I left.
I really left!
Are you sure you're not going to stop me?
If you don't act soon, I'll be gone for good!
Klein secretly grew anxious, slowing his steps as he walked away.
But to the Ministry of Magic's people, his behavior seemed more like an insult. That tall, upright figure silently mocked them, ridiculing their incompetence!
"Minister!"
Some Aurors clenched their teeth and looked toward Old Fudge, who had remained silent.
All they needed was his approval, and they would fire spells at that retreating figure without hesitation, eradicating evil once and for all!
Unfortunately, the old man in the bowler hat acted as if he hadn't seen their looks. Even when the light of Apparition flickered and their enemy vanished, he still said nothing.
The atmosphere was utterly dead.
The temperature in the reception hall seemed to drop to freezing.
"Heh. You're all probably thinking, 'That old man's a spineless coward.'"
After a long silence, Old Fudge laughed.
There was a hint of bitterness in his smile.
No one responded, but the air was thick with unspoken feelings.
Dissatisfaction, disappointment, anger.
Every accusation was aimed at the old man standing in the center of the hall!
"Yes, I think I'm spineless too."
Old Fudge grabbed his round, chubby face. In an instant, he seemed to have aged ten years.
He didn't want to admit it, but he had to: faced with the power Soren had displayed, he'd lost his nerve.
He simply hadn't dared.
But
Was he really a complete and utter coward?
"Everyone here is a combat specialist from the Auror's Office, the Ministry of Magic Security Department, or the Department of Mysteries. You should be able to see some things clearly.
"Mm, I'd better sit down before I explain."
Old Fudge took a deep