The next day, after the holiday, Raine returned to the branch for work. As he went up to the second floor, he found that only Erika was there.
"Good morning. Where's Leonora? Has she not arrived yet?" he asked while sitting down at his desk and noticing Erika preparing coffee.
"Leonora is with the branch chief. She's reporting on her business trip."
"Ah, right, that makes sense."
He had almost forgotten about that.
"Here you go. You prefer your coffee black, right, Raine?"
Erika placed a cup of coffee on his desk.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
Erika also placed a cup of coffee on Leonora's desk and took her seat. Just then, Leonora, wearing her signature pointed hat, walked in.
"Good morning, Raine!"
"Good morning."
"It's nice to have three people at the workplace. Oh, coffee! Thanks, Erika."
Leonora sat at her desk across from Erika.
"No problem."
They each took a sip of their coffee.
"Alright, let's get to work... Erika and I should focus on turning the iron ore into iron, right?"
"That's right. Erika, go ahead and teach her."
"Huh? Me? But I think Raine would explain it better..."
"Crafting ingots isn't that hard, and since Leonora is a Level 10 alchemist, she’ll pick it up quickly. Plus, teaching others is a great way to learn yourself."
That’s what Raine’s mentor used to say. Though, in truth, he probably just wanted Raine to take on an apprentice, but Raine had declined. At the time, Raine didn’t want to deal with the extra burden.
"Alright, I’ll do my best!"
Erika stood up and walked over to Leonora to start explaining how to turn iron ore into iron, while Raine began working on forging magic swords. Although Raine’s task was essentially the same—turning iron ore into iron—it was the first step toward making a sword, which would then be enchanted.
"—Hey, can I interrupt for a moment?"
While they were each focused on their tasks, the branch chief came up to the second floor and called out to them.
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"Is something wrong?"
Raine asked as the chief approached.
"I just got a call from Rubert at the municipal office. He wants to discuss a request, so could you head over there?"
A request...
"It depends on the details, but things are a bit tight right now. Erika and Leonora are still getting the hang of crafting ingots, and I’m also working on a request from the colonel."
"I understand, but at least go hear him out."
Looks like Raine might have to work overtime...
"In that case, I can go," Erika offered, raising her hand.
"Ah, that would be helpful. Just find out what the request is."
If it’s Erika, she should be fine.
"Understood. I’ll head over right away."
Erika said this and descended the stairs.
"She’s always so diligent," Leonora remarked, clearly impressed.
"That’s a good thing. How’s it going on your end? Do you think you can manage to craft those ingots?"
"It’s not my strongest skill, but I should be able to handle it."
That’s good to hear...
"Raine, can I have a word?"
The branch chief, who still hadn’t returned to his office, asked again.
"What is it?"
"It’s about Major Esmarih’s case."
Ah, the urgent request they had received...
"What’s the situation?"
"The colonel confirmed that there wasn’t actually an urgent request. It was just a ploy to sabotage us."
So it was harassment after all.
"Do you really think something like that could shut us down?"
"If we were to lose all our alchemists, the branch would indeed be forced to close. That was their goal."
"So they wanted to drive out the three of us remaining. But what would Major Esmarih gain from that?"
"Who knows? The colonel is investigating, but it’s likely that someone paid him off."
It must be a private guild. They’re the ones who would benefit the most if the branch were to close.
"Well, I’ll leave that investigation to the colonel. It’s not really our area of expertise."
"Indeed. It looks like the major will either be dismissed or reassigned."
Reassigned again, after already being sent to this town... In the military, that likely means he’ll be sent to the front lines or to some remote farming village.
"I see. Well, I wish him the best. Thank you for handling that, Chief."
As expected of a former noble military officer.
"Just doing what I can. Keep up the good work."
With that, the chief headed back down the stairs.
"Did something happen?"
Leonora, who was unaware of the situation, asked.
"There was an unreasonable urgent request, but it’s resolved now. Nothing to worry about."
"Ah, I see… Sorry I wasn’t around."
"You were away on business, so there’s no need to apologize. But I’ll be counting on you moving forward. We’re still just the three of us, after all."
"That’s true… I’ll need to think about that."
Leonora was right. What should they do...
"Are you planning to take the Level 9 exam next month, Leonora?"
"I’m not sure… I don’t have much ambition, to be honest. I’m happy just practicing alchemy like this."
She must really love it, to the point of running away from home, and she seemed content with her life now.
"Sorry, but I’d like to see you reach Level 8 at least."
"Level 8… You make it sound so easy."
"I wouldn’t suggest it if you couldn’t do it. If you can handle all this after just one explanation, you’ll pass the Level 8 exam in no time."
Leonora continued working on refining iron as they talked.
"You’re really paying attention, huh… I still don’t get why you were reassigned."
"I’ve just learned to choose my words more carefully to improve my interpersonal skills."
"And what would you have said if you hadn’t chosen your words carefully?"
"Something like, 'Stop whining over a measly Level 8 exam'… But I should probably stop there."
It was better not to say any more.
"I understand. Even though I was disowned, I’d still advise you to be mindful of your relationships."
"You’re right… Leonora, if you need help studying, I’m here for you. Erika’s really motivated, too."
"Alright, I’ll give the Level 9 exam a shot next month. It’s a bit tight, but I’ll try."
Looks like Raine would have to make sure she was fully prepared. They couldn’t afford to wait another three months.