Chapter 916
Danger Signal
Chapter 916 Danger Signal
Behind the door was an incredibly magnificent atrium, its dome seemingly reaching into the clouds. Flowing, nebula-like magical light and shadow shone from the dome, illuminating the entire space as bright as day.
In the center of the courtyard stands a colossal statue—
A very tall oak tree, with a thunderbird with outstretched wings and sharp eyes perched atop its canopy.
From top to bottom, there are long-horned water snakes coiled on the branches and cats and leopards resting on them.
On the gnarled tree roots stood an ugly but smiling goblin, holding fertile soil in its hands.
The surrounding walls are covered with countless rapidly flowing golden characters—constantly updated magical laws, security warnings, and summaries of international news, sometimes forming huge portraits of high-ranking officials of the Magic Congress.
Two officials in dark blue uniforms with silver trim were speaking in hushed tones beside the statue, their expressions as hard and rigid as granite.
But the moment Elsie entered, the two men almost instantly changed their expressions, their eyes crinkling into smiles and their lips curving upwards. They walked briskly towards the girl without a word.
"Miss Vanderbilt!"
One of the officials, whose hair was neatly combed and whose name tag read "Safety Coordinator," spoke first, his voice filled with just the right amount of enthusiasm:
"Long time no see! Should I inform the Chairman's office for you?"
Elsie nodded with a smile, then said, "No need. I didn't make an appointment beforehand. I just heard that Congress has captured an interesting prisoner and wanted to see what the fuss was about."
"Oh, you mean that Purifier?" The official smiled knowingly. "I heard he was a top student at Iphamoni. That's quite unexpected."
He exuded a gloating aura, and—obviously—he assumed Elsie was also there for amusement.
The other official appeared more serious; he bowed slightly and said:
"The courtroom is at the end of the east corridor on the first basement level. Please feel free to use it, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
"Okay, thank you."
Elsie nodded slightly and walked towards the elevator. The bodyguards behind her were like invisible men; no one paid them any attention, or even gave them a second glance.
After entering the elevator, Elsie chuckled softly.
She turned her head, winked, and smiled, "See? I told you it would go smoothly, right?"
“Yes.” Wade turned around and bowed, mimicking the official’s manner, and said, “Thank you for your care, Miss Vanderbilt.”
"Haha..." Elsie laughed, her body swaying involuntarily, as if she had become light as a feather.
She recalled what her father had said at dinner and added, "But this operation has benefited Leila Picqueli—by eliminating the Purifiers, her prestige is almost on par with Chairman Hawthorne's."
“Of course,” Wade said. “We often take persistent efforts for granted, but we are most grateful to the heroes who step forward in times of crisis.”
He noticed this as soon as he entered; logically, the gold lettering on the wall should intermittently form a portrait of Chairman Hawthorne.
But in the short few minutes they walked through the courtyard, Lyra's portrait appeared twice.
"Yes."
Elsie sighed, "Everyone thought the wizarding world might be exposed soon, and we lived in fear all the time. Chairman Hawthorne's strategy was absolutely correct, but it kept everyone incredibly busy."
"We're all exhausted and scared, and everyone's on edge. My father told us to stay home as much as possible lately, so we don't run into anyone who can't handle the pressure and suddenly has a mental breakdown."
"But once Ms. Picqueli took action... the Purifiers were almost completely wiped out, and the crisis seemed to be over. Although we'll still be busy for a few more days, everyone feels that life will soon return to normal."
"So people don't ask about the details of what happened or how much Leila Picqueli did. They only see that this woman solved all the problems and they are very grateful to her."
In other words... the people weren't grateful to Hawthorne; they even resented him. With a "ding," the elevator doors opened, and Elsie, without saying anything more, straightened her cloak and stepped out of the elevator.
A middle-aged official, already informed, stood outside the elevator with a broad smile, awaiting Elsie's arrival.
“Please come with me, Miss Vanderbilt,” the official said gently and kindly.
Elsie nodded: "Thank you for your help."
Wade followed closely behind, silent like all the bodyguards, but inwardly he was also asking himself:
Yeah...why her?
Why was Lyra awarded the honor after Principal Gilbert Fontana tracked down Stern and located the Purifier's stronghold?
If Hawthorne had ordered his assistant to lead the purge, public opinion would not have been so overwhelmingly positive towards Leila Picqueli.
Moreover, in terms of authority and position, it is clear that the Auror Director Ezra Hughes... or even Hawthorne himself, is more suitable to carry out this task.
If such an arrangement were made, the Speaker of Congress would gain tremendous political capital and prestige, and Congress would also enhance its credibility and image in the eyes of the public.
This is of great benefit to stabilizing public sentiment, boosting everyone's confidence, and restoring social order.
But that's exactly what Lyra did. It seems she didn't even consult her boss beforehand…
This is an extremely serious political incident and a very abnormal signal.
Someone like Leila Picqueli, who has been meticulous in all aspects for many years, is even less likely to make the basic mistake of "acting without consulting others in time."
Vader gently rubbed his fingers, his thoughts racing, the entire structure of the Magic Council and the appearances of all the participants flashing through his mind.
Suddenly, Wade paused slightly.
He saw Moody and Kingsley.
The two walked towards each other, discussing in hushed tones:
"It seems that the organization has indeed been completely eradicated, with only one leader escaping."
"Should we go back to England? That kid's been up to no good, not contacting us at all!" Moody said irritably. "I've had enough of this godforsaken place!"
Kingsley nodded to Elsie and her group as they passed by, and only after they had passed each other did he speak to Moody:
"Minister Sinkness did tell me to return to the UK as soon as possible, but you and the others would be better off staying a few more days... until this matter is completely settled."
He had a position and wasn't very free, but he could decide to let Tonks and the others stay.
Most importantly, Wade Gray hasn't sent a message yet saying that things are over here. So Moody and the others will have to stay behind to provide support.
When Vader saw the two of them, he thought about how the British Ministry of Magic had recently changed its minister, and then, considering the complex political situation, he suddenly understood Dumbledore's feelings about refusing to become minister.
The political arena is like a quagmire; if you can choose not to get involved, it's best to stay away.
Otherwise, if he were constantly entangled in these petty squabbles, Dumbledore might not have been able to become the strongest wizard of his time.
"arrive."
Elsie stopped in her tracks. In front of her was an unremarkable black walnut wood door.
Through the thick glass, you could see Rolando Stern sitting inside.
(End of this chapter)