Ollivander Avery still sought out the Earl. When he was led by a servant into the study, he found the Earl examining a magical array.
"Dantes, Your Excellency," Old Avery said softly. "I have some matters I'd like to discuss with you."
The Earl put down his pen and looked up. "What is it, Mr. Avery?" he asked. "Please have a seat—we can talk at length."
The Earl stood and guided Old Avery to a plush sofa by the window. His residence in Merlin City was one of the tallest buildings in the city. Through the window, Avery could see magical creature–pulled carriages streaming endlessly through the streets. Yet inside, the room was utterly silent.
After sitting, Old Avery said eagerly, "Your Excellency, I really want to participate in the second phase of Merlin City—"
"Why is that so difficult?" the Earl asked with a smile. "Just tell me outright: are you investing two hundred million, or more?"
Old Avery laughed awkwardly. "I'm afraid I don't have that much liquid capital on hand."
The Earl sneered inwardly—you couldn't muster two hundred million even by selling the entire Avery estate. He spread his hands. "I'm sorry, but the rules are set. Though we are personally close, no exceptions can be made."
Old Avery blinked in disappointment. Then he said, "No, no, I didn't mean—what if I and a few other families pooled our money to reach two hundred million? Would that be allowed?"
The Earl still shook his head. "Families like Malfoy, Burke, and Shafiq have tried that idea—I've refused them all."
Avery's surprised tone slipped: "Why not? If several families join forces to raise two hundred million—"
Dantes leaned forward. "The second phase of Merlin City is only open to the wealthiest families in the Wizarding World. Those who invest will own shares and awards governing rights. I set a two-hundred-million threshold to prevent inferior families from claiming influence or insulting those with proud legacies. In a big family, reputation is everything.
"In short, this project must be the absolute best in every way. And that includes the shareholders themselves. When measuring a 'best family,' history can be cited—but ultimately, wealth is the simplest, most direct metric."
The implication was clear: invest two hundred million alone—or not at all. To Old Avery, this sum was a gatekeeping test—a certification for joining the elite of the Wizarding World.
He tried to steady himself. At least he'd made sizeable profits in the first phase of Merlin City. Across the street stood another tall, imposing building—it was Merlin City Central Bank.
With a sudden flicker of hope, Old Avery stood. "Your Excellency, I recall your bank offers loan services."
The Earl's expression lightened, pleased by the suggestion. He nodded. "Indeed. Unlike Gringotts, our bank pays interest on deposits and offers loans. Your family, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, has excellent credit. On paper, you could borrow two hundred million Galleons—or close to it."
Old Avery's eyes brightened—but before he could respond, the Earl's tone changed. "However, many investments from phase one haven't fully returned yet, and the second phase is upcoming. Our bank needs to prioritize phase-two funding. I'm afraid we can't lend you such a large amount at this time."
Avery sank in disappointment. With two hundred million, his investment could yield far more—even after interest payments, he'd net over a hundred million. What a staggering fortune to miss out on!
As he rose to leave, the Earl's voice stopped him: "It's not entirely hopeless."
Old Avery paused, leaning in. Dantes continued: "I can help you issue a special bond. Other large families could buy it to raise capital—but our bank can't endorse it officially. It would carry higher risk, so the interest rate must be higher. Seventy percent annually should attract major investors."
"Seventy percent!" Avery gasped. "All the profit would go to interest—I wouldn't earn a thing!"
The Earl smiled. "Do you think the Royal Family's three hundred billion Galleons is the entire revenue from phase two alone?"
Avery frowned. "Isn't it?"
"Three hundred billion is only what the Royal Family paid. One hundred billion covered the cost of the Gerebato magic crystal. But you haven't considered that the Royal Family isn't the only one investing in Phase Two."
Indeed! If just the Royal Family covered costs and profited, imagine what others would place on such a development! The Earl's voice, like temptation itself, continued: "Consider this: if Phase Two is truly the pinnacle, won't other great families abandon Phase One and buy into the new development? With the Royal Family's grand entrance, wouldn't Eastern families seek to join for prestige?"
Avery's mind reeled. Then Dantes whispered: "Three hundred billion? More like three trillion—if enough families join."
His breath came ragged. His eyes reddened, and his mouth felt dry, as if a fire blazed inside him. If this succeeded, he'd profit more than one and a half billion Galleons—far eclipsing any interest payments.
"Your Excellency—please, help me issue this bond!" Avery pleaded.
"Then," Dantes asked, "how much do you want?"
"The more, the better," Avery responded.
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