Contract Established

After seeing Sanderson off, Antoine let out a sigh and sat on the shabby sofa. He seemed somewhat drained, and it was the first time Rainer had seen this man show such fatigue.

"Thank you, Mr. Ian Gray. For helping me out with those words—whether they were true or not, thank you."

"Wait a moment, Mr. Antoine. Everything I said just now was true."

Rainer shook his head and continued.

"I did investigate the Alchemy Workshops in the area. Purely in terms of technology and distribution channels, Pilam Alchemy Workshop is indeed the best choice nearby, but I do not like their methods."

According to Rainer's investigation, Pilam Alchemy Workshop had dealings with the Ian Gray Family and made a great deal of money, but they lacked core technology. Their usual method was to imitate the products of other workshops, produce inferior versions, and dump them on the market at extremely low prices. Relying on their wealth, they waged price wars to crush their rivals, then bought up their businesses when they were at their lowest point.

There had originally been seventeen Alchemy Workshops around Crescent Academy, but under Pilam's suppression, only seven remained. All the rest had been swallowed up.

And those were only their open methods. Like today, sending thugs to threaten people, or using other underhanded means to gain profit—Pilam Alchemy Workshop had done no shortage of such things.

"I need a partner I can trust completely. A merchant guild as unscrupulous as Pilam Alchemy Workshop might accelerate development at first, but all kinds of disputes would inevitably arise later."

Rainer had no desire to become physically and mentally exhausted by endless disputes later on. One reason he had chosen Antoine was that this workshop did not have much capital with which to bargain against him.

"As for your ability, I have no doubts about your skills, Mr. Antoine."

As he spoke, Rainer tapped the table.

"Even without any business, all the experimental equipment in this room is still spotless, and it has even taken over your living space. That shows your love for Alchemy. At the same time, Antoine Alchemy Workshop has survived all these years of suppression from Pilam Alchemy Workshop. That shows your ability as well. Mr. Antoine, I will not misjudge you. You are the partner I have been looking for."

Rainer believed in trusting those he employed. After all, Cola production did not require particularly advanced techniques; Antoine's level was more than sufficient. What he cared about more was his partner's character.

"I hope I can live up to your expectations."

Antoine nodded, agreeing to the arrangement.

It was the first time in all these years that someone had valued him so highly. He could not exactly call it gratitude, but he naturally felt a little more favorably toward Rainer.

"I will bring over the contract later. We hope to begin production as soon as possible."

Rainer was relieved as well. If Antoine had refused, he still had alternatives, but the cost would probably have been much higher. Now, he had nothing to worry about.

"By the way, Mr. Antoine, I heard that you and Pilam were classmates?"

"Uh, yes. We both graduated from Laurent Royal Magic School."

Antoine had not expected Rainer to ask about that. He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"We were on fairly good terms back then, but after graduation, I returned to my hometown and opened an Alchemy Workshop. He disappeared for a while, then later came here too. We had a dispute over certain matters, and eventually parted on bad terms."

With a sigh, Antoine seemed to have recalled the innocence of his student days.

"Did it have something to do with this girl?"

Rainer pointed at the photo frame on the table. He could now see that it was a picture of two men and one woman. One of the men was clearly a younger Antoine, while Rainer boldly guessed that the other might have been Pilam.

In this room filled with experimental equipment and potions, the only item that carried any trace of its owner was this photograph. It was obvious that it was very important to Antoine.

Antoine picked up the photo frame, looking somewhat nostalgic, then began to speak.

"This is me, Pilam, and my wife Elaine. We were classmates back then. Elaine and I got married when we graduated and came here together, but she died of illness only a few years later, leaving me alone."

By this point, Claire had already imagined ten thousand classic storylines in her head. She could not help asking.

"Could it be that Pilam hated you, Mr. Antoine, because he liked Elaine?"

"Maybe. I never asked him about such things. So many years have passed, and I stopped caring about some matters long ago."

Antoine did not wish to bring up these matters. He turned the photo frame over and shook his head.

"I see. Then we will not ask further."

Rainer had no interest in involving himself in other people's private lives. They had already achieved their goal today, so there was no reason to remain any longer.

"I will send someone to bring the contract over later. If you confirm that everything is in order, we can sign it and begin work. Then I will not disturb you any further."

He stood and walked to the door.

Claire was still somewhat dazed. Sentimental stories like this were especially devastating for a girl her age, and she was still immersed in her own imagination.

"It is time to go, Teacher Claire."

Rainer waved a hand before Claire's eyes, bringing the maid-uniformed teacher back to her senses.

"Uh, I know!"

Claire looked a little embarrassed. She shook her head to clear it before following Rainer out of the Alchemy Workshop.

It was still noon. Even on the long-declined Old Street, a handful of shops were open, including some that Claire knew well.

The children passing by looked curiously at Claire and whispered among themselves, making the teacher feel even more embarrassed. She wanted nothing more than to quicken her pace and return to the academy.

"You know this place quite well, right? Let us find a restaurant and eat before heading back. See which one is good."

But Rainer said it casually, and it struck Claire like a bolt from the blue.

This had been a whim of Rainer's. On one hand, he wanted a change of taste; on the other, he wanted to investigate the state of food and dining in this world.

"Are you serious?"

Claire had thought that a young nobleman like him would look down on the food eaten by commoners in town, but seeing how unaffected Rainer seemed, she hesitated.

Besides, she was still wearing this strange outfit. If someone she knew saw her, it would definitely be humiliating.

"Of course. Lead the way."

Rainer urged her on. He truly was a little hungry. The negotiations that morning had consumed a great deal of his energy, and he needed food to replenish it.

Searching the streets and alleys for hidden delicacies did have something of the feel of The Solitary Gourmet. Of course, Rainer had brought a maid along with him.

"Mm, then let us go to that one."

Claire pointed ahead at a restaurant that seemed to be doing good business.