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?”
This assuring statement caused Bruno’s father to smile and nod his head in agreement with his youngest son’s remarks.
“Indeed, you are not like your brothers. Since a young age, you have had an air of wisdom and maturity that usually only comes with exceptional life experience. I do not worry about you in the slightest. Now, I believe you have two ladies waiting to say their farewells to you.”
Bruno shook his father’s hand before turning to address his mother. Despite the fact that she was in her mid forties, she looked as if she were ten years younger. She was crying profusely over the idea that her youngest son had finally become a man.
No matter how much she tried to resist the urge to hug her youngest son, Elsa could not do so. She clung tightly to Bruno and made him promise that he would be okay.
“My baby boy is all grown up, and going off to the Academy. Promise me, Bruno, that you will write to your mother every day! I want to hear how life is treating you in the Army! If anyone dares bully you, you tell your mother and she will straighten them out real quick!”
Bruno had to force himself away from his mother’s embrace. He had long since grown accustomed to her overprotective nature. But he would also never make a promise he couldn’t fulfill. Because of this, he was quick to reject his mother’s request, but assured her everything would be fine.
“Relax mother, it’s not like I am going off to war. I’m simply attending a Military Institute of higher learning. I’ll be fine.”
The woman tried to hug Bruno again, but he evaded with his catlike reflexes. Meanwhile, his father patted the woman’s shoulder and held her in place with his firm grip to ensure that she didn’t try to keep the boy any longer. After all, there was another young woman who required Bruno’s attention far more than his mother.
Though she was only a bastard, and an unrecognized one at that. Bruno’s father had long since grown accustomed to Heidi being a good match for his son, and had even begun to refer to her as a young “Lady” in private, despite her not being a noblewoman.
Bruno gave his father a slight nod of approval before walking over to Heidi who, like his mother was crying. She had grown up even more since that ball two years ago. And was now physically mature, even if she was not yet legally an adult.
Bruno wiped the tear from the young maiden’s eyes with his finger. Before hugging her tightly, he assured the young woman that he would be back before she even realized it.
“Heidi, must you really cry over something like this? It will only be a few months before we see each other again. You’re a grown woman now, one that I will one day be proud to call my wife. Surely you can wait for my return. After all, if I am ever called off to war, you will be required to wait much longer.”
There was no fear in Heidi’s eyes when Bruno said one day he will be marching to war. Rather, she simply smiled and nodded her head. Assuring him that she would faithfully await his return.
“I promise, I will wait until you come to find me. And in two years, we can finally be married!”
Bruno pat the young woman’s silky golden hair, as he had often done in the past when they were children, and said goodbye, while the family servants grabbed his trunks and escorted them out the front door to the automobile.
“This is goodbye for now, Heidi. I will see you in a few months…”
After saying this, Bruno walked out the door of his family’s manor, which had been his home since his reincarnation into this era. He did not take a second to look back, fully embracing his future. One which he hoped would allow him to lead Germany to victory in the coming century. So that the past mistakes of his previous life could be thoroughly rewritten.
—
Upon arrival at the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute found himself lined up with all the other cadets, as a drill instructor barked commands at them. As someone who had previously undergone a similar experience in his past life, Bruno was well accustomed to such harshness.
After basic orientation, Bruno was forced to change into his cadet uniform, along with all others, and was escorted to the Barracks where he met with several other young men. The Officer Corps of the German Army was filled with many men of noble blood. But there were also commoners among their ranks as well.
The young man who had the bottom bunk that was shared with Bruno had been born into a wealthy merchant family, albeit one without any noble titles. After all, it was the age of industry, and because of this many commoners were wealthier than noblemen.
But for whatever reason, either a lack of military gallantry, or a failure to provide to the Reich’s scientific and cultural achievements. They remained as the status of commoners. Heinrich Koch, a man of such birth, was quick to introduce himself to his new bunk mate.
“The name is Heinrich Koch. It is a pleasure to meet you friend. And you are?”
Bruno smiled as he shook the man’s hand. Like he had told his father, he held no contempt for the commoners, and if they were capable men, which one would have to be to attend this university, he would be happy to establish ties with them.
“Bruno von Zehntner, and the pleasure is all mine Heinrich.”
Heinrich’s eyes widened when he heard this. His experience with nobles had been a mix of good and bad. Many were happy to exchange pleasantries to his face, but were more than willing to smear his reputation behind his back. While other just openly looked down on him because of his family’s commoner status.
Because of this, he had developed a good judgement of character from a young age, and could usually tell when someone was sincere or not. And he could tell by a single exchange of names that Bruno was unlike most nobles he had met. Because of this, he was quick to comment on this.
“A young Lord without an unearned sense of ego? Well, that’s refreshing. I wonder, what kind of family did you grow up in to have such a humble attitude?”
Bruno chuckled when he heard this and began to speak of his family’s background. They were a recently established house. One which earned their nobility through blood and iron in the Napoleonic wars. And one who raised their sons to be soldiers.
Because of this, he had grown up with a sense of duty to the Reich and its people. As well as a more humble attitude. When Bruno explained all of this, the man nodded his head, fully understanding why he was not like the others.
Unfortunately, one of the other noblemen within the barracks overheard him and was quick to approach Bruno. After all, he had made quite a name for himself after besting Prince Julius two years prior, and nobles seemed to have long memories.
“Hold on a second. Did I hear you correctly? Bruno von Zehntner, as in the guy who bested Prince Julius von Lippe in a duel of honor? That’s you?”
Bruno looked over at the man who said this and was quick to confirm he was indeed that man.
“That’s correct. Although it was really just a glorified fencing match. Why do you ask?”
The young nobleman was quick to push Heinrich aside and introduce himself, which was something that Bruno found distasteful.
“I have heard a lot about you. They say you’re a peerless genius among those your own age. Although, I have been known to be something of a genius myself! I look forward to competing with you!”
Bruno looked at the man with an odd expression. Almost as if he was looking at an idiot who self-proclaimed himself to be more intelligent than he actually was. Which was something commonly found among stupid people.
And because of this, he leaned over and whispered to Heinrich, inquiring just who this young man was.
“I’m sorry. Who is this guy supposed to be?”
Heinrich sighed. He was well aware of who this man was. He was infamous for abusing his privilege as a nobleman, and that of his father who was in the Reichstag.
“That is Erich von Humboldt. He thinks he is some kind of prodigy. But in reality he is a bit of a dullard. The only reason he is here is because his father intervened on his behalf and pulled some strings. Normally that isn’t supposed to happen, but when your father is in the Reichstag, certain shady deals can be made behind the scenes…”
Bruno was curious about this, he had earned his place in this school, what with his unapparelled academics, as well as the fact that he earned the Kaiser’s favor through chivalric action who was more than happy to write a letter of recommendation on his behalf.
But that was the extent of the help he received from the Kaiser. Kaiser Wilhelm II was not willing to personally pull strings to get Bruno admitted, as the relationship between the Kaiser and Bruno’s father was not that deep. Nor did Bruno or his father ask such a massive favor.
It was these kinds of people who Bruno despised. But he did not say anything to Erich. Because he figured that a guy like him would wash out of the Academy in a few weeks, maybe a few months at the top.
And so Bruno’s life in the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute. It was a place where lifetime friendships would be forged. And where Bruno himself would earn his place as an officer in the Imperial German Army.
