I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy
Chapter 57

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 57

At first, it was simply a thought and action born out of the desire for financial gain.

The unique winter snacks Karl told them about. Based on that, several patents.

It may seem like it’s all about money, but that money is actually the path to becoming less despicable.

In fact, being affluent can open up even more possibilities. It’s like magic where anything becomes possible.

You can help others, not just fill your own boat.

Expanding the business to create more jobs would be the best outcome!

So, Shulifen was the first to suggest to Karl that he should also put his name on the patents.

As neither a titled noble nor the eldest of my family, they thought he could contribute in some way.

Since it all started with Karl, it was only natural to give him rights.

“Never mind. You guys handle it yourselves.”

So when they heard that response, including Shulifen, the four of them were greatly surprised.

They wondered if Karl thought of them as people who were only interested in money, so they clarified that it wasn’t the case.

It’s true that they want to earn money. But it’s definitely not just about satisfying their own desires.

They also have things they want to do. Whether it’s business or welfare, whatever it may be.

They wanted to do something that would be helpful as nobles of the empire.

However, when Karl mentioned the Medal of Honor, the four of them couldn’t argue any further.

Upon reflection, it seemed a bit inappropriate for someone who had received such honor and glory to profit from it through patents.

There’s no law against it, and it’s not a societal norm, but upon hearing Karl’s explanation, the thought naturally arose, ‘It might be so.’

“I’m truly sorry if that’s the case.”

Still, it didn’t seem quite right for them to profit from the patents alone.

“Can the money earned from patents be used as I suggest?”

Karl’s next words were a very sincere opinion. It was a humane thought.

The Veterans Pension Foundation. It’s not something implemented by the country, but an organization created voluntarily.

It’s not just about supporting injured soldiers, but also their families.

Karl simply said he would contribute to welfare activities.

But for the four who were raised as successors of noble families, it was definitely not the end of it.

This seemed like something they absolutely had to do. As nobles, it was only right.

It wouldn’t end with just a portion of the money earned from patents. They must expand the scale of that pension fund, even if it means receiving support from their families.

The four almost simultaneously expressed similar opinions. They were all on the same page.

“But isn’t it a bit much to involve the family from the start?”

“That’s what I’m saying. It’s more appropriate for us to make efforts and earn money ourselves, and then use it to support the pension fund.”

“What’s there? Things we can do without using the family’s resources. ”

After briefly pondering, they soon found a clue in the winter snacks I had suggested.

“Different flavors always get a good response. Since people’s tastes vary, how about developing a wider range of flavors?”

“I think that’s a good idea. The cream-filled ones we put out last time were just as popular as Karl’s original ones.”

“What flavor should we try? Sweet chocolate is always the best, right?”

Various opinions were raised. Then, the first to voice an opinion was Shulifen.

“Wait a minute. I realized we’re only suggesting sweet flavors. Wouldn’t it feel a bit stuffy if everything was sweet? I think we need something new.”

“Do you have any good ideas?”

Wilhelm, who earnestly listened without mocking Shulifen’s opinion for once today, encouraged him.

Encouraged by this, Shulifen recalled something he had seen recently.

“There’s mint, right? That gives a spicy— sensation in the mouth.”

“…Are you suggesting we put that in the bungeoppang?”

“Can’t we?”

At Wilhelm’s calm remark, Alexander and Joachim rolled up their sleeves.

Then, without any mercy, they pushed Shulifen down and started beating the shit out of him.

“Ack! Ack! Why, why?! Isn’t it a good idea?!”

“Karl said that hitting people is medicine for bullshit. Buddy.”

“No! It’s not bullshit, it’s a pretty good suggestion… Ouch! Ouch!”

Even so, putting mint in that bread is crossing the line, you bitch.

Is this guy really in his right mind? Is this fucker okay?

Alexander and Joachim muttered as they added more strength to their punches, patting their friend.

“Ah! Okay, I surrender! I get it, stop!”

After retracting his opinion, Shulifen, who had narrowly escaped death, let out a deep sigh.

“I thought it was a decent suggestion. You guys are too much.”

“No, really. Think about it. So far, the menu has been either sweet or salty. Why suddenly this spicy sensation? Is this tea? Huh? This is supposed to be a snack. A snack!”

“I know! But still, if you only eat sweet or salty things, it gets a bit dull!”

Shulifen and Wilhelm started babbling again.

Alexander, who watched them with great disdain, and Joachim too…

“Wait a minute? That’s not how it works, is it?!”

No, it wasn’t. Instead of glaring disdainfully, Joachim offered a different opinion.

“Let’s try mixing those two.”

“What?”

“Has this guy lost his mind too? Hey, Shulifen. Take responsibility. Even Joachim has lost his mind.”

“I feel wronged, Wilhelm.”

“No. You guys. Listen to me for a moment.”

Joachim grabbed Shulifen and Wilhelm by their shoulders and continued speaking.

“It’s true that if you only eat sweet things, your mouth feels stuffy. That’s a fact.”

“…That’s true.”

“But just because it feels spicy when you eat doesn’t mean you can eat it again.”

“I agree.”

“So let’s try combining them. Mint and chocolate. How about that? Isn’t it a good idea?”

Despite submitting a somewhat serious opinion, Wilhelm and Alexander still seemed hesitant.

Shulifen, who first suggested mint, was also murmuring, ‘Combining those two?’

Observing their reactions, Joachim sighed and nodded.

Indeed, in such situations, it’s not a matter of discussing with words but taking action to replace out. And the next step, of course, was directly mixing mint and chocolate.

“…Playing with food is dangerous, you know. Our mothers always said that our ancestors wouldn’t let it slide.”

“Did your ancestors say that, Alexander? Your father is similar to ours. Our father also said that if you play with food, you’ll go to hell.”

“Shit. So are we all going to hell?”

Finally, the completed mint and chocolate, somewhere in between.

Shulifen, who was looking at it, made a somewhat triumphant expression and tasted it first.

“Ugh! You crazy bastard!”

“Is that bravery or madness?”

Ignoring the grumbling from behind, they slowly tasted the mint chocolate.

At first, it was, well, not great. It was both sweet and spicy, and it was strange enough that you couldn’t define what taste or food it was.

“Mmm….”

Yes, it was definitely strange. But what’s funny is that the oddness didn’t immediately repulse them.

While they didn’t shout, ‘This is delicious!?’ they also didn’t spit it out immediately with a ‘Blech!’ Which meant it was somewhat palatable.

“Hey. You guys should try it too.”

“Wow. You can’t die alone, huh?”

“Cowardly bastard. Are you really the eldest son of the Marquess, Shulifen?”

“No, you guys. Just… give it a taste.”

At Shulifen’s urging, the other three hesitantly looked at the contents they had received. It had a very subtle color. And an even deeper scent. What is this, exactly?

They didn’t particularly want to eat it, but since Shulifen had already tasted it, they knew what would happen if they said, ‘Oh! I won’t eat it! Can’t eat it!’

So, with a deep breath, the three stepped into the forbidden realm of mint chocolate.

“Um….”

“Uh-huh.”

“Ooh…”

At first, the three writhed all over, but gradually their trembling subsided.

Eventually, they were calmly munching away, even making satisfied noises.

“This… ”

“It seems right, doesn’t it?”

“It’s not bad, is it?”

It’s a peculiar taste that can’t be described. Not everyone may like it, but someone is sure to enjoy it!

If we can target the taste buds of those people, we can certainly attract widespread popularity.

Obtaining another patent through this could be beneficial to the Veterans Pension Foundation that Karl dreams of!

Tadadat!―

“Hey. Look over there. Isn’t that Karl?”

“Yeah, it’s Karl. Hey! Karl! We have some good news!”

We’ve developed something new for you, for that pension foundation!

Tadadadadat!―

For the brave fighters and their families, more support as you wish―

“Hey, you bastards!!”

A flying kick from the recipient of the Medal of Honor knocked down the four.

“Ugh!”

“Oof!”

“Kch!”

“Aaargh!”

With just one blow, the four were sent flying in all directions like bowling pins.

“K-Karl! Why are you suddenly doing this!”

“Help us! Help us!”

“Shut up! You guys! No matter how hard I try to understand, I can’t! Mint chocolate has crossed the line!”

Mint chocolate? Ah, is he referring to mint chocolate? Shulifen hurriedly got up.

“Karl! Just calm down first! It might be shocking, but still, try it once and then speak. Huh? Once you taste it, your opinion might change… Aaargh!”

This time, a soccer kick hit Shulifen’s thigh.

Ah, who on earth created this dreadful concoction…!

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]