A Killing

Kenneth Toller looked at the three people beside him with a strange expression. In the end, Madam Puddifoot added a chair to the table, otherwise he would have had to stand.

"Mr. Anderson, you are younger than I imagined," Madam Primpernelle said as she shook hands with Albert.

"Yes, that's what everyone says." Albert politely extended his hand to shake hands with the lady in front of him.

"Everyone?"

Madam Primpernelle was somewhat curious about who Albert meant by "everyone," but she hadn't forgotten what she had come here for today.

"Let's talk about what we've discussed today. Your 2.0 version of the Pimple Potion is indeed quite good. However, your taste in naming it is really hard to agree with," Madam Primpernelle said with a smile.

Isobel gave Albert a knowing smile that said, "See? I told you you couldn't come up with a name."

"500 Galleon is not unacceptable to me, but I am more concerned about how much profit it can bring me. I mean... I heard that Mr. Anderson only spent half a month to improve the potion formula." Madam Primpernelle took a sip of black tea, looked up at Albert and asked, "If I buy your formula and you then improve it again, I will lose everything."

"Improving Potions isn't entirely my doing," Albert said, pointing to Isobel. "My friends have also helped me a lot."

"And who is this young lady?" Madam Primpernelle asked Isobel with curiosity.

"Isobel McDougal," Albert introduced, "The genius of Hogwarts."

"If you're interested in beauty Potions, I'd love to invite you to apply for a job at my shop after you graduate," Madam Primpernelle said, shaking hands with Isobel. "I'll give you a satisfactory price."

Kenneth Toller and Katrina were both a little embarrassed; they couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"I'll consider it," Isobel politely declined.

"Alright, Mr. Anderson, you haven't answered my question yet," Madam Primpernelle, turning her gaze to Albert.

"Five years, I think five years should be enough time for Madam Primpernelle to recoup her costs," Albert said after thinking for a moment, "And make a fortune."

"The timeframe is too short," Madam Primpernelle shook her head and refused. "If it's only five years, I'm afraid I can only offer you half the price."

"You've probably used potions before. The Pimple Potion 2.0 is already a mature product. At Hogwarts School, a large number of girls and boys use it to get rid of acne on their faces. Nobody doesn't like to look prettier." Albert said to the lady in front of him while drinking his milk tea. "I think you'll definitely make a considerable profit, at least you won't lose money."

Madam Primpernelle was about to say something when Albert raised his hand to interrupt her.

"Improving Potions isn't a simple matter either," Albert continued. "As an apothecary, you should know that very well."

Madam Primpernelle fell silent, because the boy in front of her was right; it was a sure-fire deal, and she just wanted to gain more for herself.

"This is at most a gamble. If I don't develop a better potion, 500 Galleon will be equivalent to exchanging for the formula for the Pimple Potion 2.0. Madam Primpernelle will undoubtedly make a fortune."

Madam Primpernelle did not refute this, because she was equally aware that the boy in front of her knew the price of the recipe.

"You think this is a gamble?" Madam Primpernelle looked at Albert with interest.

"Yes," Albert said with a smile. "And you won't lose; at most, you'll earn a little less. But if I lose, I'll definitely lose a lot. Of course, I dare to gamble because I've always had good luck, and I'm very confident in my luck."

Madam Primpernelle thought about it for a moment and finally nodded in agreement.

Because Albert was absolutely right, the exclusive business was very profitable, and she wouldn't lose money on this deal no matter what.

To give a simple example, the Sleekeazy's Hair Potion used in the Wizarding World today is a product invented decades ago. The inventor made a lot of money from it, and eventually he sold the shop and the formula, making him a rich man. But the Sleekeazy's Hair Potion is still very profitable today.

If Albert doesn't develop a new Pimple Potion, it means this formula will be very valuable, and 500 Galleon probably won't even be a fraction of what he earns.

Is improving Potions really that simple?

As an apothecary Madam Primpernelle was well aware of just how difficult it was to improve Potions.

Finally, she readily agreed and presented Albert with a contract recognized by the Ministry of Magic for his signature. The deal was concluded amicably.

However, Madam Primpernelle stipulated in the Magical Contract that the new, improved Pimple Potion needed to be different from the current one; otherwise, it would be considered a breach of contract by Albert, and Madam Primpernelle would have the right to spend a certain amount of Galleon to acquire the potion formula.

This little trick naturally didn't escape Albert and Isobel's notice, but Albert didn't care, because the Pimple Potion 3.0 would definitely be an ointment, not a medicine.

Katrina, who witnessed the entire transaction, stared in disbelief as Albert easily acquired 500 Galleon, and he even generously gave Isobel 50 Galleon.

Katrina opened her mouth, but in the end said nothing and left the teahouse in a daze.

"It went even more smoothly than I expected," Isobel said to Albert with a smile, sipping her milk tea. "But you are certainly generous."

"You helped the whole time, didn't you?" Albert said casually.

Isobel didn't pay much attention to Galleon's question and continued talking about what had just happened. She hoped that Albert could help her sister. This was actually the second time, but because of their relationship, Katrina had been gradually excluded from her original circle. After all, when the two of them were together, they didn't want a third party in the way. Isobel's intention was to help Katrina out again.

"That's no problem," Albert asked jokingly. "But aren't you afraid I might kidnap your sister along the way?"

"Don't worry, I'm very confident in myself." Isobel kissed Albert's cheek and said, "Besides, I don't believe you would do that."

"Haven't you heard the saying that all boys are womanizers?" Albert couldn't help but laugh at himself.

"It seems you're very confident in yourself!"

Isobel ignored Albert's self-deprecation and glanced at the bag of Galleon, saying, "While I admire your confidence, I think Madam Primpernelle will probably celebrate with champagne when she gets back!"

"I don't feel like I've lost out," Albert said calmly.

Even if you keep the formula for the Pimple Potion, you won't be able to sell it for more than 500 Galleon. It's more practical to just exchange it for money.

"In my plan, the Pimple Potion is a cream, and I believe we can complete version 3.0 of the Pimple Potion. You know, I've always had good luck," he told his girlfriend.

"I really like your confidence," Isobel said, "But you're definitely not good at naming things."

"Then remember to help me think of a nice name when the time comes."

Oops, I made a mistake, there's no way to fix it now.