Upon Returning Home As A Military Major General, I Was Told To Attend School, Even Though It’s Quite Late Now - Chapter 133

Chapter 133. Farcical Apology

“So, Major General Kamiya, are you saying you don’t personally blame the military and government officials who forcibly conscripted you as a Soul Armor Soldier?”

In the Prime Minister’s Office Grand Hall, Prime Minister Kariya, dressed in a black formal kimono, sits across from me, repeating my statement to confirm my intention.

“Yes. The only thing I think they should be held accountable for is that they didn’t follow proper procedure under Japanese law as a nation governed by the rule of law. Since they had no way to overcome the national crisis other than by sending me to the battlefield, I think they made a difficult choice.”

This time, unlike when I showed up unannounced in my school uniform, I’m in formal attire, wearing a white, high-collared uniform and the blue cape denoting my rank as a major Major General.

Since Prime Minister Kariya, a woman, is in black formal kimono, equivalent to a man’s morning tuxedo, I had no choice but to wear formal attire.

It’s the first time since shortly after I returned to Japan that I’ve worn ceremonial attire, aside from that time I joked around in it at the Ichigaya office.

“Your life was put in danger by the state, without regard for your own will.”

“While people like me stand out here, I’ve seen on other countries’ battlefields people conscripted without any concern for personal choice, even boys younger than me holding guns. So, in this regard, I don’t think I was uniquely unfortunate or particularly suffered.”

“In this regard… you say?”

Prime Minister Kariya murmurs softly, so that only I can hear, and briefly tenses her intelligent face before regaining her formal composure.

“Still, as the representative of this country and as an adult, I feel ashamed to have lived in comfort while you, a minor, were sent to the battlefield. I am truly sorry.”

Prime Minister Kariya stands from her seat, bows deeply to me, and apologizes.

(Click, click, click!)

The flash of multiple cameras creates the illusion of being swallowed by a world of light.

Once the violent flashes calm down, I rise from my chair, and as if on cue, Prime Minister Kariya raises her head.

“I accept your apology. Moving forward, I intend to live quietly and, as a member of the military, do my best to serve the country in times of crisis.”

With that, I extend my hand, not with a military salute, but for a handshake.

This shows that I am accepting the apology not as Major Major General Kamiya, but as private citizen Kamiya Yuusuke.

“Thank you.”

Prime Minister Kariya grasps my hand firmly.

As we shake hands, like heads of state sealing a treaty, I smile for the media cameras, enduring another onslaught of flashing lights.

And so the farce ends.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“‘Dignified Major Major General Kamiya. A Mature Response to the Prime Minister’s Apology.’”

“Seems like you have something to say, Suo-senpai.”

During lunch break, I slip out of the stifling classroom to eat in the usual clubroom when Suo-senpai enters, waving a newspaper with a front-page photo of me and the Prime Minister shaking hands.

“Just thinking it’s true that position shapes people.”

“This is just a political show. We cooperated because it suited both our interests.”

“Interests?”

“Lately, there’s a rising sentiment that ‘I shouldn’t be in the military’ and ‘He should be free to choose,’ so this was a way to counter that.”

“I see. But, wouldn’t it be ideal if you could leave the military peacefully?”

Suo-senpai asks curiously, so I explain my reasoning.

“I’m annoyed by outsiders who know nothing about me yammering on about my future.”

“You’re still as stubborn as ever.”

“I’m still a rebellious kid in full swing.”

I say this as I casually open my lunch.

“So, what’s with Kohou? She’s even more disturbing than usual.”

“Oh ho… ‘Is Hero Major Major General Kamiya’s Partner the Songstress of the Battlefield, Private First-Class Kohou?’ ‘Childhood Friends with Family Ties Since Childhood’ ‘Nation Awaits Their Perfect Couple.’ The public’s already seeing us that way.”

Kohou piles up gossip tabloids and sports magazines, chuckling to herself as she mutters.

“If it’s bothering you, I can ask Dr. Kirigaya to destroy the publishers and news sites’ servers.”

Next to Kohou’s creepy grin, Kotomi looks irritated.

“It’s only natural the public would speculate, Hinoura-san. Besides, it’s too late to erase news that’s spread nationwide, right?”

“Urgh… Kohou-senpai… sealing off the exits, thinking you’re in the lead. Maybe I should reveal my true status…”

Beside Kohou, Kotomi grinds her teeth, hugging Chuusuke tightly.

She’s squeezing so hard Chuusuke’s face is squished like a pancake.

“Better not, Hinoura-senpai. Your Soul Armor abilities are also useful in peacetime. If the info got out, it would be suppressed before the media could report it.”

“But, Marin-chan, I’m so frustrated! Why couldn’t your ability stop such absurd rumors?”

“Because it’s trivial news. Letting it run its course will make it fade faster. If the government tried to censor it, people might assume it’s hiding an inconvenient truth.”

“Well, I’ll go ahead and make it a reality.”

“See! She’s definitely going to go rogue!”

Marin’s calm reasoning riles up Kotomi.

“So, Yuusuke, will you still be able to attend school?”

Ignoring the noisy banter, Misuzu, stopping her lunch, asks.

“Yes, all sorted. After putting on that tear-jerker show with Prime Minister Kariya, public opinion can’t push me to focus solely on my duties as a major Major General anymore.”

“Some people had been clamoring to use your power for aggressive expansion.”

“That’s probably why my existence was kept confidential, except for some top officials.”

Likely, these were people with superficial understanding.

“That’s a relief. I really don’t want to be dragged around battlefields anymore.”

“For Misuzu, who has to accompany me, my movements are a big deal.”

Relieved, Misuzu resumes her meal.

“Things have finally settled down. Let’s go somewhere fun again soon.”

“Oh, speaking of that, Kohou-senpai promised to take us to a spa resort after the festival.”

Kotomi looks at Kohou, recalling the conversation.

“Oh yeah, she did.”

I remember how Kohou, trying to act like our senior, had mentioned it backstage before her triumphant live show at the festival, when Kotomi and I were exhausted from preparations.

“We forgot with all the commotion after the festival.”

Misuzu was crashing in with a special weapon, then the group barbecue party afterward, so it slipped our minds.

“Ah, all on Kohou?”

“Looking forward to it, onii-chan.”

“Wait, wasn’t I only treating Yuu-kun and Hinoura-san?”

“The Suo siblings also worked hard as security at Kohou’s show.”

“Ugh… fine, everyone’s coming at my expense this weekend!”

““““We’re counting on it!””””

I suppose this is one of the perks of a special academy with equal pay.

None of us felt any hesitation about treating one another.