https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1577-A-War-with-No-Victors-Twenty-Seven-/12529295/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1579-A-War-with-No-Victors-Twenty-Nine-/12529297/
Chapter 1578: A War with No Victors (Twenty-Eight)
Chapter 1578: A War with No Victors (Twenty-Eight)
After enjoying breakfast with Hermione and sending her off to her parents, Albert returned alone to his home on the other side of the planet, using the Disapparition spell.
However, instead of a warm embrace from his wife, he was greeted with suspicion.
"I smell another woman on you." Katrina's gaze was dismissive.
"I'll go take a shower then."
Isabel appeared behind Katrina, holding Alice, and gave Albert an appraising look. "You don't look as well-rested as before. I didn't expect Miss Granger to be so unrestrained."
"Then I'll go take that shower." Albert awkwardly walked away.
"He deserves it," Katrina said, a mix of anger and heartache in her voice. "From now on, I'm making sure he joins me for early morning training."
"I'll help you keep an eye on him," Isabel said as she carried Alice toward the living room.
Katrina watched as Isabel put Alice back in her crib and then continued with her breakfast. She asked, puzzled, "Aren't you waiting for him?"
"Knowing Albert, he probably had breakfast with Miss Granger before coming back."
"You shouldn't indulge him so much," Katrina grumbled.
"Maybe we'll get to hear the whole story soon," Isabel said, curious about how Hermione Granger had managed to entice Albert.
However, Albert didn't give them the chance. After his shower and changing into fresh clothes, free of any "scents," he bade Isabel and a sulking Katrina farewell and disapparated directly to the Wizarding Village.
While the village wouldn't fall apart without him, there would undoubtedly be issues that needed his attention.
His guess was correct, as Shan'na sought him out as soon as he arrived to report on the problems that had piled up during his absence.
"The progress here is much faster than I expected. It seems that the Mr. Joseph the Minister introduced us to is quite reliable."
As he watched the cement mortar being stirred and the seamless assembly of wooden boards, Albert once again marveled at the convenience of magic.
Especially the wondrous magic of the Harry Potter world, which had a strong sense of daily life and always seemed to come in handy in unexpected ways.
"Mr. Joseph is an expert in construction. After looking at the architectural drawings you left, he made some minor modifications," Shan'na said, retrieving the modified drawings from her handbag and handing them to Albert. She then relayed Mr. Joseph's words: "He said that your architectural drawings are quite Muggle-like, but you could actually be bolder. Wizards who are proficient in magic don't need to be constrained by the fixed thinking of Muggles."
"It seems that Mr. Joseph also has a Muggle background," Albert said as he briefly browsed through the drawings Shan'na had given him. "What else did he say?"
"Well, he said that the framework of these villas should be completed within a month," Shan'na replied after a moment's hesitation. "And that man is now charging people for designing the interior structure of their villas."
"He's quite the opportunist, knowing how to create extra income for himself!" Albert laughed as he handed the documents back to Shan'na. "What's the charging price like?"
"Twenty Galleons for a dedicated design, and he'll supervise the construction as well."
"Let's consider it a lesson for them to learn," Albert said.
Noticing Shan'na's confused look, he explained with a smile, "I'm sure that fellow has a bunch of templates ready to go, so there's no actual 'design' involved."
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that."
A strange voice came from their right, and a middle-aged wizard with a small beard approached them. With a smile, he introduced himself, "Joseph Clova."
"How many people have you convinced to take on your services?" Albert was curious about how many people had been "scammed."
"Eleven customers have paid a deposit," Joseph thought to himself, feeling the young man in front of him was a tough negotiator.
"I'll top it up to three hundred for you. Give me a few templates and help supervise this project, and I'm sure you won't refuse this generous additional remuneration?" Albert said with a smile.
"I don't seem to have any reason to refuse," Joseph replied.
Immediately dropping all pretenses, Joseph briefly stated his requests, hoping to have his name left in the village.
"Oh, that's no problem at all," Albert assured him. "As long as you supervise the construction here, you'll definitely get what you want."
"Pleasure doing business with you," Joseph said, satisfied, and walked away.
"I thought you'd just pay for it directly. Those who paid the deposit earlier must be so angry now," Shan'na laughed. "I'm glad I didn't pay."
"That's normal, isn't it?" Albert corrected her. "It was a transaction between them and Joseph. A deal is a deal, and I shouldn't be paying for them."
"But that guy is even more agreeable than I expected," Shan'na said, watching Joseph's departing figure. "Fred and George had to go to great lengths to get the price down to twenty Galleons."
"Joseph is a smart man," Albert said.
As the two continued to greet those around them, they walked through the village, inspecting the changes.
"Oh, that guy has other intentions as well?" Shan'na was surprised by the other's cunning.
"Seeing that he couldn't make extra money, he immediately gave up and even did a favor. That guy probably wants to settle here and have his name recorded in history books along with this village," Albert replied.
"He really is a smart one!" Shan'na hadn't thought that far ahead. She led Albert toward the outskirts of the village.
The area had already taken shape, with many fruit trees transplanted and someone even setting up a grape arbor.
"Professor Sprout also came to help. I'm actually quite curious how you convinced her?" Shan'na asked casually, making conversation.
"It's a great place to retire, isn't it? If Professor Sprout wishes, she can move here after she retires from teaching. Then she can do whatever she likes here," Albert replied.
They stopped by a well, looking at the deep well shaft. "According to your plan, we dug two deep wells nearby, which should be enough to supply water to this area. However, the construction of the water tower will probably have to wait a while longer."
"It seems that I don't need to be here constantly after all," Albert couldn't help but marvel at Shan'na's transformation. Indeed, with enough experience, most people would improve.
"No, I still think it's best if you come here every day. There will always be issues that need your input, and with you here, everyone will be more motivated to do their best," Shan'na said, aware of the importance of Albert's "deterrent." Otherwise, this team might not have lasted long and would have veered off course.
(End of Chapter)
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