"Banquet?" Moody's eyebrows practically shot up, and he suspiciously looked up and down at the other party, asking, "Tonight?"
——So sudden?
He glanced at Kingsley, his eyes clearly conveying "There's definitely something wrong with this."
"Yes, it's tonight."
Laira said: "Chairman Hosone has been quite busy lately, and he finally managed to spare some time. He hopes to hold an informal gathering to extend his welcome to all of you."
"At the same time, he also asked me to express his apologies to all of you—regrettably, he couldn't meet you sooner."
She handed over the invitation timely, and Moody frowned at the thing as if it was covered in poison spikes.
Kingsley stepped forward, took the invitation, and lightly rubbed his fingers over the embossed gold emblem.
He met Laira's seemingly sincere gaze and smiled: "Thanks to the Chairman's hospitality, we will definitely attend on time."
Laira nodded faintly: "Looking forward to your presence."
...
After the sound of high heels vanished at the end of the corridor, Moody slammed the door shut and turned to frown:
"Laira Piqueley, this surname sounds familiar... What's her relation to Seraphina Picquery?"
"She's Ms. Seraphina Picquery's niece, but I've heard they're not very close."
Kingsley glanced at the invitation and said casually.
"Are we really going to attend?" Moody said with disgust: "That sort of place where everyone wears masks and acts all pretentious... "
"We have to go." Kingsley said calmly: "Breaking out of the circle they've drawn for us, meeting more people, will be more beneficial for our actions."
"But what's in it for them?" Tonks boldly interjected: "Hasn't the Magic Congress always been obstructing our investigation? Why are they suddenly hosting this now?"
"I guess... they probably think the timing is right..."
Kingsley pondered aloud: "We've been staying at Congress Headquarters for these days, some people will definitely want to use us to inquire about the current progress Congress has on the investigation..."
"And the Magic Congress is just waiting to see which people will approach us at the banquet!" Moody flared his nostrils, scoffing: "Ha! Daring to use us as bait! These damned people!"
He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as he cursed the Magic Congress from top to bottom.
Kingsley pretended not to hear his cursing, looked at the other Aurors, and spoke as usual:
"Get ready for the evening attire, and during the banquet, be mindful of what should be said and what shouldn't."
"Understood."
Everyone responded in unison.
At first, they were a bit anxious, but then they thought—
Have they really obtained any key clues during these days buried in the office?
No!
Thinking of this, everyone relaxed instantly, dropped the pile of annoying documents, and started looking forward to the banquet.
Singing! Dancing! Fine food!
Only Tonks wasn't as lively as usual; she paused slightly, looked into Kingsley's calm eyes, and suddenly realized something.
The girl subtly nodded, tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear, and her mind flashed a silhouette.
What truly needs their confidentiality...is the fact that Vid Gray is currently in the United States!
...
The cheerful music flowed happily through the air, with the crisp scent of green apples and white pine resin everywhere. Exquisite food piled in crystal plates, and various wines filled the long table.
The various trees within the manor were at their most splendid time of the year; some leaves were red like fire, some were still spring green, and some sparkled with golden brilliance, as if golden leaves hung full on the branches.
Tonks shook her head and bumped into an American Wizard Cathy, whom she had met on the island last time, and the two were chatting spiritedly.
The other party excitedly shared anecdotes of the American Magic World, while Tonks shared a few blunderous moments during her missions, making Cathy laugh uncontrollably.
Kingsley, holding a glass of untouched mead, was standing together with Congress President Nikolo Hosone, looking at the bustling crowd.
"Chaos is like wildfire, Mr. Shackle."
In response to Kingsley's implicitly expressed dissatisfaction, Hosone lightly laughed and said:
"Sometimes, you must first let it burn within controllable confines to prevent it from consuming everything. Too hasty firefighting can actually boost the wind, making the situation a mess."
"Aren't you concerned, Mr. Hosone, that the wind direction may change... and the fire would spiral out of control?" Kingsley asked.
"Winds can always be predicted," Hosone turned his head slightly, glancing sharply at Kingsley: "As long as you're standing high enough."
On the other side, Moody, having randomly brushed off two or three people trying to engage him in conversation, finally could no longer tolerate it and stayed in the most inconspicuous corner, feeling like an isolated island within the banquet hall.
His normal eye scanned the entire venue like a searchlight over and over;
while his Magic Eye rotated, penetrating walls, floors, and even some ornate robes, scrutinizing every corner that might hide a threat.
Not to mention the hand under the robe kept the magic wand tightly grasped, never relaxing for a moment.
Suddenly, Moody let out a soft "Hmm," his gaze fixed on a wizard whose back was turned to him, talking with a simply dressed young witch.
Moody squinted his eyes.
The man carried two magic wands but had hidden them well; the finely tailored robe had the most fitting folds, making it nearly impossible to see he carried magic wands.
And one of them... the unique texture and handle...
Moody carefully identified it.
——That's right, it must be Olivander's craftsmanship!
Moreover, it's a White Poplar Wood magic wand!
In the Magic World, very few people carry a spare magic wand, even Aurors don't have such cautious habits; most use one magic wand from school to the end of their lives.
But Moody knows one person, who even in the safest classrooms during lessons, usually has two wands on him and sometimes even three!
Also, the style and wear of that Magic Wand Bag...
——Vid, that kid! He managed to sneak in! Who knows whose identity he's impersonating?
Moody's brows furrowed, looking at the person speaking with Vid, but saw her already turning to the long table, seemingly preparing to get a drink, seeking another talking companion.
While the previously accompanying young wizard had already turned around, carrying a plate of three to five snacks and moving through the crowd, aimed directly towards Moody.
He approached, brushed past, and then sat on the sofa in the corner, picked up a piece of chocolate lava cake for a look, and then leisurely took it into his mouth.
Moody's Magic Eye slowly rotated, watching him come close but not initiate conversation.
He wasn't sure if Vid had something to say to him, but Moody was well aware this wasn't the right place for exchanging information.
Yet, at the instant the pastry was eaten, Moody's knuckles suddenly made a sharp crack.
"Forgot what I taught you all?" Moody said in a deep voice: "Don't indiscriminately eat anything in unfamiliar settings!"
"Don't worry, this is one I brought myself."
The stranger-looking young wizard said tranquilly, lips barely perceptibly parted:
"I remember it all! Poisoned liquor, chocolate laced with Love Potion, cursed desserts, and sprayed apples with Veritaserum..."
Upon hearing his words, Moody relaxed a little—it's Vid indeed!
He asked: "What are you doing here?"