Chương 341: Chapter 340 "The African Wizarding Tribes"

As Joseph departed with his attendants, Wentworth examined the bracelet he had received. "No curses, no surprises. Is Uagadou simpler than Hogwarts?" he mused aloud.

Suddenly, a firm hand landed on Wentworth's shoulder from behind. Unfazed, Wentworth addressed the intruder without turning. "Jimon had I not recognized the sound of your steps, you'd be airborne by now."

Jimon's expression shifted, recalling his recent misadventure of being suspended from a tree. He hastened to justify himself: "Come on, Wentworth. We're old friends. I was your first acquaintance here. Can't you show a little sympathy?" With that, he brazenly helped himself to the leftover bread on Wentworth's plate.

As Jimon joined him, he gestured toward the direction Joseph had departed and commented on the bracelet. "Looks like Joseph is quite taken with you. Congratulations on making such a wealthy friend on your second day here, Wentworth. Don't forget us little folks in your ascent."

Wentworth responded with a nonchalant smile. "I don't choose friends based on their wealth. Besides, he's not richer than I am."

Jimon paused, momentarily taken aback. He then finished the bread in his hand and gave Wentworth a thumbs-up. "You Europeans really know how to play it cool."

Wentworth regarded him expectantly. "So, what's on your mind? Let's not beat around the bush."

Jimon brushed crumbs off his hands. "Nothing much. I'm just checking how deep your pockets are and if I can snag a few more Galleons off you."

Wentworth couldn't contain his laughter upon hearing Jimon's words. "You're straightforward. I like that side of yours, but I really don't see why I would need your services right now."

Jimon responded calmly, "I returned to Uagadou yesterday. The news about you has spread like wildfire, Your Excellency, the Special Independent Investigator!"

Wentworth raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do you mean to tell me about the Uagadou student who turned into an elephant in public?"

Jimon smiled warmly and continued, "Don't you want to know the story behind it?"

Observing Jimon's demeanor, Wentworth couldn't resist scrutinizing him, causing Jimon to squirm uncomfortably. Finally, Wentworth spoke, "Who tasked you with informing me of this?"

Jimon hesitated briefly before averting his gaze. "No one instructed me to tell you. I simply saw an opportunity to earn a few Galleons. You aristocrats, especially European pure-blood wizards like yourself, can't comprehend the struggles of wizards like us."

"Let me warn you beforehand, my news doesn't come cheap! Even though we're old acquaintances, I won't be so lenient with my service," Jimon declared with a smirk.

Wentworth chuckled at Jimon's businesslike approach. "Fair enough. Let's hear it then. It'd better be worth the price you are going to offer."

Jimon extended his hand expectantly, flashing a guileless smile as he placed it in front of Wentworth. "Oh, Wentworth! You've listened to the stories I've been telling you by the first time you've got here. At this point, you shouldn't doubt the stories I will tell you!"

"Fine, tell me your price then," Wentworth said with a smile.

"That'll be ten gold Galleons!" Jimon offered.

Without hesitation, Wentworth handed over the requested sum, which Jimon promptly counted twice before stashing it away.

"I should have asked for more, knowing you'll just give me this amount of money!" Jimon joked.

Then, gesturing towards the direction Joseph Coney had departed, he began, "The Uagadou student who transformed into an elephant at the Animagus International Symposium is none other than Joseph Coney's clan brother, Johnny Coney!"

Wentworth fell into pensive silence for a moment before posing another question. "This Joseph fellow seems to have quite the background. He and his companions appear to be somewhat distinct from the other Uagadou students. Wouldn't you agree?"

Jimon responded with a knowing smile, choosing not to verbalize his thoughts.

Irritated by the silence, Wentworth shot Jimon a glare before tossing another ten gold coins in his direction.

Accepting the payment, Jimon continued, "Indeed, they're not your average students. You see, before attending Uagadou, their backgrounds set them apart. While within Uagadou's walls, everyone is treated equally, their status prior to enrollment paints a different picture."

"Then are you telling me that Joseph hails from a wealthy family? Tell me more about his background," Intrigued by Jimon's revelations, Wentworth encouraged him to continue sharing.

Unfazed by Wentworth's eagerness, Jimon pressed on, delving into the complexities of wizard society in Africa. "Unlike Europe, where wizards are divided by country, Africa boasts a diverse array of wizard tribes, each with its own distinct status."

"Some tribes struggle to make ends meet, while others wield immense wealth and influence, akin to sovereign nations. Many African Ministries of Magic are effectively governed by these powerful tribes, leaving smaller tribes marginalized."

"This leads to lots of clashes between smaller tribes. We smaller tribes need to scrape whatever necessary left on this land just trying to assure the betterment of our lives, but it's different stories if big families like them have their eyes on the resources we want as well. We need to settle and try to fight with their leftovers after they are done." Jimon explained sternly, aware of his surroundings as he observed around, trying to make sure no one else but Wentworth was the only one listening.

Having other wizards outside of the African land to get involved in their conflict would only lead to more problems.

Gesturing towards Joseph's departure, Jimon continued, "Take them, for instance. Led by Joseph Coney, they represent one of the most formidable wizard tribes in Uganda—the Coney tribe."

Wentworth absorbed this information with a nod, his curiosity piqued. Then, seizing the opportunity, he posed a question to Jimon. "And you, Jimon Hughes, to which tribe do you belong?"

Taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, Jimon hesitated momentarily before responding with a rueful smile. "My life isn't as grand as his. Our Hughes tribe is but a humble entity in the land of Africa. Many of our ancestors must seek survival by leaving home, journeying to Europe or America to join the brigade ranks of Witch Hunters. Mostly, if they don't get a spot there, then we would be willing to do most of the dirty jobs the other wizards wouldn't dare to do."

Upon hearing Jimon's account of his tribe's plight, Wentworth couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy. "Jimon Hughes, whatever path you choose, you'll undoubtedly become an exceptional wizard in the future. I could see a lot of things going on for you."

The more time Wentworth spends with Jimon, the more he likes this particular wizard.

Jimon shows a promising future, and by looking at his background, Wentworth was sure that this man would do anything he needed to be done in the future if the price is right.