https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-513-The-American-Wizarding-World/12526814/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-515-A-Thick-Book-on-American-Magical-History/12526817/
Chapter 514: An Unbreakable Vow
Chapter 514: An Unbreakable Vow
It was truly hard to believe that the boy was only fifteen years old! In less than half a day, Catherine had recognized Albert's wit and talent and was amazed by his victory in the International Wizard Chess Championship.
Perhaps this was what true genius looked like! Catherine sat in the brightly lit sunroom, gazing out at the night sky as she casually combed Leila's fur.
Earlier, Nicholas had come to inform her that tonight, in the presence of the both of them, he would be renewing an ancient "contract" with the young man from Britain.
As for the content of the "contract," Catherine had been informed when she became Nicholas' heir.
"What were you doing outside just now?"
Catherine asked, her eyes on the boy who had just returned with Caesar, carrying a lamp.
He seemed to have been using something to communicate with someone else.
"It's nothing!" Albert casually changed the subject. "I was hoping you could lend me the textbooks from Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I want to know what kind of knowledge the professors there teach."
"That's not a problem." Catherine nodded, indicating that she would have a house-elf bring the books over. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to Albert's pocket. "That thing you had earlier was a Muggle-made item, I believe. I think Grandfather called it a 'cell phone.'"
"Oh, so you know about it."
Albert didn't deny it. Since the two-way mirror had been sent back, he could only use a Muggle phone to communicate with home, which was his backup plan.
However, making international calls was expensive.
"Grandfather Nicholas is quite interested in Muggle technology. He's bought one of those gadgets himself," Catherine said quietly. "He's also enchanted quite a few Muggle items, but they're not kept here."
"Muggles may not be able to use magic, but they are impressive in certain aspects, and their technological progress is rapid," Albert said calmly as he looked at Catherine. "Many things in the wizarding world give me the impression that they're stuck in the past century. That's not a good thing."
"Your grandfather is an extraordinary man. Many witches and wizards have prejudices against Muggles and fail to see the issues between the two sides."
"Grandfather Nicholas would be delighted to hear your praise." Catherine smiled and corrected him. "However, wizards aren't as backward as you think. Magic can achieve many things Muggles could never dream of."
"Of course, I'm aware of that. But you probably don't realize that the magical field can interfere with Muggle electronics. So, why can't Muggles create machines that counter magic by using reverse thinking?" Albert started to ramble. "They may not have been able to do it in the past, and they may not be able to do it now, but what about in the future?"
"Muggles would just need to make a magic detection radar to easily locate hidden wizards and create devices that render wizarding magic ineffective. Then they could capture wizards without any trouble."
Catherine opened her mouth to speak but didn't immediately rebut.
Albert continued, "The wizarding world is progressing, but Muggles are advancing at a much faster rate."
Catherine frowned slightly upon hearing this. She knew that what Albert said was likely true.
If the magical field could interfere with electricity and electronics, why couldn't it work the other way around?
"Then what do you suggest we do, Mr. Anderson?" Nicholas asked with a smile as he walked in.
Although he hadn't thought about it as deeply as Albert, he was aware that if Muggles continued to advance technologically, it would eventually lead to conflict with wizards.
The timing depended on the strength of the Muggles.
Nicholas understood the changes in the Muggle society far better than any other wizard in America.
"I don't know if there's a solution from the start," Albert shook his head. "Perhaps, if wizards are strong enough and compassionate enough, they might be able to build a world where magic and technology coexist. But the likelihood is low."
"Why?"
"Because human history is a history of war," Albert said softly.
"When Muggle technology becomes powerful enough to restrict magic, most wizards will likely become real lab rats and guinea pigs."
"Why wouldn't the outcome be the other way around?" Catherine rebutted, frowning. "Do you think wizards would lose this so-called war?
"What do you mean by that?" Albert shook his head. "A long time ago, when Muggles were still backward, from the wizards' perspective... well, it was probably what you would call the opposite. Many wizards enslaved Muggles, forcing them to farm and generate wealth for them, and some wizards even plundered the Muggles' riches."
Katherine's eyebrows furrowed even deeper, as she disliked Albert's implication. However, her instincts told her that what he said might be true.
"Don't tell me the American Ministry of Magic compensated the Muggles back then," Albert said as he took a sip of tea. "Grindelwald probably realized the problem, but he didn't seem to recognize that there were too few wizards, and Muggles weren't exactly sheep either. Just think about what happened near Las Vegas, Nevada."
Of course, Katherine was aware of this incident, as it was recorded in detail in their magical history. Muggles had invented a terrifying weapon called a "nuclear bomb."
"To be honest, wizarding magic is becoming increasingly outdated. A hallmark of a magical civilization is the ability to mass-produce magical items, and it's clear that the current wizarding world doesn't meet this most basic requirement." Noticing the change in Katherine's expression, Albert offered some comfort. "However, you don't need to worry. Wizards and Muggles will continue to coexist peacefully for a long time until one side breaks the balance and brings about war, or we eventually achieve peace."
In fact, this was what Albert had contemplated when Nicholas mentioned the magical magnetic field.
He had never attributed the worst intentions to this matter.
While it might not happen now, what about in the future?
It was hard to say. Human technological progress was rapid, and there would undoubtedly be leaps and bounds in the next two to three hundred years. Eventually, contradictions between the two sides would resurface.
Of course, Albert didn't really care because, by then, he would already be ashes. To quote King Louis XV of France: "After me, the flood."
"I believe that humans and wizards will ultimately achieve peace," Nicholas said with a smile. "Now, let's not dwell on this topic anymore. Follow me, both of you!"
Nicholas led the two of them to the basement, where house-elves transported the group to a more secluded study.
The room had been prepared with layers of shielding charms, protective spells, and concealment enchantments, forming a magical barrier that could block any form of reconnaissance or spying. It was said that even the Trace on Albert would be shielded here.
"Alright, let's begin!" Nicholas gestured for the pair to move closer together. "You'll need to stand a bit nearer to each other."
Katherine stepped forward and stood in front of Albert.
The two reached out and grasped each other's arms.
Nicholas withdrew his wand and touched the tip to their intertwined hands.
"Albert, as the heir of the Wildsmith family, are you willing to hand over the agency rights of the American Floo Powder to Katherine?"
Albert glanced at the parchment that Sierra had handed over and nodded. "I am willing."
A thin, dazzling tongue of flame shot out from the wand, like a hot, red-hot metal wire, coiling around their clasped hands.
"Katherine, are you willing to abide by the obligations of the agent and give half of the profits from the Floo Powder to the Wildsmith family?"
"I am willing."
A second stream of fire emerged from the wand, intertwining with the first and forming a thin, red-glowing chain, binding the two of them even closer together.
"Albert, are you willing to guarantee that as long as both parties' interests are not harmed, you will not interfere with Katherine's operational rights regarding the Floo Powder in the American continent?"
"I am willing."
As soon as he finished speaking, a third stream of fire shot out from the wand, intertwining with the previous two and coiling tightly around their clasped hands.
"Katherine, are you willing to guarantee with your life that you will never, under any circumstances, reveal the formula of the Floo Powder to anyone except a trusted heir?"
"I am willing."
The final stream of fire burst from the wand, intertwining with the previous three and tightly wrapping around their hands, binding the two of them in an unbreakable bond.
"Done. The contract has been formed," Nicholas said as he put away his wand, reminding them once again, "Remember, an Unbreakable Vow must never be broken."
(End of Chapter)
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