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After paying the gatekeeper the entrance fee again and returning to the Alchemist Guild, Philip guided us to the staff dormitory.

“I’ve prepared a twin room for you. Here’s the key.”
“Thank you.”

The room’s interior was simple, with two beds side by side. Each of us could use one, and it was perfectly adequate for sleeping. Besides, we also have Apartment 404.

“And please take this.”

Ignoring Noche and the others who had already entered and were testing the beds’ firmness, Philip handed over a brand-new black coat.

“It’s the cloak issued to licensed practitioners. The color varies by rank, but since Miss Alice is intermediate, it’s solid black. Last year we could only take measurements, so I’m finally able to give it to you properly. The hem is raised, so have it altered at a tailor as you grow.”
“…Thank you.”

Last year, partly due to health issues, I’d only received the badge and returned straight to the village. I’d forgotten about it since then… Somehow, it feels… poignant.

“Alice, try it on!”

It was a heavy, substantial coat, mismatched with my cheap linen dress.

Sufi smiled at me as I stared at the coat I’d received. I gave a small nod, then slipped on the long coat and pinned the badge to its chest.

“Yeah, it suits you well. It’s a masterpiece—lightweight yet durable fabric woven with alchemy, imbued with protective magic. It’ll definitely come in handy.”
“You look cool!”
“Ooh, nice nya!”
“Alice, you look cool!”
“…Thanks.”

Hearing them all say it made me feel a little embarrassed. Sufi scuffled closer and hugged me tightly.

“Well then, get some rest today. I’ll be counting on you starting tomorrow.”
“Okay.”

After watching Philip leave, I sat down on the bed. I braced myself, trying not to be crushed by Sufi pressing her body tightly against mine.

“So, what should we do next, nya?”
“Use the money we got to get some gear, then register as an apprentice at the Adventurers’ Guild?”

Honestly, I couldn’t move anymore for today, and I needed to think about the repair plan for the apparatus, so it wasn’t possible to act right away.

“I’ll give you the money. Could you go buy things we’ll need for the journey? Also iron and bronze ingots.”
“Sure, but what are ingots for, nya?”
“I’m making equipment.”

Thirty silver coins is a lot of money, but if we start buying weapons too, it feels a bit tight. Proper equipment costs a fair bit.

“Um… what about that thing from the ruins?”
“They’re tricky to handle, and I don’t want it out in the open more than necessary.”

What Filia meant was the mysterious metal used in the storage room walls. Weapons become everyday items, and I wanted to avoid anything that would be hard to explain if seen by others.

“For now, take 25 silver coins and… I’ll give you the rest of the copper coins too. Get some food while you’re at it.”
“I’ve always wanted to try buying snacks on the street, nya!”
“No wasteful spending, Noche.”

I pulled out just three silver coins from the stack and handed the rest over. Both of them got super excited about the big money. Just changing clothes and washing off the mud made them look way less like vagrants. At this rate, they should be fine walking around town.

“What about you, Sufi…?”
“Mmm.”

She hugged me tight and wouldn’t let go.

“I’m staying with Alice today.”
“We’re always together already.”
“Today too!”

Seems like she’s in that kind of mood today. I don’t plan to defy the big sister who always looks after me anyway. Besides, I’m tired. I’ll leave the shopping to the leader and rest for a while.

“Well, I’m heading out then, nya. You’ll be okay, nya?”
“Thanks for the shopping.”
“We’ll be quick.”
“Mm.”

After seeing Noche and Filia off, I hung just my coat on the wall hook, then lounged around with Sufi, grooming each other’s tails.

It felt like the first time in ages we’d had such a truly relaxed moment.

■■■

“They wouldn’t sell it to us.”
“…………I hate this country, nya.”

Noche and Filia, who’d returned around evening yesterday, were clearly and unmistakably depressed.

Apparently, they got turned away at the door because the shopkeeper said he “ain’t got no junk to sell to beast brats,” and when they mentioned having money, they were almost chased away with accusations of theft.

Is discrimination the trend here or something?

Anyway, they couldn’t get their gear sorted, so they ended up resting that day, and before we knew it, it was time for me to work. We installed the door inside the room, leaving Noche and Filia behind, and Sufi and I, pumped up for our first day of labor, left the dorm.

We headed straight for the nearby guild hall.

…With Sufi carrying me on her back.

“——?”

The door swung open with a jingle. I immediately noticed something off—the woman who’d made trouble yesterday wasn’t at the front desk. Maybe she hadn’t clocked in yet? That was a relief; she seemed troublesome, and I’d rather avoid running into her if possible.

Instead, the girl who had talked to us yesterday was at the front desk, so we headed over. There was a bit of a line, but I had plenty of stamina today, so I played it safe.

“Good morning!”
“Good morning.”
“Morning, feeling worn out already?”

Seeing me perched on Sufi’s back, the woman from yesterday… Casey chuckled softly.

“Alice’s weak, you know.”
“Yes.”
“…Does sir Philip not feel guilty making a child like this work?”

I heard her mutter quietly, but if anything, I’m glad Philip offered me work, so please don’t press him on that.

Especially when he’s right behind you.

“Not that I don’t, but necessity knows no law.”
“Eek!? Sir Philip! W-when did you get behind me!?”
“Before you counted to twelve.”

He must have seen us from behind the reception desk, because by the time our turn came, he was quietly standing behind Casey. Last year, he seemed perpetually tense watching over my exam, I didn’t expect he’d be this playful.

“You’re punctual, Miss Alice. I’ve been expecting you.”
“You were waiting?”
“Of course! Now then, shall we get right to work?”
“I appreciate your efficiency.”
“Then this way.”
“Haah… my heart’s still pounding…”

We left Casey, still holding her chest, and followed after Philip.