Having finished converting the remaining two magic stones into mana stones, it was time to write the invoice.

"How much should we charge?"

"What would the standard rate be?" Erica asked.

"For a regular job, it would be around 1 million El. Since this was an urgent request with a very tight deadline, we could double that... Considering the further reduction in time due to the client's circumstances, let's say... 3 million El? Maybe 5 million El to be safe."

"That's impressive," Erica remarked.

"If it were a private sector job, we'd charge 6 million. The trick is to keep it just under that amount."

Even at 5 million, we're charging quite a bit, but since it's still cheaper than the private sector, they can't really complain. We have nothing to apologize for.

"Raine, given your skills, wouldn’t you make more money in the private sector? You could even open your own shop. Although, we'd be in trouble if you left," Erica suggested.

To be honest, my career prospects here are limited, and I could definitely earn more in the private sector.

"I don't want to deal with troublesome clients. I hate complainers."

"Oh, I see..." Erica quickly understood.

"Well, this invoice should do for now. The rest depends on how they respond. Erica, how's the iron coming along?"

"It's almost ready. Though, the third piece didn’t take any less time than the second."

The clock had passed 7, and the time taken was the same as for the second piece.

"You had time to chat, didn’t you?"

"That's true. Alright, I'll finish it up now."

Erica geared up and began the final task. In a few minutes, she had transformed the third piece of iron ore into iron.

"Good job. Shall we head back?"

"Yes, but I’m surprised we finished everything in just two days."

Erica looked at the mana stones neatly placed in a box.

"Someday, Erica, you might be able to do this too... you know?"

Though, that might be wishful thinking...

"Oh, come on, Raine, it's obvious you're joking," Erica laughed.

"I'm not kidding. Alright, let's head home."

"Sounds good."

We cleaned up and left the branch office. The sun had already set, and it was dark outside.

"Erica, I'm going to buy some bread, so this is where we part ways. See you tomorrow."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Wait, aren't you going to cook dinner?"

"I cook sometimes, but mostly for Helen. Besides, I haven't unpacked my things yet."

My tools are still in boxes.

"Oh right, you just moved in. In that case, why don't you have dinner at my place? I'll treat you!"

Treat me... does that mean she'll cook?

"Hold on, I need to think about it."

"Take your time," Erica said.

"Helen, what should I do here?"

I turned to Helen for advice.

"Is there even a question? Why wouldn't you go?"

"Isn't it inappropriate to visit a woman's home at this hour?"

The last time I visited, it was during the day, and I left soon after.

"Oh, so you do have some sense of propriety... But if Erica is okay with it, then why not? It’s a rare opportunity, so you should accept."

Helen was in favor.

"Erica, are you sure about this?"

"Of course! Please, come over."

We decided to go to Erica's house, which was just a 30-second walk away.

"It’s really convenient being so close."

"Yes, even if I forget something, it's not a big deal. Please, come in."

Erica opened the door, and we followed her inside.

"Thank you for having us."

"Make yourselves at home," she said.

When Erica turned on the lights, I recognized the living room from my previous visit.

"I'll get things ready, so please have a seat and wait."

Erica went into her bedroom, so I sat down at the table.

"I'm starving."

"We did work hard today. But no alcohol for you, okay?"

I’m not planning to drink. Besides, Erica doesn’t drink, so there’s probably no alcohol in this house anyway.

As we waited, Erica returned to the living room and started working in the kitchen.

"Is pasta alright?"

"Yes, thank you. Sorry for the trouble."

"Would Helen like some too?"

"Yes, please," Helen answered.

"Are you sure? I thought there were foods that cats shouldn't eat."

"Oh, I’m not actually a cat; I’m a familiar," Helen replied.

You’re a cat, though.

"Oh, right. I forgot. I'll get started then."

"Thank you... She’s so nice, isn't she?"

Truly.

It’s so thoughtful of her to prepare a meal for even Helen.

"Maybe I should write a letter to Adele while we wait."

I pulled out some paper and a pen and placed them on the table.

"Good idea. You did mention work in the last letter, right?"

"Yes... Maybe I'll write that I’m getting along well with people and finding the work fulfilling."

Both Erica and the branch chief have been kind. In fact, Erica’s treated me to dinner two nights in a row.

"Make sure to ask Adele how she's doing too, okay?"

"I know, I know."

After writing that I'm managing well at the branch office, I added a question about how things are on her end. Just as I finished the letter, Erica came over with three servings of pasta and soup.

"Sorry for the wait!"

Erica placed the dishes on the table.

"Thanks so much."

"Not at all. Let’s eat."

We began eating the pasta.

"This is delicious."

"It's seafood-based, which you don’t often find in the capital."

Since the capital is in the middle of the country, there's no access to the sea.

"This town is close to the sea, so there’s a variety of fresh catches available. I’m glad you like it."

I’m not great at describing food, but the shrimp and other ingredients go really well with the pasta.

"Are you good at cooking, Erica?"

"Oh, not at all. But I do enjoy cooking for myself."

Erica's cheeks were slightly flushed. She's definitely a good cook—I can even tell that much.

"That’s great. Raine makes my meals, but he doesn’t really cook for himself."

"Bread can be pretty good too."

It never gets old, and with supplements, my nutrition is balanced.

"But don’t you think that gets a bit bland? This town is known for its ingredients and culinary culture."

"Hmm... cooking just feels like a hassle..."

The welcome party's food and this pasta are both delicious. But bread is just as satisfying.

"If you’d like, I could cook for you?"

Huh?

"No, that would be too much to ask of you, Erica."

"It’s no trouble at all. I already cook for Leonora as well."

"Really?"

"Yes, before she left on her trip, she would eat at my place regularly."

That's impressive...

"Isn’t that a lot of work?"

"Not really, it's actually easier than cooking for just one person. And it makes me happy to have someone enjoy my food."

Erica smiled, looking a bit shy.

"I see..."

I might be smart, but I can’t quite grasp what Erica’s implying.

"Raine, why don’t you take her up on the offer?"

"Well... Erica, are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely! I love cooking, so it would be my pleasure!"

Wow... Maybe I should at least offer to cover the cost.