Dumbledore stared at him in astonishment. "How did you—did you guess?"
Vaughn nodded. "It was a simple deduction. You said it yourself: every legendary wizard who had seen Wilkinson in person believed he did not have long to live. That means the basis for that judgment was some condition acknowledged by all legendary wizards, with no room for variation."
"—I hate logical deduction."
Dumbledore muttered, but when he saw Vaughn's curious look, he did not elaborate. Instead, he changed the subject. "You're interested in that little girl... Don't tell me you're planning to go after the bloodlines of the twelve pure-blood families scattered outside, just like you did with those werewolves? Sigh—do you remember what we agreed on? Those people like me allowed me to take you with me, and allowed you to take those werewolves away, on the condition that you stop causing trouble!"
Vaughn ignored his complaints and brought him once again to the black market beneath the sewers. They found a table and sat down. In the distance, just as during their last visit, Joker sat on the stage, presiding over the auction.
Before long, Joker noticed him.
But unlike his previous enthusiasm, the instant their gazes met, Vaughn sensed the astonishing killing intent in the man's eyes—and fear!
A faint smile curved Vaughn's lips as he raised a hand in greeting.
Joker made several motions as if to draw his wand, but in the end, he could not muster the courage.
More importantly, he had noticed Dumbledore beside Vaughn!
That made him even more wary.
After teasing Joker a little, Vaughn did not continue. Instead, he waved over the bartender and said, "Why shouldn't I go after them? You saw it too. That little girl's magic has already awakened. Leaving her unattended would be a terrible