Chapter 449: The Reply and Growth

Chapter 449: The Reply and Growth

Dear friend, I sincerely congratulate you on your remarkable achievements at such a young age—the Friend's Book, the magical doll, the communication pea, and of course, my favorite soft-light badge.

These inventions not only demonstrate your talent and hard work but also show the world your passion and dedication to this field of study, which brings me great comfort.

Nowadays, too many young people are indulging in ancient magic, chasing after so-called ancient "artifacts," while neglecting the exploration and application of their own wisdom. But you dare to try new techniques and display unique creativity, which is a truly rare quality, and it fills me with great anticipation for your future.

I believe you must have already understood that the path of alchemy is a long and arduous one, often misunderstood and exploited. Many people assume we seek to turn stones into gold and achieve immortality, but that is not our true pursuit.

We seek a longer life only to have sufficient time to reach the shores of knowledge. True alchemy is about finding powers to guide the magical world towards peace, exploring the mysteries of the world, understanding the essence of life, and helping those in need.

When ancient humans first melted metals in crucibles, the fire revealed their longing for eternity and truth. After thousands of years, we still ask: Where is the boundary between matter and consciousness? What changes can magic and flames bring to the world?

Dear Wade, in July, when you are on vacation, perhaps you would like to visit my estate? We can sit by the oak table and delve into the mysteries of alchemy. I would be delighted to listen to your doubts and share my experiences. I'm sure your youthful thoughts will also surprise this old scholar.

Yours sincerely,

Nick Lamer

...

Wade had read this letter over and over again, five or six times, and an indescribable excitement welled up in his heart. He couldn't help but clench his fist tightly, wishing he could fly to Nick Lamer's estate right away.

Even without considering the other party's achievements and reputation in alchemy, just thinking about their age made this meeting something he eagerly anticipated.

Nick Lamer was currently 667 years old. When he was born, the great Ming Dynasty in the East had not yet been established. This person was like living history.

Wade was so excited that he spun around in the room a couple of times before sitting down at the desk and writing a reply with utmost seriousness—

Dear Mr. Nick Lamer,

I am honored and thrilled to receive your letter... I look forward to the opportunity to visit your estate... Once again, thank you for your encouragement and support...

As he put down his pen, Wade pondered over the reply he had written, feeling that his excitement had overflowed into his words, and his handwriting was flamboyant, perhaps a bit too lively.

Hmm... Would it seem a bit sycophantic?

Wade hesitated and rewrote a more formal reply, this time with a much more dignified tone.

Dear Mr. Lamer,

I am deeply honored and eagerly anticipate your invitation. I am grateful that you are willing to share your invaluable experience and wisdom with me. I will make the necessary arrangements to ensure my timely arrival at your estate... I look forward to receiving your advice and guidance...

While waiting for the ink to dry, Fiona walked in with a plate of freshly cut fruit.

As she put down the plate, she casually popped an apple slice into her mouth. Seeing Wade writing, she asked with a mouthful, "Wade, do you already have homework before even starting school?"

"No, I'm writing a reply to Mr. Nick Lamer," Wade said, picking up an envelope and writing the address. "He invited me to visit his estate during the summer vacation."

"Nick Lamer?" Fiona felt the name was familiar, but she couldn't recall it immediately. She tilted her head and looked at the two sheets of paper Wade had placed on the table. Then, she reached out and said, "This one is better."

She was referring to the first reply.

Wade was taken aback and then explained why he had rewritten the letter: "The first one was too casual and carefree, not dignified enough. A good alchemist should be calm and meticulous. How can one be trusted if they act like an excitable child?"

"But you are still a child!" Fiona thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Anyway, if it were me, I'd prefer to receive the first letter."

Wade asked, "What about the second letter?"

Fiona pondered for a moment and countered with a question, "This Mr. Nick Lamer must be an extraordinary person, right?"

Wade nodded. "One of the greatest alchemists in the world."

"That might be a bit annoying," Fiona mused. "He must have received too many similar letters."

Vedd slightly frowned, pursing his lips as he carefully compared the two letters.

"Vedd, expressing your thoughts and feelings in the most genuine way is much better than using lengthy honorifics."

Fiona smiled and added, "And if someone likes you, they will like you no matter what, and it doesn't really matter which style of writing you use."

Vedd sighed, "But we haven't even met, and first impressions are important."

"But he already sent the invitation, and your first impression of him is through this letter?"

Fiona laughed, "Your inventions, your experiences, he must have heard about them already, that's why he thinks you're the right person to discuss the problem with! Think about it, isn't that the case?"

After Fiona left, Vedd reread the two draft replies he had written. The more he looked at them, the more he felt that the overly formal and polite language made the letters seem cold.

After a moment's hesitation, he finally sealed the first draft in an envelope.

...

"Nick Lamer... Nick Lamer..."

Fiona couldn't help but mutter to herself as she returned to the living room, trying to recall where she had heard that name before.

"What are you talking about?" Ferdinand asked, puzzled.

"Ferdie, do you know who Nick Lamer is?" Fiona said, "He sent Vedd an invitation letter, and now the boy is so anxious—I've never seen him like this before!"

Ferdinand was stunned, "Nick Lamer?"

"Yes!" Fiona touched her chin, "I feel like I've heard someone mention him before..."

Ferdinand was silent for a moment, then he took a book titled 'The Secrets and Practice of Alchemy' from the bookshelf, opened to the first page, and showed her the part introducing the author.

"The immortal master of alchemy... the only known great wizard to have successfully created the Philosopher's Stone... has lived for over 600 years to date..."

Fiona covered her mouth in surprise, looking at her husband, and after the initial astonishment, her eyes showed a hint of concern, "I hope my advice to Vedd wasn't wrong..."

Ferdinand asked, "What advice?"

Fiona explained the situation, and after listening, Ferdinand smiled and said, "No, you're right. Sincerity is the foundation of communication with elders and teachers. Vedd is too concerned about the other party's evaluation and hasn't thought things through."

"That's great." Fiona patted her chest in relief, "I was worried I might have messed things up for him."

"No, you didn't." Ferdinand said gently, "My dear, you're so smart, and your intuition has already led you to the best choice."

Fiona's face turned slightly red, and she leaned in to kiss her husband's cheek softly, whispering, "Marrying you was the best choice I made too, Ferdie."

...

After finishing his reply to Nick Lamer, Vedd checked the time and, seeing that it was still early, continued writing to express his gratitude to everyone who had helped rescue him.

Although he had friends' accounts for most of them and some had even purchased communication beans, these convenient methods couldn't convey the respect and gratitude he felt as well as a handwritten letter.

As he was writing, Ferdinand entered the study with a cup of milk. He didn't disturb Vedd, who was engrossed in writing, but stood quietly beside him, reading the letter. He noticed that Vedd's letter lacked flowery language but was filled with sincerity and thoughtfulness, which brought a satisfied smile to Ferdinand's face.

However, as he quietly left the study and stood in the corridor, Ferdinand couldn't help but sigh again.

"Is Mr. Granger troubled by something?" Dobby asked, standing in the corridor and looking up with concern. "Can Dobby be of any help?"

Ferdinand shook his head and chuckled bitterly as he walked, "Dobby, do all parents feel this way?"

"When he was little, I was afraid he wouldn't learn to walk. Now that he can run and jump, I'm afraid he'll go too far and I won't be able to see him."

"I'm afraid he'll make mistakes, but he learns so quickly and well that I feel a sense of loss."

Dobby looked at him with a blank expression, as if question marks were about to pop out of his head.

...

Ferdinand laughed softly, leading Dobby downstairs while asking, "Dobby, have you learned to read and write?"

"A little," Dobby replied shyly, "The older house-elves in the Malfoy family taught me a bit, but I don't know much... I'm sorry."

For some reason, he suddenly felt ashamed and couldn't help but lower his head in apology.

"It's okay, I can teach you from the beginning... starting with letters, then words, and sentences."

"Ferdinand spoke gently, 'Reading and writing are windows to the world, they are very useful, and you must study them well.'"

"Yes, sir," Dobby said, his eyes sparkling with excitement and gratitude. "Dobby won't let Mr. Grey down!"

...

The brief holiday passed in the blink of an eye, and by Sunday evening, Lupin had come to pick up Wade for school.

His luggage, of course, had been packed long ago and stuffed into the wardrobe space. Fiona, reluctant to let him go, adjusted his collar and said, "Take care of yourself and write often... Don't worry me."

"I understand," Wade said softly.

"Don't be like before, relying on your ability to transform into a falcon and running out of school whenever you want. The magical world is not peaceful now," Ferdinand cautioned.

"I know, I'll be fine," Wade assured them. He hugged his parents and said, "Goodbye, Mom and Dad. I'll miss you."

Fiona, holding back her tears, smiled and nodded. "Me too."

Wade crouched down and said to the new member of the family, "I'm leaving my parents in your care, Dobby."

"Yes, sir!" Dobby straightened his chest proudly. "Leave it to Dobby! Mr. Wade, rest assured!"

"Let's go," Lupin said, offering his arm to Wade, and the two of them Disapparated together.

After a slight dizziness, Wade found himself in Hogsmeade, the village roofs covered in thick snow as if wrapped in a white blanket. Colored magical flames from wall-mounted candelabras adorned the village, making it even more beautiful.

"I can Disapparate too, Remus," Wade thought for a moment and decided there was no need to hide it from him. "Professor Dumbledore taught me last semester."

Lupin was startled and asked in surprise, "Did you teach yourself?"

"Of course not," Wade said. "It was Professor Dumbledore who taught me."

Lupin breathed a sigh of relief and then reminded him, "It's good that you can do it, but don't use it in public. There are too many people watching you, and this spell can have unexpected effects at critical moments."

"I understand," Wade nodded, then paused and said, "How is Mabel adjusting?"

"She's doing well," Lupin smiled. "She doesn't talk much, but she's easy to get along with. She always insists on doing the housework... and she's already learned three simple spells."

"That's great," Wade said in surprise.

Although he always made learning spells look easy, Wade knew that many students would take one or two weeks to master a single spell. For example, the Levitation Charm they had learned in their first year; before the Christmas break, they had reviewed it again.

Wade decided to visit Mabel first before heading to school. The two of them walked towards Lupin's house, and as they did, the surroundings became more secluded, with only Lupin and Sirius' houses showing any signs of life.

When they arrived, Wade saw that Mr. Marquioni was also sitting in the living room. Mabel, uncomfortable with strangers, had retreated to an upstairs room, while Sirius, with a dark expression, was entertaining the guest.

"Mr. Marquioni?" Wade was surprised, then realized, "You're here because of the Flow Mirror, right?"

He had already explained the situation in a letter, but seeing the man in person, he apologized again, "I'm sorry, I must have caused you a lot of trouble."

"Oh, as long as it didn't interfere with everyone watching 'Goodnight Sweetheart,' it's not a big deal." Mr. Marquioni shrugged and smiled. "I just came to see you and make sure my genius alchemist is safe and sound."

"Er... aren't you here for me to help you with the signal hijacking problem?" Wade asked in surprise.

"Solve it? Why solve it?" Mr. Marquioni asked.

Pouring himself a cup of mead, Mr. Marquioni said casually, "If we solve it, the next person the Magi Puritan Party targets might be me... Or worse, they might come after you again, produce their own Flow Mirror, and take away at least half of my market share."

"It's good like this. I earn my money, they build their reputation, we don't interfere with each other, and we all get what we want."

Mr. Marquioni raised his cup and winked, speaking with a hint of cunning.

"Aren't you worried about the Ministry of Magic causing you trouble?" Sirius raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Oh, they already have."

Mr. Marquioni leaned against the cabinet and said nonchalantly, "But what if I can't solve the problem? I'll ask the Ministry to send someone who can. I'll cooperate fully... If they can't solve it either, then it's not my problem anymore; it's the Ministry's own problem."

Mr. Marquioni laughed and finished the drink in his cup.

Wade couldn't help but laugh as well.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end