After Raine finished placing the personal work tools brought along into the desk drawer, he sat down in the chair and took a breath.

Next to him, Erika was also seated, smiling at him warmly.

"Are you that happy?" Raine asked.

"Shall we take tomorrow off too? Then you'll understand how I feel," she replied with a grin.

Well, I guess being alone in such a large office would be unpleasant. It’s better to work from home.

"Wait, was today a day off too?" Raine asked, surprised.

"Yes, it was," Erika confirmed.

Showing a colleague around on a day off... impressive.

"I'm sorry," Raine said apologetically.

"Oh, no worries. Raine, what are you planning to do now? Since you're here, do you want to work?" Erika asked.

"Work? On a day off?" Raine thought.

"No, I need to find a place to stay. I'm using a complimentary voucher from a friend to stay at a hotel tonight, but I don't have anywhere to live starting tomorrow," Raine explained.

The shared atelier was unexpected, and if things continued like this, he would end up living in hotels, draining his savings.

"In that case, would you like me to show you around? I know a real estate agent," Erika offered.

She truly knows the area well.

"Are you sure? It’s your day off," Raine hesitated.

"It's no big deal. I have nothing else to do," Erika replied cheerfully.

This girl, is she glowing with kindness?

"Alright, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate your help," Raine said gratefully.

"Of course. Do you have any preferences for the type of room?" Erika asked.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"I don’t want to be too picky, but I’d like a place with at least an atelier. Ideally, it should have two rooms, but I want to keep the rent low," Raine answered.

The truth was, his salary had been halved due to this reassignment.

"I see... In that case, how about staying in the dormitory?" Erika suggested.

"Dormitory?" Raine asked, intrigued.

"Yes, but it's more like an apartment owned by the branch, so it’s not a shared living situation," Erika explained.

"Like a company apartment?" Raine mused.

"What’s the rent?" Raine inquired.

"It’s 50,000 El, but for branch members, there's a discount, so it's half," Erika informed him.

"25,000 El... That’s quite cheap... The cheap apartment I used to rent in the capital was 70,000 El," Raine thought.

"Can I take a look at it?" Raine asked.

"You can see my room if you like," Erika offered.

"Wait... Is it okay for me to visit? Wouldn’t it be rude?" Raine hesitated again.

Once more, Raine paused to consult Helen.

"If Erika is okay with it, I think it’s fine to have a quick look. But don’t stay too long; it’s a woman’s room, after all," Helen advised.

That makes sense.

"Erika, could I have a quick look?" Raine requested.

"Sure! Let's go," Erika agreed with a smile.

They stood up, descended the stairs, and exited the branch. Erika then guided them through a narrow path beside the branch to its rear, where they stopped. There, two two-story apartment buildings stood facing each other.

"This is it. As usual, only Leonora and I live here. I live in that room there, and Leonora is in the one above mine," Erika explained, pointing to the door of the left apartment building.

"So it’s right behind the branch," Raine noted.

"Yes, I can sleep in every morning. It only takes 30 seconds to commute," Erika said happily.

That would certainly be convenient...

"And the branch chief?" Raine asked.

"The branch chief is renting a place somewhere else," Erika replied.

Probably a nice place, considering he’s a noble.

"I see. If it's just you and Leonora, there are rooms available," Raine surmised.

"Yes. Please, come in," Erika invited.

She walked to the door, took out a key, and opened it. Raine and Helen entered the room with Erika. They found themselves in a kitchen-equipped living room.

"It's quite nice," Raine commented.

The wallpaper in the living room was still in good condition, and at first glance, the room didn't feel old.

"This is the living room. There are two more rooms besides this one. Of course, there's a bathroom and toilet. I’m a bit embarrassed to show the bedroom, but you can see the room I use as an atelier," Erika said as she opened a door in the living room.

Inside was a room about eight tatami mats in size, filled with bookshelves and various equipment. There was also a desk with signs of recent work.

"As a personal atelier, this space is more than sufficient," Raine remarked.

"Well, it is the dormitory of the Alchemists' Association branch, so it's soundproof," Erika noted.

Makes sense.

"I don’t need to see it, but what’s the size of the bedroom?" Raine asked.

"It’s the same size as this room," Erika answered.

"Impressive... Even the original rent of 50,000 El would be cheap. In the capital, it would cost twice as much," Raine thought.

It’s a much better room than the apartment he used to live in.

"Ah, I’ve heard that rent and food prices are higher in the capital," Erika mentioned.

Is that so? Well, even in Japan, there was a big difference between Tokyo and the countryside. Maybe it's just how things are.

"What do you think, Helen?" Raine asked, seeking her opinion.

"I think it’s great. It’s spacious, affordable, and most importantly, close to the workplace. Raine, you're not a morning person, after all," Helen replied.

I can’t help it if I'm tired in the mornings.

"Erika, I’d like to live here too," Raine expressed his interest.

"Raine, watch your wording," Helen admonished gently.

Hmm? Oh, that did sound odd.

"I mean, I’d like to rent a room in this dormitory. What should I do?" Raine corrected himself.

"Just submit an application to the branch chief. The rent will be deducted from your salary automatically. It can wait until tomorrow; I think the branch chief has already gone home," Erika explained.

He’s gone home already, even though it's still midday... Well, that’s typical for someone in a cushy position.

"I'll do that. Thanks for going out of your way to help me on your day off. You've been a great help," Raine said gratefully.

"Oh, it’s nothing," Erika replied modestly.

Nothing, huh...

"Looking forward to working with you from tomorrow," Raine said.

"Yes, likewise," Erika responded, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

Seeing Erika’s bright smile, Raine left the room.