Chapter 357 "A New Era In Uagadou"

Upon hearing Emma's words, Headmistress Lopez, who had been preparing to respond, couldn't help but display a wry smile. She muttered to herself, "Indeed, what have I done wrong? How did it come to this?"

"Tell everything to me in detail, Headmistress. I will try my best to help you get out of this trouble," Wentworth assured while staring the Headmistress straight into her eyes.

Headmistress Lopez was surprised with how this time Wentworth was the one who felt like seeing her through her soul. She sat down and started sharing her stories and how the problems started with both Emma and Wentworth.

***

Meanwhile, in Joseph's study, Wenna, whom Joseph's grip had choked, was left breathless and flushed, almost on the verge of fainting—foam gathered at the corners of her mouth.

Eventually, Joseph released his hold on Wenna's neck, tossing her aside.

As Wenna gradually regained her senses and struggled to her feet, Joseph leaned against his desk, brows furrowed in thought.

Observing Joseph's demeanor, Wenna remained silent, awaiting his next words.

After a moment, Joseph sighed heavily and remarked, "The details of our arrangement with Headmistress Lopez must not be disclosed to Wentworth. The International Confederation of Wizards cannot allow such information to leak."

Hearing Joseph's directive, Wenna, standing nearby, hastily interjected, "By the time I left, Wentworth had already gone to the Headmistress' office to meet with Headmistress Lopez!"

Joseph fixed his gaze on Wenna and spoke with a solemn tone, "This situation didn't just happen overnight. It's evolved to this point, and you've shown remarkable adaptability, Wenna. I must admit, I'm impressed. I truly want to keep you on my side, but I find it's quite difficult when I can't put a leash on you."

Before Wenna could interject, she watched in apprehension as Joseph approached her and raised his wand, "Incarcerous!"

With a flick of his wand, Wenna got tied in an instant.

After a cursory glance at the now helpless Wenna, Joseph swiftly exited the study.

"Brother, you can't do this to me! Release me!" Wenna yelled in desperation, struggling to free herself from the bind.

The door swung shut behind Joseph as he strode out, flanked by the two black-robed wizards who had been standing guard outside.

Descending the stairs with a furrowed brow, Joseph was met by the assembled members of the Coney tribe on the ground floor. Initially, there were murmurs of greetings, but as they observed Joseph's troubled expression, a heavy silence settled over the room.

Joseph's gaze swept across the room, his voice deliberate. "All members of the Coney Tribe, accompany me to the Headmistress' office. Find Wentworth Dumbledore at all costs! No obstacle should stop you."

Upon hearing Joseph's directive, a murmur of urgency rippled through the crowd. Someone timidly posed a question, "But, Young Master, what if Headmistress Lopez objects?"

Before the question could be fully articulated, Joseph interjected sharply, "I've made myself clear! Regardless of any opposition, you must persevere! Now, go and locate Wentworth immediately!"

"We can't let any of our secrets be leaked to the outside world!"

With Joseph's resolute command echoing through the room, the Coney tribe members dispersed promptly, heeding his orders.

Turning to his companions, Joseph's voice softened. "Let's move as well. Have you forgotten our primary mission here in Uagadou?"

The two black-robed wizards exchanged a glance, and one responded, "Certainly not, Young Master. Our foremost tasks are to ensnare Headmistress Lopez once Uagadou undergoes a transformation."

Having received the response behind him, Joseph nodded subtly. "Let's go. We can't waste anymore time here."

With Joseph's departure, the once bustling and resplendent building adorned by the Coney tribe stood empty within moments.

After a brief interval, a figure cautiously approached the door, peering inside to ensure the coast was clear.

Satisfied that the room was vacant, the figure emerged, revealing itself to be Jimon.

Subsequently, Jimon discreetly entered Joseph's residence. Emerging shortly after, Jimon was accompanied by an additional figure on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, within the Headmistress's room, the trio remained unaware of the impending events. Breaking the heavy silence, Wentworth spoke, disrupting the solemn atmosphere.

"I believe it's not a matter of Headmistress Lopez's actions being misguided, but rather the shifting tides of time forsaking Uagadou."

Wentworth's words caught Headmistress Lopez and Emma off guard, prompting Wentworth to elaborate, "The wizarding world may be insular, but that doesn't preclude its evolution. A clear case could be seen here in Uagadou where it's currently evolving into the next stage."

"At a certain point, I can't help but be on the same side with the Headmistress. She is trying her best to supply the school in her own way while benefiting from it, a true opportunist! But of course, not all of the professors or students will have the same way of viewing the current situation like her."

Wentworth's words resonated in the room as he continued, "The influx of European wizards not only brought wands but also shed light on the abundance of African resources."

"Once upon a time, African wizards perceived Africa as the pinnacle of the magical world. Uagadou, being the finest magical institution on the continent, held a prestigious position."

"However, as African wizards realized that Uagadou was merely one among many prestigious magic schools worldwide, the reverence for Uagadou naturally diminished."

"Not only that, witnessing the opulence of Europe juxtaposed with the poverty of Africa, it's only human nature for wizards to feel a sense of disparity. Perhaps aspirations that were once deemed unattainable are now within reach."

Headmistress Lopez, acknowledging the validity of Wentworth's observations, concurred, "Indeed, Wentworth may be onto something. Historically, Uagadou relied on funds sourced primarily from alumni donations and trade with major African tribes to sustain its operations."

Headmistress Lopez continued, her voice tinged with remorse, "We provided not only herbal remedies but also potions. At one point, Uagadou even extended medical aid to neighboring wizard tribes."

Reflecting on the institution's trajectory, she lamented, "Throughout our long history, Uagadou has weathered myriad challenges. Yet, I never envisioned it would come to this under my stewardship."

Upon hearing Headmistress Lopez's words, Emma, though reluctant to absolve her entirely, offered solace, "Headmistress Lopez, I... I can't entirely blame you. I thought... I assumed the allure of wealth swayed you..."

However, before Emma could conclude her reassurances, Headmistress Lopez interjected with a heavy heart, "No, the blame rests squarely on my shoulders. I am the primary culprit. The Coney tribe deceived me."

Turning his gaze toward Emma, Wentworth spoke, "You see, Emma? The Headmistress is trying her best to keep Uagadou on it's feet. It's just there is not much she can do alone… The offer from Coney tribe is just too good to be passed on."