While going back home, Kei's mind was plagued with a myriad of thoughts.

  'How could I make such a mistake? Really showing my stupidity there... what is done is done anyways. For now I gotta think about my assistant for tomorrow.

  Reiyo will assign me someone thats a fact, but they will probably be on his payroll or similar. They will watch me and make sure I don't do anything that Reiyo doesn't like. I have to think of something for that, I can't have my freedom be stripped away like that. It would delay things too much.

  But what to do...'

  With that thought on his head, he arrives home.

  ____________

  Entering the bakery, it seemed that there were quite a few people.

  'Looks like today is a busy day. Maybe I could help?'

  Suddenly, someone taps his shoulder. Quickly turning back, he is met with Leroy's exhausted face.

  "Took you long enough, eh... this means my shift is over, right?" Leroy said, hoping to be relieved of his current duty.

  "Well, be relieved, my tired friend! As your savior has just arrived!" Kei says in an overexaggerated voice.

  An annoyed expression appears momentarily on his face, but the satisfaction of finishing work overpowers him and quickly goes to the back to take off his work clothes.

  'I better go tell mom that I am back' and with that, Kei goes quickly to the back to notify his mother.

  ______________

  After notifying her, he waits for Leroy to finish changing clothes while serving the customers.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "What a day..." he finally gets out of the room and starts leaving the store. But before that, he looks in Kei's direction.

  "..." Kei looks directly into his eyes for a second and gives a little shake with his head.

  "..." Leroy leaves.

  'There isn't a lot left, so let's finish this day.' And with that, the rest of the day becomes a blur.

  _________

  "Thanks for the last minute help, sweetie." His mother finishes washing the tools that were used for the day and goes to talk to him.

  "No problem, mom. Wish I could have come to help a little sooner. Working with Reiyo is quite hard." He put out an exaggerated tired face.

  "I guess so, sweetie. How did today's class go?"

  "It went well. He said that if I continued doing so well, he would give me a job."(liar)

  "That would be great! I always knew you could do whatever you set your mind to." She watched him with a proud smile

  "Thanks, mom..." The child lets out a small smile.

  "Oh, and I didn't expect Leroy to want to work here. He came this morning wanting to help the bakery. Wonder what could have pushed him to help." His mother started wondering

  "Yeah... who could have expected that..." he moves his gaze away. "That reminds me, mom. Now that I will go so frequently to Reiyo's shop, I can be the one to bring the materials for the bread. So don't worry about that. You can stay here."

  'It's better to keep mom and Reiyo as far away from each other as possible. Not only would it expose my lie, but... I don't want him near my family.'

  "That's true, huh... then you better be a good delivery boy."

  "Yes, mom!" He does a military salute

  "Good, then I will finish closing the bakery. You are released!" His mother also gives a salute.

  "Thanks, mother!" He let's laugh out and leaves the store.

  __________

  Nor far from the bakery, he finds Leroy waiting for him.

  "Good thing you realized," Kei said

  "Had a little itch about it. What do you want?" Leroy cuts straight to the point.

  "Remember when you punched me in the gut? I need you to tell me about the person who also knew about elixirs."

  Leroy gives him a confused look until a realization hits him.

  "Oh yeah, that guy. He knows a bit of alchemy, but that's because his sister aspires to be one. He tells me how she is always reading books at the library about it. But she can't practice it. She doesn't have the money for it." He tells him all he knows about it.

  "Hmm... the library eh... guess I know my destination for tomorrow. For now go take your books and papers for tonight's lesson. Go rest a little and come back for your lesson."

  "Whatever you say..." Leroy turns his back and leaves.

  After Leroy leaves Kei starts going back home.

  'I think I already got an idea...'

  He smiles at the prospect of tomorrow.