It seemed like she saw through Link's shock. Madam Flamel pressed her lips together and said, "Don't worry, Link. Although the Order of Merlin medal has a very high level, within the Order of Merlin medal itself, there are actually also grades."
"For example, the top-level First-Class Order of Merlin medal, this thing is usually only given to dead people. Just kidding. Except for monsters like Dumbledore. And the Second-Class Order of Merlin medal is the top honor in the normal people's world."
"How should I put it? Do you know the Muggles' Nobel Prize? That thing is at the same level as the Second-Class Order of Merlin medal. As for the Third-Class medal, hehe, that's something else entirely. Its gold content is actually not that high."
Madam Flamel paused here suddenly and glanced at Snape beside them before continuing to speak, "As long as you and Professor Snape are willing to say that the potion formula he developed but hasn't yet published was developed by you."
"After that, I'll do some work in the shadows, and you obtaining the Third-Class Order of Merlin medal will basically be something nailed on the board (a sure thing)."
"What a pity, some people's consciences seem to have been eaten by dogs." Facing Madam Flamel's cold ridicule, Snape only gave a cold snort.
"Snape, don't tell me you thought I was coming to find you because I had no choice? Don't flatter yourself! There are plenty of people in the Potioneers' Association who want to sell these unpublished potion formulas! The reason I came to you was only to give you a chance to return a favor. Since you don't appreciate it, then live forever in guilt!"
Madam Flamel spoke coldly, and after saying this, she pulled Link out of the Victoria Mansion, leaving only Snape standing there silently, not knowing what he was thinking.
On the other side, after Link and Madam Flamel left the mansion, they didn't choose to immediately return to Flamel Castle. Madam Flamel seemed a bit sentimental, and took Link to wander around the garden outside.
Seeing this, Link didn't say much either, just gently held Madam Flamel's hand a bit tighter, as a form of comfort.
To be honest, although the garden outside Victoria Mansion was called a garden, it was actually large tracts of farmland, growing all kinds of vegetables and crops, making one feel as though they were in a countryside farm.
Such an environment was quite unfitting for Mr. Victoria. Because, after all, Mr. Victoria was still a pureblood noble with some wealth. Having farmland near the mansion couldn't bring him any benefits, and would instead lower his status.
Thinking like this, Link silently shook his head. He didn't really understand Mr. Victoria's way of thinking.
But at this moment, Madam Flamel gently patted Link's head and said, "Link, don't blame your Uncle Victoria, and don't follow those kids calling him a stingy ghost. He's actually a good person."
"I understand." Link replied softly.
He had never thought of resenting Mr. Victoria anyway. After all, in his opinion, with Emily's personality, even if Mr. Victoria opposed, she would still come and privately pledge herself to Link.
So, what Mr. Victoria did or thought actually couldn't change anything, at most just made the ending more awkward.
Madam Flamel saw Link's unchanged expression and thought he was just brushing her off. She sighed and pointed to a few Squibs still working in the farmland in the distance and said, "Link, do you know how many Squibs your Uncle Victoria has in this mansion?"
Madam Flamel's topic jump was too abrupt, leaving Link momentarily stunned. But after reacting, he still estimated based on his observations and answered, "About 50 or so?"
"Nope. The real number is over 500."
"500!? Is he crazy?"
"Yes, we all think he's crazy. After all, these Squibs, although they're born in wizard families, can't use magic. From a purely rational, resource-based perspective, they're just a group of useless trash."
Madam Flamel gazed into the fields and said with some emotion, "But Link, Squibs really are very pitiful. The vast majority of them can't integrate into wizard society, and can't survive in the Muggle world either. They can only struggle to live in the cracks between the two. This world is simply too difficult for them."
"So Uncle Victoria took them in because he pitied them and raised more than 500 of them." Link tilted his head and said, "And he's not just raising them, but giving them a chance to support themselves just like ordinary people?"
"Yes, that's why I said your Uncle Victoria is a good person." Madam Flamel smiled a bit self-deprecatingly and said, "Unfortunately, good people aren't understood nowadays. Others will only say you're foolish, and some may even bully you."
"I understand him now. He's someone worthy of respect." Link said solemnly.
One has to admit, he had started to feel genuine admiration toward Mr. Victoria. Although Link himself would absolutely never do such charity, it didn't stop him from respecting people like Mr. Victoria who dared to stand up for the weak.
After all, this world needs more heroes. And so-called heroes don't just refer to figures like Dumbledore who reverse tides and support crumbling structures. People like Mr. Victoria who quietly do good are also great heroes.
Hearing Link's words, the smile on Madam Flamel's face became even brighter.
She slowly squatted down to straighten Link's slightly messy collar, and only after making it look neat again did she smile and say, "That's right, Link. You must keep such upright thoughts."
"This past year, you've improved a lot. Although Mom wasn't by your side, both Dumbledore and Snape have seen your performance. According to them, the talent you've shown is already enough for you to become an outstanding wizard in the future. But what they don't know is, compared to fame and success, what I care more about is that you keep the kindness in your heart."
"Do you know, Link? I'm very afraid. Because I feel like the kindness in your heart is slowly being devoured by indifference. It's a strange feeling, but I'm sure it's real."
"Promise me, Link. You must hold on to the kindness in your heart. It's your most precious treasure, and also the key to surviving in this world. So even if only for my sake, you must hold firm to your spirit." Madam Flamel spoke very seriously, especially that last part.
And upon hearing it, Link, who stood before Madam Flamel, also spoke seriously, "I will, Mom. I swear."
"Good child." Madam Flamel hugged Link with a face full of relief, but at this moment, the expression on Link's face grew even more solemn.
At first, he thought Madam Flamel was just reacting to the personality shift caused by his transmigration. But Madam Flamel's last sentence made Link grow wary.
'What does it mean, kindness is the key to surviving in this world?'
Does that mean if Link loses the quality of kindness, he'll die suddenly?
Thinking this way, Link gently twisted his wrist, and the two wands hidden in his wand holster gave off a faint, almost inaudible clinking sound.
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