Chapter 5

"Erica, have you explained this place yet?"

The branch manager looks at Erica.

"No, not yet. I was thinking of showing her around the atelier."

"I see... Siegfried, I think I should explain the current situation of the branch before giving her a tour."

Huh?

"The situation?"

"Yes. Currently, there are only four people assigned to this branch."

What?

"Four people? That's it?"

It's unbelievable.

Even in a rural area, there should be at least ten times that number.

No, considering the size of this town, there should be even more.

"That's right. Besides the three of us here, there's only one more person, who is currently on a business trip."

Including me... So, there were only three people until yesterday?

This is too unbelievable.

"Let me confirm. The other three are alchemists, right?"

"Do I look like an alchemist? I'm a former soldier who became the branch manager after retiring."

As expected, it feels like a transfer from a higher position.

"So, two people?"

"Yes. Erica here and Leonora, who is on a business trip. Both are 10th-grade alchemists."

10th grade...

Well, it's impressive that they have national qualifications, but 10th grade is the lowest.

"Excuse me, what does that mean? To be honest, it's abnormal."

"You're right. Even I, who am not familiar with this industry, think so."

"Did something happen?"

"Simply put, in this town, civilian alchemists are stronger than government alchemists."

Alchemists also exist in the private sector.

They can be found in pharmacies and weapon shops.

Of course, they need qualifications.

"What do you mean by 'stronger in the private sector'?"

It's hard to imagine.

The scale of the association is different.

"I only learned this after coming here, but those who become state alchemists are usually very talented and intelligent."

"That's true."

"Master Siegfried."

Oops.

"That's not true. With effort, anyone can become one."

"Such nonsense is irrelevant. Even Erica, who is 10th grade, has talent."

"That's true. I think her youth at 20 is wonderful."

"Coming from you, who obtained your qualification at 15 while still in school, it sounds like sarcasm..."

I didn't mean it that way...

I was just stating the facts...

"Anyway, I understand that talent is needed. But what does that mean?"

"Well, it's obvious that talented people all go to big cities like the capital. Those who become 9th or 8th grade alchemists leave this remote area. The ones left are those with strong local ties like Erica or those with family businesses."

I see...

The alchemists in this town don't choose the association.

That's why there are only two...

"Still, two people is too few, isn't it?"

"Last year, there were ten."

Ten people...

Even then, it was still few, but eight more were a lot.

"What happened to those eight?"

"They were poached by a larger branch in a big town to the north. There was a large-scale airship development project, so they recruited volunteers."

The Alchemists' Association is somewhat independent, and such poaching is common.

"Still, two people is too few. The branch can't function. We should protest to headquarters."

"I did. The result was that the head of headquarters sent you here."

Ah, I see.

"Still, three people is too few."

"You're right... Part of the problem is my lack of ability. I'm not familiar with this industry."

He's a soldier...

I shouldn't expect too much from him.

"It's tough."

"Yes. That's why I have high hopes for you."

I can see the path to overwork...

"I'll do my best, but it seems impossible."

"I understand. But I don't have any connections. I'll leave the personnel to you, so recruit good people if you find them."

I probably have fewer connections than you...

And less popularity...

"Ha... I understand. Let's try. We can talk about it later."

"Thanks. I'll support you in any way I can. If you have any problems, let me know. I'll help solve them."

As expected of a noble.

While I can't rely on him for alchemy-related matters, he can be a good backing.

"Thank you."

"Indeed. Erica, show him around."

"Yes. Mr. Siegfried, I'll show you the atelier."

With that, we left the branch manager's office and returned to the entrance.

I looked around the entrance.

"I thought it was closed because no one was here, but there are only two people."

The reception desk is pointless.

"Yes. Everyone is gone. I thought about staying, but when I heard the salary would double..."

Double is impressive.

"Didn't you think about leaving, Erica?"

"At the time, I was still a newbie and lacked confidence. Plus, I really like my hometown."

That's what you said.

"I see... What about the other person, Leonora?"

"Leonora said she wanted to do things her way. This branch is very free because the branch manager doesn't interfere much."

Well, he's a soldier.

He's probably just a figurehead.

"When will Leonora be back?"

"In about a week, I think."

A week...

Well, there's nothing to be done about it if she's not here.

"Got it. Show me the atelier."

"Yes. This way."

Erica went up the stairs, and I followed.

When we reached the top of the stairs, I was a bit surprised.

I thought there would be a corridor with many rooms for the ateliers.

But there was no corridor or doors.

There was just a large open space with desks and work machines arranged in two rows facing each other.

It felt like a company floor or a staff room.

"Huh? No private rooms?"

"No, there aren't. We all work here. Well, it's just me lately..."

That's a bit lonely...

Especially since you're alone, it must feel even more isolated in such a large space.

I remember how lonely it felt when I worked late alone in my previous life.

"Well, it's fine... Hey, can I bring Helen here?"

Even though she's a familiar, many people dislike cats because they're mischievous.

If there were private ateliers, it wouldn't be a problem, but since it's a shared floor, I need to check.

"Helen is great. She's very calm and soothing."

You understand, don't you?

You're indeed a talented one.

"Where will my desk be?"

"Anywhere is fine. The desks at the back are mine and Leonora's."

Erica pointed to the desks at the back of the floor, facing each other.

"Wait a moment... Helen, what do you think?"

I asked Erica to wait a moment and consulted Helen.

"What? What do you think?"

"Where my desk should be. If it were up to me, I'd choose the desk farthest from the others at the front."

"Why?"

"To focus on work."

It's obvious.

No idle chatter.

"Even with only two people, you want to be far away? We're supposed to work together and revitalize the branch. That's not right."

I can't do that...

"Erica, is it okay if I sit next to you?"

"Yes! Please do!"

She has a great smile...

"Master Siegfried, this is the right choice. If you asked the same question and replied with 'Why?' which would be more likable?"

You're right...

If Erica had replied with 'Why?' it would have been a huge disappointment.

She would have been disliked.

"Um, why have you been asking Helen all these questions?"

Erica seemed curious.

"I'm just doing a bit of human skills training. Don't worry about it. Can I put my things down here?"

"Oh, right. Please, go ahead."

With Erica, I went to the back of the floor and placed my belongings on the desk next to hers, which I took out from my spatial magic.

"Oh, spatial magic! As expected of a 5th-grade magician!"

"Well, everyone at school used magic bags, but I couldn't afford one, so I learned it."

"That's amazing!"

It was fun, so it wasn't hard.

It's like something from a fairy tale in my previous life.

"Erica, is Leonora's desk opposite yours?"

"Yes. Now both the front and side are filled. That's good."

My front and right side are empty.

Well, I don't need them... No, I need to increase the number of people.

Thank you for reading.

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