Chapter 15

When I went upstairs, I sat down and prepared Helen's lunch.

Then, I took the supplements with water and started eating the bread I had bought for my lunch.

Erica, sitting next to me, was reading an alchemy book while eating a sandwich.

"Studying?"

"Yes. I feel motivated now."

That's good.

"I just received a magic stone from Lutz downstairs. It seems the deadline is now in three days."

"Three days!? That's a bit..."

"It's fine. I can consider it lucky to earn some overtime pay."

My salary has been cut...

"I, I'll help you, of course."

"It's okay. This is an important time for you, Erica. There's no need to worry about the harassment from the demoted nobles. Focus on your studies and learn the basics. You can pass the 9th grade exam."

Since you're motivated, I want you to prioritize that.

"R-Really?"

"Judging by your skills, even if you fail next month, you'll pass the next time. But there's no need to wait three months. Once you pass the 9th grade, your salary will increase, and now is your chance."

"I understand! I'll study hard!"

Good for you.

"Mr. Sieg, aren't you taking the 2nd grade exam?"

Helen, who had finished her lunch, asked.

"2nd grade and above require practical experience. 2nd grade requires five years, and 1st grade requires ten years."

"Oh, I see."

"It's a ridiculous restriction. So, you can consider 3rd grade and above as the same. I've seen a few 2nd and 1st grade alchemists, and they're not impressive."

Of course, there are some excellent ones.

"Hmm... Maybe that's why you were disliked by the higher-ups?"

"Maybe. I've learned that the truth can hurt people. Lies are also important."

It's natural to get angry when you call someone incompetent. You have to be careful with your words.

"...Eh? Is passing a lie?"

Erica looked up.

"No, that's true. Erica, you have the skills to pass the 8th grade, so get the 9th grade quickly and aim for the 8th grade."

"I understand!"

Good, good.

"Alright, let's get to work..."

I took out the magic stone and placed it on the desk.

"I need to get to work too."

Erica started the process of turning iron ore into iron.

"I'm taking a nap since I have nothing to do."

Helen curled up and went to sleep, so Erica and I continued working silently.

By evening, when it was past 5 PM, Erica finally turned one piece of iron ore into iron.

"One piece in a day..."

That's slow...

Extremely slow.

"Don't worry. It's just a matter of getting used to it. Potions and bricks were the same for you, right?"

"You're right. Still..."

Behind me, there were over 20 magic stones in the wooden box.

"It's just a matter of getting used to it."

Also, this is the skill level of a 3rd grade alchemist.

"Amazing..."

Well, we need to work overtime because this pace won't cut it. Erica, you can go home if you want.

"Uh? But..."

Erica is a good person and might feel bad leaving her colleagues behind...

Me? I'll go home without any worries.

"You won't be lonely with Helen here. Erica, work at your own pace. If you want to earn some extra money, that's fine too, but..."

I don't care about such things.

"No, no... I'll go home first... Please don't overwork yourself."

"Sure, sure. Good job."

"Thank you."

Erica bowed and left, so I continued working.

"Do you really not need Erica's help?"

When it was just Helen and me, she woke up and asked.

"I can't rely on Erica. That lieutenant will definitely complain if the quality drops even a little. I can't afford to train her while working."

"Are you being too harsh?"

"It's the truth. But I didn't say it out loud, right?"

"You've grown."

Helen nodded in admiration.

"Maybe I don't want to be disliked."

"Oh? That's unusual. Have you finally developed an interest in women?"

Am I a middle schooler?

"It's not like that. I've had some thoughts about Adel."

"That's good."

I continued working while talking with Helen.

After working non-stop, it was past 9 PM, so I stood up and stretched.

"Are you going to keep working?"

"Yeah. We don't know what might happen, so I want to make as much progress as possible."

I don't think I can shorten the time any further, but since this request is likely harassment, it's better to finish quickly.

"It looks like I won't be able to clean my room today."

Not to mention, it's impossible on weekdays.

"I'll do it on my next day off."

"That's right."

I returned to my seat and was about to resume work when Erica's face appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Good job. Are you still working?"

Erica came over and asked.

"Just a bit more. What's up?"

"Did you eat dinner?"

"No, not yet."

My dinner today is a portable meal.

"Would you like to eat? It's leftovers from dinner..."

Erica offered a lunch box.

"Is it okay?"

"Yes. I made too much, so if you want..."

"Thanks, I'll take it."

I took the lunch box and placed it on the desk.

"Here. Good luck. I'll go home and study."

Erica bowed and left, so I opened the lunch box.

Inside were several sandwiches.

"What a good person..."

"Really, she's such a good girl... Mr. Sieg, do you understand?"

Huh?

"What do you mean?"

"This isn't leftovers from dinner. She made them specially for you."

"Really?"

"Of course not. How could so many sandwiches be leftovers? And she usually doesn't eat sandwiches for dinner after having them for lunch."

I eat bread for every meal...

But I know that's not normal.

"She made them specially... I made her do something she didn't want to do."

"That's why she said it that way. Be grateful and eat them."

Right...

"Does Helen want to eat too?"

"Sure, one please."

We ate the sandwiches for dinner and resumed work.

We finished before midnight, took a bath, and went to bed.

Thank you for reading.

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