"Let's not even talk about how going solo would offend Wizard Archi; I can't even afford a shop in the market," Simon said.

"The cheapest shop in the market costs at least 10,000 Magic Stones, not to mention taxes and stocking inventory.

"Without 20,000 or 30,000 Magic Stones, it's simply impossible to start a business.

"And that's for a shop in some remote corner. If it's near Wizard Archi's pharmacy, opening a shop would probably require 50,000 or 60,000 Magic Stones.

"Besides, doing business privately is hard to scale. I've tried before but ended up just working for others."

"What are you worried about?" the burly Fela asked, "Wizard Archi?"

"He's about to leave. Besides, there are far more Official Wizards in Leipzig Market than just him; finding a backer is quite simple."

Reaching this point, he finally revealed his purpose. "You know I've been following the young master of the Kape family, and the young master has always wanted to have his own business."

Hmm? Simon raised an eyebrow. "You mean, you want me to go work for the young master of the Kape family?"

Having the Kape family as a backer would certainly allay any fears of Wizard Archi retaliating out of dissatisfaction.

"No!" The burly Fela gestured dismissively. "Not work, but a partnership—to collaborate!"

"The young master can provide a shopfront from the market, and we two will contribute connections, manpower, and find suppliers.

"Once profits come in, we split them three ways!"

"Split it three ways?" Simon squinted. "How would the split work?"

"This..." Fela hesitated before speaking. "An eighty-twenty split!"

"The young master gets eighty percent, and we two get twenty percent. However, we also need to invest 5,000 Magic Stones as initial capital. Otherwise, it's still just like working for someone else."

"Five thousand Magic Stones?" Simon's face twitched. "Do you have that much?"

Fela chuckled. "We both contribute to that amount. I'll put in 3,000 Magic Stones, and you the other 2,000. Then we'll split the profits evenly."

"With the Pharmacist suppliers we know, setting up a pharmacy business shouldn't be difficult, right?"

"Or are you saying..." He looked at Simon and smiled. "That after all these years following Wizard Archi, you don't even have 2,000 Magic Stones to your name?"

「...」

"Mr. Karl." Salesgirl Trish approached and spoke softly, "The Rejuvenating Potions, Fortifying Potions, and Immunity Potions are starting to run out. We're also low on stock for several other potions in the warehouse."

"Understood," Carl replied calmly. "For now, just sell what little we have left."

"Yes," Trish nodded, hesitating before tentatively speaking, "Should we inform Wizard Apprentice Charlie?"

The conflict between Carl and Simon during this time was crystal clear to the few people in the shop. They weren't concerned about who would yield first; they were worried that poor business would lead to a reprimand from Wizard Archi. If they lost their jobs over it, that would be even worse. After all, the wages Wizard Archi provided weren't low, and being in the market also offered a degree of security.

"No need," Carl gestured dismissively. "Senior Apprentice Charlie and Wizard Archi have other matters to attend to; there's no need to bother them with such minor issues."

Trish opened her mouth, looking speechless. The shop's business is on the verge of collapse, and this is a 'minor issue'? Then what would count as a major one?

"Actually..." Trish's eyes flickered, her voice lowered, "A few days ago, Wizard Apprentice Simon approached me privately. He wanted to invite me to be a salesperson at his shop."

"He said the pay would be higher than here, but I didn't agree."

"Oh!" Carl raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. "He's opening a shop, is he?"

"That seems to be the case," Trish nodded. "The Alchemists who supply us have been intermittently out of stock lately; perhaps this is related."

"Got it," Carl nodded. "Just do your job well. The business here won't collapse. When business improves, I'll give you a promotion and a raise."

"Yes," Trish said with a smile. "Then I'll get back to work."

The reason she hadn't accepted Simon's offer, and had even informed Mr. Karl, was that she valued the shop having the Six Rings Tower as its backer. Regardless, the shop won't fail! As for the raise Mr. Karl mentioned, I only half-listened and didn't take it to heart. As long as the shop didn't go bankrupt, I would be content; a promotion and raise were out of the question.

Opening a pharmacy? Carl mused, then stretched his limbs and stepped out of the shop.

Leipzig Market was bustling. Even though evening was approaching, it was still crowded with people, and many shops were full.

To facilitate management and prevent uncontrolled expansion, the Kape family intentionally controlled the number of shops in the market. For each type of business, only a few shops were permitted. Only when one of them went out of business would a shop space become available for sale. Therefore, shopfronts in the market were not only expensive but also highly coveted; ordinary people couldn't buy one even if they had enough Magic Stones.

Simon has certainly found a powerful connection! Carl muttered to himself as he continued walking, eventually stopping in front of a shop with five storefronts.

This shop was likely the largest in the market, primarily dealing in witchcraft and Demonized Items.

"Honorable customer..."

"Mr. Karl!" Recognizing Mr. Karl, the attendant hurried forward to greet him. "How may I assist you?"

"Is Sam around?" Carl asked. "I'm here to discuss some business with him."

"Young Master Sam?" The attendant nodded. "He's on the second floor. I'll take you up."

Sam was a standout among the Kape family's younger generation. Barely over thirty, he was already an Advanced Wizard Apprentice and was expected to become an Official Wizard within ten years.

"Mr. Karl."

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