Meet the principal

After sending Sanderson away, Antoine breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the shabby little sofa. His whole body showed a bit of weakness. This was also the first time that Reiner saw this man showing fatigue.

"Thank you, Mr. Ian Gray, for saying those words to help me out, whether they are true or false, thank you."

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

Reiner shook his head and continued.

"I have indeed investigated the surrounding alchemy workshops. From a purely technical and channel perspective, Piram Alchemy Workshop is indeed the best choice nearby, but their methods are not what I like."

During Reiner's investigation, Piram Alchemy Workshop had some dealings with the Ian Gray family and made a lot of money, but the core technology was insufficient. The method they usually adopted was to imitate the products of other workshops, make inferior versions, and then use them as Dumping at extremely low prices, relying on the family's financial resources to engage in price wars to defeat opponents, and paying to acquire the opponent's industry when it was at its lowest point.

Originally, there were seventeen alchemy workshops near Crescent College, but under Piram's suppression, only the current seven were left, and the rest were annexed.

This is only a superficial method. Like today, Piram Alchemy Workshop has done a lot of threatening thugs or using other insidious means to seek benefits.

"I need a partner that I can absolutely trust. A chamber of commerce with evil intentions like Piram Alchemy Workshop may be able to accelerate its development at the beginning, but there will definitely be various disputes in the future."

Reiner did not want to get into a long dispute that would lead to physical and mental exhaustion. One of the reasons why he chose Antoine was that the workshop did not have much capital to bargain with him.

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

As he spoke, Reiner knocked on the table.

"Even if there is no business, the various experimental equipment in the room are still as clean as new, and they even occupy the place where you live. This is a reflection of your love for alchemy. At the same time, after so many years of suppression by Piram Alchemy Workshop, An The Tuowan Alchemy Workshop still survives, which is also a reflection of your ability. Mr. Antoine, I will not be mistaken, you are the partner I am looking for."

Reiner adheres to the principle of employing without doubt. After all, the production of Coke does not require too high skills. Antoine's level is enough. He cares more about the character of his partners.

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

Antoine nodded, agreeing.

This was the first time in so many years that someone valued him so much. Although he was not grateful, he naturally felt a little more favorable towards Reiner.

"I'll bring the contract back later and we hope to start production as soon as possible."

Reiner also breathed a sigh of relief. If Antoine didn't agree, he still had alternatives, but the cost would probably be much higher, so he wasn't worried now.

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

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

Antoine didn't expect that Reiner would ask this, so he hesitated for a moment before answering.

"We had 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 came here. We had a dispute over some things, and then we broke up."

With emotion, Antoine seemed to recall his youthful days as a student.

"Is it related to this girl?"

Reiner pointed to the photo frame on the small table. Now you can see that it is a group photo of two men and a woman. One of the boys is obviously the young Antoine. As for the other boy, Reiner boldly guessed that it might be Pi. Ram.

In this room full of experimental equipment and medicines, the only item that has the aura of owner is this photo.

It is obvious that this is very important to Antoine.

Antoine picked up the photo frame, feeling 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 died of illness within a few years. Leave me alone."

After hearing this, Claire had already imagined 10,000 classic plots in her mind, and she couldn't help but say.

"Is it because Piram likes Miss Elaine that he has a grudge against you, Mr. Antoine?"

"Maybe. I haven't asked him this either. After so many years, some things have long been forgotten."

Antoine didn't want to mention these things. He turned the photo frame and shook his head.

"Really? Then we won't ask any more questions."

Reiner has no intention of getting involved in other people's private lives. Today's trip has achieved its goal, and they have no reason to stay here anymore.

"I will send someone to bring the contract later. If you confirm it is correct, we can sign it and start work. Then I won't disturb you."

Standing up, he came to the door.

Claire was still in a daze. This kind of sad emotional story was the most damaging to girls of her age. She was still immersed in her own imagination.

"It's time to go, Teacher Claire."

Reiner waved his hand in front of Claire's eyes, causing the teacher dressed as a maid to come back to her senses.

"Uh, I know!"

Claire was a little embarrassed, shook her head to clear her head, and then followed Reiner out of the alchemy workshop.

It was still noon, and even in the old streets that had long since declined, there were still a few shops open, including ones that Claire was familiar with.

The children passing by looked at Claire curiously and whispered something, which made the teacher feel even more embarrassed and wanted to hurry back to school.

"You are quite familiar with this place, right? Let's find a restaurant to have a meal first and then go back. You can see which one is better."

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

This can be regarded as a whim of Reiner. On the one hand, he wanted to change his taste, and on the other hand, he also wanted to investigate the catering situation in this world.

"Are you serious?"

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

What's more, he is still wearing this strange clothes. If someone he knows sees it, he will definitely be embarrassed.

"Of course, lead the way."

Reiner urged, he was indeed a little hungry, the morning negotiations had consumed a lot of energy on his part, and he needed food to replenish his energy at this time.

Looking for hidden delicacies in the streets and alleys feels a bit like a lonely gourmet. Of course, Reiner brings this maid with him.

"Well, let's take that one."

Claire pointed ahead, to a restaurant that was doing good business.