Chapter 91

As we retraced our steps, we passed by the hall where tomorrow’s exam would be held, and soon, the familiar headquarters came into view.

"Lord Siegfried... Do you have any thoughts?"

Helen asked with a serious expression.

"No."

"Eh?"

Huh?

"What is it? Is something the matter?"

"Well... Since it’s a place where you failed and might have some trauma, I thought..."

"There’s nothing. There are only alchemists below my level there."

I didn’t lose because of my alchemy skills.

I lost because of my own character.

"Of course, Lord Siegfried!"

"If Adele were still working there, I would have hesitated."

I definitely have to go to the reception.

"Right..."

We entered the headquarters and headed for the reception. A young woman, not Adele, was sitting there.

"Welcome."

Greetings, greetings... You can’t ignore the greetings.

"Ah, good work. I’m Siegfried Alexander from the Riet branch. Is the Chief here?"

"Yes. I’ve heard about it. The Chief is in the Chief’s office on the 5th floor, please go ahead."

No guide, huh?

I don’t need one.

"I have a question. Have you spoken to me on the phone before?"

This voice is probably it.

"Yes, that’s right."

"I see... Well, good luck."

Don’t build up stress like Adele.

"Huh?"

"No, I don’t mean anything by it. Just small talk. I’m going to see the Chief."

With that, I started climbing the nearby stairs.

"That’s what’s important, right?"

"Yes, yes. That’s how you smooth out relationships."

Well, I did something out of character, so the receptionist was quite flustered.

While climbing the stairs, I thought I had grown since the last time I climbed these stairs. When I reached the door of the Chief’s office on the 5th floor, I knocked.

"It’s Siegfried Alexander."

"Come in."

Hearing the Chief’s voice from inside, I opened the door and entered. The Chief was sitting at his desk, smoking a cigarette.

"It’s been a while, Chief."

"Ah, you look well."

"The Chief looks well too. But, please stop smoking. My child is sensitive."

Cats have a good sense of smell.

"Alright, alright... You’re a noisy disciple."

I’m not that noisy.

"Chief, I’m here to help with the magic sword production."

"Ah, right, right. Thanks for coming all the way here."

The Chief put out his cigarette.

"So, let’s get to the specifics."

"Sure... Sit down."

The Chief pointed to the sofa, so I sat down. The Chief also stood up and sat opposite me.

"Whew, the capital is far."

"Indeed. Thanks for coming all this way."

"Well, my three daughters were taking the exam, so it was convenient in a way. Plus, the branch is being rebuilt."

"Right... By the way, did you hear that the politician was escorted to the capital?"

That’s what I heard.

"Yes, he must have committed a serious crime."

"The death penalty has been confirmed."

"Wow, that was quick..."

It’s too quick, no matter how you look at it.

"Targeting the branch was considered treason."

"Well, it can be seen that way..."

Still, the conviction was quick.

Did something happen behind the scenes?

"The fact that a 3rd-class alchemist and three nobles were involved was decisive."

Ah, the branch chief, Leonora, and Adele.

Nobles are bad, indeed.

I don’t know about Leonora, but Adele is from a high-ranking military family, and the branch chief is from a high-ranking noble family.

"What about the merchant who was the perpetrator?"

"Of course. No matter how they try to justify it, the death penalty can’t be avoided."

My condolences.

I hope you live a proper life in your next incarnation.

"It’s good that the worry is gone."

"Right. How’s Riet?"

"Despite the incident, we’re having a good time. It’s a nice town."

"Really... I didn’t expect you to take on disciples."

Everyone says that.

I think so too.

"I call them disciples, but it’s not that grand. I’m just teaching them because the three colleagues had thin experience."

"Dorothea told me they’re good kids."

"Yes. At first, I was surprised by the differences in character."

Erika was dazzling.

"Well, it’s good that you can think that way. But, I didn’t expect you to poach Adele."

"There’s a shortage of staff. I asked her on a whim and got a good response. She seemed to have some complaints."

"Complaints?"

The Chief tilted his head.

"About being assigned to reception even though she joined the association to do alchemy."

"Ah, I see. It can’t be helped. Even in reception, you need to explain things to customers, so you need someone with knowledge. That’s why Adele was chosen."

It seems the personnel manager was from a family that didn’t get along with hers.

"Adele didn’t like that. She’s not as good at socializing as me, but she’s not bad."

She’s a good kid.

"Hmm... Well, if she’s happier there, that’s fine. It seems to be working out, so there’s no problem."

"I hope so."

"Tomorrow is the exam, right?"

"Yes. They’re probably doing their final review at the hotel right now."

At this point, it’s more about calming their nerves than cramming in knowledge.

"Are you planning to take the 2nd-class exam next year?"

I’ll have five years of practical experience next year, so I can take the 2nd-class exam.

"Yes, that’s the plan. It’s not a big deal, and if I can take it, I will."

The salary will also increase.

"You’re still the same... Always aiming for the fastest."

"I don’t fail the written exam, and for the practical, only 1st and 2nd-class alchemists are the judges. They don’t have the ability to fail me."

They’re just a bunch of old, rigid people.

"If there were an interview, you’d definitely fail."

"You probably wouldn’t even pass the 10th-class exam."

I can say that for sure.

My respected teacher probably wouldn’t pass either.

Thank you for reading.

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