https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1617-A-War-with-No-Victors-Sixty-Seven-/12529356/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1619-A-War-Without-Victors-Sixty-Nine-/12529360/
Chapter 1618: A War with No Victors (LXVIII)
Chapter 1618: A War with No Victors (LXVIII)
Next was the oath-taking ceremony for the girls, which, contrary to Albert's expectations, was not as solemn as he had imagined. The content had been agreed upon from the start, and the only thing that felt odd to Albert was that Isabelle became the witness to the unbreakable vows of the four women.
To be honest, there was something peculiar about the whole situation—a wife acting as the witness to her husband's vows with his lovers.
This was probably a first in history! But from Isabelle's expression, she didn't seem to mind at all, and she even... looked very happy.
Yes, she seemed unbothered by the idea of her husband having several beautiful lovers, and she was also happy to see the three beautiful girls bound tightly to Albert.
Such a harmonious family scene was truly astonishing.
In fact, even Katherine, Valeria, and Louise were shocked by Isabelle's pregnancy, and they hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
Although the culture of lovers was prevalent in Europe, it was more common in the Muggle world, and such affairs were still rare in the magical community.
However, upon further reflection, they didn't intend to compete with Isabelle for Albert's affections. Becoming Albert's lovers was more about furthering their mutual beneficial relationship.
This was also a compromise on Isabelle's part. Given Albert's strong appeal to other girls, it was only a matter of time before he had other lovers.
Rather than letting Albert seek out strange women elsewhere, it was more reliable to include these familiar and equally invested beautiful girls.
They had come to this consensus long ago.
After the oath-taking ceremony ended earlier than expected, Albert was sent off by Isabelle to take a bath and prepare for the welcoming dinner. Meanwhile, Katherine, Valeria, and Louise, after Albert's departure, obtained what they had desired—the recipe for "Youth and Vitality" and detailed related information.
"There have been a total of three improved versions, and the 'Youth and Vitality' we are currently using is the third version. The taste hasn't changed much, and the effects... don't seem particularly noticeable," Isabelle said as she handed over a folder filled with information to the trio. She then briefly introduced them to the Mandrake Wine. "Anyway, we haven't felt any effects of 'Youth and Vitality' prolonging our lifespan or preventing aging, so you should be mentally prepared."
"It does sound like a scam," Valeria muttered.
"It's too late even if you regret it now," Katherine said, rolling her eyes at her best friend.
"We're not here just for this, anyway," Louise said, looking at Isabelle. "Are there any other things we should be aware of?"
"Extending the storage time may help enhance the effects of 'Youth and Vitality'. According to Albert's inference, it will probably take about three years for the effects to become stronger."
Isabelle looked deeply into Louise's eyes and added, "You can each make a copy of the information, but this original copy needs to stay here. There may be further improvements in the future, and also, the recipe must not be shared outside this group, and the brewed 'Youth and Vitality' is only for personal use."
After bidding the trio farewell, Isabelle also went to take a bath.
"Do you think this stuff really works?" This time, it was Katherine who spoke up.
"I guess... it does," Valeria said uncertainly. "She has no reason to deceive us. Lying to us wouldn't benefit Isabelle in any way."
"I think Isabelle herself doesn't know if this wine made from Mandrake root actually works," Louise said calmly. "She's willing to believe in it because Albert said it's effective, so she's been taking it regularly."
In fact, whether or not "Youth and Vitality" was effective didn't matter much to Louise. Since Albert claimed it worked, she would drink it too. At least she didn't think Albert would deceive his own wife, as there would be no benefit in doing so.
"I believe it too, but it does feel a bit surreal," Katherine said as she slowly flipped through the folder. The information inside was very detailed, with photos and annotations on everything from ingredient selection and processing to the step-by-step brewing process. It was like a guide teaching them how to brew "Youth and Vitality" from scratch.
However, what concerned the trio the most was the testing section, which only had two case studies.
The first was Albert's old cat, Tom, who did exhibit signs of extended lifespan and prevention of aging after consuming the Mandrake Wine.
Perhaps because cats had long lifespans, it was difficult to observe the effects of the Mandrake Wine immediately, so Albert had also tested it on a fat hamster named Jerry, who lived for over three years. His cause of death was escaping from his cage during feeding time and being caught by Tom.
"How long do regular hamsters usually live?" Louise asked suddenly.
"One year, maybe two. They don't usually live very long," Valeria said, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she felt the credibility of the information was quite high.
"Three years is too long," Katherine muttered as she closed the folder. "Maybe we should ask him to brew some for us first, and then we can try brewing it ourselves when we get back. It would be best if he could personally teach us how to do it to avoid any mistakes."
The fact that Mandrake Wine couldn't make someone young again meant that the earlier one started consuming it, the better. No one would refuse the offer of eternal youth.
And most importantly, despite their youthful appearances, Katherine, the oldest among the trio, was already on the brink of aging.
"I think you're too concerned about this," Louise said, raising her voice slightly as she watched Katherine and Valeria discussing "Youth and Vitality" in hushed tones. "Have you noticed that Albert's gaze towards us lacks emotion, and even desire?"
Yes, even in the presence of these three beautiful girls, Albert didn't seem to feel much desire. Their transformation into his lovers seemed more like a formality.
"It's normal. Albert isn't lacking in beautiful women, and he has a pair of gorgeous sisters-in-law as well. If you were in his position, you'd be the same," Katherine said calmly.
"Then what's the point of us becoming his lovers?" Louise asked, feeling a bit lost.
"After a while, even the most beautiful woman can become boring. It's necessary to have some variety, and that's where lovers come in. Otherwise, when have you ever heard of a wife finding lovers for her husband?" Valeria had a clear understanding of the situation, and she gave Louise a quirky look. "Do you really think Isabelle is a fool? She's the smartest woman I've ever met."
"There wasn't much affection between us to begin with, and we live far apart. Naturally, Isabelle doesn't mind Albert having a few lovers. As for the contract, it's a way to stabilize the mutual benefits we gain from this relationship," Katherine added, seeing the situation clearly as well. Everyone involved would get what they wanted, and everyone would be happy.
"If you want to win Albert's love, you can try coming over more often. After all, France is just across the channel from Britain. But I think Isabelle won't be too pleased about that," Katherine continued.
"She's a smart woman, smarter than anyone I've met. That's why she's become the object of so many people's envy, and she's attained things that countless others dream of," Valeria said meaningfully. "So don't try to outsmart her."
(End of Chapter)
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