Chapter 89

Stepping down from the airship, I survey the airport.

Even though it’s called an airport, it’s outdoors and flat.

Still, airships are scattered everywhere, and their number far exceeds that of the airport in Rito.

This place is also where I was seen off by Adel and introduced to myself.

"Wow, there are so many airships."

Erika looks around curiously.

"From here, you can go to various places both domestically and internationally."

"Wow... I’ve never been abroad, of course."

I haven’t either.

Well, I never left Japan in my previous life, either, when I think about it.

We leave the airport and walk through the city.

"There are so many people."

Indeed, there are.

When I lived here, I didn’t think much of it, but compared to Rito, it does feel more crowded.

"It’s simply three times the population."

"Wow. I often hear that the capital is glamorous, and now I understand why so many people aspired to live here during their student days."

Young people probably prefer the city over the countryside.

That’s why there are so few people at the Rito branch.

"I prefer Rito."

"Me too. It’s not about the place, but the people. I want to live happily with you all there."

Leonor says something profound.

"Leonor... "

Erika, moved, hugs Leonor.

"Zig, what are we going to do next? Are we going to the hotel?"

Adel asks, ignoring the two of us.

"No, let’s go to the venue for tomorrow first. It’s the Alchemists’ Guild, right?"

"Yes. I know because I took the exam there, but since it’s your first time, it’s better to confirm the location in advance."

The National Alchemist Examination is generally held at the guild.

However, the 10th-grade exam, which Erika and Leonor took, can be taken in various towns.

The reason is the number of examinees; there are so many taking the 10th-grade exam that the capital’s guild alone can’t handle it.

Therefore, examiners are dispatched to various locations to conduct the qualification exams.

Conversely, the number of examinees for the 9th grade and above drops to less than one-tenth, so the exams are held at the capital’s guild.

Well, it’s that difficult of an exam, so it can’t be helped.

"You two, have you confirmed your friendship? Let’s go."

"Ah, yes."

"It’s not friendship, but love."

What are we doing in the middle of the street, anyway?

We walk down the main street, heading for the guild.

After walking for a while, a large five-story building comes into view.

"That’s the guild where the exam will be held."

"It’s huge. It’s bigger than our branch."

"Indeed. But what is that building? Isn’t the headquarters located elsewhere?"

Huh?

"Indeed, the headquarters is further ahead... Adel, what is the guild used for?"

"Well? I only know that it’s used as an exam venue and for the annual meeting where branch managers from various locations gather."

Hmm, it smells like a white elephant...

Well, it’s fine.

"I don’t understand, but that’s the exam venue. The exam starts at 9 AM tomorrow, so don’t be late."

"Yes!"

"It’s fine as long as we go together."

"If we know the location, we’ll be fine even if we get separated."

Well, we’re not children, so we can always ask for directions if we get lost, but we shouldn’t invite unnecessary trouble on the day of the exam.

"Alright, you know the location. Rest at the hotel today without sightseeing. Let’s go check in... Where is the Central Hotel?"

Since Leonor made the reservation, I thought I could just follow the three girls and didn’t bother to check.

"You’re from the capital, yet you don’t know...?"

"I never stayed at a hotel while living in the capital."

"Well, the Central Hotel is in the downtown area... this way."

Adel reads the situation and guides us.

I’ve never been to the downtown area because I never participated in drinking parties.

"Zig, where did you live?"

Leonor asks.

"Around here. This is the western side of the capital, where the guild and headquarters are located."

By the way, the downtown area is in the center, and we are heading there now.

"Wow... You lived in a pretty good location."

"The location was good. But the rent was high, and the room was small. The dormitory in Rito is much better."

The location is great, and it’s reasonably spacious and cheap.

Plus, it includes three meals a day, which is perfect.

Well, the meals are thanks to Erika.

"Rent is high, huh?"

"A one-room apartment cost 70,000 El."

The 2LDK apartment in Rito is half the price with a subsidy, so it’s 25,000 El.

"High... How about Adel?"

"Mine was 90,000 El. The headquarters paid better, but Rito’s take-home pay was definitely higher."

90,000... That’s more than three times the cost of the Rito dormitory.

"The glamorous capital has its harsh realities."

"Plus, it’s noisy because there are so many people. Some even make noise at midnight."

"Wow... You must have been patient."

"I made a soundproof magical device. The current dormitory is well-insulated, so I don’t use it anymore."

It was quite convenient.

But now, it’s scary in case of a fire.

"You’re always making things."

"If I come home from overtime and it’s noisy, it’s really tough."

It’s incredibly frustrating.

"Listening to you, I feel like the capital has a lot of downsides."

The pure Rito girl sighs deeply.

"I think there are many good things too, but I’m fine where I am."

"Yes! Let’s do our best!"

Erika nods happily.

"Exactly. Let’s have fun in Rito."

"But, Zig, you aspired to live in the capital, right?"

Well, I think about the future every day, but I can’t go back to the capital now that I’ve taken you all as disciples.

Moreover, I’ve already experienced a setback, so I don’t have the motivation to try hard in the capital.

Thank you for reading.

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