Loop Mob – A Mob’s Interdimensional Travel Caught in a Loop

Chapter 64: Roadmap to Graduation

Now, the issue of my brother’s visits to the brothel is temporarily resolved? Next up, it’s my early graduation issue. I already know the procedure from the previous loop. During the regular exams, I can also take tests for the remaining subjects, and if I get passing scores, I’ll be eligible for graduation certification. I could have started by discussing this with my homeroom teacher, but I just couldn’t leave it alone. I knocked on the door of the Agricultural Research Society again and visited Professor Kabaneru’s laboratory.

“You’re from the Appel Company. Are you interested in agriculture?”

“I am of the earth attribute, and we handle grains at my family’s home, so if possible, I’d like to have a tour.”

This exchange is now on its fourth iteration. It’s become a regular routine.

And now, no more beating around the bush.

“I heard from the caravan about something.”

As usual, I blamed everything on Hyamo-san and showcased the knowledge I gained from the previous loop.

“So, you mean you can create something similar to dwarf’s fire liquor from emergency crops?”

“If this were to be made public, it would cause a stir. So, if possible, I’d like to keep it confidential between your laboratory and the Charlois domain.”

“But why tell me this?”

“Professor, you’re an authority on emergency crops. We lack connections as farmers, and even if we acquire information, we don’t have the power to turn it into a business opportunity. This is a business negotiation. I’m asking you to conduct research, and in return, I’ll arrange priority goods from Charlois.”

“Hmm… But Alexi, suddenly saying something like this…”

Professor Kabaneru is kind-hearted, but he’s a bit indecisive. But that also means he’s susceptible to persuasion. I’ll push a little harder.

“Actions speak louder than words. I brought experimental tools. Please observe the process of making the fire liquor.”

I demonstrated wine distillation in front of him. If you make hot wine von Chou, the alcohol evaporates. Knowing that you can easily collect that alcohol, he’s excited.

“This is amazing, Alexi!”

Good, good. This kind of toy appeals to science-minded boys.

“I’ve heard that brewing emergency crops like beer results in a strong sour taste and isn’t delicious. However, if you can extract only the alcohol like this, it will have sufficient product value as liquor. If we can make liquor, everyone will surely be eager to grow emergency crops.”

“I see!”

And indeed, it happened.

“But if you were to seriously pursue this research, wouldn’t it be better to return to your family’s home in Marole than the Marole laboratory?”

“Well, even if you say that out of the blue…”

“So, I have a question for you.”

Finally, I confessed to the professor that I wanted to graduate early. Last time, he kindly helped me with my graduation, and he seemed busy with finding a successor and handling succession. Due to his retirement and personnel issues, my early graduation wasn’t conspicuous, or rather, it was overwhelming. This time, I aimed for that again.

My plan worked out well. He kindly maneuvered things for my sake, and the issue of his successor also progressed smoothly. After all, I knew the person who would be his successor. He was the professor’s junior, tutoring in the capital to make ends meet. When I sent a letter offering him the teaching position, he immediately came to Marole. The handover went smoothly.

And it went too smoothly. Because things went so easily, my intention to graduate early quickly became known in the faculty room. Well, last time, indeed, a graduation application was submitted by Professor Kabaneru and my homeroom teacher, and after deliberation, it was approved by the school director for graduation. But unlike last time, when I graduated amidst Professor Kabaneru’s confusion, now, I’m constantly approached by various teachers with comments like, “Hey! I heard you’re applying for early graduation!”

Certainly, the timing wasn’t great. Until December of my second year, I had been absolutely average. I suddenly became the top student during the midterm exams of my second year. Until then, I was truly mediocre. Last time, I graduated after becoming the top student, so there was a feeling like, “Well, maybe this guy can graduate.” But for me now, applying for early graduation is beyond presumptuous. All the teachers think so, and the students who heard it from the teachers are looking at me in the same way. Oh, the unbearable embarrassment. But if I keep dragging my feet, time will continue to pass by.

They thought I was being presumptuous, and the same goes for my family. My parents showed reluctance towards the early graduation exams, and I had to work hard to persuade them as well.

“But why all of a sudden?”

“Well, I received information that Professor Kabaneru, who is of the earth attribute, will be starting research on sake brewing at your family’s home. I want to leave the academy to secure the sales channels for that.”

“…Tell me more about that.”

My merchant father’s eyes gleamed. He thought that if it could be profitable for business, it would definitely work out. This time, I revealed that Professor Kabaneru is secretly researching something similar to fire liquor as per his information source and that I’ve already talked to him about it.

“I’ve talked to the professor about it. It will definitely lead to business opportunities. I want to get ahead to the capital and bite into this opportunity so as not to miss out on the trend.”

“You seem to have a plan.”

“I’ve prepared for the early graduation exams accordingly. I’ll also work hard on the new fire liquor.”

“Alright. Do your best.”

“Hey, you!”

But when father says so, she doesn’t push further. Alright, with this, I’ve got my ticket to the capital!

And there’s one more person I want to persuade.

“Brother.”

“…What is it?”

Since then, my brother has seemed deflated. It might be because Rose suddenly quit the brothel, or maybe it’s because he woke up from the charm she had on him. But now is the time to push harder.

“Aren’t you going to the capital, brother?”

“No, because you…”

He thinks both his sons can’t leave the company. But our parents are still healthy. We don’t need to immediately take over the company’s reins.

“Don’t you think our parents would be happy if we, as siblings, made a name for ourselves in the capital?”

My brother swallowed hard.