Upon hearing Rosier's response, Christine's eyes widened in panic as she hurriedly exclaimed:
"Then let them go! I'll stay!"
But Rosier simply shook his head and rejected her plea:
"Do you think this is something you can negotiate? Your grandfather was once one of us in the Pureblood Party, which is the only reason we're letting you leave. As for them, they must pay the price for your actions."
Christine pointed to herself, her voice rising in desperation:
"I was in charge of this mission! I planned everything! They were only following my orders!"
Yet no matter how much she argued, Rosier remained unmoved.
Finally, Christine's tone shifted. A cold edge crept into her voice as she threatened:
"If you let me go, I will keep coming after the Pureblood Party. You should know—I am the Deputy Director of the Magical Congress of the United States' Security Division!"
A glint flashed through Rosier's eyes at that revelation, but he responded leisurely:
"The Graves family… The true aristocracy of the American wizarding world. To think that someone as young as you has already risen to such a high position."
"But it doesn't matter. This time, we'll let you go—as a courtesy to your grandfather. Next time, you won't be so lucky. However, you'd best prepare yourself… because once again, others will pay the price for your choices."
Hearing these words, Christine collapsed to the ground, utterly at a loss.
Rosier stepped closer, offering a seemingly sympathetic remark:
"In truth, we're doing you a favor. After all, they heard everything just now. If we were to let them leave, wouldn't that be dangerous for you as well?"
Christine let out a bitter laugh and replied:
"If so many people disappear all at once, it won't just be me—our entire Graves family won't be able to withstand the fury of the American Magical Congress! And besides, ensuring their silence isn't difficult, is it? An Unbreakable Vow, a Memory Charm—both would suffice."
Rosier waved his hand dismissively, feigning exasperation:
"Too much trouble. We can't be bothered with such complications. However…"
He trailed off, and Christine, sensing the shift, scrambled to her feet. Forcing a strained smile, she asked cautiously:
"If you have conditions, just name them."
Rosier gave her an approving look before stating matter-of-factly:
"If you, like your grandfather, were to join the Pureblood Party, things would be different. If you were one of us, we would have no problem dealing with these 'troubles' for you. In fact, we would even find ways to help you rise further within the American Magical Congress."
Christine froze for a moment before replying warily:
"You Pureblood Party people… you've never given up on controlling the wizarding world, have you?"
Rosier shook his head.
"That is merely a means to an end, not the ultimate goal. Our goal has always been the same—to pursue a greater purpose."
Christine fell silent for a moment before shaking her head resolutely:
"I can't give you an answer yet. I don't even know if what you're saying is true. If my grandfather really died at your hands, then I would never join you."
Rosier considered this for a moment before offering a compromise:
"Very well. You can join us in name only. We won't assign you any tasks or make you do anything for us. You can return to America and seek your own answers. Of course, we will assist you in finding your grandfather's whereabouts."
"If you confirm that everything we've said is true, then you can formally join us. What do you think?"
Christine pondered his words for a long time before gesturing toward the captured wizards behind her.
"If I temporarily agree to join the Pureblood Party… will you let them leave with me?"
Rosier spread his hands with a smirk:
"But of course! If you wish, we can even spread word that the Pureblood Party suffered heavy losses, while you can return and report that you led your team through an ambush, breaking free and dealing us a devastating blow."
"With the current tension between the Pureblood Party and the American Magical Congress, who knows? You might even earn yourself a medal."
Christine let out a dry laugh and waved dismissively:
"That won't be necessary. Just releasing them is enough."
Rosier nodded but added one final condition:
"But they must each undergo a Memory Charm. After all, your identity, as well as the connection between your grandfather and us, should remain a secret for now."
Christine hesitated but eventually nodded in agreement.
One by one, the wizards of the Pureblood Party cast Memory Charms on Christine's subordinates. Meanwhile, Wentworth took the opportunity to step closer, looking at Christine with a serious expression as he asked:
"Why does the American Magical Congress want me dead?"
Christine seemed momentarily awkward but then explained:
"In truth, the order given to me by the President was to bring you back to the American Magical Congress if possible. Only if that proved impossible was I to consider… assassination. But because I believed my grandfather had died at the hands of the Pureblood Party, I immediately dismissed the first option."
Wentworth: "…Then why does your President want to take me to America?"
At this question, even Christine's face showed uncertainty:
"That's what we've been wondering, too! For decades, the name Grindelwald has been practically taboo within the American Magical Congress—people go out of their way to avoid even mentioning it."
"But a few months ago, out of nowhere, the President suddenly summoned me and my Director, giving us this mission. Using 'classified operations' as an excuse, our Director coordinated with various departments, while I personally led the task force."
"As for the reason? Even my Director and I don't know. All we overheard was something about a prophecy."
"A prophecy?"
Upon hearing this, Wentworth and Rosier exchanged bewildered glances.
Christine spread her hands, her expression exasperated:
"As for what the prophecy actually says or what the real reason is—I have no idea. In fact, I suspect that within the entire Congress, only the President himself knows the truth. The Graves family has deep ties within the Congress, and there are few secrets we aren't privy to."
Rosier nodded thoughtfully and murmured:
"The American Magical Congress… We'll return there one day."
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