Even so, Ivan knew that it would take more than a day or two to change these people's minds about him, and that it would take a long time for them to realise that he was actually a gentle and friendly young wizard!
Old Rosier, Foley, and Abbott were watching Ivan's face carefully.
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat when they saw the young wizard frown in displeasure. They could not understand how they had angered him, or if they had come at the wrong time.
However, since he was already here, he could not retreat, so he gritted his teeth and said, "Sir Harls, I have brought them here as you instructed!"
As he spoke, he winked at Foley, Abbott, and the others behind him.
"Sir Harls, please forgive my stupidity and ignorance. In order to make up for our previous mistakes, our Parkinson family is willing to offer two… no, thirty thousand Galleons in exchange for your understanding!
"Sir Harls, the damned Nottes lied to me. We meant no offense, and the Abbot family is willing to pay thirty thousand Galleons…"
…
At Rosier Senior's signal, the pure-bloods railed against their own stupidity, claiming that they had now turned over a new leaf and were willing to surrender, only begging Ivan to give them a chance at redemption!
Ivan found it strange to see Foley and the others, who were condemning themselves and planning to spend tens of thousands of Galleons to redeem themselves.
After all, strictly speaking, it seemed like he was the one who started it…
Ivan looked sheepishly at the pure-bloods and waved them off.
"Let bygones be bygones…my friends! The conflicts of the past are nothing more than dust on the table. We don't have to take them to heart, do we?"
"As for the tribute, it is not necessary. I have seen your sincerity!"
Ivan tried to console them, but also refused the supposed tribute.
Even though Ivan could get more than 100,000 Galleons with a nod of his head, he did not hesitate to refuse the offer. He knew that nothing was free!
He had clearly agreed to the old Rozier's request and spared their lives, but the six families were still willing to pay 30,000 tributes to each family. Clearly, they were up to something!
180,000 Galleons was not a small sum. Accepting it was equivalent to owing a favor!
To Ivan's surprise, however, when he made it clear that he was going to refuse, the faces of Rosier Senior and the others were filled with fear and trepidation.
"Sir Harls, this tribute is a small token of our appreciation. Please give us a chance to redeem ourselves!" Fiona Parkinson said excitedly.
Foley, Abbott, and Rowle cautiously tried to dissuade Ivan from accepting the money, as if they could not rest easy if he did not accept it.
Ivan was speechless and confused. This was the first time someone had tried to force a large sum of money on him.
At the insistence of Fiona and the others, Ivan reluctantly agreed.
This was because he found that if he didn't accept it, it would make them unhappy.
Ivan, of course, allowed them to retain a share of the wizarding market in return, and most of these hundreds of thousands of Galleons were put to work on the black market.
"Thank you, sir, for your generosity!" Abbott said gratefully.
Even though Ivan only paid back part of the share that had been taken from him, Abbott and the others were very grateful and even delighted.
Originally, they had hoped to use some Galleons to gain Ivan's favour and show their worth, but they did not expect Ivan to be willing to return a portion of the wizarding market.
From now on, they would be in the same interests, and the Wizarding Market would serve as a bridge between them.
However, before they could rejoice, Ivan changed the subject.
"Since we're all on the same side now, let's get something straight!"
"For those friends who are happy to support me, I will give them honour, money, and… whatever they want!"
"As for those who tried to sneak in here with ill-intentions…" Ivan said slowly, staring at the trembling pure-bloods with those black eyes. "I don't think you want to know their consequences! Do you?"
Foley, Abbott, and the others, who had just let their guard down, fell to their knees in fear.
"Sir Harls, the Parkinson family sincerely wishes to surrender!"
"We, the Abbott family, are not disloyal!"
…
The pure-bloods shouted in unison, expressing their loyalty.
"Really? Time will tell!" Yvonne said noncommittally, slowly placing her book on the table.
Although he did not detect any hatred when he used Legilimency to read their emotions, it did not mean that he could trust them completely.
According to this book, a few good knocks will teach these people that awe is necessary!
Foley, Abbott, and the others fell to their knees, not daring to reply. The only one standing was Rosier, who stole a quick glance at the book in Ivan's hand. The cover read: "Staffboy to Minister for Magic: How Wizards Ascend to the Top of Power!"
Rosier Senior's pupils dilated.
Sure enough, as he expected, this young wizard before him was seeking the position of Minister for Magic…
The elder Rossier did not dare to look at him any longer, and quickly lowered his head, maintaining his humble appearance.
Ivan, oblivious to Rosier's antics, looked around the room and performed Legilimency again.
Because the mood swings of Abbott and the others were more intense this time, Ivan was able to sense their emotions without even looking at them.
After confirming that his words had paid off, Ivan nodded in satisfaction and helped the kneeling pure-bloods back to their feet, stating that he believed in their sincerity and that he would only punish those who betrayed him!
For the rest of the afternoon, apart from practising Legilimency, he spent the rest of his time reading management books so that he would not be too passive in front of these people.
It seemed to be working, except that these people were overreacting…