Another One

In an instant, the atmosphere in the courtyard turned tense and confrontational.

Vogel remained sprawled in his recliner from beginning to end. Or perhaps he was no longer capable of getting up. Yet the edge radiating from his aged, crippled body still made Kingsley and Louise feel stifled. It was not born of powerful magic, but rather the authority Vogel himself had accumulated through years in high office and the trials of war.

Kingsley glanced at Amosta, who remained unmoved, his eyes tinged with concern.

He did not know how Amosta had confirmed that Jasna Rosier's real name was Jasna Vogel, or that she was at the heart of this criminal organization.

But Anton Vogel was a "legendary wizard" who had once served as German Minister for Magic and President of the International Confederation of Wizards. He had been retired for many years, and they had come to his door in an almost accusatory manner despite having no prior connection to him. Vogel could simply have them thrown out.

Without permission, they could not possibly interrogate someone of Anton Vogel's standing in private. At least, Kingsley did not have the nerve for it. They had secretly entered Germany, after all.

Unlike Kingsley, who was uneasy and apprehensive, Amosta remained calm as he faced Vogel's cold gaze. In their silent exchange, he displayed a certain resolve.

"You are helping Muggles persecute your own kind—"

At last, Vogel spoke coldly.

"I'm sorry!"

Before Amosta could say anything, Louise reacted fiercely behind him.

She had initially held Vogel in awe. After all, this was an elder whose former standing in wizarding society had been even more exalted than Amosta's. But after hearing those words, every trace of reverence vanished from her heart, and fury instantly overwhelmed her reason.

Louise sprang up from her