Chapter 5 –

April 20th, 1896

Today marks a memorable day for both Adrian and Angelina, as it is her first birthday since confirming her relationship with Adrian and their marriage. Over the past week, they met daily to deepen their connection & understanding and spend time with each other's parents.

When Adrian met Mr. Robert Warrick during this time, his future father-in-law, he felt a sense of anxiety. Aware of the man's reservations and the deep love he harbored for his daughter, especially after his wife's death, Adrian made a concerted effort to build a strong rapport. After tireless endeavors, he earned his future father-in-law's blessings and recognition.

For Angelina, the situation was smoother, as Mrs. Walcombe already held a favorable opinion of her. Mr. Walcombe, without any specific preferences regarding his son's choice of spouse, was content as long as the girl was well-nurtured. He was pleased that Angelina fit that description, given his positive impressions from their frequent interactions over the past two years.

However, marriage comes with its own costs, and Adrian finds himself in a precarious financial situation. Having spent his entire fortune on buying the small shipyard for his family, he was left penniless. Despite being a wizard employed in Diagon Alley, most wizards preferred to live in areas inhabited by Muggles.

While wizards had the convenience of Apparition and the Floo Network for travel, Adrian struggled with Apparition due to his lack of proficiency and absence of a license. Obtaining permission from the Ministry for a Floo connection required a hefty maintenance fee, making the magical world seem no different from the blood-sucking capitalistic world portrayed in books from his previous life.

Faced with these challenges, Adrian decided to purchase a small property in Shere Village in Surrey, closer to Diagon Alley in London. He could commute daily until he became proficient enough in Apparition or amassed sufficient wealth for a fully equipped magical house with a Floo connection. This location was also closer to Portsmouth, allowing them to visit their families as they pleased.

But the cost of buying a house, along with related furnishings, furniture, and the marriage ceremony itself, would amount to approximately £10,000 —an exorbitant sum for Adrian at the moment. However, during this time, his parents and father-in-law generously gifted them £1000 as a wedding present. Adrian, true to his resourceful nature, multiplied this amount through horseracing, just as he had done previously. In times of crisis, a man must do what he can.

Thanks to his strategic actions, this financial hurdle was successfully averted. Yesterday, he purchased the property at 13 Fibernet Road, Shere Village, Surrey, almost depleting the entire amount he had earned from gambling. Despite the substantial expense, Adrian felt elated as he managed to secure just enough funds for the marriage and an unexpected birthday surprise gift for his future wife - which is their very first house. Or one should call home.

...

After completing his final preparations before marriage, Adrian arrived directly at the local commune hall where his marriage ceremony was taking place. Both families, along with neighbors and a few work colleagues, were invited, making the function small but cozy.

Although Adrian didn't make many friends during his Hogwarts years due to his intense focus on magic, he was not entirely friendless. He was friends with his roommates and a few colleagues who were invited. Initially, they thought it was a prank, considering Adrian's monk-like demeanor with only magic in his eyes. Nonetheless, they were happy for him and came to offer their wishes.

Adrian also asked Angelina to invite her friends from Castelobruxo, and although only two friends could come on short notice from another continent, all of them sent wishes for a happy marriage and future life. Despite being wizards and witches, most of whom were half-blood or Muggle-born and lived in the Muggle society, they didn't raise any suspicion and enjoyed the lively celebration.

The function was supposed to end by evening, but due to the enthusiasm of the guests, it continued until almost midnight. Most of the guests were drunk and passed out, but the commune hall owner didn't mind, as they were all neighbors and it was completely acceptable.

However, the night was not over for Adrian and Angelina as it was their first night together. Adrian wanted to spend their first night in their own home, so he led Angelina to his room, which was moderately decorated by his mother but lacked any suggestive elements. Although their night was intimate, it didn't involve the level of intimacy implied by some readers. Not everyone chooses to engage in certain activities on their first night.

While their night lacked certain elements, it was not without its own sense of intimacy. Adrian presented the deed of the house to Angelina as her birthday gift. This surprised her, knowing the cost of a house in the area, and she was aware of the amount Adrian received from both of their parents. Despite this, she was genuinely happy, and their night concluded with countless unspoken words of intimacy.

.....

April 23rd, 1896

The past two days were exciting and well-lived for the newlywed couple. While they couldn't afford a honeymoon, their new home replaced that, and certain details are omitted.

However, the couple experienced a significant development as Adrian received the long-awaited rewards from the system:

["Congratulations, host. You have completed several Milestones –

(1) Marry a Wife

(2) Marry a Witch

(3) Marry a Half-Blood Witch

(4) Consummated the marriage

and (5) Buy 1st Home.

These achievements bring you one step closer to your goal, a feat unattainable for many, even in their dreams.

Rewards:

(1) Basic Alchemy Mastery (Intern Level Alchemist/ NEWT Level)

(2) Basic Level Transfiguration & Charm mastery (NEWT Level)

(3) Upgrade Magic power by 1 level (now B- Grade)

(4) Randomly upgrade 1 mastery – Master Potioneer

(5)'Protection Ward' covering in the designated home – Attacks under Grandmaster Wizard will not penetrate and also transport family members to safe places randomly in a 10 km radius if the ward gets broken." ]

Adrian was ecstatic upon seeing the rewards, realizing the tremendous help they would provide. The mastery levels, representing educational aspects and knowledge [Introductory (OWL), Basic (NEWT/ Intern), Intermediate (Apprentice), Advanced (Master) and beyond (Grandmaster & Supreme Master)], now included Alchemy, Transfiguration and Charm. These new skills opened up avenues for creating products and earning money, especially given Adrian's strong understanding of runes. He aimed to become a Master Runeist by combining these experiences in the near future.

The newfound knowledge in Transfiguration and Charms also meant that Adrian could effortlessly learn Apparition and work on alchemical objects. The upgrade in magic power increased his Sonority, allowing for more effortless spellcasting and enhancing his magical aptitude.

Despite the opportunity to directly become a Master Potioneer, Adrian decided to wait for 1-2 years, slowly showcasing his development to avoid attracting unwanted attention. While he was known as a genius Potioneer, a rapid ascent to Master status within another four years would be suspicious.

Regarding the last reward, Adrian felt a mix of happiness and sadness. He was happy because his family would now be safe even when he was away, but sad because he would have preferred to acquire the full knowledge of the ward, enabling him to learn from it and create it himself.

Despite this, Adrian refrained from complaining to the system, aware of its critical nature – a Tsundere in the multiverse of transmigrators. Complaining might risk receiving fewer rewards in the future.