"Cedric Gray? That's your name? Is it famous? Why should I know who you are?"
Douglas Savile didn't bother to soften his words.
Cedric found that a little hard to hear.
When he'd met Professor McGonagall, she had made him think he'd already gained some recognition in the wizarding world. Apparently, he'd overestimated it.
But he soon worked it out.
His name had spread, just not very far. Generally, only wizards with some money—people who lived at least a middle-class life—had a chance of hearing about him. His dishes weren't cheap. Even if ordinary people knew about them, they might not be able to afford them.
As for Douglas...
Cedric wasn't looking down on him, but the burly man hardly looked like someone who could casually spend several Galleons on a meal. Besides, he didn't seem to pay much attention to outside news. It was perfectly reasonable that he didn't recognize Cedric.
The problem was that this made things difficult.
Cedric rubbed his chin, quietly considering how to persuade Douglas to supply him with ingredients long-term at a lower price.
He genuinely wanted to make Douglas a supplier.
The man's Hunting Level was 85. That wasn't a number for show. If a wizard like him went into the wild to hunt high-level Fantastic Beasts, the materials he brought back would be nothing like ordinary market stock.
Until Cedric was strong enough to hunt in the mountains alone, that source of ingredients would be vital.
Just as he was worrying over this, a commotion came from outside the door.
"Douglas! Douglas! My dearest Douglas, are you home?"
It sounded like only one person, yet the shouting filled the room as though a crowd had barged in.
The door flew open.
Douglas's expression turned irritated. He stepped to the side, putting himself directly in front of Cedric.
A thin man with a narrow face slipped through the doorway.
His gray robe was hopelessly crumpled, as though he'd rolled through a filthy sewer. Scrawny and shifty, he looked every bit like a rat stealing cheese.
"What are you hiding indoors for in the middle of the day? I just passed your stall and heard you were discussing a big deal. What, finally come around? My dear old friend..."
He rattled on without pause and only then noticed Cedric behind Douglas.
"Oh? Is this the new merchandise you picked up?"
Skeg's eyes lit up.
"Good eye. With looks like that, he'd fetch a fine price. Want me to find you a buyer? I'm telling you, one this good has to be worth at least—"
As he spoke, he reached for Cedric.
But before his hand could touch him, Douglas seized it.
"He's not merchandise."
Douglas's voice was icy, the words nearly forced through clenched teeth.
That nickname, Skeg, suited him well enough.
The corner of Cedric's mouth lifted slightly as he sized up the man.
Hunting Level: 35.
"Was that necessary? I never said I'd steal your business!"
Skeg struggled to pull free, grumbling angrily.
"Without me finding customers for you, you'd never make it in this trade. I'm a professional—wait."
Mid-sentence, he suddenly fixed his gaze on Cedric.
"Haven't I seen this kid somewhere?"
"Mr. Savile, I didn't realize you dealt in people on the side."
Cedric's tone was mild, as though he were making conversation.
"Is he a friend of yours?"
His expression didn't change, but a small fireball was already gathering quietly in his right hand.
The flame looked unremarkable, but it was even more volatile than the fireball he'd used to blow down the wall in the pub.
And compared with the small, fast-moving targets he'd faced before, the two wizards in front of him were much bigger and easier to aim at.
Even if he missed, the slightest commotion would bring the Aurors outside running. As long as he wasn't taken down in one blow, he wouldn't be in any real danger.
So who should get this Dragon's Breath Fireball?
Cedric looked up. The two men's figures reflected in his pale green eyes as he began choosing a target.
Even Douglas, with his Hunting Level of 85, would have a rough time if the fireball hit him.
A wizard's Hunting Level mainly reflected magical ability. It didn't mean his body could shrug off a spell.
But things didn't go that way.
Before Skeg could finish speaking, Douglas clamped a hand over his face.
The muscles in Douglas's arm suddenly tightened.
With one hand, he lifted the monkey-thin man clear off the floor.
"I've already told you. I don't do that kind of business."
Douglas stared at him, his voice full of warning.
"This is the last time. This is Diagon Alley, not Knockturn Alley."
With that, he swung his arm.
Skeg went flying. He hit the floor and rolled again and again, finally stopping when his back struck the wall.
Cedric watched, his eyes shifting slightly before he dispersed the Dragon's Breath Fireball in his palm.
"Ow, Douglas! Is that any way to treat your brother?"
Clutching his waist, Skeg groaned on the floor for a long while before finally managing to get up.
"Fine, don't do it! Business is supposed to be something both sides agree to, isn't it? If you don't want to, am I going to tie you up and force you to take customers?"
Douglas snorted and ignored him.
He turned, grabbed the pile of Galleons from the table, and tossed them into Cedric's arms. Then he picked up a bottle of Dragon Blood and pressed it into Cedric's hand.
"Don't come looking for me again."
He looked at Cedric.
"You saw it yourself. I don't lack customers. Take the Dragon Blood, and keep your mouth shut after you leave. I don't want to hear any strange rumors going around."
Cedric held the money in one hand and cradled the Dragon Blood in the other, unsure whether to laugh or sigh.
Douglas was treating him like a child he could send on his way with a gift.
Still, getting a bottle of Dragon Blood for nothing was hardly a loss.
And after what had just happened, Cedric could see Douglas Savile more clearly. There was nothing wrong with the wizard himself; he really was someone worth working with.
It was just that Douglas plainly saw him as a naive kid.
With that gap between how they saw each other, it would be hard to negotiate any kind of partnership.
Cedric glanced down at the Dragon Blood in his arms. After a moment's thought, he decided to leave for now.
Next, he would prove something through his actions.
He really could afford to buy Dragon Blood on a long-term basis.
Only then could he shatter Douglas's impression of him as "just a child."
Before you continue