Skilled Tactics

"Become Durmstrang's headmaster?"

Vip repeated Amosta's request, looking somewhat strange.

"You want me to give up my post at the International Confederation of Wizards and become Durmstrang's headmaster? What are you thinking, Breen?"

"Oh, please don't misunderstand."

Amosta knew Vip might think he was trying to eliminate a competitor so he could smoothly take over from Dumbledore. He shook his head with a smile.

"The Confederation's work and serving as Durmstrang's headmaster don't conflict at all, do they?"

Amosta pointed toward Hogwarts on the cliffside.

"There's a living example right there, Vip. Look—Dumbledore serves as Hogwarts' headmaster while also acting as the Confederation's chairman. He does both jobs quite well, doesn't he?"

Hearing that Breen was not asking him to relinquish his position in the Confederation, Vip's expression eased somewhat. But after hearing what came next, he tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Quite well?"

Cough, cough—

Amosta was taking a light sip of scarlet wine when Vip countered him. He choked and coughed a few times, but quickly composed himself and calmly met Vip's gaze.

"Isn't that so? Under Dumbledore's leadership, the International Confederation of Wizards has operated in an orderly fashion these past years, and Hogwarts is much the same. Its teaching quality has been declining—I mean, steadily rising. So it isn't particularly difficult. If Dumbledore can manage it, there's no reason you can't, right?"

Vip said nothing. His lips were pressed together, his brows raised as he stared deeply at Amosta. After a long while, he shook his head.

"You truly belong in politics, not as a professor at a school, Breen."

Before Amosta could respond, Vip straightened his expression again.

"You want me to take over as Durmstrang's headmaster? Why, Breen? I want a reason. A real reason, not lies or excuses, if you genuinely