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Chapter 1642: A War Without Victors (Ninety-Two)
Chapter 1642: A War Without Victors (Ninety-Two)
"Your body has gotten much worse."
Hermione traced circles on Albert's chest with her fingers, but her tone was filled with unspoken resentment.
"It seems you've been having quite a pleasant time with them lately!"
"Ahem, I admit I've been neglecting my exercises lately, and my daily routine isn't as disciplined as it used to be." Albert coughed lightly before adding, "Katherine and the others will be returning home soon, though."
"I thought they had already left. To think that you could make such successful businesswomen put their work aside; you're quite the charmer, aren't you?"
Hermione felt a mix of envy and admiration for Katherine and the others. As one of Albert's lovers, she yearned for more of his love, especially as someone new to the world of romance.
"Money isn't that important to those who already have more than enough of it." Albert, who had his own wealth, didn't place much value on money. Noticing Hermione's resentful gaze, he quickly changed the subject. "Have you decided on your future path yet?"
"Yes, I plan to join the Ministry of Magic after graduating from Hogwarts next year and do something I truly want to do."
Even as Albert's lover, with the prospect of an easier life ahead of her, Hermione hadn't given up on her original life plan.
Although he had known this would be her decision long ago, Albert still felt the need to remind her, "Even with Kingsley as the new Minister, he won't be able to change the culture within the Ministry. It won't be easy for you."
"It seems you don't want me to work for the Ministry." Hermione tilted her head back to look at Albert's face, surprised by his words.
"I just want you to have an easier life, and politics..." Albert paused before continuing, "Of course, no matter what you choose, I will support your decision."
"Thank you!"
Hermione could tell that Albert didn't really want her to work for the Ministry. She felt it wasn't just because he disliked the Ministry but also because he might have seen her future through a prophecy.
The outcome might not be pleasant, but she ultimately decided not to ask.
To be honest, obediently being one of Albert's vassals might ensure a comfortable life for the rest of her days, just like the other women in his life who conducted their businesses and enjoyed his protection.
However, Hermione still wanted to pursue her own goals. She knew that even if she failed, she would have other options.
"If I fail, I'll just be your obedient lover, like your other women, and obediently follow your arrangements." Hermione gently bit her lip before adding, "But you can't interfere intentionally."
"I think you've misunderstood me. I've never arranged the lives of Catherine, Valeria, or Louise." Albert was taken aback by Hermione's words and felt the need to explain as he held her in his arms.
"Catherine and I have been business partners for a long time. Due to certain reasons, she hasn't met a man who satisfied her, so she set her sights on me. You know I'm exceptional and handsome enough. But we can't even be considered friends with benefits. Catherine's true lover is Valeria, the Ukrainian blonde."
"That doesn't sound right. I recall that all your lovers should have made a contract with you." Hermione furrowed her brows, still reluctant to believe Albert's excuses.
"No, that's quite normal." Albert turned Hermione to face him, "In fact, relationships based on mutual benefit are among the most solid. Catherine wants knowledge from me, and she also needs an outstanding heir."
"Does Catherine plan to have a child?" Hermione's expression turned strange, "Don't tell me all your lovers intend to..."
"Currently, only Valeria and you have no such plans." Albert said calmly.
Hermione's expression became exceptionally complex. After much hesitation, she lightly bit her lip and said, "I can, but it's not suitable right now."
"Their desire to have children stems from family factors. They need an outstanding descendant to carry on their family names."
Albert didn't want to force Hermione, and she was still too young.
"Why doesn't Valerie want to?"
"Perhaps it has to do with her background. Valerie has always been an insecure girl. Before she even graduated from school, she was already planning her next steps and ended up relying on Katherine, which was quite a turnaround for her. That woman is rather pragmatic, and the trouble she caused last time was probably due to jealousy."
"Jealousy?" Hermione was surprised.
"Because she had her eye on me a long time ago and wanted to be my lover, but I rejected her." Albert could understand Valerie's anger. "Valerie has always thought of herself as very beautiful and felt she had certain advantages. But she failed, and you succeeded. That's all there is to it."
"So, you finally accepted her because she's beautiful?" Hermione asked, a hint of petulance in her voice.
"Because she could recognize her own strengths and weaknesses, and after accepting Catherine, some things became inevitable." Albert's words reminded Hermione of their conversation in the witch's beauty salon that day.
"What about Louise? Is it because she's beautiful too?"
Hermione felt that the French woman with Mew blood was even more captivating than Furong.
"No, it's purely because she likes me, without any other ulterior motives." Albert recalled their first meeting and said softly, "After having several lovers, I had no reason to reject someone who loved me."
"What about me?"
Hermione finally asked the question that was on her mind.
To be honest, Hermione was well aware that among Albert's lovers, she was the most inconspicuous one.
"Because you are Hermione, Hermione Granger." Albert sighed softly, "The way you threw caution to the wind back then truly shocked me and made me realize that Isabelle was probably right."
Hermione was about to ask something when Albert continued, "You could be considered my first lover."
"I thought it would be Katrina?" Hermione kissed Albert happily, seemingly delighted by this revelation.
"Not Katrina. Although Isabelle seemed to have already expected that I would have other women, and she agreed to let her sister become my lover. They also agreed that Katrina's child would inherit the MacDowell surname. But at that time, I was actually hesitating and hadn't decided if I should find myself a lover."
"Why?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Because I knew that once I started, there would be no turning back." Albert smiled bitterly, "And you've seen the result—it truly has become uncontrollable."
"Then why did you eventually accept me?" Hermione was even more curious, as even the sisters hadn't caused Albert to cross his mental line.
"Isabelle said that I was too alluring and destined to have more than one wife. At that time, I realized that I shouldn't reject your affections." Albert picked up the pocket watch on the table and said, "Okay, it's about time. Let's get ready to head back and meet up with them."
"It would be great if the Time-Turner could turn back further than a few hours." Hermione murmured softly.
After a quick shower, the two used the Time-Turner to go back in time by a few hours.
After a quick check of her appearance, Hermione went about her own business, while Albert met up with Lupin and Moody in Avalon to strengthen the outer defenses.
"This should do it. As for the protective magic at Harry's wedding venue, we can set it up the day before the wedding so that it won't interfere with the construction in Avalon."
Just as the three of them were resting and exchanging insights about protective magic in the tent, they saw Lee Jordan rushing towards them in a panic.
"We've got trouble!"
Everyone drew their wands and asked alertly, "What's wrong?"
"A group of Death Eaters attacked the shack and set it on fire!" Lee Jordan said, panting as he held onto a chair for support.
(End of Chapter)
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