Chapter 17

Having finished converting the last two magic stones into mana stones, I decided to write the invoice as the final step.

"How much should I charge?"

"How much would it be if we charged normally?"

Erika asks.

"For a regular request, it would be 1 million El. Since this is an urgent request with an extremely short deadline, it would be double that... Considering the client's convenience and the even shorter deadline, it would be around 3 million El. But, let's make it 5 million El."

"Wow, that's a lot."

"In the private sector, I would charge 6 million. The key is to push the limits."

Even at 5 million, it's quite a markup, but it's still cheaper than the private sector, so there's no problem. The other party can't say anything.

"Mr. Sieg, if you have that much skill, wouldn't you make more money in the private sector? Why don't you open your own shop? Well, I would be in trouble if you left, though."

Honestly, my path to promotion is blocked, and I would earn more money in the private sector.

"I don't want to deal with stupid customers. I hate complainers."

"Oh, I see..."

Erika immediately understood.

"Well, the invoice will be something like this. The negotiation will depend on their response. Erika, how about the iron?"

"It's ready. But, the third one didn't take any less time, did it?"

It was already past 7, and it took the same amount of time as the second one.

"You had time to chat, right?"

"Indeed, you're right. Alright, let's do it."

Erika gathered her resolve and started the final task. A few minutes later, she turned the third iron ore into iron.

"Good job. Let's go home."

"Yes, but it's over in just two days."

Erika looks at the box containing the mana stones.

"Erika, you'll be able to do it someday... I think."

Probably not...

"That was a lie, right?"

Erika laughs.

"No, it's not. Alright, let's go home."

"Sure."

We clean up and leave the branch. The surroundings are already dark, and it's night.

"Erika, I'm going to buy bread, so I'll part ways here. See you tomorrow."

"Huh? Aren't you going to cook?"

"I do cook for Helen, but not often. Besides, I haven't even unpacked my things yet."

My tools are still in the cardboard boxes.

"Oh, you just moved in. Then, why don't you come to my place? I'll treat you!"

Treat... she means she'll cook for us.

"Wait a moment. We need to have a meeting."

"Sure."

"Helen, what should we do?"

I ask Helen.

"Is there an option not to go?"

"Going to a woman's house at this hour would be rude."

I've seen her room before, but that was during the day, and I left immediately.

"Oh, it's fine... Since Erika says it's okay, it should be fine. Let's take her up on the offer."

Helen agrees.

"Erika, is it okay?"

"Yes, please."

We decide to go to Erika's house. It's a short walk, and we arrive in 30 seconds.

"It's really convenient to live so close."

"Exactly. If you forget something, you can quickly go back. Please, come in."

Erika opens the door and goes in, so we follow.

"Thank you for having us."

"Please, come in."

Erika turns on the lights, and it's the same living room I saw before.

"I'll start preparing. Please, have a seat."

Erika goes to the bedroom, and we sit at the table.

"I'm hungry."

"You worked hard. No drinking, though."

I won't drink. Besides, Erika doesn't drink, so there's no alcohol in the house.

We wait, and Erika returns to the living room and starts cooking in the kitchen.

"Is pasta okay?"

"Sure, thanks."

"Um... will Helen eat too?"

"I will."

Helen answers.

"Is it okay? Cats can't eat certain things, right?"

"Oh, I'm a familiar, not a cat."

She is a cat.

"Right, I forgot. I'll start cooking, then."

"Thank you... You're such a good person."

Indeed. Preparing a meal for Helen too is very considerate.

"While we wait, I'll write a letter to Adelle."

I take out the letter and pen and place them on the table.

"Sure. You were talking about your job, right?"

"Yeah... I'll write that I'm doing well and that I have good colleagues."

Erika and the branch chief aren't bad. In fact, Erika has treated me to dinner for two consecutive nights.

"Are you going to ask Adelle too?"

"I know."

After writing about my efforts at the Riet branch, I ask how things are on her end. As I finish the letter, Erika brings out pasta and soup for three people.

"Sorry for the wait."

Erika arranges the dishes on the table.

"Thanks."

"Thank you."

"No, no. Let's eat."

We start eating the pasta.

"Yum, it's delicious."

"It's seafood. It's hard to get in the capital."

The capital is in the middle of the country, so there's no sea.

"This town is close to the sea, so we get a variety of ingredients. I'm glad you like it."

I can't do a food review, but the shrimp and other seafood go well with the pasta.

"Are you good at cooking, Erika?"

"Not really. But, I try to cook for myself."

Erika's cheeks turn a bit red.

She must be good at it. Even I can tell.

"That's great. Mr. Sieg makes meals for me, but he doesn't cook for himself."

"The bread is delicious, and the supplements provide perfect nutrition."

It's not boring, and the nutrition is balanced.

"Um, isn't it a bit bland? This town is known for its variety of ingredients and is a culinary hub."

"Hmm... I guess I'm just lazy..."

The welcome party's food and this pasta are delicious. But, the bread is also delicious.

"Would you like me to cook for you?"

Huh?

"No, that would be too much to ask of you, Erika."

"No, it's not. Besides, I already cook for Leonora."

"Really?"

"Yes. She's on a business trip now, but she used to eat at my place all the time."

That's impressive...

"That must be a lot of work."

"No, it's easier to cook for one person. Plus, it makes me happy to have someone enjoy my cooking."

Erika smiles shyly.

"I see..."

I'm smart, but I don't understand what Erika means.

"Mr. Sieg, why don't you take me up on my offer?"

"Huh? Are you sure, Erika?"

"Yes! I'm good at... I like cooking!"

Hmm... Well, I'll at least pay for the ingredients.

Thank you for reading.

If you found this story interesting and are looking forward to the next chapter, please bookmark it and give it a 5-star rating. It would be a great encouragement for me.

Thank you!