"What? They voluntarily withdrew from the Wizarding Confederation?"
Georgiana cried out in alarm.
"At the time, the entire continent was in turmoil." Rabastan seemed quite understanding of the British and explained on their behalf.
Georgiana said nothing and wrapped the blue silk shawl from the sofa around herself.
The hotel they were staying in was near the harbor, not far from City Hall. It had once been a casino, confiscated during the French Revolution, and was now a luxurious hotel for wealthy merchants.
She had stayed in real palaces before and did not find this hotel particularly luxurious. Perhaps there would have been a fine view from the window on a clear day, but now the wind howled and rain lashed outside. Even with the fire going, she only found the room damp and cold.
Artemisia Lufkin's predecessor as Minister for Magic had happened to be Anchises Osbott, the puppet rumored to be controlled by the Malfoy family, while the Ministry of Magic's true leader had been Septimus Malfoy. Osbott's term had run from 1789 to 1798. In November 1799, Napoleon had returned from Egypt and launched the Coup of 18 Brumaire in France.
Septimus. In Latin, the word meant seven, and it had been a Hufflepuff who discovered the magical power of the number seven.
Georgiana sighed. It seemed this was some kind of fate.
"Since they withdrew from the International Confederation of Wizards, why are they still interfering in continental affairs?" Georgiana asked.
"They question our ability to act, so they intend to send Aurors to help us maintain order in Brittany."
"How did you respond?"
"We are awaiting your instructions," Rabastan said.
"You ignored them?" Georgiana asked.
Rabastan twisted his lips, displaying an arrogant air.
"If Switzerland succeeds in gaining independence, will they interfere in the establishment