Alfrina had already prepared the answer to this question before coming to France, so she slowly said, "A few of us have lived in the Muggle World and understand their sports more or less. Their sports rules are much more mature than those in our magic world."
"Especially Quidditch, the lack of a time limit alone causes a lot of spectators to lose interest," Alfrina said clearly, "Very few spectators like matches that last two or three days."
"Moreover, when we compared the data from various leagues, we found that among the four positions, the Seeker's role is very crucial, enough to determine the outcome of a match. We are working to reduce the Golden Snitch's scoring value and also remove its function of ending the match."
Alfrina did not finish saying everything; she only stated a small portion of the beginning, leaving the rest of the spotlight to her four companions.
Gary and the other three naturally did not decline. They divided the remaining parts to explain to Bonaparte.
Bonaparte's gaze was sharp, fixed intently on the five of them.
"Indeed, as you said, these rule changes are very simple, and many directly adopt Muggle sports rules," Bonaparte rested both hands on the armrests of his office chair, his fingers tapping lightly on them, "Why didn't the Wizards who came from the Muggle World before propose such opinions?"
"With all due respect, Quidditch rules have been in place for hundreds of years without major changes. Firstly, Muggle-born Wizards didn't understand Quidditch before and didn't dare to propose changes on their own. Secondly, as they gradually adapted to life in the magic world, they became set in their ways and went with the flow. Thirdly…"
Alfrina hesitated, her eyes darting around.
"What is it?" Bonaparte leaned forward slightly, "Go ahead, it's alright."
"Thirdly, discrimination in the magic world against Muggle-born Wizards. I believe there must have been Muggle Wizards who complained about the unreasonable rules when they first encountered Quidditch, but the surrounding Wizards would only laugh at them for not understanding the fun of Quidditch, ridiculing them for pretending to know," Alfrina said boldly.
"Even more, they ostracized and suppressed Muggle-born Wizards, excessively belittling the Muggle World. Over time, Muggle-born Wizards became afraid to express or question the problems existing within the magic world."
"...You are right, I admit this phenomenon is very common in the magic world. In comparison, you are very courageous and have your own ideas, which perfectly matches your name, 'Idiosyncratic'," Bonaparte highly praised the members' enterprising spirit.
"I believe Apolline has already conveyed our Ministry of Magic's sincerity to you. What are your opinions?" Bonaparte clasped his hands together, his eyes fixed on them.
"Let me be frank, the International Wizarding Federation Quidditch Committee has already decided to invite you to serve as honorary consultants for the Department of Rules and Referees," Bonaparte said, "This position is an honorary title, but it is very important for the Sporting Goods Departments of various Ministries of magic."
"Every member of the International Wizarding Federation Quidditch Committee can not only participate in voting to decide the next chairman but also determine the host city for the next Quidditch World Cup."
Bonaparte spread his hands, "All staff of the Quidditch Committee are full-time employees, except for honorary consultants."
"Therefore, where you choose to work becomes the most pressing concern for all Ministry of Magic Sporting Goods Departments. Your inclusion will make our position in the Quidditch Committee extremely important."
The five fell into deep thought. They were startled by Bonaparte's words, having initially thought that the French Ministry of Magic only valued their talent when extending the olive branch, and felt somewhat overwhelmed.
Now, after hearing Bonaparte's words, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions, unsure what to say.
"Bringing you here this morning was to express our sincerity. As long as you come to work at the French Ministry of Magic after graduation, we will take care of everything."
"For parents and family who wish to remain in Britain, we will specially apply for weekly international Floo Network access for you to visit your families; for those who wish to move to France, we will provide low-cost housing and arrange jobs for family members, with salaries that will absolutely satisfy you."
"..." Alfrina saw that her companions were clearly tempted. She bit her lip and turned her gaze to Gary, asking for his opinion.
"Can we discuss this a bit more?" Gary's heart was stirring. If he could work here after graduation and bring his parents over, Mrs. Shafik, as a fashion editor, had always yearned for France. Moving here would surely make his parents happy, but he couldn't speak too soon. They still had four years until graduation, so it was still early.
"No problem," Bonaparte agreed, "If another Ministry of Magic offers you a high price, you can communicate with us. I can guarantee that our offer will always be higher than our competitors."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Bonaparte's face showed a smile. "Apolline will be in charge of the activities from now on. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't see you out."
He stood up and saw them to the door.
Apolline was waiting outside the office door. She exchanged a smiling greeting with Bonaparte and then led the five away from the Sporting Goods Department.
Observing their thoughtful expressions, she wisely kept quiet, giving them time and space to think.
They took the lift down, left the main hall, and ascended to the surface using the tree cage.
The natural sunlight was dazzlingly bright, and the summer wind blew in hot waves, making one feel warm.
Summer in France was indeed much hotter than in Britain.
Apolline cast a powerful Cooling Charm on everyone, and a refreshing coolness spread to every corner of their bodies.
Howard wiped the sweat from his forehead and gasped twice in the heat.
"The next item on the agenda is a meeting and lunch with Andre Salon, the Head of the Department of Rules and Referees of the International Wizarding Federation Quidditch Committee. The location is…" Apolline lightly tapped her wand in the air, "It's not far, we can walk there."
The meeting place was a Wizarding restaurant about a mile away. The chef here specialized in British cuisine, and his beef and kidney pie was exceptionally well-made.
However, everyone was feeling quite nervous and had no mind to savor the food.
Mr. Salon was a kind-faced old man. He was slightly hunched, and his bald head gleamed.
During the meal, Mr. Salon discussed the specific formulation of the new rules with them, and the few of them spoke out the drafts they had prepared.
Mr. Salon listened to their words, a smile constantly on his face.
Halfway through the meal, Mr. Salon got up to leave, saying he had some matters to attend to before the final match, and arranged to meet them again in the evening.
After Mr. Salon left, the five finally breathed a sigh of relief. This feeling had been hanging in their chests since this morning. Both Mr. Salon and Bonaparte were very friendly people, but Gary still felt immense pressure when talking to them.