บท 111: Chapter 109 – Party (2)
"This is good," Apolline heard her husband whisper as he watched the argument between the two powerful countries. She understood her husband's mentality; if Russia allied with England, the United States would ally with France. This had always been the global scenario the United States wanted in Europe, with both sides maintaining a certain balance in case of war, and Louis deeply agreed with this.
As long as France was safe from any future attack by Grindelwald, Louis was even willing to ally with their former enemies—England.
Only Louis knew how stressful it was to be the French Minister of Magic. His people were the most protest-prone in the world, and his presidential throne seemed like a throne of dynamite ready to explode at the slightest mistake.
Next to Louis, Apolline couldn't help but remember the events that forced this party to take place in the first place—Gellert Grindelwald, the powerful seer and Dark Lord. But looking at what was happening now, everyone had forgotten about Grindelwald and were focusing on securing allies. It was almost as if a war was about to break out at any moment.
"Minister Ivanov, President Benjamin, I don't think this is the place for a discussion of your caliber." Seeing the magical auras of the two Special Grade Wizards begin to manifest, making the air heavier and the weaker guests pale, Asterion decided to intervene by manifesting his own aura.
After all, if a fight broke out, it would be a slap in the face to the host of the party, which meant a slap in the face to him.
A tremendous amount of magical energy spread throughout the surroundings. All the Special Grade wizards and witches present instantly focused on Asterion, all with complex expressions. The absurd amount of magical energy they were feeling almost made their eyes widen in shock.
Even veterans like Ivanov and Benjamin focused on Asterion, their eyes becoming more serious and respectful. In the end, strength was still the oldest and strongest form of dialogue in humanity.
With the accidental display of strength by the three countries—England, Russia, and the United States—the entire party was almost instantly reorganized.
The only country left out was Brazil, which was to be expected for a generally neutral country. After all, if you don't attack me, I won't attack you. The country had only come to participate in the International Tournament of Magic and Wizardry.
"You're lucky we're in England, Benjamin." Seeing the countries conversing among themselves, Ivanov couldn't help but curl his lips in a satisfied smile.
"I would say that you're the lucky one, Dmitri." Benjamin also smiled satisfactorily and countered his old rival's words with the same intensity.
The two stared at each other with intensity, but their smiles indicated they were both very happy at that moment.
Asterion looked at both with a calm gaze and couldn't help but curse how cunning these two old foxes were. He finally realized their plans, but in the end, he said nothing and remained silent, as their strategy indirectly helped England.
Especially seeing the Japanese Minister approaching him.
"Asterion-sama." Satoshi Nakamura, the Japanese Minister of Magic, greeted politely, bowing to Asterion.
"Nakamura-sama." Asterion returned the greeting with a smile. Japan was an important ally in case a war broke out.
As Japan approached, Spain and Sweden also drew closer. Italy, which Asterion thought wouldn't come after the events of the Seven Powers War, unexpectedly approached him as well.
But he soon understood the Italian Minister of Magic's reasoning: there were no Special Grade Wizards in Italy at the moment, which meant the whole country was weak compared to the surrounding nations, and this was extremely concerning when it came to commercial interests and protection.
Although it was impossible to form an alliance with these countries with just one conversation, everything starts with a conversation. At least, the first step was taken.
"That was intense." Fleur commented, using her hand to fan herself, a rosy color staining her cheeks as she watched all the governments conversing among themselves. The magical energy in the air seemed so delicious to her. The seventeen-year-old's blue eyes fell on Asterion.
Being 1/4 Veela, Fleur didn't need to absorb magical energy like her mother, but she could still feel how delicious it would be to absorb Asterion's magical energy.
"Fufufu." Apolline, next to her daughter, just laughed and looked at Asterion with a gaze a bit warmer than before.
Then, her gaze fell on her younger daughter, and seeing Gabrielle's eyes glued to Asterion, Apolline couldn't help but tease her. "Dear, if you keep looking at him so intently, he'll evaporate from the earth."
Gabrielle rolled her eyes at her mother and didn't care about the teasing. In her eyes, there was only Asterion and no one else.
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Classical music began to play, and everyone found their partners and started dancing in the center of the hall.
Seeing Asterion's tired face, Narcissa couldn't help but approach and offer a glass of chilled champagne.
"Thank you, Cissy." Asterion took the glass and drank, moistening his dry throat from all the talking. He never thought a conversation could be so difficult, especially when it involved other countries.
"How is it going?" Narcissa asked, looking at everyone dancing in the center of the hall.
"It's going well, especially with Russia, but if we ally with Russia, the United States will become our enemy." Asterion spoke in a tired tone, weary of the constant conflicts between the two countries. If he allied with one, the other would automatically become his enemy. It was exhausting; both countries seemed like children fighting over a toy.
"Let's talk while we dance." Asterion said, extending his hand, which Narcissa took with a smile, and both went to the dance floor.
Holding Narcissa's waist, Asterion pulled her close, and they began to dance.
"What do you think of France?" Asterion whispered, tightening his grip on Narcissa's waist as they twirled, passing by other couples dancing in the center of the hall.
"The French Minister of Magic seems too naive, especially seeking an alliance with Germany. The French will hate allying with those who invaded and occupied them." Narcissa leaned closer to Asterion's ear and whispered back, glancing at the French couple who were the center of attention.
Asterion nodded but didn't completely agree with Narcissa's words. The man was naive in certain matters, but he was still a politician who had reached the position of Minister of Magic, the pinnacle of power in an entire country. He didn't think Louis was foolish, especially with his political career at stake.
"On second thought, France and Germany allied could make many countries' nerves tense. If someone adds a bit of fuel and lights a match, maybe the third world war will start." Asterion spoke with a calm and profound look as his steps synchronized with Narcissa's.
Narcissa showed a worried expression and nodded, focusing on the dance, though the concern on her face did not disappear.
"Don't worry, Cissy. Even if a war begins, I will protect you and all of England." Asterion said after seeing the worry on his cousin's face.
"I know, I'm just concerned about another war. If it happens, it will be the third in less than two decades. I'm tired of all these deaths." Leaning on his shoulder, Narcissa spoke with a melancholic tone.
Asterion remained silent, and both continued to dance among many other couples to the gentle classical music.
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Next Chapter Second Volume: Chapter 110 - Back To Hogwarts (1), Chapter 111 - Back To Hogwarts (2), Chapter 112 – New Students (1), Chapter 113 – New Students (2), Chapter 114 – Ophelia (1), Chapter 115 – Ophelia (2), Chapter 116 – Doubts (1), Chapter 117 – Humbug (1), Chapter 118 - Ophelia's Mother (1), Chapter 119 - I Decided to Seduce Daphne (1), Chapter 120 - Arrival of the Twelve Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry (1), Chapter 121 - Arrival of the Twelve Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry (2), Chapter 122 - Arrival of the Twelve Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry (3), Chapter 123 - Arrival of the Twelve Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry (4), Chapter 124 - Conspiracy In Progress (1), Chapter 125 - Conspiracy In Progress (2), Chapter 126 - Ophelia, Narcissa And Andromeda (1), Chapter 127 - Ophelia, Narcissa And Andromeda (2), Chapter 128 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 129 - The Four Representatives of Hogwarts (2).
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