"Not that easy, Mr. Brian, we have been dealing with the French for centuries, they wouldn't let go so easily -"
Old Banar did not show any joy at the proposal put forward by Amostar.
It still wore a stern face, sighing deeply.
"In my opinion, their purpose is to hope that the sprite will contribute a certain amount of gold before leaving."
Old Banar quickly glanced at Amostar, seeing that the smile on his lips remained unchanged, his eyelids drooped slightly.
"But you know it's difficult, Mr. Brian. The sprites just made the largest investment in history, and it may take a century in the future to recoup the principal. We have no more resources to satisfy the insatiable appetite of the French Ministry of Magic."
"So what?"
Amostar picked up the teacup, leisurely sipped the tea soup.
"Do you need me to provide you with more help in this matter?"
Cunning and deceitful
One person and one sprite both made such an evaluation of each other in their hearts.
Amostar was very clear that the sorrow on that old sprite's face was just an act, and its real purpose for coming here was not that.
Old Banar, on the other hand, believes that the precarious situation that sprites are currently in is due to their support of Mr. Brian's plan.
However, Brian acts as if it's none of his business, as if all this trouble is solely the sprites' own, and he is merely offering friendly assistance out of the friendship between them.
But even if there are complaints, Old Banar has to bear them alone.
Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back. The sprites have strongly supported Amostar Brian and cannot turn to others now.
And Old Banar is well aware that...
In front of Amostar Brian, a sorcerer, you can only choose to be gentle because if you show strength, he will only become more powerful than you.
As for threats, they are stupid to the point of being foolish.
Countless precedents show that Amostar Brian does not care about rules and laws as much as Dumbledore does.
"You know, Mr. Brian -"
Old Banar sighed heavily.
"I have been under immense pressure. Many respected sprites in our tribe have their reservations about our deep cooperation with the British Ministry of Magic."
"They believe that I should not gamble on a high-risk investment that does not show any profits in the short term."
At the end of the sentence, Old Banar slowed down his speech and carefully observed Amostar's expression.
"Is it that you see no return in the short term?"
Amostar's lips curved even further, and he spoke in a slow and deliberate manner,
"How can you say that, Banar. If you are accusing me of being unfaithful,"
"I have no such intention, Mr. Brian!"
Old Banar was shocked and terrified, and in an instant, cold sweat broke out on his back.
"I know that you have been under great pressure to fulfill your promise to the sprites, but in terms of quantity."
Old Banar spoke carefully, each word chosen with caution.
"There is no doubt that if the release amount is more generous, it would undoubtedly silence those who oppose us, allowing us sprites to work together to overcome the challenges created by the French Ministry of Magic."
"How much do you want?"
Amostar asked calmly, and Old Banar hesitated for a long time before slowly and reluctantly spreading out five fingers.
"You know you are asking for an awful lot, Banar,"
Amostar shook his head, and his tone left no room for refusal.
"That goes beyond the reasonable number for an exchange group. Well, let's say --"
After thinking for a moment, Amostar set a bottom line,
"Double the original five, giving you ten spots --"
Seeing Old Banar about to speak, Amostar said firmly,
"This is the bottom line I can accept, Banar. I hope you don't think I can do whatever I want?"
Old Banar still wasn't convinced, but at this moment, Amostar's brow furrowed, and he looked towards the door.
"I'm sorry, Banar, but I think our meeting has to end here. An unexpected person has come to the Ministry of Magic; if I'm not mistaken, they're here to see me."
When Old Banar left, although his expression was heavy, his steps were light and quick as he walked out of the office. Amostar watched him disappear around the corner of the stairs, sighing softly.
He could tell that Old Banar had come to take a chance and see if he could get some leverage.
No matter how many extra spots he promises, Old Banar would happily accept.
In fact, he didn't have to make such roundabout speeches. With their previous good relationship, he would definitely give him this favor.
But Amostar couldn't blame Old Banar for suddenly becoming so distant and strange when he was facing him.
Ever since he used the trial against Harry to oust Fudge and then forcefully pushed Amelia to take his place.
To the fact that he planned the Battle of Diagon Alley single-handedly and stood evenly matched against Voldemort in front of so many witnesses.
His reputation grew stronger and more imposing in the eyes of the people.
In the eyes of many distinguished individuals in the European magical community, not only does he possess a rare amount of magical power and has the backing of the British Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore, but he is also more terrifying than Voldemort at the peak of his power.
This is what caused Banar, who could be considered a close friend, to become cautious and careful in front of him.
This is the so-called "high place is too cold to bear," which is exactly the case.
But, the so-called right to power that comes with appearances has never been Amostar's goal. On the contrary, bearing too much of this power is a burden to him.
The reason he did not seek to leave it and instead got trapped in it is because--
Amostar walked to the center of the 'square table' in his office.
With a slight movement of his fingers, the black curtain covering the square table was stirred by the wind, suspending in mid-air, revealing a vast sandtable before Amostar.
With his back turned, Amostar stood at the edge of the sandtable, gazing deeply at each building model with a serious expression, waiting for his office door to be knocked.
"Based on Mr. Brian's outstanding performance in the Battle of Diagon Alley, Minister Borres and various directors of the department intended to appoint Mr. Brian as a senior deputy director --"
On the way, the wizard who was always filled with deep admiration for her introduced what Professor Brian had been doing at the Ministry of Magic, standing in front of an office door and pointing to the gold-plated plaque hanging on the frame. Luna's gaze followed his direction and landed on it:
"The Development Committee of the British Magical Community"
"－－But Mr. Brian refused to accept it, saying that he was already the head of the Hogwarts Safety Office."
But in order for Minister Borres to give Mr. Brian a legitimate reason to offer advice to the Ministry, after some discussion, they decided to establish this department. This department includes all senior officials of the Ministry of Magic, including the Minister, but Mr. Brian is the chairperson!"
"Thank you, sir--"
Luna spoke with politeness, "Thank you, sir."
"I can go see now."
Click
The door to the office in front of them had not yet been knocked on, but it slowly opened under their somewhat surprised looks.
In a crudely simple office, Luna found a wizard with his hands behind his back, standing calm and steady, like a mountain.
Looking at the wizard, Luna's heart also slightly trembled, not to mention the Ministry of Magic employee who led her, was trembling all over with excitement!
Turning slowly, Amostar looked at Luna with eyes that mixed curiosity and smiled warmly, beckoning with his hand.
"Come in, Luna, there is no big dung beetle in this office."
