Diana stepped back from the podium in horror. Beside her stood the other candidate, Tedel Alucard from New York, United States—an old man who had not even had time to say a word.
Seeing the same panic in his eyes, Diana knew the debate had spiraled out of control.
What should have been a debate where different candidates expounded on different views and traded barbs had completely turned into Tom Riddle's personal rally.
At this point, even the agitators they had deliberately planted among the audience, loyal to them, were useless.
"Compatriots, now is the time to unite and strike back against the forces of evil!" Voldemort's resounding voice rang out again. "We will restore the dignity of Pure-blood wizards and let every Muggle know that no one will ever be able to look down on our strength again!"
For a moment, the hall brimmed with passion and ambition, steeped in an atmosphere that set the blood racing.
Roused by Voldemort's incitement, the wizards rose to their feet one after another, their faces full of anticipation.
"And they—" Voldemort suddenly pointed at Diana and Tedel Alucard, who had not had time to speak, making both candidates' hearts skip a beat.
"And they! They are the sinners of our Wizarding World!" Voldemort said viciously. "They sold you out to Tierra! They sold our entire Wizarding World to the Muggles!"
Diana felt the surging public fury Voldemort had directed toward her. She tried to remain calm, but she could not hide the fear in her heart.
In that instant, she seemed small and fragile, and the hand gripping the podium began to tremble uncontrollably.
Uneasily, Tedel Alucard looked at Diana. Their gazes met for a brief moment of mutual understanding, and then they stood together to face this sudden turn.
"Mr. Riddle,