The next morning, I woke up and quickly got ready for the day ahead. As I stepped out of the dormitory, I saw Alaric and the other cadets were also up and preparing for the training. Alaric noticed me and greeted me, "Good morning, Frederick! Did you sleep well?"
I nodded and replied, "Yes, I did. Thanks for asking. I'm ready for the training today. How about you?
"Well, I didn't sleep much because I'm nervous about the training," Alaric replied.
I patted Alaric on the back, "Don't worry, you'll do great
While We talking Sergeant Felix graf appeared, and we all stood at attention, waiting for his orders. "Today, we will begin with physical training," he announced, his voice booming across the courtyard.
For the next few hours, we were put through a grueling workout that left us exhausted and sore. We ran, did push-ups and sit-ups, and carried heavy weights. It was tough, but I reminded myself that this was just the beginning, and there was much more to come.
"After hours of physical training, we were given time to take a lunch break and I headed to the cafeteria,"
As I entered the military academy cafeteria, I was greeted by the sound of chatter and clinking utensils. The cafeteria was a large, open space with rows of tables and benches neatly arranged in military precision. The walls were adorned with pictures of famous generals and military leaders, while the serving area was manned by stern-looking cooks in white uniforms.
The cafeteria was bustling with cadets in their uniforms, some seated together in groups while others stood in line to get their meals. The menu consisted of a range of nutritious and filling options, from hearty soups and stews to sandwiches and salads. Each dish was prepared with military precision, and the portions were carefully measured to ensure that the cadets received the appropriate amount of nutrition.
The atmosphere was one of discipline and order, with cadets speaking in hushed tones and adhering to strict table manners. The cafeteria was not a place for idle chatter or frivolous conversations, but rather a space for cadets to refuel their bodies and prepare for the rigorous training that lay ahead.
Overall, the military academy cafeteria was a place that embodied the core values of discipline, order, and respect for authority that were instilled in all cadets at the academy.
"After getting my lunch, I looked around the crowded cafeteria in search of an empty table. I walked past several groups of cadets who were talking and laughing together, feeling a little out of place among them. Eventually, I spotted a small table in a corner that was unoccupied, so I made my way over to it."
As I started to eat, I noticed Alaric scanning the cafeteria for an empty table to sit at. It seemed that no one wanted to offer him a seat. Without hesitation, I waved him over to my table and said, "Hey Alaric, come sit with me. There's plenty of room here."
Alaric looked surprised but grateful as he made his way over to the table. "Oh Frederick, thank you. You saved me," he said with a smile.
I nodded and replied, "Of course, Alaric. I wouldn't want you to have to eat alone. How's the training been treating you today?"
Alaric let out a sigh and said, "It's been tough, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. How about you?"
I shrugged and replied, "It's been challenging, but I expected that. We just have to keep pushing ourselves."
"As we were eating and talking about our lives, a cadet approached our table and asked, 'Umm, can I sit with you guys?' We looked up to see a nervous-looking girl with blue eyes and blonde hair."
As the girl stood there, we exchanged glances and then looked back at her. She looked like a High noble because of her blue eyes, and we could see the nervousness in her eyes as she waited for our response. I smiled and nodded, and Alaric motioned for her to take a seat.
The girl let out a relieved sigh and quickly sat down. "Thank you so much," she said, her voice a little shaky. "I couldn't find anywhere else to sit, and I didn't want to eat alone."
"Of course, no problem," I replied, trying to put her at ease. "What's your name?"
"I'm Isabella Von Habsburg," she said, smiling a little.
I'm Frederick Wilhelm, and this is Alaric Auclair," I introduced myself and gestured towards Alaric, who nodded in greeting.
"Did you say Habsburg, your last name? Are you the daughter of a high noble named Alexandre Habsburg, leader of one of the anti-slavery organizations?" I asked.
"That's correct, my last name is indeed Habsburg," she replied, looking a bit surprised at my question. "And yes, my father is Alexandre Von Habsburg, leader of one of the most prominent anti-slavery organizations in the country."
"I was amazed. I had heard that her father wanted to abolish slavery in this country, but his efforts were rejected by the Emperor. However, he still helped run away slaves, and it was impressive to meet someone who came from such a distinguished background. 'Wow, that's really impressive,' I said. 'Your father is doing important work, and it's an honor to meet his daughter.'
"Thank you," Isabella said, a small smile spreading across her face. "It's not easy, but my father is determined to make a difference. And I want to help too, in any way I can."
Alaric nodded in agreement. "It's important work, and I'm glad there are people like your father who are fighting for what's right," he said.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration towards this girl. I had always believed that slavery was wrong, and hearing about her father's work in trying to abolish it was inspiring. It was clear that Isabella, the daughter of Alexandre Habsburg, was proud of her father's work too."
"Oh, you are demihuman, right Alaric?" Isabella asked after noticing Alaric's dog-like ears.
"Yes, that's right," Alaric replied with a small smile. "I'm a demihuman
"Isabella looked at Alaric with curiosity, but she didn't seem to be frightened or put off by his appearance. In fact, she seemed interested in learning more about him. 'Can I touch your ears?' Isabella asked."
Alaric looked a bit surprised at the request, but he nodded his head and leaned towards Isabella to allow her to touch his ears. "Sure, go ahead," he said with a smile.
Isabella reached out and gently stroked his ears with her fingers, feeling the soft fur between them. "Wow, they're so soft," she said with amazement. "I've never seen anything like them before."
Alaric chuckled at her reaction. "Yes, they're a bit unusual," he said. "But they're part of who I am."
Isabella nodded, still fascinated by Alaric's unique features. "I think it's wonderful," she said. "I wish more people could be accepting of demihumans like you."
Alaric smiled gratefully at her words. "Thank you, Isabella. That means a lot to me."
"So Isabella, why did you join the Military Academy? As a High Noble, you're exempt from military service, aren't you?" The Empire of Germania has a mandatory military service policy that applies to every citizen, regardless of gender. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule. For instance, the heir to a noble family is generally exempted from serving in the military. Similarly, those who have a medical condition that prevents them from serving, or those who have other compelling reasons, may be excused from military service. Isabella, being a High Noble, was exempted from military service, but she had chosen to join the Military Academy anyway. When Frederick asked her why she had decided to do so, she hesitated for a moment before responding.
"Well, to be honest, it's a bit of a long story," Isabella said, looking down at her plate. "But I'll try to explain it as best as I can."
Frederick and Alaric listened attentively as Isabella began to speak. "As you both know, my father is very involved in the anti-slavery movement," she said. "He's been working tirelessly to try and abolish slavery in this country, but his efforts have been met with resistance from the Emperor and his supporters. It's been a frustrating and exhausting battle for him, but he refuses to give up."
Isabella paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "A few years ago, my father was the victim of an assassination attempt. He was injured badly, but he survived. Ever since then, he's been under constant threat, and my family has had to take extra precautions to ensure our safety."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Frederick said sympathetically. "That must have been a terrifying experience for you and your family."
"It was," Isabella said, her voice quiet. "But it also made me realize how vulnerable we all are. No matter how much power or influence you have, there's always someone who wants to take it away from you. I didn't want to be someone who was just protected by others. I wanted to learn how to protect myself and those around me. So I decided to join the Military Academy."
Frederick and Alaric looked at Isabella with respect and admiration. It was clear that she had a strong sense of determination and a desire to make a difference in the world. "That's really admirable," Alaric said. "It takes a lot of courage to do something like that."
"Thank you," Isabella said, smiling slightly. "It hasn't been easy, but I'm learning a lot. And I feel like I'm doing something that can make a difference, even if it's just in a small way."
Frederick nodded in agreement. "I understand what you mean," he said. "I feel the same way. I want to make a difference too, no matter how small. That's why I joined the academy."
As we talked, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from other cadets in the cafeteria. It wasn't often that a High noble's daughter would be seen eating with common cadets like us, and I wondered what they thought of our little group
The three of them continued to talk and eat, sharing stories about their experiences at the academy and their goals for the future. As they talked, Frederick couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had brought him and Alaric to this table, and introduced them to Isabella. It was a reminder that even in a place as regimented and structured as the Military Academy, there was still room for unexpected connections and friendships.