The Eternal Bet 6

Jorkins trembled inwardly.

Ian's words had given him a harsh lesson.

He lowered his head and looked at the food remaining on his plate, his voice somewhat hoarse. "Y-You're right, sir. I... I never truly thought about these things. I... I'm ashamed."

It was heartfelt self-reflection—the wizarding world had always been like this. What a powerful wizard said was the truth, and Jorkins had no choice but to examine his own conscience.

After all.

The other man was stronger than him.

He had to be convinced, heart and soul.

Strength.

Was the greatest proof of whether a wizard's thinking was right.

Ian looked at him but said no more. Some ideas needed time to digest and change. He had pointed this out today not to lecture him, but simply because the opportunity had arisen.

A wizard who worked at the Ministry of Magic and dealt with Muggle affairs—if he could alter even a little of his deeply rooted prejudice, perhaps it would bring some small benefit to the future.

"Eat. The food will get cold." Ian picked up his knife and fork again, ending the subject.

Jorkins nodded silently and resumed eating, but his state of mind had completely changed. As he chewed, his gaze involuntarily followed Ian's, drifting more often toward the Muggle world beyond the window. The hurried pedestrians, the familiar streets—before his eyes, they seemed to take on different colors and warmth.

This lunch at an ordinary little Muggle restaurant ultimately ended in a subtle silence. Jorkins ate with a heavy heart; the shepherd's pie and fish and chips seemed to carry an indescribable flavor beyond their usual taste. Ian, on the other hand, ate unhurriedly, even ordering an apple pie for dessert at the end.

Then he leisurely finished it.

When it came time to pay,