The Apprentice Graduates: The Alchemist Book 3

Chapter 3-2

"You know I'm being sent to Kesteven?" I asked Joe.

"I heard all scholarship receivers are being sent away for their work placements, instead of paying back the loan," Joe said. "I gather it affects you, too? It was quite the move by the government."

"Yes," I said. "I heard it was in the works for years, and it seems it finally happened."

It was almost suspicious, the way it happened just when I was graduating.

But then, nobody was going to change national policy for tiny little me, right? I'm not that important of a person.

"Yeah, that's quite unlucky," Joe said. "Are you quitting your job?"

"I don't want to," I said. "I actually thought…"

I told him about my plan to build the factory in Kesteven, about the land prices and the tax advantages.

"Maybe I can even get the governor on board," I said. "I'm sure it will be easier there than here. They're very slow issuing permits here, after all."

Joe nodded.

"Interesting," he said. "I can see where it can save money, but… building a factory in the place you randomly end up being sent is a bit of an ask. My uncle respects my opinion, but he's very good at counting money. You'll need something more."

"I'll write a report," I said. "And a plan, with cost estimates. If I manage to halve the current cost estimates, do you think you can get your uncle to present it to the board for a vote?"

Joe thought about it.

"Alright," he said. "But I won't lobby for anything. It's up to you to convince the board with your plan."

"Thanks," I said, smiling.

"You're welcome. By the way, the mages are coming for you," he finished the glass of champagne in his hand, left it on a table, and left, after patting Jack.

I looked around. My dark classmates were coming for me.

"Save me," I begged Jack.

In the end, due to social pressure I ended up really, really drunk. So drunk, I don't even remember what happened for the rest of the night.

I had tiny glimpses. Me punching a guy for making a joke that went a bit too far. Me vomiting on Jack's elegant jacket. Me being carried home, by Jack and Joe, with the help of Jordan for some reason.