There were no further complications. After the tax commissioner submitted his report to the City Council, Renato successfully completed his mission.
After a brief induction ceremony at the Security Department, he became a probationary constable.
Besides the blue one-shoulder cloak, he also received a constable's badge. It now rested on his Breastplate, symbolizing the authority granted to him by the City Council.
The gilt silver badge should have been awarded when his appointment became permanent, but with manpower so scarce, Minister Perez had given it to him early to encourage him to work hard.
As he traced the badge's cold grooves, a faint sense of belonging rose in his heart. After drifting through this other world for over nine months, he finally had a proper job.
"Congratulations, Renato. You're a constable now."
Perly's congratulations pulled him out of his daze.
Renato rubbed the top of her head and smiled.
"Come on, let's celebrate at Hearth and Home. Order whatever you like. My treat."
"Your treat? Let's not eat out," the young mage said with a pout. "That enchanted armor practically emptied your purse, didn't it? Honestly, spending that much without even discussing it with me. What if you'd been swindled?"
Renato admitted that buying the enchanted armor had been somewhat impulsive, but he couldn't take all the blame-the magic items in this world were simply too amazing. An Earthling raised in a consumerist culture stood no chance against them.
All he could offer in the face of Perly's complaints was an awkward smile.
"Besides, what tavern would be open at this hour? I've already bought the ingredients. We can just cook for ourselves." Perly opened her Bag of Holding to show him. "Look, I bought a chicken, a leg of lamb, seven onions... wait, why is one missing?"
Watching Perly