Chapter 117: Negotiation (Part 2)
"After investigation and decision by the Elders Council, the Flint family is required to hand over the instigator of the war, Marcus Flint, to Phineas Black to face appropriate punishment, including but not limited to execution."
At this, Flint's gaze locked onto Phineas. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding as he processed the devastating reality. For the sake of his family's survival, he had to relinquish his own grandson—an unthinkable decision. The nature of their bloodlines made it even more painful. The wizarding world's economic hardships meant that most families had only one heir, and the Flint family, though financially stable, had struggled for generations with limited offspring. Flint's own father had only two children—himself and his brother—and now, as the family line had dwindled, his only grandson, Marcus, was left to bear the burden of his actions.
The Malfoy family was in a similar position, though their bloodline had been strengthened by the infusion of Muggle blood, which had helped their lineage survive. Without such a blessing, the Flint family's future seemed even more uncertain.
Even the Dumbledore family was facing extinction, as the famous wizard, Professor Dumbledore, had no heirs, and his younger brother, Aberforth, was unlikely to carry on the line. The Weasley family, though, was a rare example of a thriving lineage, despite their relatively modest wealth—largely due to Arthur Weasley's disregard for accumulating wealth.
Given these dynamics, Flint knew the gravity of his concession. He had no room to protest the decision to hand over Marcus.
The Minister continued.
"Furthermore, given the power of the Black family and their current standing, the Elders Council has concluded that, without their intervention, the Flint family would be irreversibly destroyed. Thus, the Flint family's surrender must be accompanied by adequate compensation to the Black family. After reviewing the family's holdings, it's clear that Flint cannot offer significant wealth, so the family will provide fixed assets and real estate as compensation. The Flint family is required to surrender two of their manors, two shops in the opposite corner, and the coastal islands to the Black family."
"If the Black family agrees to this settlement, no further actions can be taken against the Flint family. If both parties are in agreement, the mediation will be considered complete. Any objections should be raised now."
Flint, his face contorted with displeasure, nodded and said, "I agree without objection."
The Minister looked to Phineas, awaiting his response.
Phineas hesitated before speaking. "I have objections. I do not fully accept the conditions as they are. These are the terms I am willing to accept: I accept the terms regarding Marcus Flint. I also agree to the fixed assets and real estate as compensation, but I will only accept two manors and one shop. I do not accept the other shop or the islands. In exchange, I demand all Gringotts vaults held by members of the Flint family, including all items within them—living or deceased—that belong to the Flint family."
The Minister paused to review the documents in his hand before replying, "Our calculations show that there are four Gringotts vaults associated with the Flint family. Due to the ongoing conflict, the vaults contain relatively little wealth, so their total value is lower than the shops and islands. Mr. Black, are you certain you wish to change the terms in this manner?"
Phineas nodded firmly. "I am certain."
Phineas was well aware that there would be no substantial amount of Galleons left in the Flint vaults, but that wasn't his primary concern. His goal was the magical items contained within those vaults—valuable artifacts passed down through the generations, many of which were centuries old.
The Minister, after a brief pause, nodded and made a note. Then he turned to Flint. "Mr. Flint, do you object to the request put forth by Mr. Black?"
Flint, now fully understanding Phineas's intention to claim the Gringotts vaults, rolled his eyes. He knew that Phineas's true aim was not the properties, but the vaults—specifically, the magical items that could be found there.
As the Flint family was essentially extinct, Flint realized there was little point in opposing this demand. The vaults would soon be emptied, and the rest of the family's assets were rapidly depleting. However, he couldn't easily concede.
He said, "I don't agree. I can accept the treasury of all family members as compensation, but in return, I want two shops and the island."
The Minister nodded thoughtfully, recording the request, and then looked to Phineas.
Phineas shook his head resolutely. "In that case, the only condition I accept is the two shops and all the treasuries of the Flint family. I will not accept any other terms."
His tone was unyielding. The Black family had already shown mercy by not demanding total annihilation; now, Phineas would not back down.
The Minister sighed and exchanged a look with his subordinates. It seemed their report had failed to predict just how difficult the Flint family would be to deal with in this negotiation.