layering on the charm like a cat.
But when I saw the person sitting across from me, my eyes widened.
Short hair bouncing slightly, with long, slender limbs that left a striking impression—a beautiful woman.
A black jacket paired with pure white slacks. Metal badges adorned her collar and chest, though I don't know their meaning, they suit her incredibly well!
And on top of that, she smiled at me kindly!
"This is my granddaughter. Have you two been briefed by Ruget?"
"No, not yet."
"Same here."
"Then let's start with introductions. Celestia, you can stay seated."
While I was thrilled to see a female soldier for the first time, Grandfather briskly moved the conversation along.
Since I was told to remain seated, I straightened my posture and made eye contact, first with the female soldier across from me, then with the stern-looking soldier, in turn.
"I am Celestia Rotisch, granddaughter of Fildé Rotish. I will be under your care here for a while. I humbly request your guidance and support."
After finishing my greeting, I bowed deeply.
Grandfather said these two are in charge of training new recruits, so they will be my teachers.
If that's the case, I think this greeting is the right approach...
When I raised my head, both of them were staring at me intently without moving a muscle.
What's wrong...? I glanced at Uncle Ruget for help, and after a wry smile, he cleared his throat with a "Ahem!" and urged the still motionless pair to respond.
"Ah, sorry. It's my first time seeing a noble lady... I'm Rona, in charge of basic training for new recruits."
After smiling shyly, Rona let out a breath with a "Hah..." and put on a serious expression. She truly looked like a soldier— incredibly cool.
"Thank you for your polite greeting. I'm Rick, in charge of field training for new recruits."
Rick is very tall and well-built. Though he has a stern face, I felt warmth in the gentle voice he used while speaking slowly and looking into my eyes.
"Until Celestia enrolls in military school, you two will be looking after her."
"..."
"..."
"Yeah, that's right... That's how it'll be..."
While Rona and Rick fell silent at Grandfather's words, Uncle Ruget nodded repeatedly, covering his eyes with his hand...
"Um, excuse me... What do you mean by military school? She's a young lady from a Count family, right? Like a sparkling princess from a fairy tale, isn't she?"
"She's my granddaughter, so it's not strange for her to enroll in military school. Also, you have too many fantasies about nobles..."
Rona... humans don't glow.
"No, is there some deeper reason? Could it be that Lord Drea has finally stripped your family of its title?"
"...Hey, what do you mean by 'finally'?"
Grandfather, that's what I'd like to ask.
What could you have done to make the Prime Minister strip our family of its title!?
"She'll enroll in military school in three years. She's probably lacking in basic skills compared to the average kid, so train her to at least reach an average level. Anyway, every year from late summer to winter, there's always one troublesome person mixed in, so it should work out fine, right?"
"But training in a dress..."
"Of course she won't train in a dress... What do you think nobles are? Celestia, you have shirts and pants, don't you?"
Naturally, I wouldn't attempt training in a dress.
When I nodded with a wry smile, Rona's face twisted oddly...
"You see me and Ruget all the time, so why do you still have such strange ideas? Listen, the wonderful princes and lovely princesses in fairy tales don't exist in reality. They're just titles. Nobles don't lead particularly glamorous lives either, except when they dress up."
"Let me dream a little, you old fogy!"
"Rona, calm down. This old fogy still holds the real power here."
Rona, agitated, interrupted Grandfather and shouted, while Rick tried to calm her down in a rather unclear way.
What on earth happened in this short time...? Just a few minutes ago, she was a wonderful soldier.
Rick grabbed Rona's arm as she stood up, holding her back.
Grandfather scoffed at that, while Uncle Ruget, in full observer mode, said, "You two... you're missing the point, aren't you?"
At this rate, I won't even get a chance to ask questions, will I?
"Um... Hey!?"
The moment I quietly raised my hand and spoke, the cushion behind my back was yanked out and flew toward Rona with incredible force...
Is throwing cushions some kind of popular game in this fortress?
Leaning back against the hard sofa, I watched the adults bickering like children with a suspicious gaze, taking a deep, very deep breath.
"May I ask a question!?"
I raised my voice.