Chapter 29

The next day, after I arrived at the branch office, I greeted Erika and Leonora on the second floor and immediately went down to the first floor. Then, I knocked on the door inside the reception area.

"It's Ziegwart."

"Hey, come in."

Hearing a voice from inside, I opened the door and entered.

"Good morning, Branch Manager."

I greeted the Branch Manager, who was reading a newspaper at his desk.

"Hey, good morning. What's up so early?"

The Branch Manager folded the newspaper as he asked.

"Actually, I called a friend in the capital yesterday and asked them to come here, and they agreed."

"An alchemist?"

"Yes. Adelheid von Jodler. She's my classmate and a 9th-grade state alchemist working at headquarters."

"A noble... The Jodlers are a noble family from the west with influence in the military."

Is that so?

I don't know much about nobles.

I know about the big noble families like August's, but I have no interest in the others, and knowing about them wouldn't be useful.

"More than half of the students at the capital's magic school are nobles."

"She graduated from the capital's magic school and works at headquarters... I'm surprised she agreed."

Yeah, I thought so too...

She's definitely a winner.

"I asked without much hope, but she agreed."

"Hmm... You were classmates? What's the deal? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No, there's no romance at all. I said she's a friend, but it's a bit complicated. However, she seems to be an old friend of Leonora's."

"Well, she's a noble too. Is Adelheid useful?"

I don't know.

I never worked with her at headquarters, and in school, we were in the same practical group, but she wasn't on my radar.

To be fair, it wasn't just Adelheid; I didn't pay attention to any of the students in school.

After all, they were all idiots who couldn't even get a single qualification.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know Adelheid's abilities. However, being a 9th-grade alchemist, she must have some level of skill."

"I see... Well, I don't know the reason, but with our shortage of personnel, this is good news. Zieg, of course, you'll be in charge of her training. Do your best."

That's the thing...

"Branch Manager, do you have any plans to rebuild or renovate this branch?"

"Huh? Why? It's not that old, is it?"

Indeed, it looks a bit deserted because there's no one around, but it's not that dilapidated.

"No, I just think we need individual workshops. At headquarters, each alchemist has their own workshop where they work."

"We don't have the space for individual workspaces. Besides, we plan to increase the number of staff, and we don't know how many more will join. Rebuilding or renovating seems premature."

I agree.

"Branch Manager, I think I might cause problems with interpersonal relationships in the future. Should I be isolated?"

"Talk it out among yourselves. Use partitions or something to create personal spaces."

"By the way, what do you think the two upstairs would think if I suggested this?"

Of course, I'm talking about Erika and Leonora, who are making mana potions on the second floor.

"I don't know. But I'd think, 'What a troublesome guy' or 'What a creepy guy.'"

"I see... That's helpful. I'll get back to work. Excuse me."

With that, I left the Branch Manager's office.

"Still no go?"

I asked Helen.

"No, it won't work."

"I see."

Of course, I thought as I went upstairs and sat down to start making magic swords.

"Hey, if Adelheid comes, will she sit there?"

I asked, looking at the empty seat in front of me, next to Leonora.

"Isn't that where she'll sit?"

"Adelheid might have her preferences, but if things go smoothly, that's where she'll sit."

That's how it will be...

Right in front of me...

"Every time I look up, our eyes will meet."

"Do you mind?"

"I'll probably look away quickly. It feels awkward, doesn't it?"

"It's kind of cute, like a kid who can't look at the girl they like."

Leonora laughed as she said this.

"I don't like that..."

"Zieg, can't you look at women? Do you not look at them normally?"

"I do look at them."

You guys can look at them.

"No, it's not like I'm in my teenage years. I have guilt and other feelings with Adelheid, and I can't figure out the right distance."

"I think you should just be normal..."

What does 'normal' mean?

"Don't say that to someone who isn't normal."

"You're a sad mentor..."

"Hey, should we switch seats now?"

Erika suggested.

If I switch with Erika, Leonora will be in front of me, which should be fine.

"Helen, what do you think?"

"That feels like running away. Ultimately, there are only four of us in the office, and you should just get along normally."

You're right; it would be bad to keep things awkward for a long time.

There are only four of us, so we need to cooperate, and it wouldn't be good if I treated Adelheid differently from the others.

After all, I'm the leader of this team.

"What does 'normal' mean?"

"Erika and Leonora can do it properly. Just treat her the same way."

"Got it. Let's keep the seats as they are."

We have two weeks, so I'll think about it.

Thank you for reading.

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