Chapter 57

No wonder Granger always says that these black-hearted merchants are one more difficult to deal with than the last. Clearly, they want to take revenge on those who slandered them, yet they give such a grand and noble reason, as if they were truly concerned about the reputation of the Alchemists' Guild.

"That's not right..." Bartholomew stood there with his mouth agape for a long time, but then suddenly realized something was off. No, no, no, this shouldn't be a simple provocation; it could be a hint.

Thinking about this, Bartholomew's eyes suddenly lit up.

That's right, it's most likely a hint, suggesting that the Alchemists' Guild should give the Gilded Rose an explanation.

If it were anyone else, Bartholomew would have spat at them. How the Alchemists' Guild conducts its business, and why should they give an explanation to the Gilded Rose? Do you even know your own name?

But now...

Bartholomew not only didn't spit, but he almost burst out laughing.

Just now, although the Mage Merlin refused the opportunity to study at the Mercury Tower, he also indicated that the alchemical formula could be used for an exchange.

In other words, Mage Merlin isn't unwilling to complete the exchange; he just isn't satisfied with the conditions offered.

Business is all about negotiation.

As long as the exchange isn't completely rejected, there's still room for maneuver.

What, you say Mage Merlin isn't satisfied with the conditions? That's easy, just change the conditions until Mage Merlin is satisfied!

Perhaps, once I get the alchemical formula, President Lais will be so pleased that this opportunity to study at the Mercury Tower will fall into my hands.

The only problem now is how to make Mage Merlin satisfied...

But there seems to be an opportunity right now...

Bartholomew became increasingly excited the more he thought about it. He couldn't even bother to say goodbye to his colleagues and left the meeting room, taking the manuscript from the table.

After leaving the meeting room, Bartholomew suppressed his excitement and hurriedly headed towards President Lais's study. At this time, President Lais usually stays in his study to read books or receive guests. If I go now, I should be able to report my discovery to President Lais in time.

However, halfway there, Bartholomew's steps gradually slowed down...

Because Bartholomew suddenly remembered that although he interpreted Mage Merlin's last words as a hint, in reality, Mage Merlin didn't say anything. If I rashly tell President Lais everything, it might go smoothly, but if something goes wrong and President Lais doesn't get the alchemical formula, that would be a big problem...

At that time, not only will I not get the opportunity to study at the Mercury Tower, but I might never get the chance again in my life.

No, I can't go directly to President Lais...

I should first make Mage Merlin satisfied.

Thinking about this, Bartholomew stopped and returned to the meeting room, asking someone to call Morin over.

"Grand Alchemist Bartholomew, what do you need?" Despite the fact that Morin always looks up to the sky when he's at the Gilded Rose, he now has a continuous smile of flattery on his face in front of Bartholomew.

The difference in status between an alchemist and a grand alchemist is like the difference between heaven and earth, not to mention that Bartholomew is one of the high-ranking officials in the Alchemists' Guild, deeply trusted by President Lais, and his position is even higher than Granger. Morin usually can't flatter him enough, so how dare he show any attitude in front of Bartholomew?

"I heard that the Bimoon Trading Company has made another big move recently?"

"Yes, President Munky of the Bimoon Trading Company, as the most ambitious merchant in Thousand Sails City, has opened ten alchemical shops at once." Hearing Bartholomew's question, Morin knew that this was his chance to show himself: "In my opinion, it won't be long before the Bimoon Trading Company monopolizes the alchemical business in Thousand Sails City, just like the Flash Gold Trading Company did in the past."

"Hmm..." Bartholomew lightly frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Morin. I called you here not to hear you praise the Bimoon Trading Company. What's the point of telling me this?

Originally, Bartholomew thought that Morin was well-informed and had a good eye for business, and he always flattered him, so he decided to give him a chance this time. But it turns out that he can't even understand my intentions. It seems that in the future, it's better to keep a distance from this fool to avoid being dragged down by him...

Morin, of course, didn't know that a few ill-timed praises had just ruined his future...

At this moment, Morin was still thinking about how to show himself in front of the grand alchemist.

"By the way, Grand Alchemist Bartholomew, when the Bimoon Trading Company opened, I already sent a gift on your behalf."

"..." Bartholomew suddenly drew a deep breath, his eyes widening in shock as he looked at Morin.

Are you kidding me!

When he heard this, Bartholomew almost jumped up. I'm trying my best to distance myself from the Bimoon Trading Company, and you, you actually sent a gift on my behalf. Do you want me to die faster?

It's over, it's over, this time I've really been ruined by this fool Morin.

After all, the Bimoon Trading Company just finished humiliating the Gilded Rose...

If Mage Merlin finds out that I just sent a gift to the Bimoon Trading Company, that will be a big problem. He doesn't even need to do much; just refusing to hand over the alchemical formula will be enough. When President Lais gets angry, who knows how many people will suffer.

"Who told you to send a gift on my behalf!"

"Ah..." Morin was instantly stunned, looking at the furious Bartholomew, completely at a loss, his face filled with innocence and confusion.

What's going on...

Grand Alchemist Bartholomew and the Bimoon Trading Company usually had a good relationship. When the Bimoon Trading Company opened its alchemical shops, I sent a gift on his behalf, which should have been fine. Why is Grand Alchemist Bartholomew so angry?

For a moment, Morin didn't dare to speak, just looking at Bartholomew with a frightened expression.

"Right now, immediately, go to the Bimoon Trading Company's alchemical shops and cause as much trouble as you can, the bigger the better!" Bartholomew felt a headache, and in that moment, he didn't care about leaving any evidence, directly ordering Morin to cause trouble.

"Ah?"

"What are you waiting for, go now!"

"Yes, yes, yes..."

After sending Morin away with a few words, Bartholomew painfully rubbed his temples. Damn, it was indeed wise to keep a distance from this Morin in the past. Otherwise, I don't know when I would be ruined by this fool.

...

In the past few days, the most sensational event in Thousand Sails City was undoubtedly the opening of the Munky family's alchemical shops, and they opened ten at once. Among them, the Bimoon's Radiance on Triumph Street is hailed as the largest alchemical shop in Thousand Sails City, with the finest enchanted equipment, the most miraculous alchemical potions, the most advanced alchemical technology, and even a grand alchemist personally in charge.

The person responsible for managing the Bimoon's Radiance is the Munky family's butler, Jonathan.

These past two days, Jonathan has been in a very good mood...

First, because the Bimoon's Radiance has opened, and he has been entrusted by the master to manage this largest alchemical shop in Thousand Sails City. Second, because Jonathan knows that the Alchemists' Guild is holding a hearing, and the person attending the hearing is Mafa Merlin, who slapped him twice at the Black Horn Auction.

Although the results of the hearing haven't come out yet, Jonathan is already celebrating in advance.

Because Jonathan knows that before the hearing began, the master sent the eldest son Ryan to visit one of the hearing's presiding grand alchemists, Granger, and offered conditions that no grand alchemist could refuse—precious magical materials.

As long as Granger does some work during the hearing, Mafa Merlin will only be able to cry as he leaves the Alchemists' Guild.

At that time, not only will Mafa Merlin be in trouble, but the competition for the Bimoon's Radiance will also be eliminated, making him feel very happy just thinking about it.

Jonathan's face was filled with a smile for the entire afternoon.

By the time it was almost evening and Morin came to visit, Jonathan's smile became even wider.

Jonathan felt that Morin must have brought good news.

"Alchemist Morin, please sit, please sit..." Jonathan greeted Morin with a warm smile, personally welcoming him in, his face filled with enthusiasm: "Alchemist Morin, I've been waiting for you for several days."

"Hmm..." To be honest, Jonathan's enthusiasm was very gratifying to Morin.

In fact, the two of them weren't strangers...

One is the market supervisor of the Alchemists' Guild, and the other is the most trusted butler of the Munky family. With the Bimoon Trading Company recently entering the alchemical market, their interactions have increased significantly. For example, the last time Morin delivered a gift on Bartholomew's behalf, it was Jonathan who personally received him.

Compared to the alchemists in the guild who are obsessed with alchemy, Jonathan is much better at dealing with people. The last reception made Morin feel like he was basking in a warm breeze, and he had a very good impression of Jonathan.

But impressions are one thing...

Compared to his future, even the best impression has to take a back seat.