Chapter 11

We left the branch and headed towards a nearby tavern.

When we arrived at the tavern, I looked up at the building, but it was just a cheap, ordinary place.

"Is this it?"

"The food here is delicious. Today, I'm treating you, so feel free to order whatever you like."

The branch chief said this and entered the tavern, so we followed.

The inside of the tavern was fairly lively, with everyone enjoying their food and drinks.

We sat at an empty round table in a corner, ignoring the other customers.

"Hmm..."

So this is what a tavern is like.

"Hey, don't tell me you've never been to a tavern before?"

The branch chief asked.

"No, I haven't. I don't eat out, and I drink at home with Helen."

"Seriously... Well, I'll just order something for you then."

"Thank you. Oh, and a whiskey on the rocks."

"Sure, sure..."

The branch chief called over a waitress and ordered food and drinks with Erika.

Soon, the drinks and some snacks arrived.

"Should we make a toast?"

The branch chief asked.

"We already did yesterday... Wait, is Helen here?"

Just checking, checking.

"Maybe we should say, 'I might be a bother, but please take care of me from now on,' right?"

Yeah, that's what you said...

"That's right. Please take care of me."

I said this while slightly bowing my head.

"Likewise, please take care of me."

"Oh... Is the cat your main body?"

Erika bowed her head politely in return, and the branch chief looked exasperated.

"I'm just studying human emotions right now."

"I see... I think that's a good thing. Cheers."

The branch chief raised his glass.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

We clinked our glasses, took a sip of our drinks, and started eating.

"Zieg, it's your first day on the transfer. How do you find it?"

The branch chief asked.

"There's not much work. Thanks to that, I spent the afternoon teaching."

"Zieg is a great teacher. He explains things very clearly."

Phew... A bit of relief.

"I see... Well, I think the workload will gradually increase, but I'm counting on you. You're the leader."

You're the leader, right?

But it's better than being bossed around by a clueless civilian.

"Branch chief, securing more staff is urgent. Can you talk to headquarters?"

"Alright. I'll continue to submit applications. However, it's difficult to find alchemists who want to come to the south. You're the exception."

I didn't ask for this.

But I can't go against the head of the headquarters, my master.

"Is there any other good way?"

Erika asked the branch chief.

"Hmm. In the military, there's conscription... Zieg, you're the most knowledgeable about this industry here. Any ideas?"

How would I know... Wait, conscription?

"There's something called 'recruitment.'"

"What's that?"

"I've never heard of it either."

Erika hasn't either...

"The Alchemists' Association only accepts those with the National Alchemist qualification. However, there are also unqualified individuals working informally. This is what we call 'recruitment.' Essentially, it's securing talented individuals who don't yet have the qualification early on. This is often done in a master-apprentice relationship."

I was recruited by my master, the head of the headquarters.

But since I obtained the qualification during my studies, it was meaningless.

"Securing them before others do, hence 'recruitment'..."

"Is that okay?"

Erika asked.

"It's not a regular position but a part-time training job. It's beneficial for both sides, a win-win. However, it can lead to bias."

This is one reason why capable alchemists tend to gather in the capital and other cities.

As a result, there are only about ten of us here, and now there are only three.

"I see. So we hire unqualified individuals as part-time workers for now."

"Yes. We're short-staffed, so we can't be picky. It's a mobilization of apprentices."

"Mobilization of apprentices... In the military, it's considered a bad move, but it's not bad here. Erika, do you know any good candidates?"

"Hmm... Maybe I'll visit some of my junior students from the magic school? There are more unqualified ones, after all."

Well, it's a tough exam.

"Girls?"

"Yes, there are more girls."

"Hmm, mostly girls. Last year, out of the eight who quit, six were women."

Huh? You didn't know?

"Branch chief, 80% of alchemists are women."

"Really?"

He seems genuinely unaware.

Well, he was in the military, so it makes sense.

"Yes. It's not widely known, but alchemists are often said to be women."

I'm a man, though.

"Why is that?"

"Alchemists, in a broad sense, are mages. Only those with magical power can become alchemists. However, men with magical power usually become mages. It's more profitable and cooler. However, they can also be assigned to the military, which is dangerous. Therefore, women tend to become alchemists."

There are frequent skirmishes with the neighboring country in the north, and being assigned there is a real possibility.

In such cases, parents often oppose their children becoming mages.

"I see... That makes sense. So that's why it's mostly women... What about you?"

"For the same reason. I think I can advance in either path, but I don't want to die from a random arrow."

I was stabbed to death with a knife in my previous life.

I don't want to go through that again.

"Hmm... As a former military man, I find you a bit pitiful. But on the other hand, it's the right choice. You'll probably be sent to the front lines by your superiors or nobles."

August came to mind.

"...Erika, can you invite your juniors?"

I wanted to get back to the original topic after having an unpleasant thought.

"Hmm... Can I get some help with studying?"

Huh?

"Yours?"

"No, the one I want to invite. It would be easier to invite them if a 3rd-class alchemist like Zieg offers to help. They're aiming for the 10th class, of course."

Indeed, being taught by a 3rd-class alchemist is a significant advantage.

The problem is that the 3rd-class alchemist is me.

"Is it okay with Helen?"

I asked Helen.

"As long as you teach them politely and without hurting their feelings, it should be fine."

I lack that confidence...

"Well, if it doesn't work out, it's not a big loss. We can try other options."

It's just a matter of trying others.

"Sir Zieg, that's not a good attitude."

"She's my junior."

"You really are studying human emotions, aren't you..."

I made a mistake...

I'm sorry.

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