An Encounter with an Old Acquaintance

After Skylar and Fleur Apparated, they did not return directly to Britain. Instead, they appeared in the Camargue Marshes of southern France—a desolate wilderness rarely visited by anyone. Vast marshlands stretched endlessly beneath an open sky, water birds skimming low over the lakes while herds of white wild horses occasionally raced in the distance. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the thin mist and fell upon the damp earth, lending the place a primitive tranquility and mystery.

Fleur looked around at the scenery, raising her brows in surprise. "Why did we come here?"

Skylar merely gave a meaningful smile without answering directly.

Before long, the air rippled, and a figure quietly appeared before them—Mr. Evreux, Fleur's uncle and one of Magic Garden's senior executives.

Pierre Evreux was a tall, composed middle-aged wizard. His dark brown eyes carried a hint of shrewdness, while his gray robes fluttered gently in the wind. Seeing Skylar, he smiled. "Congratulations, Skylar. Champion of the Potions Championship—that is no small honor."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Evreux," Skylar replied politely.

Pierre Evreux turned to his niece, his eyes carrying a touch of indulgence. "Fleur, I never expected you to run off to Britain with this boy."

Fleur gave a soft snort and lifted her chin. "Where I choose to go is my freedom, Uncle."

Pierre Evreux chuckled and said no more. Instead, he turned back to Skylar, his expression growing serious. "I heard Hector invited you to join the Society of Extraordinary Potioneers?"

"Yes." Skylar nodded. "That is also why I wanted to see you today."

Pierre Evreux narrowed his eyes slightly. "Oh?"

Skylar said unhurriedly, "You are one of Magic Garden's senior figures and have the authority to negotiate business on its behalf. And I heard from Hector that only members of the Society of Extraordinary