Chapter 74

Returning home, I went to Erika's place to celebrate.

Well, it's just that some alcohol will be added to our usual meal.

"Hamburgers are delicious!"

"I've never seen this kind of meat dish before, but it's really delicious..."

The two nobles ate the hamburgers with satisfaction.

"I'm glad you like it."

Erika, who made them, also looked satisfied.

"By the way, Sieg, about what you were saying earlier..."

While Erika was cooking the hamburgers, she had heard what Ruperto had told her.

"It seems it's going to be a quagmire. Is it going to be okay?"

Erika, who had been listening while cooking, also looked worried.

"It feels like it's going to be a conflict between the Merchant Guild and Adolf's Trading Company and the senators. It seems the military and the government are also involved."

"It just smells like trouble. When other organizations get involved, it tends to drag on and become a quagmire."

Adele agreed.

"Do you think we'll get a request for this?"

"I don't think so. It's not related to us."

I hope so...

"Sorry. I brought up a boring topic during the celebration. Tomorrow is a day off, so what are you guys going to do?"

"Of course, we'll study. The exam is just two weeks away."

"Right. We'll focus on the areas we're weak in."

I think we're ready, but we can't be too careful.

"Adele, how's the alchemy going?"

"Um, well, I'll just do what I can. I'm just so lacking in practical experience that I have to do something."

Adele has studied enough, so her knowledge is sufficient.

"I have nothing to do, so I can watch you if you want."

"Really? It's a day off, though..."

"I have nothing to do, so it's fine."

I usually spend my days making something at home or reading books.

"Thank you. Then, I'll ask you."

"Sure, teach me how to study."

"Me too..."

Well, I'll take care of my apprentices.

Since the exam is coming up, I need them to pass.

"Alright. Let's have a study session tomorrow."

We continued eating and drinking lightly while talking.

The next day, we gathered at Erika's place again and had a study session.

"Sieg, the exam is in the capital, but what about the branch during that time?"

The national alchemist exam, a national qualification, is held in the capital.

Although it's technically a holiday, the exam takes a whole day, so we need to stay overnight before and after the exam because there are no airship services.

"I'll stay here. Leave early the day before to prepare for the exam. You can take it easy the day after."

Since it will be a special leave, we'll still get paid.

"Will you be lonely by yourself?"

Leonor asked.

"Helen will be here."

I don't really feel lonely.

It's only three days, after all.

"What about your meals?"

Erika asked this time.

"I'll cook or eat out. For your information, I've been living alone for a long time, so I can manage just fine, unlike Leonor."

"I can too!"

Then, clean up a bit.

"Anyway, have Adele and Erika and Leonor been to the capital before?"

"I haven't."

"I've been a few times. My hometown and this town don't have a direct airship service, so I have to go through the capital."

I see.

"Erika, since it's your first time, you can do some sightseeing in the capital after the exam."

"Is that okay?"

"You don't get to go to the capital often. You can take the last airship back or take the next day off since you have some annual leave left."

Well, I'll have you take the 8th-grade exam a few months later.

"The capital, huh..."

"Shall I show you around? I've been there for a long time, so I know it pretty well."

I've lived there since I was born, but I'm not that familiar with it.

"Please! I want to see a lot of things."

"I want to go too. I've never done any sightseeing."

Leonor also raised her hand.

"Then, I'll show you around. Are you not coming?"

Adele asked.

"I have nothing to do in the capital, so I won't go."

I have no interest in sightseeing in my hometown, and I have no friends there to visit.

"Hmm... Then, I'll leave it to you. If you're there, you can handle anything that comes up."

I hope nothing happens.

"Let's go to the capital together. You promised to take me to a restaurant if I pass the appraiser exam, right?"

That's right.

Judging from Leonor's discernment, there's no reason she'll fail, so I'll definitely have to treat her.

"Do you need an escort?"

"Yes. I'll follow your lead."

Lead... I'll consult with the branch manager.

He apparently has a house in the capital and knows the restaurants well.

"Alright. But first, do your best on the upcoming exam."

"I'll try..."

"Right."

Leonor and Erika lowered their eyes and read their books, so I looked at Adele, who was practicing alchemy.

Hmm... The quality isn't bad, but it's slow...

"You're doing well."

"Thank you. But I can hear your thoughts saying it's slow."

"Well, for the 8th-grade exam, I think that speed is fine."

I'd like you to be a bit faster, regardless of the exam.

"I'll try to be a bit faster."

These guys... they read my mind so easily...

Is it because I'm easy to read, or is it a difference in social skills...

I decided to study too and started reading the book I bought, "Interpersonal Relationships at Work - Junior Edition."

That day, we continued studying individually, and in the evening, we ate dinner that Erika made and then dispersed.

At night, as usual, I drank with Helen in the bedroom and went to sleep.

Thank you for reading.

If you found this work interesting or are looking forward to the next part, please bookmark it or rate it with five stars (★★★★★) to encourage me to keep writing.

Thank you!