Just as Marvolio and Cynthia were left speechless by Ian's vulgarity, Tver suddenly spoke up.
"That's right, we do have a basis for cooperation."
"But I'm afraid I must disappoint you—if you weren't admitted at age eleven, that means you lack the talent for magic."
"Admitted?" Ian froze. "Could it have been a mistake? Or should I try applying again?"
Tver shook his head slowly.
"The Quill of Acceptance and the Book of Admittance never make mistakes."
"More magical trickery, huh?"
Ian shrugged helplessly, clearly resigned to the outcome.
"But why do those masks have magical power?"
Realizing he couldn't learn magic, the clever young man quickly shifted his focus. As long as there was a chance to make money, a merchant would never waste more than a minute on something unprofitable!
"Wait," his eyes suddenly lit up. "Magic does exist, but you hide it—erasing memories to conceal it."
"That means you can't openly exist in this world!"
"Or rather, you can't openly use magic to interfere with our business and lives!"
His excitement grew with every word.
He'd been so caught up in the wonders of magic that he hadn't immediately considered this crucial point.
A twinge of regret passed through him, but when he saw the two of them frowning, he realized…
He had guessed correctly!
"You're right. So, to cover up your discovery, we'll need you to die."
Marvolio, unable to stand Ian's smug expression, immediately drew his wand and pointed it at him.
"No, no, no! I think you misunderstood," Ian quickly waved his hands, dodging the wand's trajectory.
Though he didn't know what kind of magic might come his way, the murderous intent on Marvolio's face made it clear that not all wizards were friendly.
As for his earlier bravado? Honestly, staying alive was the better option!
"If you really wanted to cover up the traces of magic, you wouldn't have needed to tell me so much. And Mr. Fawley certainly didn't need to invite me here."
"I'm right, aren't I?"
He extended his arm triumphantly, pointing meaningfully at Tver.
But Marvolio showed no appreciation. His wand remained pointed at Ian, and his expression quickly reverted to cold detachment, as if the earlier anger had never existed.
"So, what else do you have to say?"
This one was just as unfathomable, Ian reminded himself inwardly.
"Cooperation!"
"Though I don't know why you can't reveal yourselves, I assume you need a powerful partner to help manage your business in this world, right?"
"If that partner lacks strength, it'll only invite more people to eye Violet Corporation's business, increasing the risk of exposure."
"But now, you only need to reveal it to me. No magic required—just provide those masks. I have enough strength to protect your business."
"I can also act as your liaison. I'm sure even if those memory-erasing agents catch wind of it, they won't be able to trace it back to you, right?"
He confidently adjusted his clothes. Seeing the faint smile on Tver's lips, Ian knew he had correctly guessed the intentions of Mr. Fawley.
If they were to be above board, they could manage the company under their true identities. But recalling how ordinary people who witnessed magic had their memories erased, Ian realized that these three before him were doing something the wizarding world forbade! Still, it didn't matter. As long as the profits were large, he didn't mind bending the rules. Especially since those rules were wizarding laws.
Tver couldn't help but applaud Ian's boldness and keen observation. He had come with precisely that purpose in mind. But he hadn't expected Ian to figure out so much based on his own insight.
"You're correct, but there's one thing you're mistaken about."
"That is, if you were ever exposed to the Ministry of Magic's attention, they have more than enough ways to completely erase your memories without you even realizing it."
Ian froze.
"Is magic really that powerful?"
"It can be even more incredible."
Tver clapped his hands one last time. Ian watched in shock as the world around him began to twist and spin rapidly. His vision was filled with swirling colors, but the three figures across from him remained perfectly still, whether standing or sitting. Even the table before them didn't move an inch!
Just as he opened his mouth to ask what was happening, the spinning stopped. He stayed frozen, still ready to speak, but no words came out.
He was home. This was his very familiar study. Whenever he was at home, this was where he worked. That's why he'd spent over fifty million pounds on this house—and this room—to ensure no one could ever intrude. But now, here they were, sitting leisurely, their chairs and the table right in the middle of the room, without triggering a single security measure!
Only then did Marvolio dismissively lower his wand.
"Not bad. So this is the grand Portkey you mentioned?"
"Mhm. I added a bit of the Vanishing Cabinet concept, though that made the Portkey much more fragile."
Tver nodded slightly, casually surveying the room before Ian's shock could fully settle. This display was purely to show Ian the wonders of magic. Otherwise, it might give him unrealistic ideas.
Ian slowly closed his gaping mouth. He had been quite pleased with his discovery a moment ago, but now he realized that wizards had far more ways to handle him...
"Cooperation." He took a deep breath. Compared to before, his tone was noticeably weaker. "I understand your methods. I only want to make money—I have no intention of blackmailing you."
"You misunderstand." Tver snapped his fingers, and four cups filled with pumpkin juice appeared in midair. "I don't mind your thoughts at all. In fact, I don't even mind what the Ministry thinks. And the reason I'm here today is simply because I want to cooperate with you."
Watching the cups slowly float toward him, Ian hesitated before accepting one, though he was reluctant to drink. Tver took a small sip of his pumpkin juice without waiting.
"Beyond production, you can handle every aspect of the face mask business—promotion, sales, all of it. We can even protect you personally, including your health. We guarantee you won't suffer any harm or illness…"
Ian's breathing quickened uncontrollably. For the wealthy, nothing was more terrifying than aging and death. And now, if Tver wasn't lying, he could remain in perfect health forever! Just for that, Ian would be willing to give up half of his fortune! No, maybe a quarter would be enough… But then again, it was free now. Why pay for it?
"I have only one request," Tver set down his cup. "Distribute the profits as widely as possible!"