Cherwood Borough, outside the Coim Company.
Klein alighted from the carriage and looked around, as though he had never been here before. It was a fresh experience for him.
But in fact, he was no stranger to the neighborhood. He knew that across the street was the Gardelli department store, which was rather popular with the middle class. He also knew that there was a famous Xin's Desi pie shop not far away.
He had once waited here for Doragu Gale to track him down for clues of his affair!
Retracting his gaze, Klein led his valet, Richardson, to the Coim Company's entrance. Ma 'am Mary and her personal maid were already waiting there.
In the relatively conservative Kingdom of Rouen, a lady's personal servants had to be of the same sex; otherwise, they would have a bad reputation, affecting their social interactions and marriage. Therefore, even though Ma 'am Mary's personal servants were equivalent to her secretaries to a certain extent, requiring them to grasp social etiquette, business knowledge, and have a certain level of negotiation skills, they could only be found from women who had received good education or corresponding work experience.
Similarly, gentlemen's personal servants and business secretaries had to be of the same sex.
Of course, even so, people who couldn't control themselves would still engage in immoral behavior. In Baekeland, there were cases of servants having sex with their employers every year. Most of the victims were maids. They were either deceived, forced, or seduced into becoming the lovers of their male employers. When they were discovered, they would be mercilessly fired and lose their jobs. Then, due to their reputation being tarnished, they could no longer be servants. Most of them had no choice but to become street girls.
"Good afternoon, Dawn." Ma 'am Mary came forward with a smile.
Klein bowed and said, "Good afternoon, Ma 'am.
"Good afternoon, madam. This place is quite bustling."
Such words were equivalent to a discussion about the weather.
Mary replied and led Dwayne Dantès into the Coim Company's main entrance. She smiled.
She smiled and said, "In a while, a professional will explain and bring you around.
"In about half an hour, go upstairs. I've prepared a buffet and invited friends from different fields."
'Friends from different fields … this is helping me expand my social circle … how sincere!' Klein nodded slightly.
"As a foreigner who has just arrived in Baekeland, I always look forward to meeting more friends."
"No, you don't look like a foreigner at all. To me, you look like a well-educated Baekeland gentleman," Madam Marie replied politely.
As they spoke, they passed through the door and entered the well-lit reception area. A burly man in formal attire with a beautiful mustache was waiting there.
"This is Luke Sammer. He's Coim's first manager," Mary introduced to Dawn Dantès.
Actually, I know him … Klein looked at Luke and nodded with a smile.
In his heart, Luke Sammer was a rather level-headed and professional gentleman. He loved machinery and would act like a host at dinner parties. He wouldn't look down on a poor detective who wasn't famous yet, nor would he deliberately curry favor with a few mid-level employees of Baekeland's municipal departments who lived on Minsk Street.
"This is my friend, Dawn Dantès. He's very interested in anthracite and high-quality charcoal. Help me give a detailed explanation," Mary said to Luke.
Luke, who had already been instructed, took a step forward and looked at the tycoon from Desi Bay.
He revealed a gentle smile and said respectfully, "Mr. Dantès, this is the headquarters of the Coim Company … We have signed long-term agreements with many anthracite mines … The anthracite and high-quality charcoal we supply to Cherwood, Hillston, North Borough, and West Borough accounts for 30% of their total demand. We also have hopes of obtaining a large order from the Navy …"
I've never seen Luke with such an expression before … Klein followed him around the Coim Company without batting an eyelid, listening to him introduce various aspects of the situation. From time to time, he would ask a question, but he didn't express his stance.
Half an hour later, they went up to the second floor and entered the large conference room.
This place had already been set up in advance. Tables were placed against the wall, and plates of food were placed on them. They were mainly cold food such as ham, bacon, sausages, bread, salad, cake, and pudding. However, there were also a few hot dishes.
The moment they entered, Mary introduced the two men who were conversing nearby to Dawn Dantès.
"This is Mike Joseph, a reporter from the Daily Observer. This is the excellent surgeon, Allen Ceres. In Baekeland, you will always need them."
As Klein listened to Mary's words, he smiled at the two men as the corners of his mouth nearly twitched.
These are all friends I'm very familiar with! Hmm, I'm even more familiar with the fetus in Allen's wife's womb. Uh, that sounds a little weird … As Klein lampooned, he patiently waited for Mary to introduce Dawn Dantès to the two men before politely greeting Mike and Allen.
Mike Joseph hadn't changed much compared to last year. His eyebrows were sparse, his skin was rough, and his blue eyes were still charming. As for Allen Ceres, although he was a cold and introverted person, he no longer showed it. Everything seemed to be going smoothly for him for the past half a year. Be it his mood or confidence, they were at the peak.
Upon hearing that Dantès was a tycoon from Desi, Mike took out his business card and handed it over with a smile.
"You don't mind me promoting it, right?
"If you want to advertise, you can come to me. Be it the Daily Observer or the Tussock Times, I can get discounted prices."
As he spoke, Mike winked to indicate that he was joking.
You reporter who always carries fake documents … Why didn't you tell Sherlock Moriarty that he could get discounted advertising slots? Are you looking down on the great detective? Klein lampooned inwardly and exchanged name cards with him.
"I've always had a need for this."
Following that, he turned to Allen and handed him another business card.
"I was sick some time ago and just recovered. I know the importance of a doctor."
"I'm a surgeon. I don't think you'll want to see me." Although Allen said that, he still took the business card.
No, I really want to see you. I even want to attend your child's birth banquet … Klein mumbled and deliberately led the topic to the medical field. He had a good chat with Allen and Mike.
He had previously been worried about how to get close to Allen and reestablish contact with the fetus. After all, the paper crane could break at any moment, and it might not even be used once. Furthermore, it was very difficult for Sherlock Moriarty to appear openly in Baekeland and visit, much less attend the birth banquet.
Now, there's no problem. With Ma 'am Mary's introduction, I can naturally become familiar with Allen. When the time comes, I'll definitely be invited. Hehe, I might even be able to become the godfather of the Snake of Mercury. After all, we're all believers of the Goddess … Will this make the fetus angry out of humiliation … I have to be careful. If Allen doesn't mention it, I definitely won't take the initiative to suggest it … Klein thought happily.
He professionally restrained himself and didn't show too much enthusiasm the first time. After a simple chat, he followed Mary to get to know the other guests.
During this process, Klein didn't forget to bring food and drinks. He seemed to be very used to such an environment.
At the end of the round, Mary stopped and said in a measured tone,
"These are all my friends."
Does that mean that I didn't invite anyone from that side? At the same time, it also means that I'm your friend? Klein nodded gently.
"As a gentleman, I might not ask, but as a businessman, I have to know who or what people are vying with you for control of the Coim Company?"
Mary fell silent for two seconds before saying, "Baron Syndras and his friends.
"Baron Syndras and his friends want to push the Coim Company to the stock exchange and earn sky-high profits from it. They don't care about the company's future development."
Baron Syndras, one of the richest people in Rouen. He became a noble through donations to the Conservative Party, a banker, a factory owner, and a big businessman … His stance is a little vague. Although he obtained his title through the Conservative Party, he sympathizes with businessmen and is close to the New Party … Klein thought and asked with a smile,
"Why didn't you seek help from that Mr. Hall? His father is a powerful aristocrat and banker. He should be able to provide the most effective help. "
Ma 'am Mary smiled bitterly.
"Mr. Hall doesn't wish to be involved in this matter. He said that he's the chief secretary of the Kingdom's National Atmospheric Pollution Council. He can't be involved in any business activities related to anthracite and charcoal."
A gentleman who is truly interested in politics … However, it's likely that he doesn't wish to become enemies with Baron Syndras … Heh heh, if I had chosen another butler previously, I would've established a relationship with Baron Syndras … He's so rich. If he really wanted to raise the price, I wouldn't be able to beat him … Heh, would there be a scenario where he kills me with money … Klein didn't ask further.
"I'll wait for the investigation report."
Seeing that Dawn Dantès didn't shrink back immediately, Mary said gratefully, "In this day and age, there are very few people with chivalry.
And you are one of them. "Seeing that Dawn Dantès didn't shrink back immediately, Mary said gratefully," In this day and age, there are very few people with chivalry.
And you are one of them. "Klein smiled and didn't make any promises. After the buffet was over, he sat in his high-end four-wheeled carriage and returned to North Borough.
After staring out the window in a daze for a while, Klein suddenly turned his head to his valet, Richardson.
"Turn to Saint Samuel Cathedral."
He still hadn't found a definite answer regarding the anomaly that happened in the cathedral and how it was quickly pacified. This forced him to consider if he should find a chance to make contact with the Keepers.
And he remembered that every afternoon, at least one Keeper would head to the prayer hall to pray to the Goddess.
How should I make contact? In such an environment, even chatting would appear noisy … And doing it too deliberately will easily arouse suspicion … Klein frowned slightly and decided to observe before coming up with a solution.
The carriage didn't change directions as it continued driving towards Böklund Street. However, it didn't stop there and directly passed through it.
Inside the carriage, Klein closed his eyes and calmed his sudden nervousness.
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