The glimpses of danger Lucius sensed from the Prongs brand and the Gryffindor Legend series.
Just two days after the press conference, they indeed released some stills from the show.
As wizards' expectations continued to rise, and after two more sets of stills were released, director Lupin held a second press conference to announce that the series would be exclusively streamed on the Prongs brand's platform.
Although Lucius had anticipated this, he was still caught off guard.
The total sales volume had just exceeded 6,000 when a wave of returns suddenly broke out.
What could he do but follow the trend and invest in making TV series?
Moreover, it can't be a small-scale operation; it has to completely outclass the other side in terms of cast and scale of production.
So what if they're the Four Founders of Hogwarts? Do they dare to challenge Merlin?
The news about the Merlin Legend finally stopped the wave of returns, but sales of the Nobili brand stopped growing.
The wizards are all watching and waiting. At least the other side has released several sets of stills, while this side hasn't even announced the filming date.
There was no other way; Lucius and his family had to spend a lot of money to invite well-known wizards from the Wizarding World to participate in the filming.
The annual rankings from The Witch Weekly serve as a good reference.
Diagon Alley's most bustling area, shop number 111 is the flagship store of the Nobili Magic Appliances brand.
The storefront is naturally magnificent, and the glittering gems embedded in the signboard can dazzle the eyes from a distance.
Inside the huge floor-to-ceiling glass display case is a series of magical home appliances that resemble works of art; even a simple fully automatic dishwasher exudes a strong aristocratic atmosphere.
Beneath the eye-catching signboard is a crystal-clear advertising slogan: Nobili, always bringing you the most prestigious and luxurious dream experience.
Unlike the opulent exterior, the interior of the shop features a cool color scheme and metallic textures.
The wallpaper was a high-end velvet in dark green with silver patterns, the carpet was an exquisite Arabic-style floral rug, a huge dark bronze chandelier hung under the arched ceiling, and some dark-colored oil paintings hung on the walls.
Passing through the classically styled portico along the hall, you will arrive at a small garden full of rare plants.
This is a rest area, which also serves as a product trial area.
Beneath the silver, serpentine fountain lies a hidden door leading to the men's offices.
It's also a cool color scheme, but it feels even more oppressive.
The shareholders of the Nobili brand were gathered in front of a huge birchwood round table.
Madam Zabini, draped in Unicorn Hair, casually flipped through the week before last's issue of "Witch Weekly" with her legs crossed.
Old Flint, sitting opposite her, subtly knocked a magazine off the table.
He quickly bent down to pick up the magazine, while glancing at the long, beautiful legs under the table.
Her skin is as fair and delicate as a young girl's, making it hard to believe that she is the mother of a 14-year-old child.
"Cough cough..." Lucius, who was standing next to him, couldn't stand it anymore and coughed.
Old Flint straightened up, still seemingly unsatisfied. "I say, there are only a handful of famous figures in the Wizarding World. Is it really necessary to hold a special meeting to discuss them?"
Madam Zabini turned to the next page of the weekly magazine. "Franz, popularity is fickle. The Merlin Legend we're filming starts from his childhood, so of course we have to be very selective."
Old Flint casually flipped through the magazine in his hand. "Lucretia, how much longer are you going to choose?"
Madam Zabini frowned slightly, and turned to another page with some annoyance. "Wait, I haven't finished reading the list yet."
Old Parkinson and Old Nott exchanged a glance, then each picked up a magazine and began to read.
Suddenly, Madam Zabini slammed her hand on the round table.
"Wayne... Wayne... Wayne..." Her other hand, holding the Witch Weekly, trembled slightly. "Why is it him again!"
To appear on so many annual lists in one go, it's no surprise that they must have spent a lot of money bribing the editors.
Lucius had heard about this from Narcissa before, and at the time he scoffed at The Witch Weekly, thinking they were pandering to Muggle-born.
Now that I think about it carefully, is it possible that all of this was actually a setup?
TV shows are very popular in the Muggle world, but who knows if the wizards in the Wizarding World will buy into them?
Investing in TV series is undoubtedly extremely risky. Even if it's just for product promotion, there's no need to prepare for filming a second season before it even airs.
Or are there really fools who invest without considering returns?
With a loud "bang," Madam Zabini slammed the weekly magazine down on the round table.
The veins on her neck bulged with rage, and despite her ferocious features, there was still an eerie rhythm to her expression. "You want to compete with money? Tomorrow I'll have all these lists changed to my son's name!"
It's from two weeks ago, we've already seen what we needed to see, so what's the point of changing it now?
"Alright!" Old Flint raised an eyebrow, his eyes fixed on her heaving chest. "I happen to know the owner of this newspaper, Lucretia. I'll go with you tomorrow."
Lucius shuddered with a chill.
Madam Zabini's seventh husband, this blood-red datura, was still alive, and old Flint was already eager to become the eighth?
He sneered, his grey-blue eyes sweeping over everyone. "Our most important task now is to decide on the cast. Apart from Wayne, the only other popular young wizards left are those Quidditch stars."
The first choice is naturally the World's Number One Seeker, Viktor Krum.
But they're Champion in the Triwizard Tournament; they don't have time to participate in filming.
Old Flint tapped his fingertips on the table, glancing occasionally at the poisoned iris flower opposite him. "In my opinion, we don't really need to worry too much about popularity. That kind of thing can be hyped up easily."
"Oh?" Madam Zabini's beautiful eyes met his aggressive gaze. "Franz, what do you mean by that?"
Old Flint grinned. "Lucretia, I think Blaise Zabini is perfect for the role. He'll be a favorite among wizards as Merlin."
Lucius inwardly sneered.
There's a right time to be overly attentive. If the Merlin Legend is a flop, the reputation of the Nobili brand, which hasn't been built up yet, will also be ruined.
"I have no objection." Old Nott glanced at Old Flint with disdain. "However, I'd like to state beforehand that the Nott Family's investment in the series will be reduced to some extent."
"Hmph—" Old Flint waved his hand dismissively, "It doesn't matter, I'll make up for what you're missing."
Ha—a fool who lusts after beauty.
Lucius scoffed, "Franz, since you're so optimistic about the Merlin Legend, why don't you just fund it all yourself and develop it yourself? We can start a new project, how about that?"
Since it's highly likely the device will be smashed, we should cut it at lightning speed to avoid any damage.
Old Flint frowned slightly. "Lucius, are you scared?"
Lucius exchanged a knowing glance with Old Nott. "Are you kidding? Black and Shafiq are preparing to film season two, and we need another card to play."
Indeed, if one TV series is a flop, at least another one can take its place.
Old Flint gritted his teeth. "Very well. Lucretia and I will develop the Merlin Legend together. It will be clear who is more capable then."
Jealous of him, isn't it? Jealous that he's about to win over Madam Zabini and make Flynn the first family in the British Wizarding World, isn't it?
Just wait and see. When the highly anticipated the Merlin Legend airs, these short-sighted guys will realize just how foolish their current attempts to cut ties have been.