"I'm really going to miss this..."

Carl looked over.

Charlie was no longer young, with a head full of white hair and a face wrinkled with age, looking even older than Wizard Archie.

"But I don't regret it."

Smiling at Carl, Charlie spoke:

"Back then, I was just an inconspicuous apprentice beside my tutor, unable to become an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice even at the age of thirty, let alone have any prospects."

"When the dispatch mission came, out of so many disciples of my tutor, only I was willing to give up everything to come here. It was because of this that I earned my tutor's appreciation and have what I have today."

"In a little more than a year, we'll be returning to the Kaliem Continent. I wonder how the people from back then are doing now?"

He was now not only an Advanced Alchemist but also an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.

Although he was not young, at sixty years of age, there was still a chance for him to become an Official Wizard.

Thirty years he had spent, aiming for a future in a strange land.

This determination was admirable.

"Senior Brother Charlie!"

Just then, a hearty voice called out.

Looking toward the source of the voice, they saw a middle-aged man dressed in merchant's garb approaching.

He wore a leather merchant's hat with the brim turned up slightly, practical yet fashionable. Unlike the other Wizard Apprentices, he held an ivory-carved scepter in his hand. A quality fur robe swayed slightly with his steps, adding an extra touch of nobility.

"'Simon!' Charlie acknowledged the newcomer with a nod. Then, gesturing towards Carl, he said to Simon, 'Let me introduce you. This is Carl, a Wizard Apprentice sent from the Six Rings Tower.' Turning to Carl, Charlie continued, 'And this is Simon. He helps my tutor and me manage our business affairs.'"

"Haha..." Simon laughed heartily, stepping forward to grab Carl's arm. "An apprentice from the Six Rings Tower, truly enviable. I'm a local from the Magic Forest; call on me anytime you need anything."

"Simon mainly handles the shop's supply relationships with various merchants," Charlie explained.

"We have over twenty contracted Pharmacists, most of whom were found by Simon himself."

"He's a very capable young man."

Young? Perhaps young in your eyes.

Carl smiled and greeted the man.

Official Wizard Archie, Advanced Wizard Apprentice Charlie, and Simon, dressed as a merchant before them, were the pillars that kept the shop running. There was also some hired help, including a Great Knight and two Peak Knights guarding the gate, as well as two sales staff. And now, Carl was added to the mix.

"My treat," Simon declared, patting his chest. "To celebrate Carl's arrival, let's go to the Bordeaux Restaurant today."

"'Oh!' Charlie's eyes flickered. 'You're really splurging.'"

Seeing Carl with a puzzled look, he explained:

"The owner of the Leipzig Market is the Cape family, which boasts two Second Circle Wizards. The Bordeaux Restaurant, famous for its exquisite meals, is also one of their properties."

"Of course, the prices are high. The most ordinary meal costs ten or eight Magic Stones."

"'That's...' Carl shook his head repeatedly. 'Too expensive, not worth it.'"

"'Indeed,' Charlie agreed. 'No need to waste like that.'"

"'Let's go!' He gestured with his hand. 'I'll show you around the backyard. If nothing unexpected happens, this place will become your residence soon.'"

Simon didn't insist, his smile masking a fleeting trace of ruthlessness as he watched the two walk towards the backyard.

Damn them! I've poured so much effort into this shop, and now they're leaving? They're not leaving it to me but plan to hand it over to an outsider. Carl? That scumbag!

He gritted his teeth, but as soon as someone approached, he immediately forced a smile and strode to catch up with the two.

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