Upon hearing Rosier's response, Christine grew anxious before hastily proposing, "Then let them go, and I'll stay!"
Rosier however wasn't too keen on doing her the favor, she refused Christine's plea, "Do you believe such matters are negotiable? Your grandfather was once a member of our Alliance, so we release you as a sign of goodwill. As for them, they must face the consequences of their actions."
Christine desperately trying to convince Rosier, she pointed at herself, "I orchestrated this operation and devised all the plans. They merely followed my instructions!"
Yet, Rosier remained unmoved, prompting Christine to shift her approach and issue a threat, "If you release me, I'll continue seeking revenge against the Alliance. Keep in mind, I am the Deputy Director of the Security Affairs Division at the Magical Congress of the United States!"
Upon hearing this, Rosier's eyes gleamed briefly before she responded deliberately, "The Graves family does indeed hold prominence in the American wizarding world. It's impressive for someone so young to attain the position of Deputy Director of the Security Affairs Department at the Magical Congress of the United States."
However, she added ominously as she stared at Christine, "Nevertheless, releasing you this time serves as a gesture of goodwill to your grandfather. Be prepared, though, as the next time won't be as forgiving. Another group, much like them, will send you to the point of no return!"
Christine, confronted with Rosier's words, slumped to the ground, utterly defeated and helpless.
As Rosier approached her, she attempted to console Christine by saying, "We're doing this for your own good. They overheard our conversation, and letting them go could have adverse consequences for you."
Christine in response, offered a wry smile while remarking, "If so many people die outside, not only would I be at risk, but even our Graves family couldn't withstand the wrath of the Magical Congress of the United States! Moreover, ensuring their silence about today's events is a simple task with the Unbreakable Vow and the Obliviate Charm."
Rosier waved her hand dismissively, stating, "It's too troublesome; we can't be bothered. But..."
At this point, Rosier paused abruptly, and Christine, seeming to comprehend, swiftly rose from the ground, wearing an awkward smile as she inquired, "If you have conditions, let's hear them!"
Rosier, looking at Christine with admiration, slowly continued, "However, if you join our Alliance, just like your grandfather, it changes everything. As one of our own, we'll support you. Naturally, you won't need to fear trouble, and we'll even strive to help you advance further in the Magical Congress of the United States."
Upon hearing this proposal, Christine hesitated for a moment before expressing her skepticism, "You Alliance have never relinquished control of the entire magical world, have you?"
Rosier shook her head and stated, "That's just a means, not an end. Our purpose has always been one: for the greater good." She expressed while glinting her eyes.
After a moment of silence, Christine shook her head and replied, "I still can't make up my mind. After all, I don't know if what you said is true. If my grandfather truly died at your hands like what I believed, then I have no obligation to join you... But if it's the other way..."
Each second passing only left Christine in a much more complex situation where she had to think about everything regarding her grandfather and the choices she had to make to get the best possible outcome.
Hearing Christine's response, Rosier pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Well, you can join the Alliance in name first. We won't assign you any tasks or require you to do anything for us. You can return to the United States and investigate for yourself. Of course, we'll assist you in finding your grandfather's whereabouts."
"When you're certain that what we said is true, you can officially join our Alliance. What do you think?" Rosier smiled while approaching Christine.
Contemplating Rosier's proposal, Christine took a long pause and then gestured to the wizards behind her, asking, "If I temporarily join your Alliance, will you let them go with me?"
Rosier extended her hands and assured, "Of course! If you deem it necessary, we can even spread the news that our Alliance suffered heavy losses. You can report that you were ambushed, and under your leadership, breaking through the siege dealt a significant blow to us."
"I believe, considering the relationship between our Alliance and the Magical Congress of the United States, you might even receive a medal or some recognition!" Rosier concluded.
After hearing Rosier's words, Christine let out a dry laugh, gestured dismissively, and remarked, "You don't need to bother with that. Just promise to let them go."
Rosier nodded in agreement but added, "However, each of them will have to bear the Forgetfulness Charm. It's better to keep your identity and your grandfather's relationship with us a secret for the time being."
Christine concurred with this condition.
Subsequently, the wizards from the shamanist party began casting Forgetfulness Spells on Christine's subordinates.
Seizing the opportunity, Wentworth approached Christine and inquired, "Why did the Magical Congress of the United States want to kill me?"
Christine, with a somewhat embarrassed smile, explained, "Actually, the Speaker instructed me that if you could be brought back to the Magical Congress of the United States, you should be taken there first. If not, then assassination would be considered. However, I always believed that my grandfather died at the hands of the Alliance, so the first option was immediately ruled out."
Wentworth questioned, "...Then why did your Speaker bring me to America?"
This time, a hint of doubt appeared even on Christine's face.
"This question is perplexing to us as well! For decades, the Grindelwald surname has been a taboo within the Magical Congress of the United States. Few dared to mention it, and discussions about it were intentionally avoided."
"But I don't understand why. A few months ago, the Speaker suddenly summoned me and our director, and assigned us this task. Our director cited secret operations as a reason to coordinate various departments, and I, as the deputy director, was chosen to lead the mission."
"As for the reason, even our director and I are in the dark. However, we overheard our director mentioning something about it being related to a certain prophecy." Christine explained with an ambiguous expression as she herself was at a lost with the situation.
"Prophecy?" Wentworth repeated.
Upon hearing this answer, Wentworth and Rosier exchanged puzzled glances.
Christine shrugged, spreading her hands helplessly. "As for the details of the prophecy or the real reason, I genuinely don't know. I even suspect that only the Speaker within the entire Congress is privy to the actual motive! After all, we Graves are a prominent family, and very few things within the Congress can escape our notice."
Hearing this, Rosier nodded thoughtfully and muttered, "The Magical Congress of the United States, we'll have to look into it later."
Hearing the word "Prophecy" made both Wentworth and Rosier's minds race with thoughts connected to the persons and things behind it.
"How dare they try to use prophecy as a means to get back at us, do they never pay attention to the former Lord's ability? This is a blasphemy!" Rosier muttered furiously as her grip tightened.
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