Euler characteristics in the quantum $K$-theory of flag varieties

We prove that the sheaf Euler characteristic of the product of a Schubert class and an opposite Schubert class in the quantum $K$-theory ring of a (generalized) flag variety $G/P$ is equal to $q^d$, where $d$ is the smallest degree of a rational curve joining the two Schubert varieties. This implies that the sum of the structure constants of any product of Schubert classes is equal to 1. Along the way, we provide a description of the smallest degree $d$ in terms of its projections to flag varieties defined by maximal parabolic subgroups.