Too Clever for One's Own Good

Narlack's gaze fell on Hobi. It smacked its lips; judging by the eager look in its eyes, it was clearly very interested in this exceptionally fine Niffler. Then, it glanced at the three guests seated at the table.

A handsome young man with hair the same color as the Niffler's fur; another... Narlack's nostrils twitched as it sniffed the air, and then it confirmed Remus's true identity. As for the last little witch, when Narlack caught the hostility in her gaze and detected the scent she gave off, it bared its teeth.

A stench. A lackey of the Ministry of Magic Congress, and a greenhorn.

Hiss. Interesting.

Narlack took a deep drag on its cigar and exhaled a large cloud of bluish, pungent smoke. It had noticed that all three had concealed their true appearances.

Creak, creak—Narlack clamped the cigar between its teeth, turned and took a glass of beer from the bar, then dragged a chair over at a leisurely pace.

While the well-informed goblin studied them, the three of them were studying Narlack as well. When they saw it approach, Remus took the initiative to shift his stool toward Amelia, making room for it.

When it reached the table, Narlack slowly nodded to Remus in thanks. Then it fitted the chair it had brought into the gap, set its beer on the table, and sat down unhurriedly. After taking another deep pull of cigar smoke, it elegantly nodded to Amosta.

"It is a great honor to have you visit my humble establishment, Mr. Breen."

Even a seasoned wizard like Remus, who had spent many years navigating the wizarding world, changed expression slightly at that moment, his heartbeat quickening. Amelia, a young woman who had yet to weather such storms, needed no mention.

Amosta smiled faintly. He neither admitted