Dumbledore, who was being closely watched by Vincent, did not reveal the slightest flaw.
Such meticulous planning suggests a massive conspiracy.
Dumbledore winked at Russell. "Mr. Minister, I have to go to Germany, so I won't take up any more of your precious time."
"Sir, let me see you off."
"No need." He smiled at Vincent. "I'm not so old that I don't know the way."
So you've finally admitted it?
Russell could sense that the atmosphere around him had suddenly become strange.
Do these two... have some kind of conflict?
A slight smile crept onto his lips. "Mr. Wayne, it's time for us to take the lead."
Vincent stopped staring at Dumbledore's departing figure. "Yes, Minister Russell."
The French Ministry of Magic's office is located at the end of a corridor filled with doors in the atrium; it is a room with a very unique design.
Simplicity was Vincent and Hermione's first impression.
The light gray main color is neither too dark nor too ostentatious, giving people an elegant and comfortable feeling.
In a good mood, Minister Russell did not immediately discuss cooperation, but instead chatted with the two about everyday matters.
For example, how is your life at school? Do you feel any academic pressure? Do you have a good relationship with your professors?
Vincent knew perfectly well that he was testing him, and his answers were somewhat perfunctory.
Hermione answered truthfully, but evaded some of the more sensitive questions with casual remarks.
Russell knew when to stop, but judging from his delighted expression, he must have gotten a satisfactory answer.
When the time finally came to formally discuss cooperation, perhaps because he was in a good mood, he readily agreed after glancing at the proposal.
"Mr. Wayne, Nicolas Flamel is the eternal pride of the French Ministry of Magic. As his only living apprentice, the French Ministry of Magic will naturally give you the greatest support and assistance."
Russell spoke from the heart.
Although Vincent was Britain, it did not prevent the French Ministry of Magic from having a natural affinity for him.
And he did not disappoint the expectations of the French Ministry of Magic; the Magical Base Station, an alchemical creation that was enough to change an era, is the best proof of that.
The magical Contract between Wayne Enterprises and the French Ministry of Magic was completely different from that of the previous 20 countries. Russell did not consult with the higher-ups at all and directly returned the control of the Magical Base Station to Wayne Enterprises.
"Mr. Minister, are you really not going to reconsider?"
"No need." Russell said sincerely. "Mr. Wayne, even if another senior official were to come and talk, I think the result would be the same."
Vincent was surprised, yet felt it was perfectly natural.
His teacher's status in the French Ministry of Magic goes without saying; his donations to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic alone, which have continued for hundreds of years, amount to an Astronomy sum.
After the "death" of this great and legendary Alchemists, he inherited far more than just the two Gringotts vaults; he also inherited many other intangible treasures.
For example, his status in the Alchemy world, and his honorary Board Seats at Beauxbatons.
The French Ministry of Magic has taken him on as one of their own.
Since they're on our side, then...
After Russell signed the magic Contract, Vincent abruptly said:
"Mr. Minister, what was it that Professor Dumbledore told you you absolutely must not tell me?"
Such a direct question clearly shows that he wasn't treated as an outsider.
Russell smiled wryly, "Vincent, I did make a promise to Dumbledore."
Vincent changed his form of address, "Uncle Osmund, could you at least give me a little bit of information?"
The moment the two addressed each other as "Uncle," their relationship became much closer.
Russell gestured for him to come closer and whispered, "I wasn't planning on saying this, but given your relationship with Dumbledore, I doubt you'd willingly accept his arrangements, would you?"
Vincent nodded. "I knew Professor Dumbledore was up to something again. Uncle Osmund, what's going on?"
One dared to ask, and the other actually dared to say it.
"There is a competition, a competition with a long history, a competition that has been discontinued for two centuries."
"What competition?"
"Ahem... Vincent, you have to promise me you won't participate."
"Uncle Osmund, you know me. I don't care about fame or money. Besides, didn't you just test me?"
Russell seemed a little embarrassed. "Well, all I can say is that this is a competition that emphasizes friendly rivalry, and it has a history of over seven hundred years."
Vincent nodded, seemingly understanding, "I understand, Uncle Osmund."
Although we don't know the specific competition yet, this information is enough.
Is that old bastard Deng trying to scheme against him?
No way!
Although the two were speaking very softly, Hermione heard them all.
With a bright smile on his face, Vincent chatted with Russell about everyday things again.
This time he didn't give a perfunctory answer; he honestly confessed everything he could.
For example, the ability to use Time-Turner to add a lot of time, the Flying Boots that are still being improved, and the importance of Magical Communicator.
After all, they're one of our own, so we should speak from the heart.
As they talked, Russell repeatedly changed his understanding of Vincent.
This kid is incredibly clever; no wonder Dumbledore kept him a closely guarded secret.
Of course, the two, who were having a lively conversation, did not forget Hermione.
Just as talented as Vincent, he also used the Time-Turner to complete all the courses and has even mastered the basics of Nonverbal spells and Wandless Magic.
Russell chuckled dryly, his expression somewhat unpleasant. "Miss Granger, you probably don't value fame and money, do you?"
Hermione chuckled, "Don't worry, Mr. Minister, I won't be participating in the competition either."
Russell was completely relieved.
His performance clearly showed that this was an international competition, and that he took it very seriously.
After asking Vincent, they asked Hermione. It seems that the competition rules do not distinguish between male and female contestants, and there is even a high possibility that it will be limited to underage wizards.
No, they are not minors.
Dumbledore had mysteriously asked Vincent at the end of the previous term if he was an adult, so this competition should involve adult wizards and is likely limited to students of magic schools.
The reason Russell was so nervous was naturally because he didn't want France to face two strong opponents.
Vincent already has enough accolades, and besides, his mind is entirely focused on promoting the Magical Base Station; he has no time to participate in the competition.
Hermione was even more straightforward; she preferred sitting in the audience to being active on the field.
Her boyfriend isn't participating in the competition, so there's no point in her going alone.
Besides, Hogwarts has so many outstanding upperclassmen, why does it have to be just the two of them?
If we lose...
Let old Deng have his own headache!