"I am merely a child, a first-year student at Hogwarts. I had no choice. I could only ask my older brother—who watched me grow up, saved my life, and is one of the most vital pillars of the Cavendish family—John, to go and negotiate with the Yaxley family. I hoped they would spare my life. I hoped they would let us go. I hoped the wizards of the wizarding world could continue to afford cheap magical ingredients! I hoped they would never again have to snap their wands and leave the wizarding world just to afford a decent meal! Am I truly in the wrong?"
The surrounding wizards listening to these words felt their eyes stinging with moisture. They were ordinary people; they knew all too well the hardships of a wizard's life. Unlike the Muggle world with its vast expanses and abundant resources, the wizarding world was confined to this tiny corner. Their employment opportunities were limited, and they had seen far too much of the coldness of human indifference. They had witnessed countless wizards forced to snap their wands because they could not afford to eat. Therefore, Erwin's words struck a deep chord with so many of them.
At that moment, someone shouted out: "Erwin, you did nothing wrong! The fault lies with those damned Pure-blood families!"
Chapter 223