Chapter 27

After finishing dinner, instead of returning to his room, he went to check on the two who were studying.

Both of them lack experience, but their natural intelligence isn't bad.

However, their strengths and weaknesses are very clear, so he focused on teaching them in those areas.

Then, as the study time ended, he drank the tea that Erika had prepared and took a break.

"I'm on the edge...," Leonora said, tilting her head as she looked at the closed reference book.

"It's okay, it's okay. You'll pass."

"What kind of expectation is that? If I fail, you'll look at me with such disdain."

I'll be careful not to do that.

"Study to pass. I'll always be there to check and help you."

I have nothing else to do.

"Thank you, Master. I'll do my best."

"Thank you."

Do your best.

"Can we talk about the future for a moment? Is that okay?"

"The future?"

"What is it?"

The two put down their alchemy books.

"Right now, we have regular and emergency requests from the government, and a request from the military to create a magic sword. If we keep working on these kinds of tasks, I think our branch can regain trust and credibility."

"Probably."

"Let's work hard."

Yeah, let's work hard.

"In other words, the number of requests is likely to increase in the future. We need to seriously consider increasing our staff, or we'll end up working overtime continuously."

The branch might make a profit, but the key staff will be worn out.

I can handle it because I'm used to it, but the two of them, who lack experience and physical strength, will find it tough.

"Yeah... But, it's hard to gather people. First, there are few alchemists, and there are no available ones."

That's true.

Moreover, the only ones who would come to a place like this are problematic.

Of course, I'm talking about myself.

"Erika, how about that recruitment plan?"

"I went to the school and talked to the teacher. But I don't think we'll see immediate results."

"I see..."

Yeah, that's probably the case.

"What's this recruitment plan?" Leonora asked.

"It's about hiring students who are aspiring alchemists but don't yet have qualifications, or those who are studying for exams, as part-time workers. Essentially, it's about giving them experience and helping them with their studies, with the hope that they'll work for us if they pass."

"I see... But, won't that be a big burden for Sieg? Isn't immediate help more important right now?"

That's true, but there's no benefit for immediate help to come to us.

"Leonora, do you have any acquaintances?"

"No, I don't. My family connections have been severed."

You ran away from home...

"Um... What about Sieg's acquaintances? You were in the capital's school and worked at headquarters, right? Moreover, you were the apprentice of the head of headquarters. Don't you have any fellow students or acquaintances?"

Erika asked again about something she had previously ignored.

"No. My only acquaintances from school and work are Adel. Besides, I'm confident that my fellow students dislike me. They're all elites, even though they're not very capable."

There are about ten apprentices of the head of headquarters, and they were all at least 6th level.

"Is that so?"

"Well, the way you say it, they might dislike you."

"Mr. Sieg, you shouldn't talk about your fellow apprentices like that."

I won't say it in front of them, so it's okay.

I've changed.

"I'll be careful. Anyway, there's no one we can poach."

"We have Adel, don't we?"

Huh?

"Adel?"

"Yes. Isn't she a friend of yours?"

It's complicated...

"Does she have any reason to come here?"

"I don't know. If we only consider the pros and cons, we won't do anything. But, it's free to just make a call, right?"

Well, that's true...

"Then, let's write a letter."

But, it might turn into a long correspondence...

"What about a phone call?"

"Ah, that would be faster... Then, I'll call the headquarters tomorrow. She works at the reception, so she'll answer."

"Isn't it bad to make a poaching call during work hours?"

Well, that's true.

"What if I call now? I know Adel's home phone number."

Leonora suggested.

"We don't have a phone at my place... Erika, do you?"

"I don't have one either. Should we go to the branch?"

Since it's related to work, it should be fine.

Besides, no one will criticize us.

"I have a phone at my place. Use it."

Leonora apparently has a phone at her place.

Phones aren't cheap, but she is a noble.

"Can I use it... Ah, no, Leonora can make the call. She's a friend."

It's not good to visit a woman's house at this hour.

I'm already at Erika's place, though...

"I'll lend you the phone, Sieg. You're friends with Adel, right? Besides, you're the leader."

When did I become the leader?

Well, in terms of career and ability, I am the leader.

I'm their teacher, after all.

"Wait a moment... First, should I say hello?"

I asked Helen.

"Yes. Given the past issues, a greeting is absolutely necessary. Also, apologize for calling unexpectedly and at night."

I see...

"Looks like the meeting is starting again."

"Let's watch warmly."

The two of them looked at me with kind eyes.

"Do you have any suggestions? I want to hear a woman's opinion."

"It's better not to prepare too much to say. If you do, you might try to stick to your prepared speech, and the conversation might not flow well. That's noticeable."

"You're right. Just be natural... Ah, maybe that's why Adel's response was cold. Maybe she didn't like the lack of your personality in your letters."

What do you mean?

"What do you mean?"

"It's clear that someone else's advice was behind the letters. If a third party's influence is visible in a correspondence between two people, it's disappointing."

I see...

"Mainly Helen's advice?"

"That's not something she would know."

I don't know what Adel is thinking either...

"Then, I'll make the call... Okay, let's go to my place."

"I'm a bit nervous."

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