Chapter 176 The Malfoy family inherits your favor

Chapter 176 The Malfoy family inherits your favor

"Yes," Henry nodded slightly, "in the Scottish Highlands, there's a special program to protect magical creatures."

Lucius nodded thoughtfully, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

"A good project," he said sincerely. "I've heard a lot about this sanctuary. Mr. Newt Scamander is personally involved in its guidance, and Mr. Charlie Weasley is in charge of its day-to-day management—both are experts in the field of magical creatures. With them around, this project is truly trustworthy."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Moreover, I heard that the royal family invested 20 million Galleons in this project? That's truly admirable."

"It's thanks to my father's support," Henry said with a smile. "He's always been interested in environmental protection, and he's very happy to have the opportunity to do something for the wizarding world as well."

Lucius nodded, a thoughtful look creeping into his eyes.

"I often see His Highness the Prince of Wales's name in Muggle newspapers," he said. "He is indeed a very visionary prince."

This was a clever remark; it praised Charles while also implying that the speaker was interested in the Muggle world and appeared knowledgeable.

Although he has indeed been paying attention to Muggle newspapers lately, as for why—he himself couldn't say.

"I will pass on the message to my father." Henry bowed slightly.

Lucius smiled, a smile that was much more genuine than before.

"Your Highness," he said with a hint of intimacy, "speaking of this protected area, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude."

"Thank you?" Henry asked knowingly.

"Yes." Lucius nodded, glancing around the crowd as if to make sure no one was listening inappropriately. "Your Highness may not know, but the Malfoy family, as well as the Greengrass and Parkinson families, have all benefited greatly from this protected area recently."

"And I heard from Draco that these orders were specially arranged by His Highness?"

"Charlie asked for my advice when he was in charge of the procurement," Henry said casually. "I just mentioned that the Malfoys have a good reputation in the magical building materials industry, the Greengrass family's protective spells are recognized in the industry, and the Parkinsons family's textile craftsmanship is also excellent. As for who they ultimately chose, that was Charlie's own decision."

This was said casually, but the meaning was clear—it was I who brought it up.

Lucius looked at him, a hint of genuine appreciation in his eyes.

This young man did a really brilliant job.

He didn't wait for others to beg him; he thought of his friends' families before the project even started. He wasn't giving alms; he was providing a fair chance to compete—once you're in this circle, having your name mentioned is the biggest advantage.

Moreover, he said it so casually and naturally, as if it were just something he mentioned offhand.

He neither took credit for himself nor sought rewards.

"Your Highness is too kind," Lucius said, his tone even more sincere than before. "Draco is fortunate to have a friend like you. Our families are all grateful for that."

He paused, then added, "Mr. Greengrass was just saying a few days ago that he wanted to find an opportunity to thank His Highness in person. Daphne has been mentioning you often since she got home, saying how much she appreciated your care at school. Mr. Parkinson is the same; you should know his daughter, Pansy, too?"

"Daphne and Pansy are my classmates and friends," Henry said with a smile.

Lucius laughed.

"That's good. It's what we parents want to see most when young people can get along well together."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Your Highness, you handled this protected area matter exceptionally well. Not because of the project itself—though it is indeed excellent—but because of your vision and approach to things."

He lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of sincerity.

"In recent years, too many people in the magical world have only cared about their own little corner of the world. Everyone is busy taking sides and fighting for profit, but you are different."

"Mr. Malfoy, you flatter me," Henry said, his tone still calm. "I just did what I was supposed to do."

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"Your Highness is too modest."

Lucius shook his head and looked at the bustling crowd around him, turning slightly to the side.

"Your Highness, it's a bit crowded here, so it's not convenient to talk. There's a café around the corner that's relatively quiet. If you're not in a hurry, why don't we go sit down there?"

Henry glanced in the direction the Weasleys were. Mrs. Weasley was still in the bookstore paying her bill and wouldn't be out for a while. Ron and Harry were chatting together and didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon.

He nodded.

"it is good."

Lucius gestured for him to proceed, then turned to Draco.

"Draco, you come too."

Draco was taken aback, clearly not expecting his father to call him.

But he quickly nodded and followed.

The three of them weaved through the crowd and turned into a slightly secluded alley. After walking for about two minutes, a coffee shop came into view.

The café has a small storefront and understated decor, but upon closer inspection, you'll find that the wood carvings and wrought ironwork are excessively exquisite. There's no sign at the entrance, only a small silver plaque with the word "Serpent" engraved on it.

Henry's brow twitched slightly, and Lucius noticed his expression and smiled slightly.

"This is an old establishment that only serves pure-blood families. However, Your Highness's status is special, so you are naturally exempt from this restriction."

He pushed open the wooden door, and a rich aroma of coffee wafted out.

The store was much larger inside than it appeared from the outside, clearly due to the use of a space-expanding spell.

Several dark walnut tables were scattered throughout, each spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy for conversations.

Several old portraits hang on the wall, depicting figures quietly reading or drinking tea, occasionally glancing up at the newly arrived guests before lowering their heads again.

There was a fireplace in the corner, the fire burning brightly and making a soft crackling sound.

There were no other customers in the shop, so Lucius led them to a table at the back and gestured for Henry to sit down.

"Your Highness, please have a seat."

Henry sat down opposite him, with Draco sitting next to him.

A house-elf appeared silently, carrying a silver tray with three cups of coffee and a small dish of delicate pastries. The coffee had a rich and mellow aroma that smelled wonderful.

"The coffee beans here are specially sourced from Africa," Lucius said, taking a sip from his cup. "They're roasted with magic, so the taste is smoother than Muggle coffee."

Henry picked up the glass and took a sip.

It's really good.

"What does Your Highness think?" Lucius asked.

"Very good." Henry put down his glass. "Mr. Malfoy is very thoughtful."

Lucius smiled and leaned back in his chair.

"Your Highness," he said, his tone more relaxed than when he was on the street, "what I said just now was sincere. The Malfoy family owes you a debt of gratitude."