Chapter 22

The next day, after the break was over, I went to the branch office.

Then, when I went up to the second floor, only Erika was there.

"Good morning. Where's Leonora? Hasn't she come yet?"

I asked Erika, who was preparing coffee at her desk.

"Leonora is with the branch manager. She's reporting on her business trip," Erika replied.

"Oh, that's right."

I had forgotten about that.

"Here you go. You like black coffee, right, Sieg?"

Erika placed the coffee on my desk.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Erika also placed coffee on Leonora's desk and sat down.

Then, Leonora, wearing a triangular hat, came in.

"Hey, Sieg. Good morning."

"Good morning."

"Having three people at work is great. Oh, coffee. Thanks, Erika."

Leonora sat down at her desk, which was opposite Erika's.

"You're welcome."

We took a sip of coffee.

"Well, let's get to work... Erika and I will turn the iron ore into iron, right?"

"Right. Erika, show her how it's done."

"Huh? Me? I think Sieg is better at explaining..."

"Making ingots isn't that difficult, and a 10th-class alchemist like Leonora should be able to learn quickly. Besides, teaching someone else is a great way to study."

That's what my master used to say.

He apparently wanted me to take on a disciple, but I refused.

At the time, I thought I didn't need any dead weight.

"Got it!"

Erika stood up, went to Leonora, and started explaining how to turn iron ore into iron. I started the work of making magic swords.

Even though we were three, the task was the same: turning iron ore into iron.

First, we turned the iron ore into iron, then made swords from that iron, and finally enchanted them.

"Hey, can I have your attention for a moment?"

While we were each doing our tasks, the branch manager came upstairs and called out to us.

"What's up?"

I asked as the branch manager came over.

"Just now, I got a call from the city hall's Rubeert. He wants to request something and asked us to come over."

A request...

"It depends on the content, but it might be a bit difficult. Erika and Leonora are still getting used to making ingots, and I have a request from the colonel."

"I understand that, but at least hear him out."

Overtime, maybe?

"If that's the case, I'll go and listen."

Erika raised her hand.

"Alright, thanks. Just find out what it's about for now."

Erika can handle it.

"Got it. I'll be back."

Erika said this and went down the stairs.

"She's always so diligent," Leonora commented, impressed.

"That's a good thing. How about you? Can you make ingots?"

"I can, but I'm not very good at it. I should be able to manage this much, though."

I see...

"Sieg, can I talk to you for a moment?"

The branch manager, who hadn't gone back to his office, called out to me.

"What is it?"

"It's about Lieutenant Esmeralda."

Ah, that emergency request.

"What happened?"

"The colonel told me there was no such emergency request. It was just harassment to shut us down."

So it was harassment after all.

"Would that really shut us down?"

"If all the alchemists were gone, we'd have to close. That's the goal."

"So they wanted to make the three of us quit. What's in it for the lieutenant?"

"Who knows. The colonel said he'll investigate, but it's probably because she got paid off by someone."

A civilian guild, most likely.

They'd benefit the most if we were shut down.

"Well, we'll leave that to the colonel. It's not our jurisdiction."

"That's true. He'll probably be fired or demoted."

Demoted again... After being demoted to this town, the next move would be to the front lines or a completely empty rural area.

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for your efforts, branch manager."

He's a former military noble, after all.

"No, this is all I can do. Keep up the good work."

The branch manager said this and went down the stairs.

"Is something wrong?"

Leonora, who didn't know the situation, asked.

"There was a request labeled as an emergency, but it was just unreasonable. It's resolved now, so no problem."

"I see... Sorry I wasn't here."

"It's fine. You were on a business trip. More importantly, I need your help. We're still only three people."

"True... I need to think about it."

You're right.

What should I do...

"Is Leonora going to take the 9th-class exam next month?"

"Maybe? I don't have much ambition, but I enjoy alchemy just by doing it."

She loves it so much that she ran away from home, and she's probably satisfied with her current level.

"Sorry, but I need you to reach 8th class."

"8th class... You make it sound so easy."

"I wouldn't say it to someone who can't do it. If you can do it after hearing it once, you should be able to pass the 8th class exam quickly."

Leonora kept refining iron while talking.

"I'm watching you... I don't understand why you were demoted."

"I'm just more careful with my words now to improve my social skills."

"What did you say before?"

"Just some nonsense about 8th class... Never mind."

It's better not to say it.

"I get it. Even though I'm disowned, I think it's important to maintain good relationships."

"True... Leonora, I'll help you study, so try your best. Erika is motivated."

"Alright. I'll take the 9th-class exam next month. It's a bit of a stretch, but I'll try."

I'll teach her thoroughly.

I can't wait three months.

Thank you for reading.

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