Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Lime

Ernst bid farewell to his father, Prince Constantine, as the ocean-going ship prepared to set sail. The ship's whistle sounded, and Constantine waved from the boat. Despite the noise of the pier, a sense of loneliness washed over Ernst as the ship sailed away.

This parting marked the first time that father and son would be so far apart. Ernst felt a greater sense of distance compared to Constantine's previous business trips within Europe.

In Berlin, Ernst met with Richter, who presented him with a new carbonated beverage. Richter assured Ernst of its safety and taste, even drinking it himself to demonstrate. Ernst sampled the drink, finding it similar to Sprite but unique in its own way.

Ernst asked Richter about the ingredients and cost of the beverage. Richter explained that it used natural ingredients and could be produced at a low cost for a civilian version. There was no taste difference between the noble and civilian versions.

Ernst considered naming the drink and asked for Richter's suggestions. Richter proposed using a person's name, which was a common naming convention for beverages. Ernst, however, felt uncomfortable using his name.

After some thought, Ernst suggested naming the drink "Lime Sparkling Water" due to its lemony flavor and carbonation. Richter initially found it common but appreciated the addition of "sparkling water," which added a childlike charm to the name.

Ernst explained that the straightforward name had advantages, leaving a clear impression on consumers. Lemon's historical significance, especially in treating scurvy and as a partner to sailors, made it a compelling choice for a refreshing drink. Ernst was confident that "Lime" would be well-received in the market.

Ernst also shared his desire to create a beverage similar to Coke but was unsure of its main ingredients. The researchers couldn't provide a precise recipe, and Ernst decided to focus on "Lime" for now. He encouraged Richter and his team to continue their research and cost reduction efforts, promising benefits once the beverage factory in Austria was completed.