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Chapter 1188: Life Guidance
Chapter 1188: Life Guidance
This year, winter seemed to have come early to Britain. Outside, the howling wind blew and heavy rain fell, mixed with snowflakes, chilling people to the bone.
Even the thick curtains couldn't completely block out the cold. A fire blazed in the fireplace, and Isabelle sat on the sofa, wrapped in a woolen blanket. Next to them was a radio broadcasting exclusive news from the Ministry of Magic, and in front of them was a half-played game of Wizard's Chess. The player seemed indifferent to the outcome of the game and was casually chatting about mundane matters to pass the time.
"I really don't understand why those guys are still causing trouble for the Ministry in this weather," Isabelle said, unable to hold back a yawn as she listened to the news. It was clear from the broadcast that the British magical community was struggling. Reinforcements from the International Confederation of Wizards were long overdue, and the situation was deteriorating.
"It's hard to fathom what those Dark Wizards are thinking," Albert said, pausing in his movements and looking up at Isabelle, who was covering her yawn. "Are you feeling sleepy again?"
"Yes, a bit," she admitted.
"Then take a short nap. I'll wake you later," Albert suggested gently.
He picked up his wand from the nearby table and gave the chessboard a slight flick. The Wizard's Chess pieces immediately flew back into the drawer where they were stored.
Albert then sat down next to Isabelle and adjusted the blanket over her.
"Has something happened recently?" Isabelle asked softly, listening to the sound of the rain outside. She rested her head gently on Albert's shoulder.
"Why do you ask?"
"You haven't gone out for several days now," Isabelle pointed out.
She took a sip of the warm milk that had been heated by the house-elves and prepared to lie down for a while. Lately, she had been feeling sleepy, especially when it rained. She enjoyed these moments of rest with her loved one by her side.
"Are you that certain?" Albert took the half-drunk glass of milk from Isabelle's hand. "Do you want some honey with it?"
"No, thank you," Isabelle shook her head. "But I know you well enough to know that something must have happened. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been staying at home so obediently these past few days."
"The mysterious person is probably trying to pinpoint my location. It's not safe for me to go out right now," Albert admitted reluctantly, seeing Isabelle's expression. He had no intention of hiding the truth from her, especially when she asked directly.
"So, I should thank the mysterious person for keeping you here with me," Isabelle yawned again and slowly closed her eyes. "Do you think I'll gain weight after giving birth? I've heard that many women experience a rapid increase in weight after having a baby."
"Mrs. McDougall isn't overweight, and as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you usually don't have to worry about that issue," Albert reassured her softly.
It seemed that most girls were concerned about such matters.
"I really hope this kind of life ends soon. Life in the castle is comfortable, but it's also quite boring," Isabelle murmured. "I don't understand why princesses in fairy tales would enjoy this kind of life."
"Maybe it's because life was difficult in their time, so it's not strange that they would appreciate this kind of lifestyle," Albert replied without hesitation.
"Is that so?" Isabelle wondered if many people in the magical community would envy her current life.
"Have you decided what you want to do?"
"Not yet," Isabelle asked softly. "What would you like me to do?"
"Whatever makes you happy," Albert answered.
"I feel like you're spoiling me, just like your sister," Isabelle said affectionately.
"She's doing much better now. People grow and change," Albert said, reaching over to turn off the radio. He listened to the rain outside and slowly flipped through the notebook in his hand.
"She's fallen asleep? Sister seems to be sleeping more and more lately," Katrina remarked as she entered the hall and saw Albert reading a book, with Isabelle asleep on the sofa beside him.
"Today's weather is perfect for sleeping," Albert agreed, closing the notebook and walking over to the window. He drew back the curtain to gaze at the pouring rain outside. "If you're tired, you can take a nap as well."
"I've been chatting with them about the current situation in Britain," Katrina said after a moment's hesitation. "In the eyes of other countries, Britain's situation doesn't seem that bad. They even think we're exaggerating about the war." She revealed her intention. "I want to go to America."
"They've invited you to America?" Albert asked, letting the curtain fall back into place as he turned around.
"Yes, after all, if I want to open a beauty salon, I need to gain some experience. It would be a great opportunity to learn, and you did say that the current chaos will end soon, didn't you?" Katrina explained earnestly.
"You seem to put a lot of faith in my words," Albert remarked, gesturing for Katrina to sit down and discuss the matter further.
"Well, you are the greatest Seer in history, after all," Katrina said.
"That's something I'll never admit to," Albert replied with a hint of amusement.
Albert shook his head with a smile. "Actually, it's up to you to go wherever you want. As long as Mrs. McDougall agrees, I have no reason to object."
"Mom didn't agree!" Katrina said suddenly.
"So, do you want me to help you convince Mrs. McDougall?" Albert asked, his expression a bit peculiar.
Katrina remained silent, but it was clear that this was what she had in mind.
"I'm afraid I have to apologize for this," Albert said kindly. "Haven't you noticed that I haven't dared to go out much lately? The mysterious person had Death Eaters capture Cassandra Vablaski to pinpoint my location through divination. If I were you, I wouldn't be wandering around either."
He raised his hand, gesturing for Katrina to listen to him.
"The situation in the United States is not much better than it is here in Britain. It's even more oppressive than you might think."
"To be honest, I hate that country."
"The situation with Katherine and Valeria is also not quite what you imagine. The reason they can live so freely and unfettered is that they are wealthy. At the very least, Katherine is certainly richer than I am."
Albert bluntly pointed this out. "And you, my dear, are not. Even after the publication of the 'Family Therapy Handbook,' it will be difficult for you to accumulate a substantial amount of galleons in a short time."
"So, I suggest you discuss with Isabelle about publishing a beauty guide of some sort. When the time comes for you to open a beauty shop, you won't have to worry about advertising, and your business will be much better." Albert offered his advice. "Moreover, you can accumulate some wealth along the way. I'm sure the girls will love your book. Hmm, you could even consider putting your photo on the cover so they can see your beautiful face and trust the content of your book even more."
"It looks like I'll have to continue staying in this cage," Katrina sighed, getting up to leave.
"This place isn't necessarily a cage. Many people out there would envy this kind of comfortable life!" Albert added some firewood to the fireplace. "Think carefully about my suggestion!"
"I will," Katrina replied.
Not long after Katrina left, Mrs. McDougall appeared in the hall.
"Thank you for helping me convince her," she said.
Mrs. McDougall was well aware of the dangers lurking outside, and she would never allow Katrina to wander around at this time, even if going to America might not be safe.
"It's my fault that Katrina is in this situation. I'll take responsibility for her safety." Albert waved his wand, conjuring two cups of tea, and gestured for Mrs. McDougall to sit down.
"Of course, this life may not be pleasant, but it's only temporary. The war will end sooner or later, at the latest within the next three years." Albert took a sip of his tea. "Surviving this kind of war is more important than anything else. Survival ensures a future."
"I've always been worried," Mrs. McDougall said softly, looking at her sleeping daughter. "It seems my worries have been unnecessary."
"I suggest you find her something to do. Isn't Katrina interested in opening a beauty shop? Perhaps you can start by helping her build a foundation in healing." Albert offered a proposal. "After the war ends, with a couple more months of training, she should be able to manage her own shop."
"To do things well, one must always prepare in advance. Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared." Albert casually gave an example. "Fred and George's shop is a result of their preparations during their school days. That's why they seized the opportunity, not because of my limited help."
"Don't you think I'm right, Katrina?" Albert looked towards the hall entrance as he finished speaking.
"Come in and sit down. Listen to Albert's suggestions properly." Isabelle slowly sat up on the sofa and gently patted the seat next to her.
"Sorry, did we wake you up?" Katrina entered from outside.
"It's fine," Isabelle replied.
"I know it's not comfortable to have your life planned by others," Albert said to Katrina. "But your life ultimately belongs to you. If you want to achieve success, you must be willing to make sacrifices. There's still a lot for you to learn, and now is the best time to do so, especially since you've just graduated and your learning ability is still strong, if you truly want to open a shop."
"Fine, I can't argue with the three of you." Katrina reluctantly compromised, knowing that Albert's words might be true.
"You help Katrina analyze the situation. I remember you analyzing something similar for me before." Isabelle had once harbored similar thoughts, and Albert obviously understood and saw potential in the prospect of a beauty shop, which was why he supported her venture.
"I'll gladly help. After all, I did the same for Fred and George's shop planning." Albert didn't refuse, as he would still profit either way, even if it meant a little more effort on his part.
(End of Chapter)
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