Douglas applauded softly at Dumbledore's argument about "decisiveness."
He calmly set down the small celadon teacup and addressed everyone with a smile:
"That illustrates precisely why a single quality has its limits. What we need are versatile talents who can flexibly switch between their strengths according to the situation."
His gaze shifted to Madame Maxime, who had been deep in thought, and the grim-faced Karkaroff, and he changed tack.
"And Hogwarts's new educational philosophy is devoted to cultivating precisely such talents. Of course, these traps... are themselves among the results of our educational reforms."
Like a key, those words instantly unlocked every question in Madame Maxime's mind.
She finally put down her knife and fork, her beautiful blue eyes sharp as blades as she stared straight at Douglas.
"Professor Holmes, this doesn't look like a student competition."
All the professors stopped what they were doing and turned to look at her.
"This multi-angle, real-time surveillance, these magical recordings that can be replayed at any moment,"
She enunciated every word, her reasoning terrifyingly clear.
"These analytical charts that can convert fluctuations in magic, environmental changes, and even the shifts in students' emotions into data..."
She stood, her gaze blazing, and finally reached a conclusion that shocked even her.
"...And these ingeniously designed magical traps that emphasize psychological effects rather than destructive power. Professor Holmes, you aren't organizing a competition. You're holding a product launch for Hogwarts's new defensive system, aimed at us-your prospective customers!"
Karkaroff jolted. He stared at Douglas in astonishment, his mouth slightly open, unable to utter a word.
He finally understood what was truly chilling about what lay behind this competition.
This was no contest with the champions as its stars. It was a strategic declaration, using all of Hogwarts as a display stand to show its muscles