Girls und panzer: Carolus rex the emperor of steel

The nap ended with the soft orange light of the sunset over the Nishizumi mansion's courtyard. The scent of incense floated in the air, along with the distant echo of a wind chime.

Shiho, with her stoic demeanor, allowed us to stay the night at the mansion. Though her tone was cold, I felt there was something calculated behind that generosity... as if she wanted to observe me a little more.

I slept with my mother in a guest room, but the bed was too soft for my taste—too used to the firm mattress of my own home. During the night, I woke up as I fell to the floor with a dull thud.

Erik: Ugh...

It seems this body has the same habit as my previous one—moving around a lot while sleeping. I guess bad habits never die.

Well, since I'm already awake, I feel a little thirsty, so I carefully open the room's door to avoid waking my mother and head out to find some water.

I must say, the smell of incense is strong, but it's not an unpleasant scent. Rather, it's soft and quite pleasant to the nose.

As I was thinking about that, I reached the kitchen, where a faint light seemed to say: If you're looking for water or food, here it is.

Maho: What are you doing up so late?

Her voice broke the silence like a leaf gliding across the water.

I slowly turned and saw her standing there, wearing a white bathrobe that was a little too big for her, with her dark brown hair messy and falling over her shoulders.

Erik: I fell off the bed, so I came to get some water.

Maho: Nn... —sipping water—

She set down her glass on the table, took another glass, and handed it to me.

Maho: You're good.

I took the glass, but I gave her a confused look, not understanding what she meant.

It seemed she noticed my expression and proceeded to clarify.

Maho: Just by reading books without prior training.

Ah, that...

Maho: I like you.

After finishing my glass, I placed it back on the table.

Without warning, Maho took my hand and dragged me straight to her room. Miho was sleeping, hugging her stuffed rabbit. The room was minimalist, with bookshelves, a few tank models carefully arranged, and futons on the tatami instead of a western-style bed.

Maho: This way, you won't fall again. Get in.

It sounded more like an order than an invitation... but whatever, I'm not complaining.

She led me inside and closed the door before lying down on her futon, leaving a space between the two.

I lay down on the other side, letting sleep drag me under once more. Miho clung to my arm without waking up, as if she'd always slept like that. Maho settled on my other side, turning her back to me, but I felt the light brush of her feet against mine beneath the blankets.

Even in sleep, she maintained her silent vigilance.

The next morning, breakfast passed in silence. Shiho simply observed us from her seat, with that sharp gaze that seemed to dissect every movement.

After breakfast, Shiho called me to the library.

Shiho: Erik Lindsworm... you have talent. But talent without discipline is nothing but waste.

Her voice was like steel... sharp and cold.

Shiho: If you wish, you can study alongside my daughters at Kuromorimine. You will be trained in Sensha-dō from a young age.

The offer was tempting... far too tempting.

Kuromorimine.

One of the most prestigious academies in Japan and the rest of the world... and the bastion of the Nishizumi doctrine.

It wasn't just an opportunity... it was an invitation to the elite.

Erik: I accept.

I answered without hesitation. Studying at Kuromorimine—or at least one of its affiliated schools—meant receiving an education superior to the rest.

For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of approval in her eyes... but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Shiho: Then, prepare yourself.

The following months passed in the blink of an eye.

During that time, the Nishizumi sisters and I spent time together—playing hide-and-seek in the garden, taking naps in the afternoons, playing with water balloons... and at night, Maho or I would read Miho a bedtime story.

When our stay ended, we returned to Sweden to make the preparations to attend a Kuromorimine-affiliated school. My mother began personally training me in tactics, military history, and tank model recognition. There was no time for childish games—only study, simulation, and more study.

I didn't mind.

Every book, every lesson... I absorbed it all like a sponge.

Honestly, I'm glad I was reborn in a new body from the start. Thanks to that, my brain is more receptive to information. It's much easier to learn at a young age than in adulthood.

Even with the type of mind I have, childish games never suited me anyway. If I played video games, I always asked for strategy-themed ones. Sadly, the games I used to play in my past life, like War Thunder, don't exist here... but at least there are a few that look even more challenging. I can't complain in the end.

From time to time, we visited the Nishizumi family again. While I played with Maho and Miho, my mother and Shiho would chat—sometimes taking us out with them.

But then... the day came.

The day of my departure arrived faster than I expected.

The farewells with Maho and Miho were... bittersweet. I'm not someone who gets carried away by sentimentality, but I must admit... a part of me wanted to stay with them.

Maho, with her usual stoic expression, only gave me a light pat on the head.

Maho: Do what is expected of you... no, do more.

Miho, on the other hand, hugged me tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Miho: You promise we'll play together again, right?

I didn't answer with words... I just nodded.

My mother took me to the airport, and the trip to Germany felt like exile.

But what I didn't know then... was that this place would become a fundamental part of my life.

The first day of school arrived.

The atmosphere wasn't exactly cheerful, but that was to be expected in a semi-militarized school. The discipline was strict, the aesthetic austere.

I was assigned to class 1-B.

As I entered the classroom, most of the students barely spared me a glance. They all looked the same—neatly pressed uniforms, short hair or tight buns, and serious expressions.

Germany or Japan—prestigious places always have the same atmosphere.

I took a seat by the window, observing how the others whispered among themselves. No one approached me... which suited me just fine.

But as the day progressed, I noticed someone else who didn't blend in either.

A tall blonde girl for her age, with dull blue eyes and a round face that contrasted with the other girls. Her cheeks were a little puffy, and her uniform fit snugly—especially around the hips.

When the teacher called roll, I learned her name—Freya Erikson.

After class, as the sun began to set, I saw a small group of girls surrounding her near the lockers. Their shrill laughter cut through the air.

Girl 1: Maybe if you stopped eating so much, you'd fit in your uniform.

Girl 2: Or maybe... you should be our team's tank.

Then one of the girls shoved Freya.

The words were cruel... but the worst part was Freya's expression.

She didn't say anything. She just clenched her fists, staring at the floor like she wished she could disappear.

I'd seen that kind of look before... in myself, a long time ago.

Just remembering those days fills me with rage, so there was no way I would stand by and watch this shitty situation unfold.

Erik: You better leave her alone.

The girls turned to look at me... and for some reason, they flinched in fear—like they'd seen something terrifying.

Girls: Hiiik!

Erik: So... are you going to leave nicely or the hard way?

My anger seeped through, my muscles tensing as I clenched my fists—ready to act if necessary.

Equal rights, equal fights.

Girls: W-we'll leave!

They ran away without looking back.

When they were gone, I turned to Freya.

Erik: Are you okay?

She looked at me with a mix of confusion and distrust, as if no one had ever stood up for her before.

Freya: Why... did you help me?

I shrugged.

Erik: I just can't stand those attitudes... especially when it's out of jealousy toward someone who might be stronger and more beautiful than them in the future.

Freya: Eh?

Her eyes widened—like those were the most unexpected words she'd ever heard.

I offered her my hand.

For a moment, she hesitated... but then she took it softly.

And in that instant... I saw something light up in her eyes—hope where there was once only resignation.

From that day on... Freya followed me everywhere.

Seems like everything turned out fine in the end, huh?