Chapter 710: The Fountain of Fortune
Chapter 710: The Fountain of Fortune
"This is my latest concoction, a health drink with a pleasant taste, although the color isn't very appealing."
Lady Selena retrieved a bubbling green drink from under the counter and placed it gently in front of Albert, gesturing for him to help himself.
"I think I'll pass."
"What a shame. It's really not as bad as it looks, and it tastes quite nice." Lady Selena picked up the green health drink and gulped it down.
"I heard there's a library in the village. Do you know where it is?" Albert asked directly. While he could wander around to find it, he opted for a more efficient approach.
"Who told you that?" Lady Selena took out another glass of the green drink from under the counter, smiling at Albert meaningfully.
Albert's lips twitched imperceptibly. He recalled Professor Slughorn mentioning that Lady Selena had a peculiar hobby of watching others drink her specially prepared health drinks.
Had he just walked into her trap?
"Mr. Damocles told me," Albert admitted. "He mentioned that I might find the collection there interesting."
"You know Mr. Damocles?" Lady Selena was surprised, despite having witnessed Albert's remarkable talent in the first round of the competition.
"We've been corresponding through letters," Albert explained.
"Well, there is indeed a library in the village, located in the third building to the right of the pub. It's usually open to the public from eight to nine in the evening," Lady Selena kindly informed him. "However, outsiders can only borrow books and magazines from a limited selection."
"Outsiders?"
Albert quickly latched onto the key word. There was obviously a separate section in the library exclusively for residents.
"You're quite perceptive, picking up on that detail right away." Lady Selena pushed the health drink closer to Albert, her intentions clear. If he wanted more information, he'd have to drink it.
Albert hesitated for a moment before picking up the glass and downing the peculiar-tasting health drink.
It had a strange flavor, with hints of mint and lemon, among other magical ingredients. It was like a hodgepodge of fruits, vegetables, and magical ingredients, and he felt a bit nauseous after finishing it.
"There are indeed some valuable treasures hidden in that library," Lady Selena said with a smile as she took the empty glass, "but unless you plan to settle here long-term or become a renowned Potion Master, those books won't be accessible to you."
"What a pity!"
Albert lowered his gaze, feigning disappointment, although his tone didn't match his expression.
At that moment, his attention was focused on the task panel:
Century of Glory Herbologists and Potioneers of Magic Garden spent centuries compiling the Comprehensive Guide to Magical Plants, a book that records all known magical plants in the world. It is the dream of all herbologists and potioneers to get their hands on this book, but they only lend it to their peers and Potion Masters who express a need for it.
Rewards: 10,000 experience points, Magic Garden borrowing permit, and the designated skill: Herbology Proficiency.
The Herbology Proficiency skill offered as a task reward was fantastic, but the challenge of completing the task seemed daunting.
Becoming a Potion Master required not only significant contributions in the field of potions but also a well-established reputation in the magical world.
As for settling down here, that was out of the question.
Albert steered the conversation toward a different topic, casually chatting with Lady Selena while also gathering information about Magic Garden.
"This information needs to stay between us," Lady Selena said, clearly not intending to divulge too much about Magic Garden. "However, you'll be able to find most of the ingredients you need there, including unicorns.
There are more magical creatures than you might expect, but don't worry. Only a small fraction of them are dangerous. It's the magical plants you should be cautious about."
"Is the legendary Fountain of Fortune also located in Magic Garden?" Albert inquired further.
"That's just a story from 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard,'" Lady Selena replied.
"So, the story isn't true?"
"Of course not."
"But I heard from someone that there is a Fountain of Fortune in Magic Garden," Albert pressed.
"You mean you heard it from yourself?" Lady Selena looked at Albert suspiciously, but he didn't flinch and simply admitted it, leaving her speechless.
"There is indeed a so-called Fountain of Fortune deep within Magic Garden, but its water doesn't bring good fortune to people," Lady Selena recalled her own curiosity about the fountain when she first arrived here.
Later, she had indeed found the legendary fountain and even drank its water.
It was just ordinary water, devoid of any magic.
"So, there really is a Fountain of Fortune in Magic Garden?"
Albert suddenly felt intrigued and wondered if he could go and see it for himself. After all, if the story of the three brothers was true, why not the tale of the fountain?
Lady Selena seemed to guess Albert's thoughts and frowned, "You're not considering..."
"If the opportunity arises, I wouldn't mind..."
"You don't have enough time," Lady Selena interrupted. "If you want to find the Fountain of Fortune during the competition, you won't have nearly enough time. You should focus on the tournament and aim to win the championship. That should be your top priority right now. With that trophy, your path forward will be much smoother, and given your talent, I'm sure it won't be long before you become a Potion Master. Then you'll have all the time you need to explore Magic Garden and search for the legendary fountain."
"You're right, I suppose," Albert conceded graciously.
He had been hoping to trigger a task related to the Fountain of Fortune, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.
However, this didn't deter Albert from his idea. He still intended to visit the legendary fountain if the opportunity arose, believing that it might trigger a task or bring some other benefit.
With the presence of the system panel, anything was possible.
Nonetheless, Lady Selena's reaction was somewhat unexpected. She seemed eager for him to win the Golden Cauldron, perhaps akin to the feeling of rooting for one's country to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Even if he didn't get to keep the Golden Cauldron, winning the championship would still earn him a substantial cash prize.
All in all, the strange-looking health drink hadn't been a waste, as he had gained valuable information from Lady Selena.
"You seem to be in a good mood. Would you like to go for a walk?"
Isabelle appeared by Albert's side and gestured toward the pub door, inviting him to take a stroll outside.
(End of Chapter)
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