https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1774-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-224-/12978998/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1776-A-War-Without-Victors-Part-226-/12984400/
Chapter 1775: A War with No Victors (Part 225)
Chapter 1775: A War with No Victors (Part 225)
Ever since, accusations flew back and forth, especially from the unlucky ones whose villa renovations had been botched.
Shanna observed the chaos with a cold gaze, sighing inwardly as she finally understood why Albert hadn't shown up. Perhaps he wanted to avoid this very scene.
She wondered how they could still shift blame onto others, finding it utterly repulsive.
Perhaps this was just human nature.
"Quiet down," Shanna said, her wand at her throat, amplifying her voice with a spell to drown out the noise in the pub.
The tactic proved effective, instantly reducing the clamor by half as everyone turned to locate the source of the amplified voice.
"That's enough bickering," Shanna scanned the room with a cold gaze, "What we should be focusing on right now is not the trivial matter of villa renovations, but the future of Avalon and our own futures."
A deathly silence fell over the pub, and people exchanged glances, sensing an impending bad news.
Usually, no one would speak this way unless it was a matter of great importance.
Yet, they weren't entirely sure, as Albert seemed to be absent.
"What do you mean?" someone asked, unable to contain their curiosity.
Shanna didn't answer the question directly but continued, "I know some of you are blaming Albert for not stopping you from making mistakes in time, thinking that he could have prevented such blunders if he wanted to. This is foolishness, and you shouldn't try to make excuses for your errors."
"A mistake is a mistake, and it's never been a big deal!" Shanna waved her hand to silence those attempting to argue, "Albert never blamed you either. He understands that you just wanted to build Avalon quickly, but I hope you realize that Albert is not our nanny, and we can't rely on him for everything. Who will we depend on when Albert starts his world travels?"
"What does this have to do with the future you mentioned earlier?" Many were confused by Shanna's words.
"Of course, it's related. Albert no longer wants to manage Avalon. He believes we are all adults now and should let go," Shanna continued, seeing the shocked expressions, "He thinks we should adapt and get used to it, as his family will be leaving Britain soon and won't be able to provide assistance for a long time. We'll have to rely on ourselves."
"I think Albert's words, which make sense!"
The crowd echoed in agreement, momentarily forgetting their earlier blame game.
"The problem is that the Galleons needed to keep Avalon running are running low," Shanna dropped a bombshell.
"That's impossible. What about...Voldemort's bounty?" someone asked.
"Albert never received Voldemort's bounty," Shanna interrupted impatiently, "That bounty was never in our hands or Albert's; it went straight to the Ministry of Magic."
"Some of that bounty was donated to St. Mungo's Magical Infirmary as a token of appreciation for treating our wounded free of charge. A portion became a fund to support the families of those who died in the war, ensuring they didn't suffer. Only the remaining funds were converted into building materials for Avalon's construction."
"How could this be? How has Avalon been functioning?" Everyone was stunned, realizing a terrifying truth.
"Of course, it's the Galleons Albert earned during the Second Wizarding War, with a contribution from Fred, George, and Lee Jordan. But the problem is that this money is almost gone," Shanna's cold voice echoed in everyone's minds.
What would happen if the Galleons Albert left for Avalon ran out?
"So, Avalon is almost at its breaking point?" someone asked tremulously, none of them wanting to lose this dreamland.
"Stop scaring them," Cedric urged Shanna to continue, "Tell them about Albert's original plan!"
The crowd breathed a sigh of relief, realizing the situation wasn't as dire as they'd imagined.
"Albert prepared two sets of circulation systems for Avalon to sustain the village," Shanna glanced at Cedric and said calmly, "The first set is to solve most of Avalon's food problems through greenhouses and farms, trying to make food free or keep prices low, just like in Hogwarts."
"The second set is... through entrepreneurship."
Albert had many profitable and less profitable plans, but someone needed to turn this knowledge into profits and then use the profits from the shops to maintain Avalon's normal operations.
Of course, it also had an important purpose, which was to provide you with a relatively easy and decent job.
But now there was a question: Could the shops Albert prepared for us really make money?
I'm not questioning Albert's plans, but I'm questioning you.
In fact, some things were never intended to be disclosed to the outside world from the beginning, but you are even more unreliable than I thought, and this isn't the first time you've messed things up.
If you mess up the greatest wealth Albert left for Avalon again, what will be of Avalon's future?
I think it's still best to clarify things, and even if we die, we should die with clarity."
"We won't," someone couldn't help but argue.
But Shanna didn't pay attention and continued, "First, once the Galleons reserve for Avalon's part is spent, Albert will no longer subsidize Avalon."
"Second, if you want to stay and work in Avalon, you must understand that your salary will be deducted directly from the profits of the shops you work in. It's as if you're starting your own business, and the best example is the House of Joy. So, if you want to stay and work in Avalon, you'd better think it through. Once you mess up and can't make money, don't complain."
This was also the main reason why Shanna held this meeting for everyone. She had to tell everyone present that what they were doing was for themselves, and if they messed up, it would only be their own problem. They were working for themselves, not for Albert.
"I think the probability of success is not high."
Someone was worried, feeling that Albert's plan was too idealistic.
"So we support you even more in starting your own business," Shanna's gaze became more stern, causing many to avoid eye contact.
"So, those who want to stay should cherish it, and it's best not to have incidents like the last time. Once the circulation system Albert established for you collapses, don't expect him to have other ways to fix it."
Initially, Shanna was indeed stunned by Albert's plan, and she thought it was an unrealistic fantasy. But as the construction of Avalon progressed steadily, she realized that the pie Albert painted for them might be real, just like the current Avalon, which felt like a dream.
However, this plan had a fatal problem.
If the internal and external circulation systems couldn't be maintained, Avalon would naturally collapse.
No one knew what this dream village would turn into, but Shanna knew that most of the people present would need to leave the shelter Albert had built for them to face the cruel world, but that wouldn't have anything to do with Albert.
How to sustain Avalon was a question everyone should consider.
Just as Albert said: It might succeed or fail, and the result doesn't matter to me.
This was a great attempt.
Since everyone was willing to follow me to confront the mysterious person, they deserved their due rewards.
Albert was never stingy like Dumbledore!
And a beautiful future in the style of Avalon was the reward Albert gave to everyone.
As for the massive experience on the panel tasks, Albert admitted that this was partly the reason, but after Voldemort's death, he didn't view these matters as seriously as before.
Let it be!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
