Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 175 (Part 1):

-Summer Festival-

The summer in Baden was not much different from spring. The temperature was slightly warmer, with a bit of heat.

For the students of the swordsmanship department, who always trained hard enough to sweat profusely, this weather was significantly more palpable.

During the festival period, all departments have shortened classes. Though referred to as shortened, practical lessons for the swordsmanship department were still held in the morning. It’s just that theoretical lessons were skipped, but training went on as usual.

A week before the summer festival, the second-year students of the swordsmanship department also began their preparations for the festival. Even if there wasn’t much to do, they were prepared in spirit.

Naturally, at festivals, there are those who participate and those who merely watch.

Participation was not mandatory. However, there were benefits for those who took part in the festivities.

Before classes began, there was a buzz among the second-year students of the swordsmanship department about the festival.

“During the festival, there will be a temporary marketplace within the academy. Anyone who wants to participate can form a team and submit a proposal. If there are more than seven participants, you get a budget. Half of the profits go to charity, and we keep the other half.”

“With so many wealthy folks around, this is the time to spend lavishly.”

“The prices at the festival market rival those of Baden’s shopping district.”

A few in the swordsmanship department were eager. Students attending the academy, even those of noble birth, faced significant disparities in wealth.

Tuition aside, living in the expensive city of Baden was not easy. It made sense for some to want to earn a substantial amount during this time.

Or, some simply enjoyed such activities. Wesley, who always flaunted his noble background, belonged to the latter category. He boasted, “I love this kind of thing. Where else but the academy could you get such an experience?”

Whether last semester or now, he constantly dripped with nobility and wealth. Everyone was used to it.

“Didn’t you make a decent amount last year? Running a skewer shop?”

“That was just hot because of the grilling. The skewers are easy to make and sell well. We get the sauce in bulk from a bar in Baden, which makes it cheap. Skewering isn’t hard.”

He seemed to have a knack for it.

“Are you going to run a shop again this time? Selling skewers?”

“No, grilling meat is surprisingly hot… This time, I want to do something more suited for summer.”

“Shaved ice?”

“Yeah, I’ve already scouted a store for ingredients and recruited a few from the magic department. They’ll handle freezing the ice, and we’ll do the labor.”

“Count me in. Let’s make some money.”

“We’re already full!”

“Is the marketplace first-come, first-served?”

“You have priority if you apply five days in advance, and the rest is by lottery.”

“If you want to set up a shop, better form a team quickly.”

At that moment, Wesley’s friend, Mitchell, approached Helmut and spoke in a low voice. Both Wesley and Mitchell were in the same group during the last hunting picnic.

“We’re opening a shop, wanna join? You could make a good amount of money. During the festival, the academy students buy anything, even at outrageous prices. Total suckers.”

The prospect of making a substantial amount of money was somewhat appealing.

However, Helmut was already wealthy. He was more inclined to enjoy the festival than to participate in running a shop.

“If you’re already full.”

“We don’t want just anyone. Wesley’s shop is so popular that everyone wants in. This is something Wesley specifically wanted me to ask you.”

He whispered as if sharing a secret.

Looking around, there were others pestering Wesley about who was on his team. They really wanted to participate.

“Wesley’s shop divides profits equally and follows his instructions. That’s why everyone is so eager.”

“Why me, though?”

They had only been in the same group during the hunting picnic and hadn’t interacted much otherwise.

“Because you’re good-looking and somewhat famous. A transfer student but the top second-year in the swordsmanship department. You could attract customers.”

‘Being a commoner doesn’t matter?’

As if answering his silent question, Mitchell said, “With your skills, you could earn a title after graduating from the academy, right? Talented swordsmen have bright futures.”

Over the semester, the swordsmanship department students seemed to have become desensitized to issues of social status. Maybe Asuka’s presence made them more conscious of being more commoner-friendly.

After all, there’s no need to be so concerned about whether someone is a commoner or not in the academy.

A fleeting friendship is no big deal. And for a commoner with excellent grades at Greta Academy, the path to social mobility isn’t far off.

“Wesley’s girlfriend’s friend wanted me to introduce you, but honestly, she’s not that great. Good thing I didn’t introduce you. With your standards, even the famously beautiful Teresa from the magic department wouldn’t suffice.”

“…”

It seemed like the Teresa matter had automatically filtered some people out. Hopefully, this wasn’t Alea’s doing.

“You usually have this unapproachable aura. Working at a shop might attract some customers. This could be a chance to get a girlfriend…”

“Before worrying about a girlfriend, you should be concerned about your grades, kid.”

Asuka popped his head out and chided Mitchell for no reason. Mitchell looked wronged.

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