17· Joining the Guild

The First Class Order of Merlin was awarded by the Order of Merlin to wizards who had made exceptionally outstanding achievements and contributions to the wizarding world. However, the First Class Order of Merlin had one particular trait: it was mostly awarded posthumously to fallen wizards or those who had long since died.

There were only two exceptions in which a First Class Order of Merlin had been awarded to someone still alive. The first was Dumbledore. After all, his achievements, contributions, and reputation were indeed exceptionally distinguished, so there was nothing inappropriate about awarding it to him.

The second was Sirius's grandfather, who had obtained the honor only after bribing the Ministry of Magic with a large sum of money.

The Order of Merlin was the only legally recognized organization with international standing acknowledged by the Ministry of Magic, but that did not mean the Order of Merlin was not constrained by the Ministry at every turn.

Sherlock, the creator who had invented the Surging Spring Life Charm, had likely never considered that inventing a third astonishing spell would lead the Ministry of Magic to debate whether they should award him a First Class Order of Merlin.

After all, at this point, the Ministry officials truly could not think of anything else with which to reward him. When a wizard achieved something, did the Ministry need to reward them?

The answer was that it could offer a reward, or it could do nothing. But a Ministry that chose to do nothing would often earn the contempt of wizards.

Fudge was absolutely opposed to awarding Sherlock a First Class Order of Merlin. He even wrote a letter to the members of the Order of Merlin, stating that given Sherlock's current talent, if he made even greater and more outstanding accomplishments in the future, they would find themselves in a situation where there was no award left to give him...

Then he recalled that some time ago, he, Dumbledore, and the head of St. Mungo's had jointly sent the Order of Merlin a recommendation for Sherlock to join the Order of Merlin...

So this time, they could simply have the Order of Merlin approve Sherlock's admission, and he could personally come to invite him...

Faced with the solution Fudge had proposed—a solution that barely counted as one—the members of the Order of Merlin tacitly accepted it. In truth, most of them agreed with Fudge's view. Sherlock's talent had already astonished wizards, and there was no telling whether he might achieve something even greater in the future. If that happened, how were they supposed to treat him then?

Fudge personally came to Mephisto Manor once again, which left him rather irritated. As Minister for Magic, he was treated as an honored guest wherever he went among pure-blood families. Yet at Mephisto Manor, he actually had to wait outside unless the master within agreed to let him enter.

This was simply because the Mephisto Family had adopted a closed-off way of life, refusing to involve themselves in any of the wizarding world's murky disputes or factions. There had even been constant rumors and mockery outside that the Mephisto Family had already declined and fallen from grace.

Some wizards had even looked down on an ancient magical family that relied on the reputation of its ancestors and had somehow ended up in such a state.

Yet when Sherlock rose to prominence with overwhelming force, those wizards shut their mouths one after another. The rumors even changed into, "An ancient family truly is an ancient family—their descendants possess extraordinary talent."

"Minister Fudge!" Fumengde calmly received Fudge, the accompanying Aurors, and the Ministry officials.

This time, Fudge was direct and went straight to the point. "This is the matter: on behalf of the Order of Merlin, I have come to formally invite your eldest son, Sherlock Mephisto, to join the Order of Merlin."

He continued, "Of course, you may have seen the news before this. Dumbledore, the head of St. Mungo's, and I jointly recommended Sherlock."

Fumengde opened his mouth, somewhat surprised that Fudge had personally come to invite Sherlock into the Order of Merlin over this matter. But after giving it another thought, he understood some of the reasons behind it.

"I heard... Sherlock invented the Surging Spring Life Charm and received praise from many botanical experts and Potions experts in the wizarding world. Even Mr. Oster Bohan, the head of St. Mungo's, said that the Surging Spring Life Charm would greatly reduce problems such as medicine shortages faced by hospitals. And some people have even said... Sherlock should have received a First Class Order of Merlin this time."

Fumengde stared intensely at Fudge, making the fat man's cheeks twitch slightly. Under that gaze, Fudge felt uncomfortably stifled.

"Stop making wild guesses, Fumengde. I want to see Sherlock myself. After all, I came to invite your son, not you. You don't get to decide this matter."

Fumengde shrugged indifferently and had the house-elf Shog call Sherlock downstairs.

But Shog said that Sherlock had hung a sign on his bedroom door forbidding anyone from disturbing him. It seemed he was researching something inside.

Fudge said it did not matter; he could go to Sherlock's room and see him there.

Fumengde knocked on his son's door from outside.

Sherlock looked as though he had just woken up, his clothes in complete disarray. His platinum-blond hair was uncombed, like a bird's nest.

"Hello, Father. Hello, Minister."

Sherlock was somewhat surprised to see Fudge standing there when he opened the door.

"Look at you. How do you resemble a noble at all?" Fumengde snapped, especially since they had guests present.

"Haha... it's fine, it's fine. Fumengde, you really are too strict. Sherlock, it seems you have not been resting well lately, but I have brought you news that will make you happy enough to sleep soundly."

Fudge stepped forward enthusiastically. "The Order of Merlin has officially approved your admission. I came this time to invite you personally. As long as you agree to join, you will become the youngest member in the history of the Order of Merlin."

The Ministry officials and several Aurors who had followed him over clapped eagerly, each wearing a smile.

Sherlock merely nodded calmly. "Oh... so that's what this is. I agree... of course I'll join the Order of Merlin. But actually, I still have some things to think through and sort out logically."

Sherlock's calmness and nonchalant behavior made everyone feel rather awkward. Fudge could not help asking, "Could you tell me what you are researching?"

"I'm researching the logic and rules behind my next spell. It's quite interesting. In fact, I already have an idea. It should be completed soon."

Upon hearing Sherlock say that, Fudge nearly spat blood. Even an exceptionally clever wizard might struggle to invent a single spell in their entire life.

Could it be that he had encountered some little monster?

That made Fudge feel fortunate. Thank goodness they had not awarded him a First Class Order of Merlin this time!