Chapter 73

After Chris appraised it, a few days passed.

During that time, Rubert came every evening to collect the Wednesday stones and bricks that had been made.

Then, on a weekend afternoon, Erika finished the last Wednesday stone and was able to complete all the items for the urgent request.

"We can do it if we try, huh?"

"Really. I feel like I've leveled up as an alchemist."

"I'm glad I could finally do proper alchemy work."

The three girls seemed satisfied.

"Rubert will come this evening, so we'll hand over everything then. Let's prepare the delivery and invoice forms."

"Then, let's head back to the branch."

"It's been a while since we've been inside."

"Right, it has been."

We tidied up and went around to the front, entering the branch with the sign.

Then, we went upstairs and divided the work to prepare the delivery and invoice forms for the bricks and Wednesday stones.

"The only things left are the Tuesday stones from the town hall and the recovery ointment from the military, right?"

While writing the delivery form, Erika asked.

"That's right. Neither is urgent, so let's work at our usual pace."

"Understood. What about the Tuesday stones? Should we make them too?"

Well, that's the thing...

"Given your ability to make Wednesday stones, I don't think it's impossible. However, there's a risk of explosion if you fail. To prevent that, we need a special machine, which this branch doesn't have. So, you need to learn defensive magic."

"Is defensive magic difficult?"

Hmm, how should I put it?

It's easy for me, but these alchemists can barely do any magic...

"It might take some time. This time, I'll make the Tuesday stones, and you three can make the recovery ointment. Adele, you've made it before, right?"

I remember she said she made it at her family's place.

"Yes, I remember how to make it."

"Then, teach the other two while making it. We can start next week."

"Got it. It's not that difficult, so I think we can do it quickly."

It's about the same difficulty as potions.

"Zieg, Zieg, should we celebrate?"

Celebrate?

Did we do this before?

"Sure, why not? We have tomorrow off, and it's a good time to wrap things up."

We'll just eat and drink at Erika's place, not much different from usual.

"Sounds good. Even if we pass out, Adele will escort us to bed."

"I'm not doing that anymore. Go upstairs on your own."

"Then, I'll sleep in Erika's bed."

No, don't drink until you pass out.

You're not that strong.

"Is there anything you want to eat?"

Erika, who is used to this, skillfully ignored Leonora and asked.

"Anything is fine for me."

"I don't know, so I'll leave it to you."

"Hamburger!"

Leonora raised her hand like a child, repeating a phrase she had heard somewhere.

"Then, let's make hamburgers."

"What's a hamburger?"

Adele asked.

"A meat dish."

"Hmm... Is it a local dish?"

"It's a dish I learned from the gods."

"...How should I react to that?"

I don't know.

"It's not bad, so just try it. Don't worry about the details."

"True, if it's Erika's cooking, it should be good."

Exactly.

"Alright, then. After we finish writing these, you can do as you please for the rest of the day."

It's almost 4 PM, and starting now wouldn't be efficient.

"Then, let's study. The exam is coming up soon."

"Right, that's true."

"Zieg, can you watch me practice synthesis? I'm fine with the theory, but I'm still nervous about the practical part."

"Sure."

After we finished writing the delivery and invoice forms, we each started studying.

Around 5 PM, the bell on the first floor rang.

"Is that Rubert?"

"Probably. I'll go hand over the items."

I stood up, took the last bricks and Wednesday stones along with the delivery and invoice forms, and went downstairs.

Sure enough, Rubert was at the reception.

"Hey."

"Sure enough, you were here. I thought you might be upstairs since there was no sign."

The lack of a receptionist is a big problem.

"We finished the Wednesday stones. The bricks are also ready."

"Wow! Impressive! I really appreciate it!"

"Here you go. And the delivery and invoice forms."

I placed the wooden box containing the bricks and Wednesday stones on the floor and handed over two copies each of the delivery and invoice forms.

"Let me check them."

Rubert sat down and inspected the quality of the bricks and Wednesday stones.

"How's the other matter?"

"It's bad... It seems to be turning into a quagmire."

Oh no...

"There's no decisive evidence, right?"

"That's right. But the situation looks completely guilty. I heard from the military that they saw Mr. Adolph lowering the extraction machine from the ship?"

"I see."

"Not just the extraction machine, but he also ordered a disassembly machine. The Commercial Guild seems to have caught wind of this information."

The circumstantial evidence is all there.

But that's not enough to prove guilt.

He could claim he was just planning to replace the machines.

"What about the mayor?"

"Who knows? We might need to involve the councilors. The military has even recalled a colonel from the capital temporarily."

A colonel is getting involved.

"Indeed, it looks like a quagmire."

"Right? I'm already tired... Alright, the bricks and Wednesday stones are fine. I'll take these and transfer the payment next week."

Rubert put the bricks and Wednesday stones in his bag and stood up.

"Thanks. Good luck."

"Thanks. Keep working on the Tuesday stones, too."

"Got it."

"Then, I'll be on my way."

After seeing Rubert off, I went upstairs.

Since it was a good time, we decided to end the day and the four of us went home.

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