Tver watched them helplessly.
"I think you two need to learn more about the Muggle world. These face masks and other cosmetics are necessities for Muggles—especially Muggle girls."
"Even in the wizarding world, plenty of young witches want them too."
Marvolio clicked his tongue in disdain.
He had absolutely no interest in Muggles. If it weren't out of respect for Tver, he would've thrown the box of masks away already.
Wait—why was he even bothering to show Tver any respect?
So he really did toss the box back onto the table.
"Wizards have potions. Why would they need Muggle masks? Or has their science already become more effective than potions?"
Tver picked up the box again but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he casually opened the packaging, tore open the sachet, and pulled out the damp mask inside.
"Technology definitely isn't at that level yet. But what if this mask contains potion ingredients?"
He held up the mask for them to see, and both of them were already staring in stunned silence.
"Wouldn't the Ministry detect it?" Cynthia asked quickly.
Tver simply laid the mask flat on the table so they could see it more clearly.
And also because it was a bit sticky to hold...
"This mask is produced entirely by Muggle industrial machinery, and most of its materials are Muggle-made."
"The only exception is the final ingredient—a Beautification Potion diluted thousands of times to enhance its effects."
(The Beautification Potion isn't made up—it's actually in the original canon.)
"At that level of dilution, no one except a Potions master on Snape's level could detect it."
"So regardless of which side is doing the testing, no one will find anything."
Marvolio's expression practically said: There's actually a trick like this? He even forgot his disdain and touched the mask out of curiosity.
"Isn't producing Beautification Potion difficult? Did you kidnap Snape?"
Tver laughed and shook his head.
"Of course not. The Fawley family owns shares in Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions. After some friendly negotiation, Madam Primpernelle will provide the Beautification Potion at cost."
In truth, it had been a trade. He exchanged sixteen photos with Snape for sixteen improved potion formulas, then used those for negotiations with Madam Primpernelle.
He wasn't about to resort to threats.
What? Mr. Burke wants to complain?
I can't hear anything!
Marvolio also confirmed that the potion component in the mask was extremely diluted, almost impossible to detect.
After all, it was nearly impossible to distinguish such tiny magical fluctuations from normal interference during testing.
"But are you sure the Beautification Potion won't get exposed during Muggle production?" Marvolio asked, then paused. "Wait—the house-elf?"
"That's right. Jeff will handle the dilution of the Beautification Potion himself. The Muggles will simply assume it's a new formula developed by the company."
"And for that, I've invested in several research institutions."
Tver was actually curious whether Muggle labs were capable of analyzing potion components.
Unfortunately, their technology wasn't advanced enough yet.
"But going through all this trouble to make money—wouldn't using a Philosopher's Stone for alchemy be easier? You could skip the whole conversion-to-Galleons step—"
"You're using this to make wizards long for the Muggle world, aren't you?" Marvolio suddenly hit the point.
Tver smiled in satisfaction.
Truly worthy of Voldemort. As long as his mind wasn't malfunctioning, this prodigy was the most capable asset in the wizarding world.
"Wizards who depend on gold I hand out will only become lazy, useless pigs."
"But if we spark their own initiative, they'll become the strongest force to tear down the Statute of Secrecy."
"And the Muggles will realize magic is a gift, something that can help them. Wizards won't be enemies—they'll be friends!"
Tver rose to his feet, sunlight pouring over him as he extended a hand like some god descending to earth.
"What I want to do is plant a seed in everyone's heart—wizards and Muggles alike—and let it take root and grow."
"Even if we fail someday, someone will inherit my will and continue down the path of overturning the Statute of Secrecy."
"Besides, we're not going to fail… are we?"
He looked at Marvolio and Cynthia with anticipation, waiting for them to show at least a spark of inspiration. With words this grand, with momentum this overwhelming, anyone in a normal novel would be kneeling in awe.
Instead, both of them only frowned, saying nothing.
"Seriously? A reaction would be nice. Standing like this is exhausting."
"But you're seeing Muggles through rose-tinted glasses. The original purpose of the Statute of Secrecy was to protect the wizarding world from Muggle harm."
Cynthia shook her head. She had originally wanted to say his idea was a bit childish.
Marvolio didn't hold back at all.
"You're far too naive. The moment Muggles learn about the wizarding world, their first instinct will be to plunder it."
"Then force the entire wizarding world to serve them."
"It will never be as gentle as you imagine."
"Friends? They'd be lucky if they aren't dissected."
He shook his head vigorously, making his disapproval of Tver's optimism very clear.
So that was what they were worried about. Tver had thought they were pointing out an actual flaw in his plan.
He sat down and took a calm sip of his now-cold Pumpkin juice.
"I understand the darkness in human hearts far better than you think. Why else do you think I chose this point in time to push my ideas forward?"
"Oh?" Marvolio stared at him in surprise.
"Because this is the only time in history when three Dark Lords exist at once."
"As long as you, me, and the Headmaster work together, we can control the upper echelons of Muggle governments worldwide and guide events toward peace."
In truth, Tver also wanted to drag Dumbledore onto their ship—if he succeeded, the plan would become even more secure. It was why he put so much effort into maintaining a friendly impression in front of Dumbledore.
Marvolio suddenly sprang to his feet, pointing at Tver.
"Ha! You finally admit you're a Dark Lord!"
"…I mean, I am trying to overturn the Statute of Secrecy."
Completely speechless, Tver grabbed a biscuit and stuffed it into his mouth. Throwing it at Marvolio would've been a waste—Marvolio wasn't worth the biscuit.
"But to make all wizards realize this, we'll need more publicity. Won't that increase the chances of the Ministry finding out?"
Cynthia still looked uneasy. To make wizards see the benefits of integration, those who defended the Statute of Secrecy would definitely notice. But without helping wizards see those benefits, there was no way to win them over. It felt like a dead end.
"Relax. I'll keep things under control. For now, besides us, only the Malfoys know about the masks."
"Before our faction is built up, this business will only be used to draw in certain pureblood families."
"And they won't be stupid enough to reveal their own money-making method."
Tver was being extremely cautious. Dumbledore, the final boss, wasn't fully on their side yet, and the wizarding world's mindset was still old-fashioned. He definitely wasn't going to jump out and get himself killed this early.
...