Faced with Kael's words, Fudge seemed somewhat absent-minded, only casually responding, "Yes, I can tell."
Then he looked around.
Kael had deliberately chosen a corner position, not by the window, with a large decorative plant nearby. From outside, you couldn't see the situation here at all, and even inside, the plant would block most of the view, which made Fudge nod with some satisfaction.
The two chatted about some unimportant topics until Ms. Rosmerta brought over what they had ordered, after which Fudge's smile gradually faded.
Once Ms. Rosmerta returned to the bar, he suddenly said, "I heard from Dolores that you wanted to see me?"
Finally, they got to the main topic.
Kael put down his pumpkin juice.
"Yes, Minister, I think this matter should be brought to your attention."
"Oh? What is it?" Fudge feigned curiosity, as if this meeting was just a chance encounter.
"It's about Professor Dumbledore and a meeting he held personally."
Fudge instinctively straightened up, but his face remained calm and indifferent.
"I heard about it," he said. "Albus is well-known in the Magic Realm, and as the headmaster of Hogwarts, it's normal for him to gather a few old friends."
"That is true," Kael nodded, "but the content of their discussion was not typical for a friendly gathering."
"Oh? What was it?" Fudge asked, pretending nonchalance. "It's fine, just say it. When we're in the Three Broomsticks, we have to chat about something, right?
"And I promise to keep it confidential; I won't tell Albus."
Kael didn't doubt Fudge's promise at all.
"They talked about the resurrection of You-Know-Who."
In an instant, the warmth and cordial smile on Fudge's face vanished. His face, red with anger, looked like an enraged hippo.
Beside him, Umbridge also stood up furiously, as if she would cast a Crucio Curse on Kael any second.
"Absurd, ridiculous madness!" he growled. "The Ministry of Magic has said many times that it's impossible for that person to return, and he won't return. I've heard enough of this madness. I came here expecting to hear something different."
"Dolores, is this the surprise you mentioned?" He gave Umbridge a cold glance and then looked back at Kael.
"I shouldn't have come to the Three Broomsticks today for a drink. I need to return to the Ministry of Magic and say one last thing: that person is not coming back."
"But some believe he can return."
Ignoring Umbridge's murderous glare, Kael calmly said, "This news could bring them substantial benefits."
Fudge paused mid-motion, scrutinizing Kael.
"Because everyone knows that only Dumbledore can stand against You-Know-Who. This allows him to quickly establish considerable prestige."
Fudge's eyes flickered, and without showing any emotion, he sat back down.
"It seems our approach is correct," Fudge said. "Exposing his lies in the Daily Prophet will prevent more people from being deceived."
"That's because the Minister had already exposed his deceits," Umbridge's voice became more ingratiating, filled with obvious sycophancy, which made Kael uncomfortable, but Fudge seemed to appreciate it.
"So, Kael, my dear boy, would you be willing to testify?" Fudge once again displayed his earlier amiable demeanor, as if he hadn't just been angry.
"I would be glad to, Minister."
Upon hearing Kael's response, Fudge looked even more pleased.
He had always paid attention to Dumbledore having Harry Potter as a supporter. Though he didn't want to admit it, sometimes the title of 'Savior' had a significant influence.
This was also why he had consistently shown kindness towards Harry...
But now it was different; Kael was siding with the Ministry of Magic.
As the youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order and the Triwizard Tournament champion, Kael's fame rivaled the famous Savior, Harry Potter.
Combined with the Ministry's operations, it would be easy to elevate Kael's renown above Harry Potter's.
He recalled someone who was well-suited for this task... that Rita Skeeter.
Fudge picked up the redcurrant rum on the table, drinking half of it in one gulp. He could already envision Dumbledore's image collapsing, with everyone condemning him.
To him, this was a fantastic prospect.
"The Ministry of Magic will remember your contributions."
Despite his excitement, Fudge didn't forget to dangle a carrot before Kael. "And I've always had high hopes for you. Chris can vouch for that.
I've often mentioned to him that you should work at the Ministry of Magic and believed you could break his record and become the youngest Minister in history."
Kael quickly noticed Fudge's mention of Minister.
But wasn't Chris currently the Deputy Minister? Kael didn't think Fudge would make a mistake... perhaps he wasn't merely making empty promises.
"Thank you for your trust, Minister," Kael said with some excitement.
Fudge smiled, "I trust my own judgment; I won't be mistaken."
"But I'm curious: what was the entire content of that meeting... I mean, do they have any other plans?"
"Indeed, they do," Kael said after a moment's reflection. "The most discussed topic was figuring out how to gain more supporters."
Fudge's expression shifted slightly.
He instinctively recalled hearing a few days ago that Dumbledore had specifically sought out Amelia Bones and the now relegated Barty Crouch from the Magic Transportation Department.
He had suspected at the time whether Dumbledore was aiming for his Minister position. Now it seemed, that suspicion was almost certainly true.
Because to become the new Minister of Magic, garnering support from the majority of the Ministers was crucial; their votes were indispensable.
Fudge felt a bit uneasy, as he wasn't sure how many people Dumbledore had met or whether those individuals had already defected.
However, outwardly, Fudge maintained a facade of calm, saying, "Every Minister has the insight to recognize the situation. They won't believe such lies about You-Know-Who's resurrection. This plan is doomed to fail."
"That's excellent," Kael said with a smile. "If that's the case, then their subsequent plans would also fall through."
"Subsequent plans?" Fudge questioned, "What are they?"
"Nothing much, just Dumbledore's wishful thinking," Kael shrugged. "He mentioned that once he becomes the Minister, he would fully spread the news of You-Know-Who's resurrection."
"Why?" Fudge was a bit baffled.
Wasn't Dumbledore trying to use people's fear of You-Know-Who to gain power? Why, after obtaining what he wanted, would he still do that?
What good would it do? Wasn't he afraid of being drowned by Howler messages?
"Because only then could he justifiably declare the Magic Realm in a state of war," Kael said nonchalantly.:
"And during wartime, there would be no elections for Minister replacements. As long as he didn't make any grave mistakes... he could remain in that position indefinitely.
"But that's impossible to achieve, right..."
Clang!
Kael's words were barely finished when Fudge's hand shuddered sharply, and the half glass of redcurrant rum he had picked up fell to the ground, making a clear, crisp sound.
Ms. Rosmerta at the bar turned her head curiously upon hearing the noise.
"Need help, Minister Fudge?"
"No, I'm fine. I can handle it," Fudge tried to make his voice sound less agitated.
He took out his wand, and the continuously trembling tip indicated that his emotions weren't as calm as he appeared.
Fudge waved it carelessly, and the glass returned to its original position while the spilled rum vanished.
"Kael, I'm glad you could share these things," he took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. "You've made a significant contribution to the stability of the Magic Realm."
"It's what I should do," Kael humbly replied.
"Good, good," Fudge appeared somewhat absent-minded.
Just then, a group of students came in from outside.
"Oh, is it that late already?" Fudge immediately stood up. "I meant to chat with you more. Talking with young people always makes me feel much younger myself... But I can't. I have a very important matter to attend to right now.
"I'll escort you, Minister," Umbridge quickly said.
Fudge nodded, not even saying anything more to Kael before briskly heading toward the door.