It was now time for open discussion, so there was nothing unusual about someone speaking up.
The speaker was Japan's Minister for Magic, seated at the second round table, directly behind the English delegation.
Speaking of which, one of the world's eleven renowned magic academies belonged to Japan.
Japan's magic school was called Mahoutokoro. It was located on South Sulfur Island, and young wizards enrolled at the age of seven, commuting to and from school on Great Storm Petrels.
Upon enrolling, Japan's young wizards were all given enchanted robes.
The robes changed size as the students grew, and their colors changed as their wearers' knowledge increased.
The robes started out pale pink, but if a student earned outstanding marks in every magical subject, they turned gold.
Thus, in Japan's wizarding world, having golden wizard robes was an extraordinary honor.
Mahoutokoro and the color gold were worth mentioning here.
That was because this short minister wore a brilliant gold kimono, which also demonstrated his magical accomplishments and standing.
Once he saw that he had drawn everyone's attention, a flicker of smugness crossed his eyes.
Waving the documents in his hand, he continued his argument in a stern, forceful voice.
"Japan and England have longstanding ties, so we should, in principle, wholeheartedly support this proposal. I, Murakami Shio, also greatly admire President Dumbledore and Hogwarts.
"However, during the International Confederation of Wizards' last major mobilization, I sent thirty Light Gold Aurors to join the international Auror force without the slightest hesitation.
"Yet not a single one returned alive. Our country's defenses were severely weakened, and I nearly had to resign to take responsibility.
"So it isn't that we don't care about Herpo the Foul, who may still be alive today. We simply cannot spare any more armed personnel."
Dumbledore had been happily