Chapter 23: Toby the House-Elf

After Dumbledore left, Tom returned to his room to pack his belongings.

Robert wasn't idle either.

He didn't have many possessions to begin with—not even extra clothes. However, after an owl from Diagon Alley delivered his purchases, his belongings suddenly increased.

Finding a large bag, Robert packed everything neatly inside. Then, he took out Complete Solution to Low-Level Spells and began reading quietly.

Perhaps it was due to the strength-enhancing potions he had consumed in Diagon Alley, but he didn't feel the least bit sleepy even as midnight approached.

Suddenly, a familiar chime rang in his mind.

"Ding! It's the hour. At 00:00, new products have appeared in the store!"

Robert set his book down and opened the system mall as usual.

For a long time now, the system hadn't offered anything particularly useful to him. He wondered if tonight's selection would finally bring a pleasant surprise.

[Product 1: Complete Guide to Transfiguration (Unlocked) – 1000 Merit Points]

[Product 2: House-Elf Butler (Unlocked) – 300 Merit Points]

[Refresh time countdown: 23 hours, 59 minutes, 35 seconds]

[Merit Points: 1400]

[Dark Lord Achievement: Not Achieved]

"They finally arrived…" Robert's eyes lit up as he examined the two items.

The description of the first product was particularly shocking:

[Complete Guide to Transfiguration—A book that records all fundamental transfiguration knowledge, along with the experiences of all transfiguration masters from ancient times to the present.]

It contained the accumulated wisdom of all transfiguration masters throughout history? No wonder it was worth 1000 merit points!

Shifting his focus to the next item, Robert read the details carefully.

[House-Elf Butler—An experienced house-elf who once served a pure-blood dark wizard family. However, the last member of the family perished half a month ago, leaving the elf tragically freed. Once purchased, the house-elf will recognize the host as its new master and will never betray them.]

A living creature as part of the system's merchandise? That was a first.

However, Robert found this particular "product" very appealing. Who wouldn't want an experienced house-elf to assist them?

Especially at such a low price—only 300 merit points.

Without hesitation, Robert purchased Complete Guide to Transfiguration first. Just as he had done previously, he exchanged the book for a simplified Chinese version.

The next second, a novel titled The Count of Monte Cristo appeared in his hands.

It seemed that, like Complete Solution to Low-Level Spells, this book also had a disguised appearance.

After carefully storing the book away, Robert proceeded to purchase the second item.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully purchasing a House-Elf Butler!"

"Ding! Host, please locate the house-elf!"

As the system notification ended, a small translucent map appeared in Robert's field of vision.

A bright red dot and a small arrow were displayed on the map.

After observing it for a moment, Robert deduced that the small arrow represented himself, while the red dot indicated the house-elf's location.

The red dot wasn't far away. However, it remained completely stationary on the map, which struck Robert as odd.

Was the house-elf asleep? That might explain why it wasn't moving.

Not wasting any time, Robert picked up a kerosene lamp and quietly left the UK Orphanage.

Following the map, he walked about 200 meters east along the muddy main street before turning into a narrow alley.

The alley was filthy, filled with a putrid stench that made his nose wrinkle.

Carefully stepping through the flooded ground, Robert reached the alley's end, his kerosene lamp casting dim light around him.

Near a battered trash can, a small figure lay motionless.

"Ding! The host has arrived at the house-elf."

The system notification vanished, along with the small map in Robert's vision.

Lowering the kerosene lamp, he pulled his wand from his pocket.

"Lumos!"

The tip of his wand glowed, illuminating the scene.

Lying on the cold ground was a house-elf, barely clinging to life.

The elf's clothes were so tattered and dirty that their original color was indistinguishable. His large, tennis ball-sized eyes were tightly shut.

Robert noticed numerous wounds covering the elf's body, some of which looked fresh. It seemed as though he had been attacked with a sharp weapon.

He had clearly lost a lot of blood, but despite his severe injuries, he was still hanging on.

Robert guessed that the system had likely intervened to keep the elf alive after he made the purchase.

No wonder it was so cheap—the elf had been on the brink of death.

Without hesitation, Robert pointed his wand at the elf's wounds.

"Scourgify!"

The cleaning spell removed the grime, revealing the severity of the injuries.

Next, he took out a vial of Fresh Water, a high-quality healing solution he had previously exchanged from the system. Carefully, he poured it over the elf's wounds.

The results were immediate—the wounds began to close rapidly!

Satisfied with the healing effect, Robert retrieved the leftover bottle of potion he had used earlier that day.

Although it was meant for energy replenishment and temporary physical enhancement, it might be useful here.

With his wand held between his teeth for light, Robert lifted the elf's head with one hand and slowly poured the remaining potion into his mouth.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—

"Cough… cough…"

The house-elf stirred, his bloodshot eyes fluttering open. His gaze landed on Robert.

"Kind sir… did you save Toby's life?"

Struggling to sit up, the elf examined his healed wounds in disbelief.

When he looked at Robert again, his eyes were filled with gratitude.

"Yes," Robert replied calmly. "I found you here, badly injured, so I treated you."

Toby's lips trembled. "Thank you, kind sir. But Toby is a shameful elf… unworthy of your kindness…" His voice cracked. "Toby is… free…"

Tears welled in his large eyes.

"Though it wasn't Toby's fault. Toby's last master… he perished in a duel…"

"Toby didn't even understand what happened… and then he was… free…"

He sobbed bitterly.

Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Kind sir… would you be willing to take Toby in?"

Robert met his gaze and replied without hesitation, "My name is Robert. If you're willing, I can be your new master."

Of course, Robert wasn't going to refuse Toby's loyalty—he wasn't Hermione.

Besides, he had spent 300 merit points and two bottles of high-quality potions on him.

Toby's breath hitched.

He struggled to his feet, then knelt on one knee before Robert.

"As you wish, Master Robert."

"From this day forward, Toby will serve you with unwavering loyalty."

End of Chapter

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