Chapter 96

"August?"

"......Yes. The August you know."

The August who, using his family's influence, took my seat on the airship production team...

"No, that's not right. August had long hair."

He used to have straight, shoulder-length hair. I remember thinking many times that it was annoying and he should just cut it.

"I cut it. Do you only remember people by their hair?"

The man who seemed to be August, who had been listening to my conversation with Helen, glared at me.

"No... that's not what I meant..."

But for you, it was like that.

A 5th-class is as common as a pebble on the road.

"Hmph. You're still a pain in the ass."

If you think that, don't call me.

Ah... but, indeed, it is August.

This man likes inefficient and wasteful things.

"It's been a while......"

No, there's nothing to talk about.

"I thought I would never see your face again after being transferred to Reit."

"Sorry. Take a break from work for a while."

"I'm not like you; I'm not free."

I'm done...

If you don't want to, don't talk to me, idiot.

"Right... do your best. With your skills, you should be able to reach 3rd class."

"Me, at your level?"

What?

"I'll be 2nd class next year and 1st class in six years."

Practical experience is really a hindrance.

"You're really annoying..."

"Sorry. Since I only cause you stress, I'll take my leave. Therese, let's go. I'm hungry."

"Ah, yes."

As I started down the stairs, Therese, who had been fidgeting between me and August, followed.

"Hey, Siegfried."

Why are you stopping me?

"What?"

"I have a question. What's your relationship with Adelheid?"

Why is Adelheid mentioned here?

Ah, no, I remember... it's troublesome.

"It's none of your business."

I answered that and went down the stairs.

August didn't stop me, and Therese hurriedly followed.

We went down the stairs and left the headquarters.

"Therese, which way?"

"Ah, this way..."

Therese pointed to the left and walked, so I followed.

"Siegfried, I didn't think you wouldn't remember August, even I wouldn't have thought that."

Dorothea laughed as we walked.

"Adelheid and Marta didn't remember me, so why would I remember him? His hairstyle is a clear enough identifier."

"Well, usually I would criticize, but that was well done. August seemed quite shocked."

Really?

"It doesn't matter. I'm satisfied with the Reit branch and have no complaints. I don't think about him anymore."

It's just a pebble on the road.

I'll get up and walk normally.

"You should have provoked him more."

I didn't provoke him.

"Don't make me repeat myself. Time is limited. I don't do unnecessary things and have no interest. As I said, he's at best 3rd class and not even in my sights."

It's doubtful that someone who relies on family influence can get that far.

"Wow! Siegfried, you're the perfect embodiment of a necessary evil!"

You're annoying, but it's good that you seem a bit more energetic.

However, crows can whistle...

"But, will it be okay? It seemed like he still has feelings for you..."

Therese looked worried.

"I don't care. I'll be back in Reit in a few days, and I won't have anything to do with that airship production team guy."

"I hope so... Ah, there it is."

Therese pointed to a restaurant.

"It's a good time, but is it open?"

We approached the restaurant and went inside.

Fortunately, a table was available, so we sat down and ordered a set meal.

Helen ordered beef, and Dorothea ordered ice cream.

Soon, the waiter brought our orders, and we started eating.

"Delicious..."

A simple pork set meal, but it's delicious.

"Right? It's cheap and delicious, and the best part is that they bring it quickly, so many people from the guild use it."

Probably due to the heavy workload...

We chatted while slowly eating Erica's bento and reading a pickup book.

"It's not like it's been a long time, but I can feel that you're still busy."

"Compared to Reit, yes. Even though the branch building is in a mess, you can't study for exams during work hours."

At first, there were only brick and potion requests...

"I even went home at 4 because it was a good time to stop."

"Nice... I want to do alchemy in such a relaxed environment."

Hmm...

"Hey, Therese. Why did you become an alchemist?"

"Um, a common reason? I had decent magic power from birth, but I didn't have the courage to become a mage. So, I became an alchemist, and I joined the guild because the headmaster, my master, asked me to."

Indeed, it's common.

"What motivates you?"

"Motivation? I've never thought about it... If I have to say, it's because even someone like me can contribute. I'm clumsy and not as good with people as Siegfried, but this is where I can shine. So, I work hard."

That's one way to think about it.

"You would probably be bullied in a normal workplace."

"I won't deny it, but I don't want to hear it from you."

"I don't care if I'm bullied. I don't associate with such people and don't even notice them."

"That's why you don't remember August's face... I'm scared that if I cut my hair, you won't recognize me."

What are you saying?

"I remember the faces of my peers. I've known you since childhood and won't forget you."

"That's good... My sister's position is secure."

I never thought that, and I never considered Chris as a brother.

"That's irrelevant, but I've been trying to remember faces recently. I've also been trying to see people."

I don't want to forget Marta and Corinna.

I need to make sure something like Adelheid doesn't happen again.

"Right, right. That's good."

"I don't want to be forgotten either."

Dorothea, who finished her ice cream, joined the conversation.

"I won't forget a talking crow."

"Then, if I'm in a flock of crows, please find me."

That's impossible for anyone except Chris...

I'm confident I could find Helen in a group of cats, but crows are tough.

Thank you for reading.

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