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Chapter 354: A Pleasant Chat
Chapter 354: A Pleasant Chat
"Everyone aspires to become a great wizard like Headmaster Dumbledore," Albert said as he gently stirred the tea in front of him with a spoon. He took a sip and his eyes lit up. He couldn't help but praise, "Your tea-making skills are amazing. This is the best tea I've ever tasted. If possible, could you teach me how to brew a delicious cup of tea like this?"
In his previous life, Albert wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between good and bad tea, but in this life, after drinking tea for several years, he could definitely taste the difference.
It was truly impressive, especially considering the person who made it had lived for several hundred years. The ratio of tea, milk, and sugar was perfect.
"Of course," Pernelle said with a gentle smile. "Let me tell you, Albus doesn't really like the tea I make. He always says that my tea is too bland for his taste."
"Everyone has their own preferences," Albert said, taking another bite of the buckwheat cookie on the plate. It was also excellent, with a strong wheat aroma that became more fragrant with every bite, although it wasn't sweet.
For those with a sweet tooth, it might not be their cup of tea! As the two elders chatted, they reminisced about their first encounter with Dumbledore.
Similar to Albert, they had been introduced to the Lemes by another wizard. However, unlike Albert, Dumbledore had already exchanged letters with the Lemes for several years before their first meeting.
Dumbledore had traveled the world after graduating from Hogwarts, and during his journey through France, he was introduced to the Lemes by an acquaintance.
Their first meeting was filled with engaging conversations as they discovered many shared interests.
Subsequently, Dumbledore stayed in France for several months, mostly spending time with Nicolas discussing magic and alchemy.
"Back then, we worked together to discover alternative uses for dragon blood and successfully created a spot-removal potion," Nicolas recalled.
"I've memorized from books that Headmaster Dumbledore found twelve uses for dragon blood," Albert added.
"Well, that's not entirely accurate," Nicolas said as he took a sip of his tea. "By the time Albus discovered alternative uses for dragon blood, some of its applications had already been invented by other wizards. However, due to the limitations of information exchange in those days, not many people were aware of it."
"Later, Albus published a thesis on the uses of dragon blood, which led most wizards to believe that he had discovered all twelve uses," Pernelle explained.
"I recall Dumbledore clarifying this matter," Pernelle said. "But over time, the story took on a life of its own, and no one really cared whether or not he had invented all the uses for dragon blood."
"I remember Evan Dillonsbee claiming that he had already discovered eight uses for dragon blood when Dumbledore 'borrowed' his thesis," Harriston laughed as he recalled an incident from over a decade ago. "In fact, Evan was a step too late, and feeling that Dumbledore had stolen his thunder, he went around bad-mouthing him. That guy didn't have a good reputation. I remember him claiming that he had cracked the formula for Floo Powder, but when he tried it, he ended up blowing himself out of the fireplace."
Listening to their reminiscences, Albert felt like he was gaining a whole new perspective. While he didn't particularly care about Dumbledore's past, he enjoyed hearing these stories, especially the ones that had been long forgotten.
The truth of history was often not accurately recorded on scrolls.
After all, history was written by the victors.
"Please forgive my rambling, it's an old man's habit," Nicolas said, sipping his now-cold tea and smiling at Albert.
"Not at all, these stories are fascinating," Albert shook his head, indicating that he didn't mind. "My grandfather also loved to tell me stories from his past."
"By the way, could you tell me about the 14th century? What was that era like?" he continued. "I've heard that magic was more prosperous in ancient times, and many magical and alchemical arts have been lost since then."
"It's not that they disappeared," Nicolas shook his head. "It's just that they are no longer suitable."
"Not suitable?" Albert pondered the meaning of these words.
"The 14th century, that era... it was known as the Dark Middle Ages," the old man recalled. "In a sense, that label wasn't wrong. It was a very ignorant and dark time. While wizards had their own rules and restraints, most of them were quite unrestrained and didn't hide themselves away like they do now, creating an illusion of prosperity."
"Knowledge was extremely valuable during that time," Nicolas continued. "Many wizards kept their knowledge hidden, and due to the lack of communication and interaction, wizards could only try to develop and master a limited number of spells on their own. And most of those spells were messy and chaotic."
"However," he added, "most of those ancient curses have since been rendered obsolete by the march of time."
"So, the supposed prosperity was merely self-perceived," Albert murmured.
"Indeed," Nicolas said softly. "Undeniably, some magic has been lost, but much of it has stood the test of time. However, this portion of knowledge has been carefully preserved, and one would need to deliberately seek it out to uncover such secrets."
"For ease of management?" Albert asked.
"Yes, for easier control," came the reply, but this time it was not Nicolas who answered. It was Mr. Harriston, who had remained silent until now.
"Perhaps I shouldn't be talking about this," Mr. Harriston added.
"Few can see these matters clearly," Nicolas said. "But as they say, every coin has two sides. It is true that things are more peaceful now than they used to be."
"However," Nicolas continued, steering the conversation in a new direction, "it is undeniable that it was an era when even Muggles were enthusiastic about alchemy. It was the golden age of alchemy, when numerous theories, origins, and studies came into being."
"All for the sake of alchemy?" Albert asked.
"Yes, for the pursuit of alchemy, and for wealth," Pernelle said with a smile. "At least, that was the primary motivation for most Muggles back then."
"And only you succeeded," Albert said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"The Philosopher's Stone cannot transmute base metals into gold," Nicolas said, shaking his head.
"But you achieved immortality," Albert pointed out.
"That wasn't gold," Nicolas said, his voice tinged with regret. "We only realized that later. It's similar to the gold created by the Transfiguration or Duplication Charms."
"Of course, Muggles wouldn't be able to tell the difference," Albert said.
Sensing Nicolas' reluctance to discuss the Philosopher's Stone further, Albert steered the conversation in another direction. He occasionally asked questions about alchemy, even seeking advice from Nicolas about the protective ring he had crafted himself.
Nicolas indeed knew a lot; alchemy in that era encompassed a wide range of subjects. While he may not have been a master in his youth, he had dabbled in many areas, and with the passage of time, he had gained a profound understanding of them all.
Albert, however, was different. He was just a thirteen-year-old boy.
As Nicolas conversed with Albert, he began to sense that the young boy before him possessed an extraordinary talent. It was nothing short of miraculous.
In fact, Nicolas knew a bit about the Wildsmith family, having interacted with more than one "Wildsmith" in his long life.
The two of them discussed a wide range of topics, and Albert offered his insights based on his own understanding. Even without checking, he could tell that his experience with the skill panel was rapidly increasing.
The casual chat lasted for several hours, and it was only around noon that they decided to take a break for lunch. It was only as Albert indulged in the exquisite French cuisine that he noticed Mr. Harriston had quietly slipped away.
"You can stay here temporarily," Pernelle said to Albert. "Mr. Harriston will come to take you back in a few days."
(End of Chapter)
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