Behind the door lies an immensely majestic courtyard, with a dome so high that it seems to reach the clouds. Above the dome is a flowing, nebula-like magical light, illuminating the entire space as brightly as daylight.
In the center of the courtyard stands a giant statue—
An exceedingly tall oak tree, with a thunderbird atop its crown, wings spread and eyes sharp.
From top to bottom, the branches are coiled with a horned serpent and resting cheetahs.
On the gnarled roots below, stands an ugly but smiling goblin, cradling fertile soil in its hands.
On the surrounding walls are countless rapidly circulating golden texts—constantly updating magical laws, safety warnings, and international news summaries, sometimes forming giant portraits of Magic Congress officials.
Two officials dressed in deep blue uniforms with silver trim are speaking softly by the statue, their expressions as hard and rigid as granite.
However, as Elise enters, the moment they see her, their expressions almost instantly change, eyebrows raised, mouth corners lifted. They stride quickly toward the girl in unison.
"Miss Vanderbilt!"
One official, with impeccably combed hair and a badge labeled "Safety Coordinator," speaks first, his voice full of just the right amount of enthusiasm:
"Long time no see! Would you like me to report to the Chairman's office for you?"
Elise nods with a smile and then says, "No need, I didn't schedule an appointment this time; I just heard Congress captured an interesting prisoner and wanted to see the spectacle."
"Oh, you mean the Scourer, right?" The official reveals a knowing smile: "I heard it's a top student from Ilvermorny, quite unexpected."
The official's demeanor exudes a schadenfreude, and clearly—he thinks Elise is there to enjoy the spectacle.
The other official seems more serious; he slightly bows and says:
"The Judgement Hall is at the end of the corridor on the east of the basement level. You may proceed, and if you need anything, please feel free to command."
"Okay, thank you."
Elise nods slightly and heads toward the elevator. Her bodyguard follows like an invisible person; no one notices them or even casts them a glance.
Once inside the elevator, Elise chuckles softly.
She turns to blink, laughing: "See? I told you it would go smoothly, right?"
"Indeed." Vid turns, mimicking the official's bow: "Thank you for your care, Miss Vanderbilt."
"Haha..." Elise laughs, swaying slightly, feeling light as a feather.
She recalls her father's words at dinner, then says, "But this time's action is a good deal for Laira Picquery—she leveraged the merits of eradicating the Scourers, her prestige almost catching up with Chairman Hosone."
"That's certainly true." Vid replies: "We're often accustomed to consistent dedication, but heroes who step forward in times of crisis receive the most fervent gratitude."
From the moment they entered, he noted that the golden text on the walls should have intermittently formed the image of Chairman Hosone.
But in the few minutes they walked through the courtyard, Laira's portrait appeared twice.
"Indeed."
Elise sighs: "Everyone previously thought the Magic World might soon be exposed, living in fear each day. Chairman Hosone's strategy was entirely correct, but it made everyone extremely busy."
"Exhausted and scared, everyone's nerves are strained. My father advised us to go out less recently to avoid encountering anyone who might lose control under stress and mentally break down."
"But once Ms. Picquery acted... the Scourers' organization was nearly eradicated, and the crisis seemed over. Though there's still work to do for a few days, everyone feels life will return to normal soon."
"So people won't question the ins and outs of this matter. They only see that Ms. Picquery solved the problems and are grateful to her."
In other words… people aren't grateful to Hosone, some even resent him.
With a "ding," the elevator doors open, and Elise stops speaking, adjusts her cloak, and walks out.
A middle-aged official who has been notified stands outside the elevator, smiling and ready to welcome Elise.
"Please follow me, Miss Vanderbilt." The official says warmly and kindly.
Elise nods: "Thank you for the trouble."
Vid follows silently, just like every bodyguard, but internally wondering:
[Indeed... why her?]
After Headmaster Fontana tracked Stern and pinpointed the Scourers' base, why did the recognition go to Laira?
If Chairman Hosone had ordered his assistant to lead a team to eradicate the Scourers, public opinion wouldn't be overwhelmingly praising Laira Picquery.
Moreover, from a perspective of authority and position, Auror Director Ezra Hughes... even Hosone himself are more suitable for this mission.
If managed this way, the Congress President would've gained enormous political capital and prestige, and Congress would improve its credibility and public image.
This would be highly beneficial for stabilizing public sentiment, boosting everyone's confidence, and restoring social order.
But instead, it's Laira who took action. Apparently, she didn't even consult her superior in advance...
This is an extremely severe political incident, an unusual sign.
For someone like Laira Picquery, who've handled everything meticulously for years, it's unlikely she would make a "couldn't consult in time, so acted alone" rookie mistake.
Vid lightly rubs his fingers, thoughts racing, the structure of the entire Magic Congress, and the semblance of all participants flashing in his mind.
Suddenly, Vid hesitates in his steps.
He sees Moody and Kingsley.
The two approach, discussing in low voices:
"It seems like the organization has indeed been uprooted, only one leader managed to escape."
"Should we head back to the UK then? That kid did something unknown, not even contacting us!" Moody says irritably: "I've had enough of this blasted place!"
Kingsley nods toward Elise's group as they pass, then says to Moody:
"Minister Sinclaire indeed asked me to return to the UK quickly, but it's best if you and the others stay for a few more days... until this matter is completely tied up."
He has duties, not as free, but can decide to let Tonks and others stay.
Most importantly, Vid Gray has yet to send any message that—things here have ended. So Moody and the others need to stay to coordinate.
Seeing the two, Vid thinks of the recent change of ministers in the British Ministry of Magic, and thinking about the complex politics, he suddenly understands Dumbledore's sentiments in refusing the position of Minister.
Politics are like quagmires; if one can choose not to dip into them, it's best not to.
Otherwise, being entangled with petty squabbles daily, perhaps Dumbledore couldn't have become the strongest wizard of the era.
"We're here."
Elise stops, ahead is a nondescript black wooden door.
Through the thick glass, Rolando Stern can be seen sitting inside.