Chapter 61

When we descended to the first floor, we entered the reception room we had visited yesterday and sat down on the sofa.

Erika sat next to me, and the female reporter sat across from us.

The photographer stood, holding his camera.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule."

Thinking that if I wanted materials, I should have brought them, I decided it was better not to speak and nudged Erika, who was sitting next to me, with my knee as a signal.

"No, this is also important work."

Erika, having received the signal, began to speak.

"Thank you. I understand that the Alchemist Association Riet Branch had a significant number of staff transferred to other towns last year, leaving only two people, but now there are four of you?"

The reporter is well-informed...

"Yes. It was just me and Leonora, but with the arrival of Sieg and Adelheid, we are now four."

It has doubled.

Still, it's a small number.

"Is Sieg from the capital?"

Since the reporter was looking at me, I nudged Erika with my knee.

"...Sieg, it's better to speak at least the minimum. It doesn't look good."

Helen whispered a warning.

"Is that so?"

"...Yes."

Is that so...

"I am from the capital."

It sounded like a line from an English textbook.

"Even though you were born and raised in the capital, why did you come to this town?"

Transfer.

"We are aware of the situation at this branch and considered it problematic. I was sent here by my master, the head of the headquarters."

"I am also from this town, so I don't want to say this, but it's quite a remote place, isn't it?"

"I think it's a good town. The people are calm, and there is a lot of nature. The variety of food is also rich, and I think it's a comfortable place to live."

This is true.

Well, it's thanks to Erika for the food.

The meals she makes are delicious, which is why I finally developed an interest in food.

"Is that so... No, I'm glad to hear that. Compared to the glamorous cities like the capital, this town does seem to fall short."

Don't do that.

"It depends on the person. I'm not very sociable and don't prefer noisy places. For someone like me, this place is much more comfortable to live in."

The rent is cheaper, and I have a disciple who cooks for me.

"Will you be staying in this town permanently, Mr. Siegfried?"

I wonder?

"Hmm... Probably, but that's not something I can decide. I might be summoned back to headquarters."

It depends on what the head of the headquarters decides.

"I see... Can I ask about the fire incident?"

"Sure."

Erika will answer.

"Where were you that day?"

I signaled Erika.

"That day, we were celebrating after finishing a task at my place."

Oh, right.

She made me a hamburger.

"Was it at Erika's house?"

"Yes. We live in an apartment behind the branch, so we had a dinner party with three of us. We heard a sound and went to the third floor of the branch to confirm the fire."

That's right.

"So, did you go to the scene?"

"Oh, no, an army officer who handles our requests came. He's my cousin. At his request, we joined the firefighting efforts."

"Was it a request... However, as an alchemist, it's quite unusual for you to participate?"

"As Sieg mentioned earlier, for the sake of the town, we immediately accepted the request. Sieg made a quick decision to minimize the damage and promptly joined the firefighting efforts."

I tried to refuse at first.

Helen said to accept it for the branch's reputation, so I reluctantly agreed.

Oh, Erika is becoming a bad girl.

"Was the fire extinguished quickly?"

"Yes. It was an amazing magic. We knew Sieg was an excellent magician, but he really put out the fire quickly. As a fellow magician, I respect him."

She's really becoming a bad girl...

"Indeed, a 5th-class national magician."

"I agree. He is excellent both as an alchemist and a magician, and it is an honor to be his disciple."

Really?

"Understood. Lastly, could you share your future aspirations?"

"Yes. The Riet Branch has caused inconvenience to everyone due to a shortage of personnel, but with more people, we are gradually returning to our previous level of work. We will strive to regain everyone's trust, so please look forward to it."

When Erika said something like a model student, the reporter looked at me.

"National alchemists are recognized by His Majesty the King and are dedicated to serving the nation. The nation exists to protect the lives and culture of its citizens. We are committed to protecting the lives and culture of the citizens in the name of His Majesty the King."

That's what the head of the headquarters used to say in a monotone.

"Understood. Thank you. The interview is over. I'll write it in a good way."

"Thanks. Don't write it in a weird way."

"I actually want to write it in a funny and interesting way, but the branch chief is scary, so I'll write it in a good way."

He's a noble and a former military officer.

And he's quite high up.

"Seems like you're not satisfied? Then, I'll give you some good information. Investigate the merchant who was a victim of the fire. He's suspicious."

"Really?"

"He said he has connections with a member of parliament, and there are many suspicious points."

Merchants, big or small, are usually involved in something shady, but Adolph seems to have a stronger smell of it.

"Hmm... Understood. Thank you for the information. Oh, can I take a few more photos?"

"Sure."

We had a few photos taken and left the office.

Thank you for reading.

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