great-warnovel Chapter 329 The Profit-Seekers
Chapter 329 The Profit-Seekers
Chapter 329 The Profit-Seekers
"If it weren't for these idiots whose heads have been gnawed by fairies stopping me, and if I had placed my bets earlier, how could I be in such a passive position now!" Mrs. Maxim cursed inwardly.
Admittedly, she had Sinta send a small batch of supplies in her personal capacity before the war, but the amount was too small. If she were to fall from power and go into exile one day, Dumbledore and Granger would surely protect her without hesitation, but they would never give in to Beauxbatons because of that little bit of friendship.
"It can only be said that sending Sinta to negotiate was a wise choice in the first place—"
Although she was criticized by the board members after returning, for exchanging a valuable antibiotic business for two empty promises, it now seems that it was the greatest favor she had earned for Beauxbatons.
Given Dumbledore's character, he always expects to repay favors. Even if Beauxbatons didn't bring it up, he would find a way to offer enough incentives in future business dealings.
However, Dumbledore "happens" to have gone to Malfoy Castle, and even Cinta dared not say she had a complete grasp of the personality of this seemingly young but actually difficult-to-deal-with Miss Granger.
"I suppose Beauxbatons' visit is because of the cooperation we confirmed earlier?" Hermione said kindly.
"Hogwarts will not break the contract. After Mr. Gnuk completes the first phase of their project, we will take you to select the best plot of land."
Gonuk looked constipated; he now knew that Hermione had not only tricked him with wordplay but had also managed to drag Beauxbatons into the scheme without any effort on her part.
Mrs. Maxim and her team took their seats one by one at the long table, with warm smiles on their faces.
"Of course we trust Hogwarts' reputation. In fact, if Apparition hadn't been disrupted, we would have wanted to come and help during the war." Saying a few high-sounding words won't hurt you, but everyone knows what's really going on.
If Beauxbatons really wanted to join the game, parents from all over the surrounding areas could form groups and travel with the Celtics.
With its stronger financial resources and organizational capabilities, there's no reason why Beauxbatons wouldn't succeed.
Moreover, even Durmstrang University, leveraging the reputation of three top universities, came to help, while Beauxbatons remained silent and quiet. Now you're in an awkward position, aren't you?
Of course, Hogwarts can't force anyone to help you, but from an afterthought standpoint, doesn't it seem a bit opportunistic for you to come running to them now?
Hermione made no comment and continued to look at her with a smile.
"We've come here to congratulate the new students of Hogwarts," Mrs. Maxim said, organizing her thoughts.
"Secondly, it also reflects our high hopes for more cooperation between the two schools in the future."
In short, these merchants, through their rapid intelligence channels, quickly deduced that Hogwarts was about to rise to prominence, that the wizarding city that had been merely a pipe dream was truly about to be built, and that the massive influx of migrants, the countless labor and material shortages, and the need for merchants to address all aspects of life, including food, healthcare, housing, and transportation.
Hogwarts, which had focused on education for the previous fifty years, had neither experience nor manpower. Beauxbatons seemed to be born for this, so how could they not be excited?
A new Malfoy Castle, a new Diagon Alley that has not been occupied.
This is their internal assessment of the future of Hogsmeade. Nowadays, pure-blood nobles can sit on a gold mine and count their money just by owning land and shares, while Beauxbatons is like an employee. How could these businessmen be content with that?
Hogwarts, lacking both strength and manpower, is their best entry point. If they can acquire most of the city's operating rights and control its economic lifeline, then it's uncertain who will be in charge of Hogsmeade, or even Hogwarts.
Of course, these were all thoughts the board members had behind closed doors. Right now, when facing Hermione, they still had to appear as if they were eager to help.
"We don't have Durmstrang's war-making capabilities, but we have extensive experience in post-war reconstruction and economic recovery," said one of the bearded directors.
"And right now, this is exactly what Hogwarts needs most. The immense pain caused by the war needs time to heal, and Beauxbatons can speed up that process." They worked together in unison.
"The previous antibiotic business wasn't enough to meet the needs of those poor people," one of the witches said, looking out the window at the makeshift hospital on the lawn.
"You need more medicine and a stronger medical team."
"And there's a steady supply of food, warm clothing, and fuel for the winter—"
"Even under such a sky." The cycle of the seasons is natural. Wizards cannot keep this place perpetually spring-like, as that would disrupt the timing of crops.
Hermione nodded; what she said was all true.
She turned to the fairy leader: "Mr. Gonuk, see what I told you, the one who will solve the shortage of stone and timber has arrived."
She turned back to Maxim: "So, Madam, what does Beauxbatons need?"
"You surely know that Hogwarts doesn't have that many Galleons."
It would be enough to meet the material needs of a new city, which would require a huge effort from Beauxbatons, while Hogwarts' financial resources might not even be comparable to one of their production lines.
"More land," said one of the wizards.
"More freedom of authority," a witch said.
"And—we hope to open a wizarding bank in New Hogsmeade."
Their true colors are gradually being revealed. The new Gringotts in Malfoy Castle is in the hands of purebloods, and that's where they make their money. The financial industry is always more profitable than the real economy.
Neither Maxim nor Sinta spoke. Although she was the principal, she was subject to too many checks and balances. Even if she was dissatisfied with the way the price was being asked, she could not stop the other directors from speaking up.
Hermione laughed when she heard the last one, and looked at Gnuck: "You two are quite alike."
Both the wizard board members and the fairy leader felt they had been insulted.
But Hermione looked completely innocent: "Mr. Gornuk just mentioned the idea of establishing a wizarding bank in Hogsmeade."
"Of course, the High Wizard has already rejected me," the fairy's shrill voice said.
"I don't want to end up like Voldemort, impaled on a spear."
He deliberately reminded them of the girl who had killed Voldemort, and also let them vaguely know that he, Gonuk, was wronged and forced to work by the powerful wizard.
"Cough—" one of the directors coughed.
"Of course, cooperation requires negotiation. These are just some of the proposals we've put forward. Hogwarts can also make its own demands."
He winked at Maxim, reminding her that as the principal, Beauxbatons' gains and losses were her gains and losses, and that she had shares in the company, so she shouldn't be invisible at a time like this!