CH 92

Ahri and I head to the square in front of the mansion where Kalin’s office is. This is where the naming ceremony will be taking place.

As we get closer we see more and more people, and I greet people I know. Everyone is wearing their best clothes or uniforms, especially the ladies.

A lot of people who have been working here from the start are retired from the army. People who served under Kalin have their medals attached to their uniforms.

Ahri is walking in front of me, and she’s definitely wearing something that looks a lot different than what she usually wears, but it’s not a uniform. I’m guessing it’s a formal outfit from the west, where she’s from. It’s decorated with bright and colorful embroidery all over.

We reach the square, and see a platform installed in front of Kalin’s mansion.

It looks pretty good, especially for something put together on such short notice. I can tell they put their limited resources to good use.

“That’s a very tasteful platform. Who was in charge of it?”

I ask.

“I was.”

And Ahri answers, looking a little embarrassed, but also proud.

Hou… That’s an unexpected talent.

I join the crowd and try to stand in a place where I can see the platform well, when Ahri calls me.

“Master Rust? Where are you going?”

“Eh? I was just thinking this was a good place to watch.”

“What are you talking about? We are going over there.”

Says a surprised sounding Ahri while pointing to the platform.

“There is a space where we can stand-by and wait. Come with me.”

Says Ahri while moving to the side of the platform.

“Ah, I’m supposed to go up there too? Uwah…”

I whisper while reluctantly following Ahri.

We reach a space that’s thinly covered from the eyes of people around us. There are chairs lined up and a table with food and drinks.

The drinks are mostly tea, but there’s also ale.

Just as I’m wondering who would drink right now, someone calls my name.

“Rust! You’re late. I haven’t seen that medal in a while.”

It’s Halhammer. He’s dressed formally, and he has ale in his hand.

Uwah, he really is drinking… Then again, he always did like to drink.

“Master Halhammer. Yes, this medal is a very nice memory now. By the way, how did things go with Kalin?”

I say while lightly flicking the medal I received when I developed a magic item as a joint project with Halhammer.

“Ou, it went great! But in return, I’ll be under the care of your alchemy research department. Ah, that means you’re my boss now. I guess I should start being more polite uh?”

“No no, it’s fine. But that’s good. Then who has jurisdiction over those underground ruins where you’ve been living?”

Halhammer points at me silently while grinning.

“Ah, then I guess you can keep doing all the research you want.

“Yes, thanks to your help. Ou, that’s right, I have a message from Lady Kalin. She told me she asked you to come up with a name for the alchemy research department, and said to tell you to announce it later during the ceremony.”

“Eh!? I didn’t hear anything about this!”

Halhammer shrugs.

“I’m telling you now. It’s going to be my post too, so pick something cool. Now excuse me, I’m going to go around greeting some people.

Says Halhammer before getting up and leaving.

I give a half-hearted response and stay behind, racking my brain to come up with a name.