Alchemists do not need self-cultivation

The three people sitting at the tavern counter were Commander Isaac, Claudia from the logistics department, and Gilbert.

A week after the battle ended, a large amount of enemy weapons and supplies were captured, which needed to be processed by the logistics department. Unlike the soldiers on the front lines, the logistics personnel, in principle, could not rest at this time.

However, power is a good thing. Isaac, bored, used his authority as commander-in-chief to drag the two of them out for drinks under the pretext of "helping out."

Then came the bizarre scene of a minor bringing two adults to a pub for drinks.

Claudia was overjoyed to see that she wouldn't have to work, but Gilbert, being rather old-fashioned, felt it wasn't right to skip work and go out to play.

“Don’t be so rigid. You should learn more from your brother,” Isaac said, patting Gilbert on the shoulder.

“That’s right, we’re so relieved from our busy work schedules thanks to Isaac,” Claudia laughed heartily, feeling incredibly high.

Gilbert had no choice but to pour himself a glass of wine and sip it slowly.

“By the way, Gilbert, how long does weapon maintenance and repair typically take?” Isaac asked Gilbert.

“Judging from the extent of the damage, a large portion will need to be taken back to Layton for repairs, while the remaining small portion will take about a week to complete,” Gilbert told Isaac.

Although he was transferred to the logistics department by Isaac, Gilbert, who had a strong sense of responsibility, couldn't really just sit around drinking tea as Isaac said. With the help of his friend Claudia, he quickly adapted to the various tasks in the logistics department and worked very efficiently.

"That means if the enemy attacks within a week, we will have no chance to retaliate." Claudia also realized how difficult the situation was.

"It's alright, I'm here." Isaac continued to pour himself a drink. "I didn't use large-scale alchemy during the attack because I couldn't hurt the citizens in the city. If they were attacking, there wouldn't be so many requirements."

"As expected of a State Alchemist, his words are so reassuring," Claudia said with a smile, then raised his glass.

"Cheers to defeating Galdarik!"

"Cheers" x2.

The three men clinked their glasses together.

The sky gradually darkened.

Isaac headed toward his temporary lodging in Mazig, while Claudia and Gilbert continued on their way back to their own lodgings.

None of the three drank too much, after all, they were soldiers, and too much alcohol would affect their thinking.

Upon returning to his lodgings, Isaac found Violet already waiting inside. Since dealing with the traitor, Isaac had gone to the cabin to bring Violet to Mazig City. However, since arriving, she had remained inside and hadn't gone out.

"Didn't you go out today? There's been a celebration here lately, and there are lots of fun things to do on the streets," Isaac asked Violet, feeling that it wasn't good for his subordinate to always stay at home.

Violet shook her head. In the past few days, apart from going out for drinks with the two of them, Isaac had basically been in his room looking through research materials. She felt that the only way she could spend more time with Isaac was to stay in the room.

Isaac scratched his head; there was nothing he could do about the situation.

But then he suddenly remembered something and pulled a poster out of his bag.

"How about we go together the night after tomorrow?" Isaac held up the poster in front of Violet. The poster read 'Thanksgiving Festival'.

"Is Mr. Isaac inviting me?"

"of course."

Violet nodded, her previously indifferent expression now filled with joy.

"Yes."

Chapter 57: Thanksgiving Ceremony

The so-called 'Thanksgiving Festival' is a day when people give thanks to each other, and it is a traditional festival in Mazig.

During this festival, the people of Mazig give gifts to those they want to thank. On the evening of the festival, there are various activities, and vendors set up stalls selling things that are not usually seen, such as snacks, toys, and antiques.

It's actually quite similar to the temple fairs in Singapore.

Isaac himself had never participated in an event like this before, and today he and Violet were going there to take a look.

The time is approaching evening.

Shops lined both sides of the street, and the soft glow of the setting sun bathed the surrounding red bricks, adding a touch of poetry to the town of Mazig.

Walking down the street, you can see many people carrying beautifully wrapped gifts, seemingly intending to give them to the recipients when the Thanksgiving Festival officially begins in the evening.

"Hey, Isaac, are you here for the Thanksgiving Festival tonight too?" Claudia's familiar voice came from behind Isaac.

"Yes, it's good to take a break."

"When are you not resting?" Claudia asked, embarrassed. Since taking Mazig City, they had not seen Isaac at the military headquarters. The only places they could see him were taverns and the like on the street.

“I study diligently in my room every day,” Isaac said. “By the way, are you also planning to attend the festival tonight?”

"Of course, it's rare that the logistics department has finished all its work today, so we can relax a bit tonight."

“That’s perfect, want to come along?” Isaac asked Claudia.

“Okay…” Claudia was about to agree when she suddenly saw Violet next to Isaac and seemed to remember something.

"Sorry, I just remembered I have plans tonight." He paused, then added, "You two have fun."

How could I possibly bother them?

After they said goodbye, it quickly became evening.

The streets were already packed with people, all smiles, celebrating the arrival of the Thanksgiving Festival with lanterns and decorations.

On the bustling street, a boy and a girl walked side by side.

"Is there anything you want?" Isaac asked Violet beside him.

Today, Violet wore the beige dress that Isaac had bought for her, and she looked exceptionally beautiful under the lights.

"No," the girl replied calmly. Her purpose in coming here was simply to accompany Isaac to the festival; gifts were completely unimportant.

"Really?" Isaac didn't ask any further questions, and took out the snacks he had bought and stuffed them into his mouth.

Isaac spent the entire festival eating. The foods he had never seen before on the streets were quite appealing to him.

The two strolled around the festival a few times before sitting down on a bench by the street. Isaac mainly wanted to find a place to eat.

"I've finally found you." A strange voice rang out.

Isaac turned around and saw a beautiful woman in red clothes, with long black hair and an alluring aura, walking towards him.

"Who are you?" Isaac didn't remember who the person in front of him was.

"It seems my little brother has forgotten about me." The beautiful woman walked to the empty seat next to Isaac, sat down, and leaned closer to him. "Do you remember now?"

"...Are you that nun from the church?" Isaac suddenly remembered after seeing her face.

The nun had her head completely covered by her veil, leaving only her face visible. Isaac hadn't noticed until now.

He couldn't believe that a nun could have such a different aura after changing into casual clothes.

"You guessed right~" The nun saw Violet sitting next to Isaac and asked, "Little brother, are you out on a date with your girlfriend?"

"No, it's just an invitation for my subordinates to experience the excitement of the festival," Isaac said helplessly. Did he really look like the kind of person who would lay a hand on underage girls?

"Really? That's wonderful."

"What?"

“It’s nothing.” The nun waved her hand. “Today is a thanksgiving festival. According to the customs of Mazig City, we need to give gifts to those who deserve our gratitude.”

After saying that, she rummaged in her small handbag for a while and took out several beautifully packaged gift boxes, which she handed to Isaac.

"This is?"

“The nuns at the church all know you’re the hero who saved this city, so they specifically asked me to bring this to you,” the nun added with a smile. “They’re a bit shy, so I did it for them.”

"It's amazing you managed to find me," Isaac chuckled. "What happened to you guys after that?"

Since the priest was 'executed' for treason, the church has undergone a major overhaul. Those involved in harboring remnants of the Gaddarrick army have been imprisoned, and many clergy members have been investigated. The investigation of the nuns was quickly concluded because Isaac had given prior instructions, but the church is now unlikely to be able to open normally.

"They're resting at home now. I've resigned from my job as a nun; it was just a part-time job originally," the nun said with a very carefree smile.

“Is that so?” Isaac didn’t continue the question.

After a moment of silence, the nun suddenly asked, "By the way, I still don't know your name, little brother."

“I’m seventeen years old, so don’t call me little brother,” Isaac said. “My name is Isaac.”

He didn't say much more, but the information about Colonel Amestris and the State Alchemist shouldn't be known to these commoners.

"Isaac? Not a bad name."

As she said this, she suddenly put her arm around Isaac's shoulder and slowly brought her face closer.

"!?"

Before Isaac could react, her lips lightly touched his forehead. Feeling the warmth on his forehead, Isaac, who had little contact with women since childhood, seemed somewhat at a loss.

Isaac was very experienced in killing enemies on the battlefield, but he had never encountered this situation before.

"What an adorable reaction! This is a thank-you gift for a hero~" She chuckled as she looked at Isaac, whose face was slightly flushed, and then quickly left.

As she was leaving, she seemed to remember something and turned to Isaac, saying, "Oh, right, I forgot to tell you my name. My name is Cattleya."

When she left, Isaac's mind was still in a semi-confused state.

“Mr. Isaac?” Violet tugged at Isaac’s clothes from the side.

"Oh, Violet, is there anywhere else we want to go?" Isaac asked Violet after calming down a bit.

"Was that... to express gratitude?" Violet asked Isaac, pointing to her forehead.

"I don't know...it's probably a local custom or something."

Upon hearing this, Violet stood up from her chair and walked over to Isaac.

"what happened?"

Violet didn't speak, but lowered her head, embraced Isaac's head, and kissed him. Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

"Thank you, Mr. Isaac, for taking me in."

The girl's clear eyes were fixed on the boy.

Chapter 58: Those who advocate retreat, step forward!

The thanksgiving festival was very lively, and Isaac, who had eaten too much, continued to stroll along the street with Violet.

Touching his forehead, Isaac was now much more awake.

Not long after I walked, I saw an old acquaintance again.

“I’ve seen you several times today,” Isaac said, looking at the red-haired youth who was approaching.