Chapter 34

"Colonel, I have brought Mr. Siegwalt from the Alchemists' Association."

"Ah, come in."

As the colonel's voice came from inside the room, Lutz opened the door and gestured for me to enter. I stepped inside. The room was lined with bookshelves on one wall. There was also a desk for work, and the colonel was seated there.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Please have a seat."

The colonel pointed to a sofa that seemed to be for guests with his pen, so I sat down. The colonel then stood up and sat opposite me. Glancing behind me, I saw Lutz standing back.

"Have you been busy?"

"No, not that much. Just cleaning up after the major."

"Cleaning up..."

Were there other irregularities as well?

Well, it doesn't matter.

"Is that so? I have brought the magic sword you ordered today for your inspection."

I placed the wooden box that Leonora had made on the coffee table in front of us.

"Quite fast, isn't it?"

"I thought it should be prioritized... to be honest, I don't have any other work."

I had entrusted the office work to two others.

"I see. Normally, we would have several jobs we could entrust to the Association. However, given the current state of your branch, I cannot judge whether you can handle these jobs."

"I apologize. As you know, we have been in an unusual state with only two 10th-level alchemists. There have been various circumstances."

"You don't need to explain. I have been in this town longer than you and have connections with many other towns."

He already knows the circumstances.

"I see. Well, that's the situation. I have just been assigned here, and another person is scheduled to join soon. Erica and Leonora are inexperienced but excellent, so I don't think we will have the same issues as before."

I'm also here to promote our services.

"Hmm, I understand. We would prefer to entrust high-value civilian work to the Association, which guarantees quality and price. We will gradually assign more jobs."

"That's very kind of you."

"Shall we take a look at the magic sword, then?"

The colonel pulled the wooden box closer and opened the lid.

"There were no specific attributes requested, so I made it a fire magic sword. You mentioned that you would prepare the sheath and decorations, so it's just the blade. The quality is A-rank. Here is the appraisal certificate."

I handed over the appraisal certificate.

"Hmm..."

The colonel read the certificate.

"If you don't trust it, feel free to have another appraiser verify it."

Anyone can see it's A-rank.

"No, it's fine. It's a great sword. I almost want it for myself."

The colonel put down the certificate and lifted the magic sword. The light from the lamp reflected off it, making it gleam.

"Thank you. Would you like to order another one?"

"A 15 million el magic sword isn't that easy to order."

Indeed.

But where does the money for this magic sword come from?

"Here is the invoice."

I placed the invoice Erica had written on the table.

"Understood. I'll transfer the payment as soon as possible."

"Thank you. I'll take my leave now."

I stood up.

"Very well. You've done a good job."

I bowed and left the room.

◆◇◆

After Siegwalt left the room, I continued to hold the delivered magic sword and stare at it.

"Remarkable..."

The red sword, glowing eerily, clearly wasn't a dud. Even without the appraisal certificate, one could tell it was A-rank.

"According to the report, the colonel immediately bought iron ore and red ore from a mineral shop after placing the order."

Lutz reported.

No special materials were used...

I doubt that branch has such high-quality catalysts in stock.

"Lutz, take a look."

I placed the magic sword on the table. Lutz came over and picked it up.

"This is..."

"What do you think?"

"I've seen magic swords a few times, but this is the first time I've seen one this magnificent."

That's to be expected.

"I've been in this position for a long time and have seen many magic swords. But this one is in the top five... no, I shouldn't insult the man... it's the best."

It's that remarkable a magic sword.

How many A-rank magic swords are there in this country, anyway?

"Is it that good... Siegwalt is truly an excellent alchemist."

"Seems so. This magic sword clearly shows it."

He must be the top disciple of that witch.

That's why he can talk so confidently and be so full of himself.

"What should I do?"

Lutz put the magic sword down and asked.

"For now, just assign some jobs to them. I intend to give them a major commission eventually."

"Understood... but how long will Siegwalt stay here? He might be poached soon."

He's a 3rd-level state alchemist with such remarkable skills and is still young.

"I have to go to the capital anyway, so I'll look into it. Please handle the transfer and the next commission."

"Understood!"

Well, I need to get a sheath and decorations and hand it over to the marshal in the capital...

This was actually a test to confirm his skills, but since I said it, I have to hand it over.

It's a waste, but there's no other way.

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