Chapter 1191: Transaction_2

Chapter 1191 -833: Transaction_2

“Really? That’s terrifying,” Kael said, “But aren’t you worried that person might cause trouble for you after telling me all this?” ℯ

“Of course I’m worried, but your safety is more important,” the shopkeeper said sincerely.

Kael chuckled, knowing full well that the shopkeeper’s warning was not out of kindness, but rather out of concern for receiving the remaining payment.

Nonetheless, he didn’t mind. He walked out the door and returned to Diagon Alley.

By now it was close to noon. Kael first went to the Leaky Cauldron for a simple lunch and then booked himself a long-term room.

As for going to Godric’s Hollow to find Dumbledore… there was still plenty of time, no rush.

Moreover, he needed a place to stay; he couldn’t possibly keep living in that abandoned barn Grindelwald had mentioned.

After tidying up briefly, Kael returned to Diagon Alley in the afternoon to start his treasure hunt, but he did not encounter the so-called Hokuriken, and everything was calm.

A few days later, Kael’s reputation in Diagon Alley was growing. No matter where he went now, shopkeepers would welcome him warmly, stuffing free snacks and drinks into his hands.

But Kael had already visited these shops or, rather, he had been to most of the shops in Diagon Alley over the past few days and bought almost everything he needed, so he didn’t go inside.

More importantly, he felt embarrassed when he checked his chest at noon and realized he was running out of money. Although prices were cheap, he had been buying so much.

This made Kael a bit regretful; if he had known this would happen, he should have borrowed some money from Sirius before coming.

The shiny pile of Galleons in Norbert’s nest had been half replaced by various items. Although plenty was still left, Kael was not planning to use that money to buy things anymore…

At that moment, he was sitting at a table in the Leaky Cauldron, sipping Butter Beer while using Extendable Ears to eavesdrop on two wizards chatting in the corner.

They were likely Ministry of Magic staff, here for a break during lunch and a bite to eat.

When Kael passed by them earlier, he heard an interesting topic and casually dropped a disguised Extendable Ear on the floor.

Now it was coming in handy.

Kael sat down facing away from them, attaching the other end of the Extendable Ear to his clothes.

“What a hassle…” one of them complained, “I haven’t slept for two days to keep an eye on those damn creatures. Why can’t the Ministry of Magic send more staff?”

“Lower your voice, it’s confidential,” said the other wizard, glancing nervously around.

Kael pretended to be indifferent, while turning slightly to gaze at the Daily Prophet in front of him.

“They probably think it’s unnecessary.”

A little while later, the low voice of the wizard came through Kael’s ear.

“Once the Fire Dragon Reserve is established, our department can be dissolved.”

“It frustrates me— the International Confederation of Wizards passed the bill years ago, yet the Fire Dragon Reserve hasn’t shown any progress.”

“What else if not lack of funds.”

“Wizards capable of it are, to some extent, involved in the Fire Dragon business. Once the Fire Dragon Reserve is established, such businesses can’t continue.

“The bill states clearly that all items and potion materials related to Fire Dragons will be taken over by the Reserve. Selling them privately would be illegal. They don’t want to give up such a lucrative business, so they won’t donate. The Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards have no funds, so the matter has been shelved.”

“People will get a share from donations, right? I remember the Chief Warlock mentioned something about not making people pay out of pocket.”

“That’s not much at all. Most of it would be spent on maintaining the Reserve. Moreover, the donations would be divided according to the funding plan in the bill. By rough estimate, it would take about a hundred years just to break even, which is hardly more profitable than doing business independently.

“Also, donations only yield shares and not management rights. If the Fire Dragon Reserve plan ultimately fails, wouldn’t the money be wasted? People aren’t fools.”

“So we’ll just wait around? I’m hoping to transfer to the Law Enforcement Department soon.”

“There’s nothing we can do. I want that too, but it’s not our decision… All right, let’s get back before that fellow Babbling starts yelling again.”

The two hastily finished their bread and left the Leaky Cauldron.

Kael took another sip of Butter Beer, and as he got up, a Sickle accidentally fell. As he picked it up, he discreetly recovered the half of the Extendable Ear from the floor, acting as if nothing had happened, and left the pub.

He returned to the shop he’d visited before, which still displayed a ‘Closed’ sign; evidently, the owner hadn’t returned.

Kael felt somewhat disappointed; he had stayed in Diagon Alley because he wanted to get the Dragon Egg before leaving, but there had been no news, and Kael didn’t even know how to contact the person.

“Should have asked for a name,” Kael muttered, rubbing his forehead, “At least then I could send an owl to urge them.”

With the other party not back yet, all Kael could do was continue waiting. He gathered his robes, preparing to return to the Leaky Cauldron.

By now, the sky was completely dark, and the once lively Diagon Alley had quieted down, with not a single soul in sight.

Kael subconsciously quickened his pace, already calculating in his head how many Galleons to deduct later as compensation for lost time.

But very soon he noticed that the path ahead seemed to be blocked by someone. He didn’t pay it much mind, just shifted direction, planning to go around them from the left.

Those people moved at the same time, once again blocking his way.

Now Kael sensed something was wrong. He lifted his head and looked ahead… five people in total, all wearing black hoods, their faces hidden.

“You’re that rich Wizard, aren’t you.” The Wizard in the lead saw Kael stop and limped forward a couple of steps.

“What do you want?” Kael said in a low voice, showing no hint of fear.

“This is Diagon Alley. Believe it or not, if I shout right now, the shopkeepers around here will come rushing out.”

“I believe you.” the leading Wizard said. “They’ve made quite a lot off you, so of course they’re not going to just stand by and watch you walk into danger.”

That was Kael’s confidence. He threw Galleons around in Diagon Alley, and the people here would instinctively protect him, because protecting him meant they could keep making a killing off him later. Anyone who crossed Kael was crossing the whole of Diagon Alley, and no status would help them then.

“Since you know that, get out of the way.” Kael said lightly. “Otherwise, I can’t be sure an angry crowd won’t beat you to death.”

“I’m sure someone’s been badmouthing me to you, made you misunderstand something.” The leading Wizard walked forward another two steps.

“Let me introduce myself. Hokuriken, a Wizard who specializes in grey-market business.”

“So you want to do business with me?” Kael was a bit curious. “Money’s not the issue. The issue is what you have that can actually move me.”

“Obviously this.” Hokuriken flipped open his robe and took out a round, plump object.

“Dragon Egg!” Kael recognized what it was at a glance and frowned. “The owner of that shop hasn’t come back yet. Don’t tell me you…”

“Don’t get the wrong idea.” Hokuriken shook his head. “I did think about it, but that old codger Willie Tom is too slippery. I lost him. This one I got through my own channels.”

“You don’t need to explain so much to me. I don’t care whose Dragon Egg it is.” Kael said. “Since you found me, that means you heard our conversation back then. I’ll offer the same price—one hundred Galleons, cash for goods, how’s that.”

“But I heard two hundred.” Hokuriken said. “Or is it that you look down on us Wandering Wizards?”

“No, no. I need to confirm what kind of Dragon Egg it is before I decide whether to increase the price.”

“Relax, we’re the most honest people you’ll meet.” Hokuriken lifted his head, revealing a face covered in scars.

Kael instinctively took half a step back.

“Sorry, did my face scare you.” Hokuriken said, though there was a hint of pride in his tone.

He raised his hand, and the Dragon Egg floated over into Kael’s palm.

The Dragon Egg was warm to the touch, blue in color, with a spike at the top. There were lines etched across the Eggshell, making it look like an oversized blue pineapple, and it was more than a full size larger than a normal Dragon Egg.

“Ukrainian Ironbelly?” Kael was a little surprised. “That’s not common at all.”

“You’re knowledgeable.” Hokuriken was surprised as well. He hadn’t expected Kael to identify the type of Dragon Egg so quickly.

“You must be from some Pure-Blood Family, right.”

Kael didn’t answer, just neatly took out a pouch and tossed it to him.

“I’m very satisfied with the Dragon Egg. There are two hundred Galleons in there.”

“Straightforward—I like doing business with people like you.” Hokuriken said with a grin. “I’ve got a second Fire Dragon Egg, and it’s an even rarer Black Dragon from the Hesidiri Islands.”

“You can get a Black Dragon?” Kael didn’t quite believe him.

“Seeing is believing.” Hokuriken said. “But I didn’t bring it with me, and something like that isn’t suited to being out in the open—we’d be hunted down. So if you want to see it, you’ll have to come with us, to our hideout.”

Kael hesitated a little.

“Relax, it’s not far from here, and it’s still in Diagon Alley.” Hokuriken said softly. “Here of all places, are you really afraid we’d try anything against you?

If we went after you, those shopkeepers would tear us apart.”

“Who’s afraid.” Kael seemed convinced, lifting his chin. “Where’s your hideout? Take me there now. If it really is a Black Dragon, I can pay an extra fifty Galleons.”

“Please, come with me.” Hokuriken offered his arm solicitously. “It’s not far from here.”