Greetings, Mister Principal

After sending Sanderson away, Antoine let out a sigh of relief and sat on the shabby little sofa, showing a bit of exhaustion. This was the first time Reiner saw this man showing fatigue.

"Thank you, Mr. Ian Gray, for saying those things to help me out, whether it is true or not, thank you."

"Wait a minute, Mr. Antoine, what I just said was the truth."

Reiner chuckled and then continued.

"I did study the surrounding alchemy workshops. From a purely technical and distribution channel perspective, Piram Alchemy Workshop is indeed the best choice around here, but their methods are not what I like."

In Reiner's investigation, Piram Alchemy had some contacts with Ian Gray's family and made a lot of money, but the core skill was insufficient. They usually imitated the products of other Alchemy workshops and made low-quality versions of them. Dumping those low-quality products at extremely low prices and relying on their wealth, they would fight a price war to defeat their opponent and then buy out the opponents' workshops when the opponents were at their lowest point.

There were originally seventeen alchemy workshops near Luna Nova Magical Academy, but under Piram's suppression, currently, it was only left with seven.

This was just a mere tactic. As it was today, Piram Alchemy would always find thugs to threaten or use other insidious means to gain benefits.

"I need a partner that I absolutely trust. The cooperation with Piram Alchemy that kind of business association may be very smooth at first, but there will surely be various disputes in the future."

Reiner didn't want to fall into an endless dispute afterward and lead to both mental and physical exhaustion. One of the reasons he chose Antoine was that this workshop did not have much capital to bargain with.

"As for ability, I don't doubt your strength, Mr. Antoine."

With that, Reiner knocked on the table.

"Even if there is no business, the various experimental equipment in the room is still as clean as new, and even occupies the place where you live. This is a manifestation of your love for alchemy. In addition, after so many years of suppression by the Piram Alchemy Workshop, Antoine Alchemy Workshop is still able to survive, this is also a manifestation of your ability. Mr. Antoine, I won't misjudge a person, you are the partner I am looking for."

Reiner adhered to the principle of not doubting the person he wanted to employ. After all, the production of Cola did not require too advanced technology. Antoine's level was sufficient, and he cared more about the character of his partners.

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

Antoine nodded, agreeing.

It was the first time in so many years that someone valued himself so much. Although this would not make Antoine feel grateful for Reiner, it developed a friendly feeling in his heart.

"I will bring the contract later, and we hope to start production as soon as possible."

Reiner also breathed a sigh of relief. If Antoine didn't agree, although he still had alternatives, the cost would probably be much higher. Now he could finally be at ease.

"By the way, Mr. Antoine, I just heard that you and Piram are classmates?"

"Uh, yes, we all graduated from Laurent Royal Magical Academy."

Antoine didn't expect Reiner to ask about this, he hesitated for a while before answering.

"We were in a good relationship at the time, but after graduation, I returned to my hometown to open an alchemy workshop. He disappeared for a while, and then he came here. We had a dispute over some things, and then we broke up."

Sighing, Antoine seemed to recall the youthful time of his school days.

"Is it related to this girl?"

Reiner pointed to the photo frame on the small table. Now he could see that it was a photo of two boys and a girl. One of the boys was obviously the young Antoine. As for the other boy, Reiner boldly guessed that it might be Piram.

In this room full of experimental equipment and medicines, the only item that had the vitality was this photo. It was obvious that this was very important to Antoine.

Antoine picked up the frame, feeling a little nostalgic, and then spoke.

"This is me, Piram, and my wife Elaine. We were classmates at the time. Elaine and I got married when we graduated and came here together. But she passed away because of illness a few years later."

Upon hearing this, Claire had already made up ten thousand classic plots in her mind, she couldn't help but say.

"Is it because Mr. Piram loves Mrs. Elaine, so he held a grudge against Mr. Antoine because of that?"

"Maybe, I haven't asked him about this. After so many years, some things are no longer important."

Antoine didn't want to mention these things, he turned the frame direction and shook his head.

"If that's the case, then we won't ask more."

Reiner had no intention of interfering in other people's private lives. They had achieved their goals this trip today, and they had no reason to stay here.

"I will send someone to deliver the contract later. If you confirm that it is correct, we can sign it and start work. I think it is time for us to leave now."

Standing up, he came to the door.

Claire was still in a daze. This sad emotional story was the most lethal to girls her age, and she was still immersed in her wild imagination.

"It's time to leave, Professor Claire?"

Reiner stretched out his hand and waved it in front of Claire's eyes, making the Professor in the maid dress come back to her senses.

"Uh, I know!"

Claire was a little embarrassed and shook her head to sober her head before leaving the alchemy workshop with Reiner.

It was still noon, and even if it was an old street that was no longer as prosperous as before, there were still few shops opening, among which were the shops that Claire was familiar with.

The children passing by looked at Claire curiously, talking in a low voice, which made the Professor feel even more embarrassed and wished to speed up and return to school.

"You are familiar with this place, right? Let's find a restaurant to have a meal before going back. Do you know which one is better?"

But Reiner said casually, making Claire feel like a bolt from the blue.

This could be regarded as a whim of Reiner's. On the one hand, he wanted to try something new, and on the other hand, he wanted to investigate the dining situation in the world.

"Are you serious?"

Claire thought that such an aristocratic young master would look down on the food of the common people in this small town, but seeing Reiner's unpretentious look, she hesitated.

Moreover, she was still wearing this strange dress. If someone she knew saw it, it would be very embarrassing.

"Of course, lead the way."

Reiner urged that he was indeed a little hungry. The negotiations in the morning cost him a lot of energy, and he was in need of food to replenish energy.

Looking for hidden delicacies in the remote streets and alleys, this made him feel like he was a lonely wandering gourmet; of course, this gourmet also brought a maid.

"Well, then that one."

Claire pointed forward, a quite busy restaurant