Chapter 276 "The Benevolent Alliance"

In the midst of Lockhart's articulate speech, Rita couldn't help but feel shocked, realizing the depth of the Alliance's strategic plan. A surge of emotions overwhelmed her as she grasped the extent to which the Alliance had infiltrated not only the Ministry of Magic but also the entire magical world's financial system.

Contemplating the current state of the Ministry of Magic, Rita sighed inwardly. She was all too familiar with the shortcomings and moral compromises prevalent among the Ministry officials—acts of self-congratulation, forsaking principles for personal gain, and sheer greed.

Observing the unfolding events, Rita couldn't shake the concern that if the Alliance were allowed to establish its political and financial influence, the Ministry of Magic would be left vulnerable, susceptible to manipulation by the Alliance's ambitions in the future.

With her decision made, Rita wasted no time and promptly expressed her gratitude, stating, "Mr. Lockhart, allow me, in my own name, to thank you for your invaluable service to the wizarding world! I pledge that once your bank is operational, I will deposit all my assets into it."

Interpreting Rita's words and recalling the Deathly Hallows symbol she had displayed earlier, Lockhart perceived this as another strategic move orchestrated by the Alliance. Filled with excitement, Lockhart firmly clasped Rita's hand, affirming, "Thank you for your support and trust. I assure you, I will live up to everyone's expectations!"

Witnessing this interaction, surrounding wizards chimed in, expressing their desire for Rita to entrust Lockhart's bank with their assets. The atmosphere regained its warmth.

Seizing the opportunity, Rita inquired, "By the way, Mr. Lockhart, have you decided on a name for your bank?"

Lockhart found himself momentarily puzzled as he tried to recall the somewhat intricate name Wentworth had provided before his departure. After a moment of contemplation, he suggested, "Let's call it the Central Bank of the Wizarding World!"

Despite any reservations Rita may have had about the name, she refrained from asking questions. Rita understood that the chosen name reflected the intentions of the Alliance.

Committed to aligning herself with the Alliance, Rita believed that, as a professional journalist, she could only gain the trust of the Alliance by playing her part effectively.

Eager to promote Lockhart's bank, Rita continued with her inquiries, asking, "Mr. Lockhart, when do you plan to open your bank?"

Lockhart chuckled before spreading his hands and declaring, "This is a significant undertaking. While I've taken the initiative to lead this endeavor, I'll undoubtedly need everyone's assistance. I've decided to visit some old friends in the coming days and enlist their help in making this momentous occasion a reality!"

"Then, we will commence preparations and endeavor to open the Central Bank of the Wizarding World to serve everyone within a year!"

As Lockhart made this proclamation, introducing the Wizarding World Central Bank to the gathered wizards, Wentworth, Cassandra, Green, and Cedric observed the unfolding scene from a corner of Diagon Alley.

Seeing the plan unfold smoothly, Cedric expressed disbelief, "They believed it, and they actually bought it after everything that happened?! Don't they have any doubts?"

Without turning his head, Wentworth looked at Lockhart standing in the midst of the cheering crowd and replied, "You're asking this question because you're standing by my side and witnessing the whole thing from behind the scenes. If you were in their crowd, perhaps you'd cheer even more than them."

Cedric remained silent, contemplating the effectiveness of the orchestrated plan.

"That is actually a scary example... knowing how we can manipulate the public without even the help of the other media is truly a frightening move." Green said.

On the other hand, Cassandra voiced her doubts, "Wentworth, I have a general understanding of how this bank is going to work, but there is a problem here that I still can't figure out. How can you guarantee that the wizards who borrowed the money will pay it back? What if they run away with the money?"

Hearing Cassandra's question, Wentworth's expression shifted to one of confusion. He looked at Cassandra with surprise and said disbelievingly, "In these years, are there still people who dare to owe the underworld for their right... No, are there still people who dare to owe money to the Alliance? Do you think that the Alliance's great reputation in the entire magical world is achieved by benevolence and righteousness?"

Hearing Wentworth's words, Cassandra lowered her head in embarrassment, and Wentworth continued, "If you want to borrow money from our bank, those who have real estate must mortgage the real estate. A wizard can run away, but real estate can't run away, right?!"

"And those wizards who don't have houses, they can't always jump out of stones, right? There must be relatives and friends, right? Let those wizards ask relatives and friends to vouch for them! If the wizards don't pay back the money, let their relatives and friends pay them back!"

"If you really have nothing, even relatives and friends, as a wizard, you must have at least one magic wand, right? At that time, they will sell their wands cheaply. If the wands cannot be sold, they will use the cores. Take them apart and sell them!"

"For the rest of the money, let those wizards and witches who are in debt go to work in our Alliance's industries around the world! Our Alliance is reasonable and will pay them wages, but we don't cover room and board! The cost of their room and board will be deducted from their wages! When the debt is paid, they can leave!"

Having expressed his unconventional thoughts, Wentworth looked at Cassandra and the others behind him with a wry smile, acknowledging the peculiar nature of his ideas.

"Hey, I guess I'm still too kind, even when dealing with such dodgy matters. Our Alliance has a soft spot! If this were the Muggle world, these debtors would be facing far harsher consequences. Maybe they'd be subjected to public shaming or worse. And here I am, offering them jobs. I'm quite the benevolent figure!"

"Of course, if anyone manages to evade the Alliance's reach, then I'll give them credit for being resourceful. Although I highly doubt a wizard capable of such evasion would stoop so low as to need a loan."

Observing the thoughtful expressions on the faces of Cassandra and the others, Wentworth sighed inwardly.

It's a shame that the magical world isn't as progressive as he'd like. He'd love to dabble in creating a magical stock exchange or something along those lines if it were more open. That's where the real money lies!

"A bank? Money comes in too slowly that way!" Wentworth shouted in his heart.

At that instant, Rosier materialized behind Wentworth and conveyed urgent news:

"Fudge has emerged from the Ministry of Magic and is currently en route to St Mungo's Witch's Hospital to visit Thomas Vole!"

Upon hearing Rosier's report, Wentworth nodded knowingly and remarked:

"He finally mustered the courage to leave the Ministry of Magic! I was under the impression he would keep a low profile until Scrimgeour returned from Scotland!"

"Let's head there; we'll pay a visit to the head of the British Ministry of Magic! Meanwhile, the rest of you, keep a close watch. We'll catch up later."

The others nodded at Wentworth before they were about to separate.