Hearing Rosier's question, Fudge fell into a moment of silence.
Fighting to the death for the British Ministry of Magic?
What a noble slogan! If one of his Aurors shouted such a slogan, he would be pleased to award them a Merlin Medal.
But what if it were himself? This matter needed careful consideration.
Fudge, reluctant to appear weak before Rosier, responded with some reluctance, "Don't grow overconfident! I've dispatched letters to other European Ministries of Magic, and I believe many Aurors are on their way!"
Rosier's face remained calm, showing no surprise or fear.
He looked at Fudge with a pitying expression and continued, "It seems that Minister Fudge truly doesn't understand our intention."
Fudge thought, "I was still playing in the mud when you witches were blasting magic!"
Rosier didn't expect Fudge to answer the question. Instead, he continued, "Minister Fudge, I doubt your reinforcements will arrive anytime soon unless they completely disregard the International Stature of Wizarding Secrecy."
Fudge had a sinking feeling and asked in a panic, "What have you done?"
Rosier replied indifferently, "It's nothing, just a few minor magical incidents in some Muggle-populated European areas. However, if those Aurors don't address them quickly, the situation may spiral out of control. I think they'll be too occupied to come to your aid."
"I anticipate they will first erase the memories of those Muggles, then urgently repair the damaged areas, and if they have enough personnel, they might come after our wizards. Even though our wizards are hard to catch."
"So, the help you've been waiting for, I don't believe it will arrive anytime soon. Our Alliance's plan seems to be working well, doesn't it? Just a couple of wizards in each region can keep a large number of Aurors at bay. It's valuable combat experience!"
With a pale face, Fudge exclaimed, "How dare you challenge the Secrecy Act!"
After a moment, Fudge realized what he had said and chuckled, "Alright, I almost forgot, you Alliance do dare..."
Seeing that Fudge seemed to be silenced, Rosier's eyes flashed with a smile, and he decided to press further.
Without waiting for Fudge to speak, Rosier declared loudly without looking back, "Listen, all Alliance! I have brought a new order from our young Lord! You are authorized to use the Unforgivable Curses as you see fit!"
"Prepare for the Unforgivable Curses! I will stand at the forefront with you and fight side by side for the greater good!"
Rosier's words resounded like thunder on the otherwise quiet battlefield.
Following the thunderous declaration, the witches and wizards of the Alliance raised their wands once more, gazing at the Aurors on the opposite side with malice in their eyes.
Behind Rufus, the Aurors also raised their wands, though many wore expressions of horror.
Those wizards from the Ministry of Magic, who had not received Auror training, were in a state of chaos.
The Unforgivable Curses were unknown to most of them.
Fudge, too, looked at Rosier with a horrified expression, exclaiming, "You're all lunatics!"
Rosier nodded in agreement, his face fervent, and replied, "You're right! I'm a lunatic! Ever since I chose to follow Lord Grindelwald, I've been mad! The wizarding world needs change, and only Grindelwald can lead that change!"
"In the early days of any reformation, the reformers are seen as lunatics. But history will prove they were not lunatics but prophets."
However, Fudge wasn't in the mood for a debate on lunatics and prophets.
Sweating profusely, his face flushed, he leaned closer to Rosier, ignoring the danger, and asked in a hushed tone, "State your purpose! What does Alliance want?"
Fudge was a coward, but not a fool.
He understood that there was more to Rosier's intentions than met the eye.
Seeing Fudge's demeanor, Rosier wore a faint smile that quickly disappeared.
She pretended to be surprised and said, "Haven't our wizards informed you of the Alliance's objectives? We intend to secure the release of those Alliance wizards you've imprisoned!"
But hearing Rosier's words, Fudge shook his head vigorously, repeatedly insisting that it was impossible.
"We can't accept such conditions! Releasing those wizards under your threat would bring disgrace to the British Ministry of Magic! Not only would my position as Minister be forfeited, but I might even face imprisonment in Azkaban!"
Fudge knew that if he accepted the Alliance's terms, countless wizards from the Ministry of Magic might be spared.
But with fortune often comes responsibility. Fudge understood that he would inevitably be held accountable for this incident, and that could only be himself.
Fudge's greatest strength was his awareness of political circumstances.
Just as before he became the Minister of Magic, he had a keen sense of who would gain Dumbledore's approval and who would be the next Minister of Magic.
He had predicted accurately.
Seeing Fudge's response, Rosier seemed prepared.
She pointed behind him and said, "Our young Lord understands Minister Fudge's predicament, and he has devised a solution for you. This is not a threat; it's a deal."
"A deal?"
Fudge looked suspiciously at Cedric, held hostage by Auston behind Rosier, feeling puzzled.
Rosier nodded and continued, "Yes, a deal. Do you see the young wizard at the back? He's a Hogwarts student and the child of one of your underlings. Currently, he's a hostage of Alliance. As the Minister of Magic, shouldn't you find a way to secure his release?"
At this point, Fudge still didn't grasp Rosier's intent.
He exclaimed loudly, "I'll never compromise with you! The British Ministry of Magic, nor its wizards, standing here today, are not afraid of death! Even if it means living or dying together, we will preserve our dignity!"
With that declaration, Fudge returned to the Ministry of Magic's side.
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