"Miss Piddell! I need your professional assistance. First, may I ask—are you a certified wyer?"

  Regulus Bck had no intention of wasting time with a clerk, no matter how attractive she might be.

  "Of course, I'm a certified wyer. And I've also been the judge of this town for the past six months."

  Lucy Piddell introduced herself with confidence. While it seemed rather unreasonable for a woman as stunning as her to be both judge and wyer in such a remote town, she didn't offer an expnation. Still, her professional pride was unmistakable.

  "You haven't told me your name yet."

  Only after her reminder did Regulus Bck realize his oversight—he'd been a bit arrogant, neglecting to introduce himself, which was quite rude.

  "I am Regulus Bck. I've just taken over the nearby mines and manor."

  He removed his gloves and extended a hand. They shook hands—her body felt a little different.

  "Pardon my boldness, but your family is…?"

  "I was born into a pure-blood wizarding family. Unfortunately, I'm a Squib. I've already received official documentation from the Ministry of Magic and have been waiting for your arrival. Please follow me."

  Lucy Piddell seemed completely unfazed by her identity as a Squib—a term generally unwelcome in wizarding circles.

  Wizard families typically avoided Squibs like the pgue. And when they did occur, it was often viewed as a tragic fate.

  It seemed as if they never considered that a Squib could simply live as a Muggle—it wasn't as if they were disabled.

  But Lucy Piddell was different. She appeared untouched by the common wizarding view. She held professional status in the Muggle world as both a wyer and a judge—titles that required serious study and effort to attain. In the Muggle world, wyers and judges were practically considered nobility. Not just anyone could join their ranks.

  Fortunately, she was only a Squib. If she had been a true witch, Regulus Bck would've had to expin why he could ride a unicorn—something that could've easily made headlines. 1

  Fortunately, she was only a Squib. If she had been a true witch, Regulus Bck would've had to expin why he could ride a unicorn—something that could've easily made headlines.

  "Sorry! I'm the only one managing all the paperwork here, so things are a bit messy."

  Her office was spacious, but clearly chaotic. She seemed to be the kind of person who took great care of her appearance but not her surroundings.

  "If you let me into your heart, I can help you tidy it up."

  Regulus Bck wasn't trying to flirt—this was serious. The "All Clean" spell used by wizards to tidy rooms required a thorough understanding of the space. If he accidentally removed something important, it could be lost for good.

  "Oh? And what exactly does 'letting you into my heart' entail? All I know is there's a spell called All Clean—wave your wand and the room's tidy."

  Lucy Piddell stopped walking and smiled. It had been a long time since she'd seen a wizard wave a wand.

  Regulus Bck was now convinced—she was a bold one.

  Alright then. Since she didn't mind, why waste this chance to show off?

  He drew his wand with one hand and pulled Lucy Piddell close with the other, wrapping an arm around her waist. Chest to chest, face to face, a surge of mental energy passed from his body into Lucy Piddell's consciousness. By entering her mind, Regulus Bck could clearly discern what in the chaotic office was needed, and what was outdated or useless.

  "All Clean!"

  With a wave of his wand, files began sorting themselves, flying back to where they belonged. Dust vanished. Unnecessary items were grouped neatly into a corner.

  "I'm not sure if that pile of clutter is still useful, so I left it over there for you to deal with when you have time."

  Regulus Bck was somewhat reluctant to let go—he had enjoyed holding her—but there was business to attend to. He released her and sat on a nearby sofa, casually pouring himself a cup of tea.

  Lucy Piddell was also slightly disappointed by the end of the embrace, but seeing her office transformed so thoroughly left her stunned. The st time she had seen real magic, she had been just a child.

  From a safe nearby, she retrieved a document and solemnly handed it to Regulus Bck.

  "This includes the Ministry of Magic and the British government's official recognition of nd ownership. All documents reted to mineral development and agricultural cultivation are here. Whether you're mining or farming, as long as you pay taxes according to the w, everything is permitted."

  "These aren't enough. I need you to officially register the entire mining area under the name of the Bck family. Also, I want to expand the scope of nd development."

  Regulus Bck carefully considered his wording before continuing:

  "My pn is to loan out the old castle temporarily and film a movie before tearing it down. After that, I want to use the castle for commercial trade—primarily gemstone transactions."

  "Obtaining documentation for gemstone trade won't be a problem. As for filming a movie, that requires filing with the government…"

  Lucy Piddell began calcuting how to handle these legal matters while thoroughly expining the details to him.

  "I'm hiring you as my personal wyer, specifically in charge of all legal matters reted to the mining district and the manor."

  Regulus Bck trusted Lucy Piddell. Just now, when he entered her consciousness, he hadn't sensed any malice—only her ambition and dedication to her work.

  Still, Regulus Bck had quietly impnted a concept in her mind: loyalty.

  Loyalty to the Bck family. Loyalty to Regulus himself.

  As a result, Lucy Piddell's attitude became even more cooperative. Whatever Regulus Bck asked for, she readily agreed to first.

  Regulus Bck set down his teacup and prepared to leave.

  "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now. I've already opened the road to the manor. You can bring people to inventory the property and assess the value of the castle. If anything else comes up, send me a letter."

  "Understood, Mr. Bck. I'll take care of everything you've asked as soon as possible."

  Lucy Piddell nearly bowed as she saw him off.

  "You can hand your letters to my house-elf. Let me introduce him to you. Kreacher!"

  Regulus Bck considered the issue—if she used Muggle mail, he might not receive it; if she used owls, it would only be a one-way message until he replied, which would dey everything.

  It seemed a permanent owl post might be needed here, but until then, Kreacher would handle the mail.

  "My honored master, Kreacher heard your call."

  Kreacher arrived in a fsh, throwing himself at Regulus Bck's feet and kissing his shoes.

  "Kreacher! That's enough," Regulus said, stepping back.

  "From now on, come here every evening. Any letters Miss Lucy Piddell writes to me will be left on the windowsill behind her desk. Make sure you bring them to me."

  He pointed around the office to make sure Kreacher understood and had a good look at Lucy Piddell's appearance.

  "It is a great honor to meet you, miss! I am happy to serve you and Master Bck."

  Kreacher forced a smile on his wrinkled face.

  How many women has Master Bck had now? Who will be Kreacher's future mistress? Kreacher is so confused!

  "I have to return to Hogwarts to teach the children. Just write me a summary of any important developments in the letters."

  Regulus Bck was truly leaving this time. He waved and instructed Kreacher to go ahead of him.

  "If you want to become a witch… I might be able to help you."

  With those parting words—a promise whose truth was uncertain—Regulus Bck left behind his contact details. But it was more than enough to stir Lucy Piddell's spirit. Energized, she threw herself into handling the legal affairs Regulus had entrusted to her.

  For the sake of fulfilling her employer's vision—and for her own goals—Lucy Piddell burst into action.

  Regulus Bck returned to Crimson Manor, and from there, used the Waystation to return to Hogwarts. He still had afternoon csses to teach.

  In the world of Harry Potter, everything seemed unchanged—

  And yet, everything was already completely different.

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