HP: Spirit Talker

POV Yusheng Lan

Yusheng swept her eyes over the back of the departing boy. Her pale lips quivered slightly at the satisfied smile that kept trying to reveal itself to the world. She remembered the boy, saw his footprints, his magic, but it was all still "rain-blurred footprints". The woman clearly saw a change in him, yes, but not spiritually, rather there was a "cut" of a diamond. No, he was far from perfect, no joke, but the straightforward character of his grandfather, his stubbornness, the boy inherited in full measure.

The woman felt the girls approaching, but did not pay much attention — they were on the second floor all the time and could watch. The fact that they couldn't read lips was their own problem. If they wanted to, they would have learned it long ago, and there had never been any problems with teachers in the family. Yusheng was still thinking about the meeting, reviewing the reactions and her conclusions about them.

Meanwhile, the girls walked over to the already cleared table, stood in silence for a few seconds, and then sat down across from the mentor. Satisfaction — that's what they saw on the face of a slightly thoughtful woman. After all, the girls were actually watching, just as one is supposed to do, so as not to feel another's gaze. They saw the serene atmosphere in which the meeting had taken place and it gave them hope. But the sisters were not in a hurry this time — they were experienced. After a few minutes and a cup of tea, the woman spoke.

— The good news for both of you is that the boy is not sick, his mind is fine.

— Then why is he... — Zenzen, who wore his long hair in two traditional buns today, began to speak.

— He hadn't been taught any assassination techniques. — Her mother interrupted, her voice unusually soft. — Our agents found the man who taught the boy the art of swordsmanship — a sturdy master, but he taught the "standard" set, without a deep bias in any direction. I saw this in Japan, though, with some rather interesting but not fixed elements... — Yusheng fell silent, obviously thinking about it.

— In that case, my sister and I will win! — Zenzeng said fervently, but Ju didn't like the look in Mentor's eyes, so she remained silent.

— The boy has been in contact with strong sword masters in the USA, the details could not be determined, but I wouldn't be surprised by the unexpected. — A subtle smile caused a herd of goose bumps to appear on the girls, but immediately, Yusheng's face froze. — But we have another problem. — Pause: Yes, it's related to the tournament, but it's more complicated than that. It's good that we have an invitation and the fighters, just in case, we have enough... — the woman thought again and frowned slightly.

— What's wrong, mistress? — Ju asked carefully after a few moments of silence.

— Hm. — After studying the girls, the woman spoke. — The thing is...

***

POV Fleur Delacour

— Hello, Father. — The girl in the magic mirror made a perfect curtsy, lowering her eyes.

— Hello, daughter. Hmmm... — The man was even a little confused by this, because their family had other rules than tyranny and strict patriarchy, besides he loved his children very much and such a greeting caused bad feelings.

— I humbly request your help in a matter of great importance to me. I am willing to pay you anything. — The girl never looked up, which made the man's heart tingle a little, but the head of the family is no joke.

— Speak, daughter. — The dry tone was not easy for the man, but when the daughter sets such a tone for this conversation, it means that the matter is more than serious, and giving in to emotions would not be the best choice.

— I ask you to assign a full group of experienced battle mages.

— The man looked at his daughter carefully in the magic mirror. — Tell me, what are you planning? Does it have to do with your participation in the Triwizard Tournament?

— Not only that. — The girl sighed heavily, realizing that there was no way to hide the details, even if she had hoped to. — The thing was.

After a few minutes of her daughter's explanation, the man sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the armrest. He had mixed feelings about what he had heard. This news could be used in a dozen different ways, all of which would bring some profit or benefit to the Rod. But only if you didn't help your daughter.

In some ways, this news could even significantly advance some political decisions. I'm not saying it's very important, but the Great Wall was built out of smaller blocks, right? Even a fraction of this news is enough to give a bearded old man a good thrashing. On the other hand, his daughter asked him about the joy and meaning of life.

— You do realize that if I help you, I'm entitled to payment, right? — said the man thoughtfully.

— Of course. — Fleur winced at her father's words, but the words were spoken, the decision was made. — I'm ready. — The girl looked up.

— Good. — Pierre Delacour nodded importantly, but then he could not help himself and smiled slightly. — In return for this favor, I want you to tame your indecision, and by the end of the tournament, the newspapers will be talking about your engagement to Sora, or better yet — a quick wedding. — The man was already staring at his dazed, crimson-haired daughter, who didn't know where to hide her eyes.

— Your will is done. — The girl repeated a deep curtsy, but more out of a desire to hide her flaming face.

— Good. — Pierre nodded again. — I will send Louise de Montmirail with her party, she has just returned from Africa and wanted to see you both.

— Thank you, Papa. — Fleur smiled this time and did not bow, although she was still flushed.

— Eh, — the man sighed heavily, breaking off the connection and speaking into the emptiness of the office. — You've got me on the ropes...

Note

— Guardian Spirits can fulfill a contract according to the letter and spirit of the contract; Baa-san only followed the letter, and actually looked for ways to do nothing at all (the Ternier poisoning situation).

— Why Britain?

1. Lack of real gods, kami — gods of the area, animal gods, but they are also very few, less than necessary.

2. Money culture: the locals are willing and actively involved in it, i.e. they easily sell and buy literally everything.

3. Weak official power, solid corruption, relations and power are completely built on commercial relations (not only money, but also authority, politics); every aristocratic family has its fighters, but not clan guards, but shadow gangs, illegal and illegal business; a rich man, a powerful politician, an aristocrat, everything is possible, as long as it is not flaunted.