"Minister!"
After the two figures strolling side by side ahead parted once more, the assistant and bodyguard, who had kept their distance from them all along, hurried over to Kingsley, who stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at Albert's retreating back.
"Let's go."
Kingsley's voice was soft, like a breeze brushing through the leaves in the woods.
Watching Kingsley's somewhat desolate back, Percy hesitated briefly before finally speaking.
"Albert still wasn't willing?"
Having placed a heavy bet on Kingsley, Percy cared more about the outcome of this matter than most.
Only if Kingsley became the new Minister of Magic would he, a Senior Assistant who had served under three Ministers of Magic, have a chance to rise with his support.
"He... should count as having agreed, I suppose!" Kingsley was still preoccupied.
"Then why are you still..."
Percy was not one to meddle, but right now he could not help wanting to spray Kingsley in the face with his words.
The Auror who had remained silent at his side wore much the same expression as Percy.
Albert Anderson had agreed to help you, so what were you still worrying about? "The situation is very grim."
After hesitating again and again, Kingsley finally explained the current situation to his Senior Assistant and bodyguard.
"Mr. Anderson pointed out a very serious problem. If we cannot give everyone a satisfactory explanation, a civil war may very well break out in the near future."
"A civil war!"
"How is that possible!"
The two were shocked, yet neither doubted Albert's prediction.
An explanation for whom? What explanation? Percy seemed to have thought of something. Even standing beneath the sunlight, he felt a chill run through his entire body.
Ignoring his shocked Senior Assistant and bodyguard, Kingsley headed straight for the Mass Grave and gave