Chapter 40

While chatting with Adel, we arrived at the branch.

"This is the Riet branch."

"I've only seen it briefly before, but it's quite impressive."

"Is it? I thought it looked run-down."

"Lord Sieg, you're saying the right things."

Helen offered her criticism.

"The good points..."

What are the good points about this building?

"It has a certain charm, and that's good."

I see.

It's all in how you say it.

"It has a certain charm, right?"

"Yes, I think it's a good idea to look for the good points rather than the bad ones."

Erica is good at this kind of thing.

"Alright. This back area will be the dormitory. This way."

We walked through a narrow path beside the branch and stopped at the back after about 30 seconds.

"This is the dormitory."

"It's really close, which is great."

"Yeah. That's where Adel's room will be. It's on the second floor, is that okay?"

I pointed to an empty room, which was above mine and across from Leonora's.

"Yes, the second floor is better."

Of course.

I thought so too.

Since Leonora is also on the second floor, I guess nobles prefer the upper floors.

"Across from you is Leonora's room, and diagonally below is Erica's room, who I'll introduce you to later. If you have any problems, you can rely on them."

"Oh? Won't Lord Sieg help me?"

"I just thought it might be inappropriate to enter a woman's room. If you have any insect problems, let me know. We have an expert at insect removal."

"Meow."

I pet Helen, and she meowed.

"Hehe, I might have to rely on you then. I'll go put my luggage down for a bit."

"Alright. Take your time. There's nothing to do anyway."

"Understood."

Adel climbed the stairs, unlocked the door, and went inside.

"Should I have offered to help? There might be heavy luggage."

Adel doesn't seem very strong.

"I thought about that too. But as I said, it's a woman's room... and she's a noble lady. It's hard to say."

She might have things she doesn't want seen, and entering her room would be rude.

Those two are exceptions.

"Should I suggest it subtly?"

"Sure. If she says no, that's fine too."

We waited, and about 10 minutes later, Adel came out of her room and came down.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No... that was quick."

"I just put my luggage down."

Still, 10 minutes...

She must have a lot of luggage.

"Lord Sieg, shouldn't you help with unpacking? There might be heavy items."

Helen immediately said what we had planned.

"You're right... Adel, if you have heavy items, I'll help. I'm not the strongest, but I can manage more than you."

Of course.

"Yes... I'm sorry, but could you help me? There's a bed and a sofa, and it's tough to do alone. Leonora is no help at all."

She's weak and a klutz, taking 15 seconds to run 50 meters.

"Erica is similar. It would be hard to ask the branch chief, so I'll help."

"Thank you. Lord Sieg, you've really changed."

Unlike Erica, it's calculated kindness.

"People don't change that easily. I'm just trying to change gradually."

"Thinking that way is enough to show you've changed."

Is it really?

"Alright. Let's go greet the branch chief."

"Yes, please."

We returned to the front of the branch and went inside.

"It's really empty, as I heard."

"Want to sit there?"

I pointed to the reception desk.

"No, I don't like it."

"Well, I'll show you your desk later. Let's go to the branch chief's office first. It's that room."

I pointed to a door inside the reception area.

"Is that it? Let's go."

"Sure."

We entered the reception area and stood in front of the branch chief's office.

"Branch Chief, are you there?"

I knocked on the door and asked.

"Yes."

"Adel is here to greet you."

"Come in."

With permission, I opened the door and entered with Adel.

The branch chief put down the newspaper he was reading.

"Branch Chief, this is Adel, my classmate from the royal capital's magic school."

After the introduction, Adel stepped forward.

"I'm Adel von Jodol, a 9th-grade national alchemist. I'll be working here from tomorrow. Please take care of me."

Adel bowed politely.

"Ah. I'm Werner von Langheim, the branch chief. I feel bad, but I don't know much about alchemy, so I'll have to leave it to you."

"Please leave it to me."

Since Adel is 9th grade, I can trust her.

"Alright. Sieg, I'll leave it to you."

"Understood."

"Sieg, by the way, have you thought about a welcome party for Adel?"

"......"

I forgot about that...

"Ha... I thought so. Adel, are you free tonight? I'm going on a business trip tomorrow, so it's better to do it tonight."

"Of course, I'm free."

"Then let's have a welcome party tonight. Sieg, is that okay?"

The branch chief asked.

"Does Adel drink?"

"Alcohol? I drink a little."

A little... that's a vague answer.

"Um, well, Adel, no power harassment or forced performances, right?"

"What are you talking about?"

Adel looked exasperated.

"Nothing. Branch Chief, what about the other two?"

"They're fine."

"Understood. Then let's have Adel's welcome party today."

It'll probably just be drinking and eating, and I can leave after the first round.

"Alright. Have you shown her the dormitory?"

"Just now. I'll show her the workshop and introduce her to Erica and Leonora next."

Although Leonora already knows her.

"Understood. Then after work."

"Yes. Excuse us."

"Excuse us."

We left the branch chief's office.

Thank you for reading.

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