Bran walked out of the entrance gate of Merlin City and arrived at the meeting hall in the city center via the internal teleportation system.
Along the way, he greeted acquaintances he encountered—ever since Merlin City had come into existence, Lucius Malfoy's social network had expanded exponentially, no longer confined to the British Wizarding World. The European connections his family had distanced themselves from after moving to Britain were now being gradually restored through his efforts.
If the Fire Serpent Party hadn't sabotaged the previous Merlin Phase II project, causing a significant depreciation of assets, Bran would be feeling quite triumphant at this moment.
Fortunately, the Minister—formerly the Earl—had taken over the Merlin Phase II project again, offering him a chance to recover his losses.
From the entrance of the deliberation hall to the main conference room, a mere 150-meter walk, Bran spent a full ten minutes navigating. The constant smiling and exchanging of pleasantries along the way had left his facial muscles stiff, so he immediately sought a corner and sat down, vigorously rubbing his cheeks.
Minister Dantes had summoned everyone for a meeting, but Bran didn't know the purpose. Perhaps it was a gathering to celebrate the nearing completion of Merlin City Phase II?
Soon, the main conference room filled with prominent figures from well-known families around the world. Each of them, having suffered losses in the past, had heavily invested in the pre-sale properties of Merlin City Phase II. Confidence was high—Minister Dantes' arrangements for city defenses were evident, and the elite attendants under his command gave everyone a profound sense of security.
At the scheduled hour, Minister Dantes emerged from a small door within the conference hall. Bran had seen the former Earl only once on the day he assumed the position of Minister for Magic, and not since. But now, seeing him again, Bran realized the Earl's demeanor had completely changed.
The former Earl had been elegant, wise, and benevolent. The current Minister, however, projected an aura of authority and uncompromising power. This transformation was natural; in less than a week, Minister Dantes had apprehended the previous Minister for Magic, Barty Crouch Sr., who had fled in fear. At the same time, public order in the British Wizarding World had never been better—the Fire Serpent Party had ceased activities, and rumors claimed the organization had left Britain entirely, intimidated by the Minister's authority.
Striding onto the podium, Dantes' gaze swept across the room from left to right before he began:
"Most of you are present, so let us begin."
Clearing his throat, he continued:
"Gentlemen, I am sure you are all eager to learn about the progress of the Merlin City Phase II project."
Every head turned toward him. Merlin City Phase II represented their only opportunity to recoup previous losses.
"I am pleased to inform you that the Merlin Phase II project is nearing completion. In about half a month, our Floating City will be realized."
The hall erupted in thunderous applause. Relief washed over everyone—just half a month to go, and their investments would yield significant returns.
However, Dantes' next words immediately silenced the room.
"However, gentlemen, I have discovered something highly concerning."
Furrowed brows and worried glances spread across the audience—was there a problem with Phase II?
He stretched his lips into a long sigh and continued:
"I have observed that housing prices in Merlin City Phase II are skyrocketing, reaching unprecedented levels…"
He paused dramatically.
"Your rampant speculation has caused property values to surge over ten times their original pre-sale prices. Such inflated prices will inevitably create problems!"
A voice rang out from the crowd:
"How could that be a problem? High prices are how we make a profit!"
Laughter rippled through the hall as many nodded in agreement. If prices weren't high, how would they ever recover their previous losses?
"Minister, the prices are still too low in our opinion. Perhaps your concern stems from the fact that pre-sale properties were initially underpriced, and you lost potential profits?"
The hall erupted into boisterous laughter once more. Though Dantes now held the highest office in Merlin City and the British Wizarding World, the Phase II pre-sale properties had already sold out. There was no way he could profit further.
But Dantes raised his hand, silencing everyone with a single, commanding voice. His tone carried the subtle, irresistible influence of the Cambion bloodline, as if a gentle Imperius curse had swept across the hall. No one dared defy him.
"I understand you all lost heavily in the past and now seek to recover your capital through this project," he said, his voice cold and deliberate. "But have you considered the consequences of further inflating prices? What happens if nobody can afford these homes? You could be left holding empty properties."
"No, Minister, we have agreements with the Wang family. They will purchase the homes at the current market value upon delivery!"
"Yes, Minister, you are overthinking this."
"Overthinking?" Dantes sneered. "Have all of you signed agreements with Wang Wenhui?"
"Yes, Minister!"
"All of us!"
Dantes' expression darkened as he pointed at the assembly.
"Foolish! There are 30,000 houses in Merlin City Phase II. With prices averaging nearly one million per house, the total value reaches thirty billion! If prices rise further and the Wang family cannot afford them, you could end up with nothing!"
The audience fell silent. Dantes' warning was not exaggerated—he had a point.
A voice then rose:
"What's there to fear? The great families of Germany are not limited to the Wang family! Merlin City is now the heart of the Wizarding World; all trade routes converge here. Any family that wishes to thrive cannot avoid Merlin City. By attracting a few more major families, competition will naturally drive prices higher. Minister, you are overthinking."
The speaker was a representative of the French Rothschild family residing in Merlin City. His words ignited renewed chatter in the hall. Indeed, given Merlin City's status, many influential families would fight for a piece of the pie.
Dantes remained solemn, yet inwardly he was pleased. The major German families' crude schemes were transparent. He knew that these ancient families, though integrated with Muggles, would never provide a true safety net.
Shaking his head, the Minister departed with a final, ominous statement:
"You are on your own."
The crowd fell silent once more, realizing that, despite appearances, each family's fate in Merlin City Phase II depended solely on their own strategy and foresight.
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