Arcane Calendar Forty years, the consul's residence, family banquet.
Ian sat at the head seat of the long table, with sumptuous dishes in front of him, but the atmosphere was not as warm as he expected.
Hermione·Granger, Luna·Lovegood, Pheobe·Delacour are sitting on one side. Although their expressions are full of joy of reunion, there is a trace of worry and dissatisfaction hidden in their eyes.
On the other side, Rowena·Ravenclaw, Bellatrix·Lestrange looked indifferent, even with a hint of provocation.
"What? Does my return make you feel uncomfortable?" Ian put down his knife and fork and scanned the audience.
"Don't act stupid, dear." Rowena wiped the corners of his mouth gracefully, "You know what happened. Our differences are no longer just about what to eat for dinner."
"You mean the 'rebellion'?"
Ian's tone remained calm, but the temperature in the room instantly dropped a few degrees.
"Yes." Hermione couldn't help but speak, "On the third year after you left, someone leaked the information that 'Dementor Invasion' was forged. Some radicals launched Riot and occupied several cities."
"Then what?"
"Then that madman Grindelwald..." Hermione's voice was trembling, "He took Ghost Legion and directly carried out Carnage. Not suppression, but Carnage! And it was broadcast live to the world!"
"That is a necessary deterrent." Bellatrix interjected coldly, "If we don't kill the chicken to scare the monkeys, those fools will think that Empire is a soft persimmon."
"But that violates procedural justice! We could have used a gentler approach..."
Seeing that the quarrel was about to break out again, Ian lightly knocked on the table.
Boom.
The sound was not loud, but it hit everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.
"Convene a royal meeting." Ian stood up with cold eyes, "Call everyone. Snape, Lily, Grindelwald, Amelia... I want to see my cabinet."
Half an hour later, round table conference room.
All the core members have arrived. There is a tense atmosphere in the air, as everyone is waiting for the verdict of the emperor who has been missing for five years.
"Grindelwald, take a step forward."
The old but energetic Gellert·Grindelwald walked out. He was still wearing the straight military uniform, with no regrets in his eyes.
"Your Majesty the Consul, I am willing to accept any punishment. But I insist that what I did is right."
"Of course you are right."
Ian's words made "Peace Faction" over at Hermione change his expression instantly.
"But..." Ian changed the topic and glanced at everyone present, "Your method is too crude. Live broadcast Carnage? Do you want the whole world to fear us?"
"Fear is the most effective tool to maintain rule." Grindelwald replied.
"That's for the weak."
Ian shook his head, "For the Arcane Empire, what we need is awe, not pure fear. What we need are rules, not tyranny."
He looked at Hermione: "Peace Faction's idea is good, but in the early stages of the Empire's expansion, any form of rebellion is a cancer. It must be removed and cannot be tolerated."
"So, my ruling is as follows."
Ian's voice echoed in the conference room, with unquestionable majesty:
"Grindelwald, the merits and demerits are equal. But your methods are too radical and have a negative impact on the image of the Empire. As a punishment, you will resign from the position of commander of the Ghost Legion and be transferred to the position of consultant of the External Conquest Department."
"Dolores·Umbridge." Ian looked at the pink toad that had been huddled in the corner.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Umbridge replied tremblingly.
"As the leader of the Propaganda Department, you failed to control public opinion effectively in this incident. This time, you took the blame for Carnage. You announced to the outside world that you had given the radical order, and then you took the blame and resigned."
Umbridge's face turned pale, but she did not dare to refute. She knew that this was the best result.
"Don't worry, I will arrange a new position for you in a few years." Ian gave a sweet date, "After all, some people still have to do some dirty work."
"Finally, Lucius Malfoy."
Ian's eyes became cold, "As the commander-in-chief of Earth Defense Force, you actually let the rebels occupy the city? Your incompetence simply surprised me."
Lucius trembled all over and broke out in cold sweat.
"For the sake of your loyalty for many years, I will not kill you. But your military power will be cut in half and you will be demoted and retained. If there is a next time..."
"There will never be a next time! Your Majesty the Consul!" Lucius kowtowed quickly.
After dealing with the personnel changes, Ian looked around.
"I know that even if you are in the same camp, you have different philosophies. This is normal. But I want to remind you of one thing."
Ian stood up, and a huge star map appeared on the projection screen behind him.
"Our Warpath is the sea of stars. In the future, we will face countless alien civilizations and even gods from other dimensions. If we are still quarreling internally over this trivial matter, then let's stop talking about conquering the universe and go home and farm as soon as possible."
"Empire's Cornerstone is order. Whether you are iron-blooded or gentle, you must serve this ultimate goal."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty the Consul!" everyone responded in unison.
Looking at the reunited team, Ian nodded secretly.
Although the method is somewhat dictatorial, this is exactly what Empire needs most at the moment.
"Okay, let's break up the meeting."
Ian waved his hand, "Hermione, Rowena, you stay. I have a new task for you."