Chapter 518: A Wizard Forced to Hold a Grudge
Chapter 518: A Wizard Forced to Hold a Grudge
Carter worked for the Magical Congress of the United States, and although he wasn't entirely satisfied with his job, issuing temporary wand permits wasn't exactly a role that utilized his talents, he still took pride in having a stable job within the magical government, which was more than most of his classmates from school could say.
Like most American wizards, Carter had a daily routine of reading the New York Ghost before breakfast.
The television in front of him was playing the Muggle news, though he hadn't the slightest clue what they were babbling about.
When he turned to page three, Carter's expression froze.
Who is Albert Anderson?
To be honest, Carter had almost forgotten about him. If not for the New York Ghost bringing him up again, he would have completely erased the boy from his mind.
In recent days, the reporters from the New York Ghost had been relentlessly pursuing an interview with Albert Anderson, but since they hadn't managed to get ahold of him, they decided to switch tactics and interview wizards who had interacted with him instead.
And so, on page three of today's New York Ghost, there it was—interviews with well-known wizards in various fields.
"...Yes, yes.
We met not long ago, and contrary to what was reported in the New York Ghost previously, Mr. Anderson is a very polite young man.
Hmm? What did we do?
We were discussing improvements to a potion; it's quite surprising, but Mr. Anderson has a high level of expertise in potions. He even offered me quite a few suggestions.
To be honest, it was wonderful, and I feel honored to have had the chance to meet him.
Without a doubt, he will become a great wizard in the future..."
The famous potions expert, Pigott Moglira, spoke highly of Albert in the interview.
"...That young champion did indeed pay me a visit, along with my old friend, Nicholas. They came to the United States to exchange knowledge about alchemy.
However, it seems that he isn't quite used to American magical society yet, which is understandable. Many foreign wizards find it difficult to adjust to our ways.
Rude and impolite?
Oh no, I believe that Mr. Carter's previous claims in the New York Ghost are completely unfounded. Of course, I can understand that jealousy towards a genius might drive one to do something a little irrational..."
The renowned alchemist, Tagore Jones, expressed his opinion that the New York Ghost was being petty by constantly smearing Albert's reputation just because he had defeated an American contestant in a competition. They were intentionally misleading other American wizards.
Of course, the latter half of this interview was omitted from the newspaper.
"...While I feel that Mr. Anderson's strengths lie more in theory than practical application, which is understandable given his age.
Hmm? What did we discuss?
Why, it was about herb cultivation and their medicinal properties, of course. He's an impressive young man, and I'm sure he'll become a formidable herbology expert one day.
Before Mr. Anderson left, he wanted to buy some seeds of American mint from me, and I also gifted him a large box of my homemade mint tea.
I must say, he has impeccable taste and manners.
You ask why he wanted American mint?
Mr. Anderson believes that American mint is a magical plant with great potential, and he intends to cultivate it himself and explore its other medicinal properties.
Well, as for that article in the New York Ghost, that Carter fellow is simply talking nonsense..."
The herbology expert, Charles Coclra, didn't hold back in criticizing the New York Ghost in his interview.
Naturally, the latter part of his interview was also removed.
Carter's expression turned stony, and he angrily threw the newspaper onto the table. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, choosing not to read the final interview with Nicholas.
For some reason, the Muggle news on the television grated on his nerves, as if every word was an insult directed at him.
Carter couldn't comprehend why so many renowned wizards would speak so highly of that detestable boy.
Instead, he was the one being made out to be a jealous and mediocre wizard, which was unbearably humiliating. He could only imagine what his peers in the magical community would think of him after reading this newspaper.
Carter had never hated someone so much, never in his life.
...
"Mr. Anderson, it seems that those three hold you in high regard."
These days, in addition to brewing the Babbling Beverage, Nicholas had also taken Albert to visit three of his close friends and, along the way, to see the American mandrake that the herbology expert had cultivated.
However, Albert showed no interest in the mandrake and instead asked for some seeds of American mint.
Glancing at the New York Ghost, Nicholas vaguely understood their intention. It seemed that Carter's interview had truly disgusted him, and this young wizard held a grudge.
So, Albert took the opportunity to meet with experts in various fields, and through their testimonials, he effortlessly turned public opinion in his favor.
After all, these were accomplished practitioners with considerable influence in the American wizarding community, and their endorsements effectively branded Carter as a mediocre wizard driven by jealousy towards geniuses.
Nicholas suddenly felt a twinge of sympathy for Mr. Carter. He probably wouldn't have a good time going forward! Well, the actual situation was a bit different from Nicholas' imagination. The unfortunate Mr. Carter was merely a pawn sacrificed by the New York Ghost to divert attention away from themselves.
After all, they had relentlessly smeared Albert's reputation to attract viewers, and now it was simply Carter's turn to be the target.
In reality, Albert didn't bother plotting against Carter. He barely remembered who Carter was, and since they wouldn't cross paths again, there was no need to waste any thoughts on him.
He had merely seized the opportunity to expand his connections during his visit to the American wizarding community, which might prove useful someday.
Being a member of the Wildsmith family, Albert understood the importance of fostering relationships, and he felt it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two about it.
"Then, we shall take our leave!" Sierra removed her hat and bid farewell to the duo, "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Nicholas and Miss Katherine."
Albert waved goodbye with a smile, "If you ever find yourselves in Britain, do pay us a visit. I assure you, the air there is freer than in America."
The two left the villa and stepped out into an open space.
Sierra took out an old wizard's hat.
They certainly didn't plan on returning through conventional means. Even if they used a Portkey, the Magical Congress of the United States wouldn't be able to do anything about it, and they had no idea anyway.
The two reached out and grabbed a corner of the wizard's hat, and it began to shake. The next moment, Albert felt as if he were being pulled by an invisible force, and his feet lifted off the ground as he soared into the air.
"They're gone!"
Nicholas looked at the now-empty space and said to Katherine.
"Mhm."
Katherine glanced at the Babbling Beverage on the table and asked, "Did they all fail?"
"Not exactly failures. However, to perfect a potion, one needs to invest a significant amount of time and energy into practicing. Just like the Felix Felicis, the Babbling Beverage can't afford any mistakes." Nicholas admired Albert's talent. He never expected him to be so proficient in potion-making as well, and the improved Babbling Beverage indeed had fewer side effects than the original.
"It seems that the gap between me and him is quite large!" Katherine was actually quite skilled in potion-making herself, but there were some extremely difficult potions that were beyond her capabilities.
"To be recognized by Sierra as the most talented wizard in the wizarding world in centuries, his innate abilities must be extraordinary."
Nicholas could tell that Katherine had taken a liking to Albert.
After all, it was only natural for geniuses to be drawn to each other.
However, some things couldn't be forced, and Katherine didn't seem to have any strong romantic feelings. It was more of a curiosity and a stubborn refusal to admit defeat.
"Starting today, I will begin teaching you the Mind-Shutting Charm and Legilimency!" Nicholas said to his granddaughter as he gazed at the spot where the two had disappeared, "There's still a lot for you to learn."
"Okay, I understand." Katherine nodded. She had already prepared herself for this.
(End of Chapter)
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