Chapter 77

When we returned to the branch, we disbanded for a moment, then gathered at Erika's house and had breakfast.

Then, when we went outside and were staring at the branch in shock, the branch manager came back, and we explained what had happened.

"From the moment we arrived at the airport, there were military personnel everywhere, and things were hectic, but I never thought the branch would be set on fire..."

The branch manager also stared in shock at the branch, which had been burned to a crisp.

"Fortunately, no one was injured."

"That's the most important thing... We can rebuild the building, but we can't replace you guys."

Is this guy really a former soldier?

"Branch manager, could you please contact headquarters?"

"Got it. I'll call them right away."

He's reliable.

"What should we do now?"

"Hmm... For now, just stay at home. What requests are still pending?"

"The fire opal from the government, and the recovery ointment from the military."

It's a blessing in disguise that the urgent requests are finished.

"Got it. I'll apply to extend the deadlines, given the circumstances."

"Thank you. Especially for the recovery ointment, we need magic herbs, but due to the previous emergency request, there aren't many on the market. The military had prepared them for us, but as you can see, they all burned."

"There's nothing we can do about that. We didn't have any fault, so the military shouldn't complain."

Complain?

"If they do, just tell them it's because you didn't catch the culprit quickly enough."

"I won't do that. Anyway, just stay on standby. The exams are coming up, so you might as well study."

The branch manager said this and walked towards the government office.

Well... on standby, huh...

"Do you guys have the energy to study?"

I looked at the three of them.

"It's a bit much today..."

"The shock is too much."

"A bit..."

I see...

Judging from their faces, they don't look good.

Especially Erika is in bad shape.

Erika, who is usually always smiling, is visibly depressed.

"Take the day off. The branch will be rebuilt, so let's decide what it should look like."

"Really? Can we decide on our own?"

"We're the ones who will be using it, so we should decide. Let's think positively. It wasn't that old a building, so let's think of it as a new construction."

Let's make it a better workplace than before.

"Interesting... That could be a good way to look at it."

"True. I've always been bothered by the fact that only the branch manager is on the first floor, so maybe we should put the studio there."

Leonor and Adelheid nodded in agreement.

"Let's discuss that. Erika, tea."

"Ah, sure. Please come to my place."

Erika started walking towards her room, and we followed.

"...Zig, you're amazing."

Adelheid praised me in a low voice.

"...What for?"

"...You're considerate. I've changed my opinion of you."

"...Yeah. Erika has been here the longest and is from this area, so she was probably the most affected. It's better not to leave her alone right now."

Was that the right thing to do?

"What's wrong, social misfit? Did you hit your head?"

"Lord Zig is a kind person!"

They started arguing again...

"Dorothea, just fly around."

"It's tiring. Erika, I want some sugar water."

"Sugar water?"

"Honey water is fine too."

What a spoiled crow.

You could drink mud water.

"I have some honey wine my mother gave me..."

"That's it!"

Is this bird going to drink it...

We went to Erika's room and started discussing the reconstruction of the branch while drinking the coffee Erika made. Meanwhile, Dorothea was really drinking the honey wine.

"I agree with Adelheid. The studio should be on the first floor. The doorbell is inconvenient."

"True. I used to feel a bit down every morning when I saw the empty first floor."

"Zig, by the way, what kind of studio do you prefer?"

What kind...

I can't say a private room in this atmosphere.

"I think the studio can stay the same. Let's make the second and third floors storage."

Well, a private room is fine.

I need to keep an eye on these guys.

"Okay? I can be hostile?"

"Hostile?"

Ah, that book.

"What do you want me to do? If you start that, no one will sit across from you. Should we all sit in a row?"

"Just kidding. By the way, that book burned too."

"No, I have it. I brought it home and read it."

It seems to have become Leonor's favorite book.

"Oh, I see..."

"It's a shame the extraction machine and disassembly machine we got for free burned."

I thought I could finally have it easy...

"Oh, right. But there's nothing we can do. Besides, I don't want to use the arsonist's equipment."

That's true...

"Let's start over. As the branch manager said, the building is gone, but we're all safe. Your growth hasn't been erased, and we're steadily working towards rebuilding the branch."

"Zig... I'll do my best!"

That's right, that's right.

Do your best to pass the 9th grade exam.

"Refill, please."

"Sure!"

Erika took my cup and made more coffee.

"How long will it take to build the new building?"

Leonor asked.

"It depends on the branch manager's negotiations. Dorothea, tell Chris to dispatch an alchemist from the construction department."

"It would be better if you spoke to the head of headquarters yourself. The head is aware of the issues with the Riet branch and will likely be considerate."

I'll have to make a call...

"Leonor, Adelheid, can you use your noble influence?"

"What can I do from a distant noble family in this town?"

"I think it would be faster and more reliable if you spoke to the head of headquarters, Zig."

I guess I'll have to make the call...

"Got it. At least, ask for a fire-resistant wall."

There's a type of wall made of fire-resistant material.

"Sounds good."

"Agreed."

"I'd like that too."

I don't want to wake up to a burning workplace again.

This concludes Chapter 2.

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