The table against the wall wasn't placed right up against the edge, allowing people to sit in all four directions. The lunch for the professor and the two others hadn't been served yet, and they didn't start talking until Shard ordered his lunch.
"I didn't expect to run into you again, Mr. Watson, and such a coincidence at that."
Professor Boulanger appeared quite enthusiastic, while the two young students next to him seemed a bit stiff:
"After I ran into you last time, I added everything you said about the natural and cultural environment of the Pantanal Region to my next paper. Once the negotiation between the two countries is over, I'm planning to visit the Pantanal for further study; there are bound to be many mineral deposits there."
"Then I wish you success, Professor."
Shard raised his glass of water and said, enjoying his interactions with such scholars:
