Life had to go on, even if the savior had turned into a great demon.
Somewhere near Harry Potter's neighborhood, when the haunted house phenomenon at Number 4 Privet Drive ignited a wave of literary enthusiasm, Regulus Black's Ghost Ship trilogy had already been completed. Through certain channels, he found a British publishing house willing to release the books at his own expense.
Regulus Black never expected these novels to make him rich. Relying solely on royalties to earn hundreds of millions was unrealistic; in his past life, even the most successful authors had only reached tens of millions in net worth.
Still, since the novels were to be published, some necessary steps had to be taken. Within the Black family's bookstore—a small investment of his—Lucy Piddle had hired about a dozen Squib girls as staff.
These were pitiable people connected to the wizarding world but unable to enter it. It was like a noble half-blood: in the eyes of commoners, he was a noble; in the eyes of nobles, he was a mongrel. Perhaps this was the very mindset Tom Riddle once had.
Regulus Black still remembered when he was considering investments. He casually commented on various industries, mentioning a few that had been his dreams in his previous life: a maid café, a maid library, and a maid berry orchard.
The maid concept could be set aside, but a café, a library, and a berry orchard were realistic ventures.
Thus, the Black Bookstore came into being. It was located on the edge of the Muggle city, just a short walk from the Black ancestral home. Surrounded by ordinary residential communities, the bookstore became a local attraction.
This was a three-in-one bookstore. Visitors could order a cup of coffee and freely read within designated areas.
All around the shop were berry planters, laden with fruits of various flavors, their branches heavy with ripening clusters.
The most famous coffee here wasn't from any world-renowned brand but the unique berry-flavored blends crafted in the shop.
Coffee, books, and berries—three dreams from a past life—all realized at once with enough money.
Regulus Black felt that his past self had finally found fulfillment.
For the release of his new books, he would naturally hold the signing at his own store. Foreign authors often didn't wait until they were famous to hold signings. Instead, they eagerly organized one for every book, which often led to awkward scenes: an unknown author sitting alone in a corner, their new books stacked high on a table, advertisements displayed prominently, but with only a trickle of buyers and even fewer wanting to talk. It was the common embarrassment of new writers.
Regulus Black was prepared for such awkwardness. After all, his first two novels had been adapted into films before they were even sold in bookstores. Crimson Manor and The Sixth Sense: The Golden-Eyed Lolita were written as scripts first, then released as novels. The books had been more like merchandise tied to the movies than original sources.
As soon as Regulus sat down, the bookstore's maids in uniform gathered around him. They were all carefully chosen by Lucy Piddle—young, pretty Squibs, willing to devote themselves, and meeting very specific conditions.
Yet, in the two years since the store opened, Regulus had rarely visited. He came only occasionally to check on his investments. But today, he would stay the entire day.
For the maids, this was a rare opportunity.
"Boss! Here's your coffee, and today's fresh berries."
A line of them approached, each holding something small in hand. Clearly, this was intentional. It made things seem fair—everyone had a chance to stand before their boss.
"Do you know what you're doing?"
Regulus asked with a smile. His words startled them, for by crowding around him like this, they had left the store unattended. That was hardly the kind of employee a boss would want.
What they thought was fairness suddenly looked foolish. It could even have gotten them all fired.
Seeing them fall silent, their faces showing contrition and readiness for scolding, Regulus felt both pity for them and gratitude that they were his.
After chastising them, it was only right to offer comfort.
"I know you're trying to honor the contract, but I can barely remember your names. Is it really worth it?"
The contract, of course, was one Lucy Piddle had arranged: while working here, these Squibs were also obliged to act as lovers. If Regulus made such a request, they could not refuse.
At his words, their eyes lit up with hope.
"Mr. Black is the best choice. With you here, no one else even interests us. We're all willing."
The lead maid spoke her heart. Though barred from wizard society, they could still buy the Daily Prophet and were far from uninformed. Constantly keeping up with the wizarding world, they knew exactly who Regulus Black was.
Wealth, status, power—none could compare. On top of that, he was young and handsome. Even if his undying youth came from his Undead physique, such eternal youth was enough to drive any woman mad. And right now, he was the man driving them mad.
"If that's the case, I'll accept your feelings. I'll visit more often. Just follow the duty roster and take turns fulfilling the contract. There's no need to crowd into one day."
Regulus knew exactly what they were scheming. They wanted to settle matters immediately. But that was far too rushed.
It wasn't his way either. A comfortable bed, a quiet space, a private setting—without those, it felt no different from coercion. And with too many women at once, he might even feel like the victim.
Relieved by his promise, the maids happily dispersed back to their posts.
From a distance, customers who had been watching turned their eyes to Regulus. Around him, advertisements made it clear: this was an author's signing event.
The three books—Aeolus, The Golden Cruise, and Extreme Cold—were promoted with striking posters designed by Regulus himself.
The Aeolus poster showed the ship's name on its bow, with drowning survivors in the waves below, calling for help.
The Golden Cruise poster depicted a drifting lifeboat piled high with gold and jewels, with a lone figure holding up a sign marked SOS.
The Extreme Cold poster featured the looming prow of a massive cruise ship, with tentacle-like clouds stretching from the darkness behind it.
They were, in truth, quite eye-catching advertisements. Just not as eye-catching as the maids.
When the author had been surrounded by them earlier, he instantly became an idol to many male customers. These men had visited the shop countless times, yet not a single maid had ever agreed to go out with them.
But look at this author—he had always been around, yes, but who would have thought the maids would fawn over him like this?
Comparisons were maddening enough to make one choke.
Out of curiosity, many customers began flipping through the new trilogy once the maids returned to work, or asked them about it. As a result, sales were excellent that day.
Regulus had never expected the maids' antics to have such an effect. Had he known, he might have kept silent. Still, he resolved to discipline them later, so they would learn to respect their boss's authority.
By the end of the signing, Regulus absentmindedly shook out his numb hand. As he left, the maids swarmed him again, each planting a farewell kiss before finally letting him go.
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