Chapter 71

After finishing the appraisal, I went upstairs to have Chris prepare the appraisal report.

"You work in a place like this, huh?"

As I sat down at my desk, Chris, who was writing the appraisal report, looked up.

"At first, I wanted a private studio, but I gave up on it."

"Do you talk to your colleagues?"

"They come and talk to me. They're pretty cheerful."

"Didn't you used to ignore us when we tried to talk to you? You gave the impression that you only chatted with your familiars."

Was that really the case?

"I realized that ignoring people isn't good. It's better to have smooth relationships at work."

"True. How old are you, anyway?"

"22, of course?"

You know that, right?

I remember his age.

He's 27, five years older than me.

"Is that so... How are the people at this branch?"

"The three girls are straightforward and nice. The branch manager is a noble and a former military officer, but he seems to be a political appointee in a field he's not specialized in. He doesn't interfere and helps with his noble connections, so it's good. Neither of them are enemies."

"Enemies... Don't you think it's unusual to use that term for coworkers?"

Huh? What are you talking about?

"Especially in the same workplace. They are rivals competing for promotions."

"Zieg, I'm not saying anything bad, but you should spend your life in this town. You'd be better off living a relaxed life in the countryside. That way, you'd have a more fulfilling life."

"Leonora said the same thing."

She has a good eye, unlike Erika.

I can't help but be bothered by those words.

"Looking at you, I can't help but think that. It's a quiet and nice town. You have good colleagues, so I think it's a good place."

"Alright, I'll think about it."

"Good... Here's the appraisal report."

Chris handed me the appraisal report, and I started reading it.

"Well, that's about it. Could you take this to Rübeurt at the town hall?"

"Me?"

"We're busy because we received an emergency request from the town hall. You have nothing to do until the airship leaves, right?"

"Well, I was planning to take the day off and do some sightseeing, but it's fine..."

You're slacking off.

"Thanks. We want to cut ties with this job as soon as possible."

"Hmm, I see. I'll take it to him."

"Thanks. By the way, can you replace the missing magic stones?"

"That's a bit difficult. You should make them yourself."

Make them myself...

Well, that's the cheapest option, but I don't have the time right now.

"Got it. Say hello to the chief."

"Sure."

We went downstairs and left the branch, parting ways there.

Then, I went back to the back and resumed brick-making.

"Hey, where's Chris?"

Adèle tilted her head.

"He finished the appraisal and went to the town hall to deliver the report."

"You can make him do such errands. Isn't he a big shot?"

"It's no big deal."

We're both 3rd class.

"Precht is a noble from the capital and quite high up, isn't he?"

Leonora asked.

"Is that so?"

I don't know much about nobles, so I looked at Adèle.

"The Precht family is one of the influential noble families in the capital. Chris is the youngest child."

"Wow..."

"Why don't you know that..."

I don't care about the families of my peers.

"It's not really relevant, and I'm not interested. I think there are other nobles, but I don't know them at all."

"You really don't care about others, do you?"

"It's an old story. Now, I try to understand people to respect them."

Erika likes cooking, Leonora likes reading, and Adèle likes music.

I remember them well.

"That's great. So why did Chris come all the way here? It makes me a bit nervous..."

"He just stopped by on a business trip to the eastern town. He said he'll leave after a bit of sightseeing."

"Wow... So we can't have a meal together?"

"Well, he said he's leaving tomorrow, so he might be free tonight. Do you want to have dinner with him?"

He said he only talks to him occasionally, but were they that close?

"Why would I have dinner with Chris... You, you. Aren't you fellow disciples? There's a lot to catch up on... Sorry, forget it."

Yeah, there's nothing like that.

"Having a meal with him would just be awkward... I'll eat with you guys."

"Zieg, you only eat with women, don't you?"

That's a terrible misunderstanding.

"Even with the branch manager would be fine."

"Can we go to the Side Hotel with the branch manager?"

Hmm... Me and the branch manager...

It looks like a bad collusion.

"I just realized what Adèle meant by the atmosphere."

If it's me and the branch manager, a cheap izakaya would be fitting.

"Is that so? Let's look forward to the next time."

...Is there going to be a next time?

Oh, no, do I have to treat Adèle when she passes the 8th grade?

Hmm? Is the same place okay?

Hmm, I'll consult with the branch manager when he comes back.

"We need to work hard not just on our jobs but also on our studies."

"Right. I'm looking forward to it."

Erika and Leonora also seem to be looking forward to it.

I'm known at the Side Hotel, but how will they perceive me?

"You guys, try to increase your magic power. If you have the time to chat, you can do it."

"Will you join us in getting drenched in water?"

"Of course, as a master."

"Zieg will be kind enough to join us."

I don't mind getting drenched in water, but why are they so lacking in confidence?

"As an alchemist, don't fear failure. Those failures will lead to your next success."

Failure is the mother of success.

Without failure, there can be no growth.

"Wow, you sound like a master."

"You're saying good things."

"Zieg, you're very convincing when you say it."

Sure, sure.

I've had a life full of failures.

And, Helen, don't hide under the table.

Thank you for reading.

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