Chapter 498: Estate Distribution
Chapter 498: Estate Distribution
In the days that followed, Wade helped Nick Lamer and Perenelle sort through their various collections, which Lemay unhesitatingly referred to as their "estate."
"Thinking about it, we are truly fortunate", Perenelle said, sitting in an armchair with a blanket over her lap, holding a steaming cup of tea and smiling. "Many people don't get this opportunity!"
"These items help me recall the times we spent together", Lemay said, holding Perenelle's hand and smiling. "I found the ebony pipe you gave me, the one for my three hundred and eightieth birthday."
"Oh, I remember it had a piece of amber embedded in the stem", Perenelle said with a nostalgic tone. "You loved it and used it for many years."
"When I found it, there was still a bit of tobacco in the bowl. But just a touch, and it all crumbled", Lemay said regretfully.
The two sat on the balcony, their bodies closely pressed together, reminiscing about the small yet precious moments of their lives.
Perhaps because their time was drawing to a close, this couple, who had been together for over six hundred years, had endless things to talk about. However, Perenelle's spirit was weak, and she often fell asleep mid-conversation.
At such times, Lemay would cover her with a blanket, smooth her hair, and sit quietly with her for a while before continuing to help Wade sort through the items—though even picking up a thick book now felt strenuous for him, and he had to take frequent breaks.
Over six centuries, Lemay had received countless Christmas gifts. Various magical items, precious materials, priceless paintings, and jewels filled his collection, even without deliberate effort.
He and Perenelle had no children, but they had many friends. Lemay also had deep connections with several magical schools, particularly Beauxbatons, his alma mater.
Thus, most of the items they sorted were to be gifted to Lemay's friends, including certain magical creatures.
From the West to the East, from the mountains to the seas, even in the Arctic, this wizard had friends. The sheer number often surprised even him.
Some items he planned to donate to magical schools, hospitals, or institutions, and even to Muggle universities and museums.
Others, Lemay wanted to leave to the house-elves who had cared for the couple for so many years. Though not many, the house-elves were deeply moved and cried on the floor.
"After I'm gone, I hope you will take care of them."
Lemay held Wade's hand. "House-elves without a master are even more pitiful than stray dogs on the street. But I don't want them to fall into the hands of unscrupulous wizards who treat them like slaves."
"Milou and the others are all adorable and sensible house-elves, and they know some alchemy. They will definitely be a great help to you."
"Please rest assured", Wade promised. "I will take good care of them."
"Ah... I believe you", Lemay smiled. "I heard you took in a house-elf and treated him like family. That's why I decided to entrust Milou and the others to you."
"But don't give them wages or clothes; it will shock them, Wade... Not every house-elf is filled with the spirit of freedom and resistance."
Some of the items, Lemay planned to take to his grave, such as the pipe Perenelle had given him.
This part of the inheritance had no great monetary value, but to Lemay, each item carried precious memories and was invaluable.
Wade finished packing the last box, and a green quill flew over, quickly writing the recipient's name and address. Then a house-elf placed it on the shelf.
The walnut bookshelves, which stretched up to the ceiling, were now filled with hundreds of similar boxes, each no larger than an ordinary shoebox and surprisingly light, as if they only contained a sweater.
Of course, these one-time magical boxes could hold far more inside than they appeared to from the outside. Some, once the seal was torn, could instantly fill an entire classroom with their contents.
Lemay had already contacted the Owl Post Office, and these boxes would be sent out at the agreed time—after Lemay's passing.
As for the portion intended for Muggle friends or organizations, Wade had contacted Muggle logistics companies over the past few days. It took several trucks to haul away all the packages.
The items gradually dwindled, and the once cluttered room now seemed somewhat empty. In the end, apart from the usual furniture, no extra items were left to be seen.
Of course, Lemay didn't keep Wade around just to help with the packing. During the process of sorting through the collection, Lemay, like a gentle spring rain, shared various thoughts on alchemy with Wade.
He never mentioned the knowledge already written in books, but rather focused on the creative process of alchemical items, like how to transform a desert into an oasis. Sometimes, he would also touch on topics such as elemental transmutation and transcendence, the creation of living beings, and the mysteries of space and time.
"Wade, those impressive alchemical achievements are mostly no different from adding a cleaning charm to a teacup."
One day, during a break, Lemay casually said, "The most profound alchemy is the transmutation and unification of soul, spirit, and magic power."
"I don't understand, sir", Wade said. "Do you mean... human alchemy?"
"No... you don't need to understand..." Lemay seemed to have said too much and quickly added, "Pursuing origin knowledge is very dangerous. Its answers only bring destruction."
Wade nodded thoughtfully.
Lemay did not leave Wade any gold, silver, or powerful alchemical items. Apart from the clock collection room, he also gifted Wade a box of alchemical materials.
Of course, while it was just "a box", in the magical world, the capacity of such boxes was quite significant.
"Child, tangible treasures will bring you disaster. Knowledge is the greatest treasure I leave you."
Lemay said gently, "Knowledge is freedom and a burden, the most wondrous alchemy."
"It can bring power and wealth, turn ordinary stones into gold, and make a person the master of their own fate. Once you possess it, no one can take this treasure from you."
"But you must also understand the danger, Wade—I have seen many intelligent people who, the more knowledge they acquired, the more they resembled madmen. Their learning became the tool of their own destruction."
He paused, took a long, deep breath, and then said with weariness, "Wade, remember—never become Icarus."
(End of Chapter)
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