From Alex perspective, this so-called new policy felt like a deliberate move, not just in terms of territory, but politically and socially too. It seemed like the kind of change that would roll out gradually, step by step.
Of course, there would be some resistance at first, but with Minister Eisenberg's reputation for handling chaos, Alex figured it wouldn't take long to settle. No wonder Eisenberg had been hiding away inside the Ministry these past few days, barely showing his face. Now it all made sense, he hadn't been ignoring Alex personally, just busy dealing with far bigger problems.
"By the way," Alex turned to Anneliese, "this policy was announced by Minister Eisenberg, right?
So what about the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation? Didn't he object?"
"Oh, he definitely did," Anneliese replied with a weary sigh. "Director Culler was livid when he found out.
Ever since the announcement, he's been visiting the Minister's office every single day to voice his complaints. But it's not really helping, most of the Wizengamot and about half the other department heads already support Eisenberg's plan."
She paused and shook her head. "Director Culler used to be one of the Ministry's most respected voices, but even he's clearly upset this time. Still, he's been following orders so far, probably just waiting for a better chance to push back."
"And how bad are the arguments getting?" Alex asked, curious.
They chatted a bit longer, and just as Anneliese glanced down at the invitation card in her hand, she suddenly remembered why Alex had come.
"Oh, right! You're here to see Minister Eisenberg! And here I've been rambling on. I'm so sorry for wasting your time."
"It's really not a problem," Alex said with a warm smile. "Honestly, it's nice talking with you. I don't consider it a waste at all."
"You're too kind," she replied, cheeks slightly flushed. "If anyone saw me just hanging around here instead of working, I'd definitely get scolded."
Standing up, she motioned for him to follow. "Come with me, Mr. Wilson," she said, taking the lead.
Alex had actually wanted to ask a few more questions about the Ministry, he figured someone like Anneliese, open and talkative, might slip out a few extra details. But the moment she realized he had an appointment with the Minister, she dropped the casual chatting and focused on her task, guiding him straight toward the office without delay.
Just as they reached the door, voices from inside carried through the corridor.
"Culler, the Department of International Magical Cooperation is not the Department of Magical Communications! You can't just throw orders around like this.
Do you have any idea how much chaos your decision caused us? That decree needs to be revoked, immediately!" came a firm, angry voice from within.
"That's Director Culler I was telling you about," Anneliese whispered, nodding toward the office door.
Alex raised his eyebrows in surprise. From what he had gathered, the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation was considered one of the more neutral and steady figures in the German Ministry of Magic. If even he was raising his voice like this, then something serious must be going on.
What puzzled Alex even more was why Minister Eisenberg would take the risk of provoking that department by issuing such a controversial order. It seemed like an easy way to push more officials into Andre's camp.
Was it overconfidence from how smoothly the last decree had gone? Or did Eisenberg simply misjudge how Culler would react?
What Alex didn't know was that his speculation was almost spot on. Inside the office, Minister Eisenberg was facing a very angry Director Culler, trying to stay calm.
Eisenberg couldn't wrap his head around how someone usually so easygoing and uninvolved could be this furious. Culler had never reacted this strongly in the past.
So why now? Still, the decree was already out. Taking it back now would severely damage Eisenberg's credibility and authority, something he couldn't afford.
"Director Culler," Eisenberg said, trying to keep his tone steady, "this wasn't a rash decision.
The new policy is just a follow-up to the previous decree. We made sure everything aligned with the Ministry's direction."
"And yet, even the Wizengamot had no objections. You had the draft beforehand, too.
You made a copy of it for yourself, didn't you? But I don't recall you raising any concerns then." Eisenberg tried to keep things diplomatic, but his words only made things worse.
Culler gave a short, bitter laugh. "You call that mess a 'draft'? You handed me a slate thicker than two hundred pages, buried somewhere in the middle was a tiny clause, just three lines, about forcing merchants in Germany to reapply for their business licenses.
You stuck it inside a completely unrelated document under the 'International Association for Magical Trade Standards.' How on earth was anyone supposed to spot that unless they were looking for it?"
His voice rising, Culler stood abruptly and slammed his hand down on the desk. "You didn't inform me, you tricked me! Don't expect me to sit back and pretend otherwise."
Eisenberg tensed but didn't back down. "But your signature is on it. That's a matter of record. As a Ministry official, it's your duty to uphold it."
Before Eisenberg could say more, another middle-aged wizard in the office, Matthias, the Director of the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters, spoke up sharply. "He's right. You signed it. It's not optional."
Culler turned his glare on Matthias, eyes blazing. "Enforce it? Not a chance! I'm not like your department, I don't take orders blindly and play the puppet."
Matthias turned pale with anger and stood up as well, clearly about to snap back. "You! "
"Enough!" Eisenberg cut in coldly, his voice slicing through the tension. He looked between the two, clearly fed up. "You're both senior Ministry officials. Don't stand here squabbling like schoolchildren."
He then fixed his gaze on Culler, his tone growing colder. "Director Culler, I suggest you don't let your temper get the better of you. I'll let your outburst slide this once, but I don't expect to hear that kind of language again.
As for the legal details, we'll deal with those in due time. Right now, I've got other business to handle. Return to your departments and carry out your responsibilities. That's all."
Hearing Eisenberg's warning, Culler realized he might've gone too far. He'd let his temper get the better of him and shown no regard for the Minister's position. He gave a frustrated snort but didn't argue further.
Matthias, still fuming beside him, looked like he wanted to continue the fight, but one sharp glance from Eisenberg was enough to stop her in her tracks.
Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by Anneliese's voice. "Minister Eisenberg, Mr. Wilson, the guest you invited, has arrived. Is now a good time?"
"Mr. Wilson, please come in," Eisenberg called out, then turned to the two officials in the room. His voice was calm but firm, especially when he addressed Culler.
"This guest is a very important visitor from abroad. Please don't cause a scene. We'll continue this conversation later." His look was direct, giving Culler no room to push back.
Reluctantly, Culler stood and walked toward the door. Matthias followed shortly after, though the chilly air between them made it clear the disagreement was far from over. They didn't speak, and even the distance between them as they left said enough, there was no solidarity between these two.