https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-350-A-Golden-Opportunity-in-the-Books/12526545/
Chapter 351: The Invitation
Chapter 351: The Invitation
In the early morning light, Albert awoke from his slumber, still enveloped in a haze of bewilderment. The previous evening, he had pored over Briel's golden book, a tome that, in all honesty, had left him reeling. The idea of a book crafted from gold, something that belonged in a fairy tale, now existing before him was simply astonishing.
Albert rose and approached the window, gazing out at the clear blue sky and the distant landscape. Birds chirped softly, and a gentle breeze drifted through the open window.
"So peaceful," Albert murmured. He stood there for a moment, recalling his conversation with Mr. Broad the night before. This vast estate would apparently become his one day.
"Quite the fortune, indeed," he mused to himself, a wry smile playing on his lips.
Albert couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this estate. Had it been acquired by usurping some unfortunate Muggle? It was within the capabilities of wizards, and it seemed like a simple enough task. After all, even the Ministry of Magic had a similar precedent.
Monkey see, monkey do. Many ancient wizards had likely done the same.
It wasn't that Albert enjoyed dwelling on such dark thoughts, but according to records, the construction of the Hogwarts Express involved nothing more than "requisitioning." There was no doubt that wizards lacked the capability to build such a train.
"Oh well, it's none of my business anyway," Albert yawned, stretching lazily before getting dressed and preparing to head down for breakfast.
The manor was expansive, with long corridors and empty rooms devoid of life. Albert's search for the dining room proved fruitless, and he found neither breakfast nor house-elves. Eventually, he decided to make his way to the kitchen, but his attention was drawn to the nearby sunroom where Isabelle was enjoying her morning meal.
"Good morning!" Albert greeted her with a smile.
"Good morning," Isabelle replied, setting down her fork and looking up at him. "Have you met with Mr. Broad last night?"
"Yes, I have," Albert said, taking a seat across from her and regarding her with a half-smile. "Speaking of which, why did you refuse his offer?" He was about to say something more, but his gaze fell on the house-elf that had appeared silently beside them, and he paused.
"What would you like for breakfast, sir?" the house-elf asked in a shrill voice.
"I'll have whatever she's having, please," Albert said, nodding at Isabelle. "Oh, and some milk, if possible."
"Right away, sir!" The house-elf vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
"My mother always wanted a house-elf to help with the cooking. She's not very skilled in the kitchen," Isabelle said, turning to Albert.
"Then why did you refuse?" Albert asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he studied Isabelle. He poured himself a cup of tea and mused aloud, "Having a house-elf to take care of chores would be so convenient. I'm thinking of 'acquiring' one from Hogwarts after I graduate."
"They have contracts, you know," Isabelle replied.
"I'm aware, but I could always negotiate with Headmaster Dumbledore. I think he might agree, considering Hogwarts has no shortage of house-elves," Albert said confidently.
"Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore," Isabelle said after finishing her fried egg.
"Do you regret turning it down?" Albert asked.
"No," Isabelle replied, taking a sip of her tea. "You're a better fit, and besides..." She trailed off, but Albert understood what she meant.
"Yeah, I was definitely blinded by the offer last night," Albert sighed. "Thinking about it now, it does feel surreal. But you were right about those things being hard to refuse."
"Actually, that knowledge isn't very useful to most people. Even if one wanted to master that area, it would require a lot of time and effort," Isabelle said nonchalantly.
This was one of the reasons Isabelle had declined the offer. She believed she had decent talent, but after glimpsing the contents of the golden book, she understood the level of difficulty involved.
The reason the two-way mirror was eventually lost wasn't just about secrecy; it was mainly due to the complexity of its creation.
It required a high level of alchemy skill, similar to brewing a Felix Felicis, and it truly tested the maker's abilities.
Moreover, it wasn't just about mastering alchemy; one also needed advanced transfiguration skills. Without sufficient knowledge and technical expertise, even with the technique, the end product would be inferior.
There was no such thing as mass production for this.
Isabelle had also noticed Albert's unusual rate of knowledge absorption; he was absorbing information at a bizarrely rapid pace, which was why she had given up on that surname so readily.
In truth, Isabelle also believed that they would likely choose Albert to be the heir. After all, given the same conditions, who wouldn't want to choose the better option?
Soon, the house-elf returned with breakfast—milk, sausages, fried eggs, and toast.
After thanking the house-elf, Albert took a hearty gulp of milk and casually chatted with Isabelle about various trivial matters.
Sometimes, one had to take the initiative to seize opportunities.
Their idle conversation came to a halt when Katrina arrived.
"What are you two talking about?" Katrina asked curiously.
"We were discussing ways to improve the Beautification Potion," Albert replied, briefly mentioning his skiing trip to France.
"Was Louise pretty?" Katrina asked, her focus seemingly a little...off.
"Very," Albert replied with a smile, recounting the minor troubles Miss Louise, with her one-quarter Veela heritage, had caused for the gentlemen.
Katrina remained expressionless as she ate, but Isabelle paid no mind and continued her conversation with Albert about the Beautification Potion. She was also skilled in potion-making, and if there was a way to improve that particular potion, she was all for it.
After all, vanity was a natural part of being a young woman.
After breakfast, as the house-elf tidied up the sunroom, the trio remained there, reading and chatting leisurely until Mog appeared at the door.
"Long time no see, Mr. Mog," Albert greeted him warmly.
"It has been a while," Mog said. "I heard you talking about Mr. Adrian Drakul earlier."
Indeed! Albert spoke briefly about his encounter with Mr. Drakul in France.
"I've met Adrian Drakul," Mog said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a letter. "He's a witty and humorous wizard. But I must be off; I have some other matters to attend to." With that, he handed the letter to Albert and took his leave.
Albert took the letter with a furrowed brow, watching Mog's retreating back with a raised eyebrow. He turned the letter over and glanced at the sender's name: Sierra Harrish.
"What is it?" Katrina asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Nothing," Albert replied.
"That expression of yours says otherwise,"
Chapter end
Report
