Chapter 9: Entering the Academy
Contrary to what Bruno's father initially believed would happen following his son's duel with the Prince of Lippe, the Kaiser was not at all offended by the boy's actions. And was actually quite pleased with his performance. Going out of his way to approach Bruno's father and establish ties with him.
Because of this, Bruno's father and the Junker coalition would gain a significant amount of favor in the Reichstag's next election. And in the coming years, Bruno's father would be appointed to the Bundesrat as he desired.
Despite Prince Julius' grievous injuries, he did not perish, and instead made a full recovery. And though he wanted to take vengeance on Bruno for humiliating him to such a degree, his father condemned him in the most severe of terms, and made sure that the Prince would not make any trouble.
Another two years had passed in the blink of an eye. Bruno finished up his schooling without incident and applied for admission to the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. With the personal recommendation of the Kaiser himself.
Who had begun keeping a close eye on Bruno ever since his performance on that fateful night. Bruno was accepted with ease into Prussia's foremost military academy for training new officers.
Like most military academies, Bruno would be forced to live in the barracks. Meaning he would not be able to return home for some time. Because of this, he gathered his mother, father, and young fiancée together in his home. Where he said his temporary farewells, as he would not be able to see any of them until the holidays when they were granted leave.
Both Elsa and Heidi were in tears, as they did not want to wait so long to see the boy, no, the young man, return from the academy. However, his father had a look of pride on his face, as he congratulated Bruno on getting admitted to the academy like his brothers had before him. "Bruno, I had no doubt that someone of your talents would get accepted to the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. Your talents are exceptional, perhaps even peerless among those your own age. But you will come to understand that your noble status means nothing where you are headed off to.
Gone are the days where nobility gain esteemed positions in the military because of their heritage. The Army is a place of pure meritocracy. You will gain your position when you earn it, but you must start out from the bottom like everyone else.
I recommend that you do not behave poorly towards those of common birth, as they too will be alongside you as your fellow cadets. And it would be unwise to make enemies simply because our family has earned the honor of being called Lords."
Bruno naturally had no intentions of looking down upon commoners. He had never done so in this life, and the reason for that was simple. He still had memories of his past life where it was an era long after the monarchy and noble families had fallen from power and glory.
Because of this, he had no such arrogance simply because his family was born into a higher social class. Thus, he nodded his head and assured his father he need not worry about such things.
"You don't need to fret over such matters, Father. Since when have I ever treated someone poorly simply because they were a commoner?"