A Branch in France?

In the corridor beside the Fountain of Fair Fortune, Lucien casually tucked one hand into his robe pocket, sensing the emotional energy that the colorful crystal ball was drawing from the little witches.

The emotional aura emanating from the girls gathered here was far richer and more intense than that offered by the boys—anticipation, joy, a touch of competitive spirit, a longing for their own appearance, and even the thrill of sharing secrets with their companions...

There are many varieties, and their strength is also higher.

Sure enough, in both the wizarding and Muggle World, women's spending power and emotional investment are more active.

Lucien recalled the sales reports from Diagon Alley's "Seventh Workshop" and the Weasley Twins' reports, noting that female customers consistently led in sales.

If they can capitalize on this momentum by launching some targeted beauty or skincare potions and alchemical gadgets in Beauxbatons, they'll likely be able to quickly establish a foothold in the market.

However, the thought only flashed through my mind.

Lucien had very little time left in Beauxbatons, where his network of contacts was practically nonexistent; the only person he could call familiar was Phoebe.

The idea of asking her to help sell the products is unrealistic.

Not to mention that Hogwarts has a stricter school spirit and management than Beauxbatons, with more restrictions on students' behavior on campus.

As for Phoebe herself, after observing her for the past few days, Lucien also noticed a subtle fact: Phoebe's interpersonal relationships in Beauxbatons were actually "average."

There were naturally admirers among the boys, but very few dared to truly approach her and have an equal conversation; most simply observed from afar.

Beauxbatons is predominantly female, and among the female group, Phoebe receives more complex attention—envy of her talent and appearance may be genuine, but the resulting subtle jealousy, or the sense of alienation arising from her undisguised pride, is also clearly discernible.

She didn't have many close friends.

Phoebe herself seemed quite at ease about it. She had talked to Lucien about it, saying that she didn't like too much unnecessary socializing and couldn't learn to deliberately compromise in order to fit in.

Being liked or disliked is perfectly normal.

Lucien remembered that when she said those words, her delicate chin was slightly raised, and her eyes held a calm that seemed to come naturally.

That makes sense. Given Phoebe's qualities and personality, she is neither like nor needs to be the kind of person who blends in with everyone.

Lucien wasn't disappointed that he couldn't open a small branch in Beauxbatons, because a bolder, more direct plan had already taken shape in his mind—why not open his own shop directly in the heart of the France Wizarding World's commercial district?

This is even more convenient than opening a shop in Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley is incredibly valuable, and it's really not easy to get a shop there. It has been controlled by many Pure-blood families for generations.

But when it comes to influence, resources, and connections within the France Wizarding World, who can compare to his teacher, Nicolas Flamel?

When he mentioned the idea to Nicolas, the six-century-old Alchemy didn't even raise an eyebrow. He simply waved his hand and said he had several vacant old shops in the magic district of Paris and several main commercial alleys, tossing the keys to Lucien and telling him to use whichever one he needed.

In fact, if Lucien hadn't firmly refused, Nicolas would have even planned to transfer the property rights directly to him.

For a legendary figure who could turn lead into gold and had long transcended worldly desires, these fixed assets were indeed no different from roadside pebbles.

More importantly, the name Nicolas Flamel represents not only wealth in the France Wizarding World, but also unparalleled prestige and a complex and unfathomable network of connections.

Centuries of time have allowed this influence to permeate every corner of the world.

Lucien felt that starting out in France was much smoother than in Daiying...