Chapter 364 "The Last Duel"

Confronted with Wentworth's smiling demeanor, Joseph couldn't help but chuckle. However, his smile was tinged with a hint of disappointment as he shook his head and remarked, "Wentworth, we could have been friends. You know, the feeling when I invited you for the first time is genuine! I truly want to establish a relationship between our Coney tribe and the Dumbledore family."

Wentworth responded with a shrug, his expression conveying a sense of resignation. "I'm sorry, Joseph. The ambitions of your Coney tribe are too grand, and I don't care for befriending conspirators."

Joseph's tone remained indifferent as he replied, "Wentworth, don't need to be like this. Couldn't you simply feign ignorance? It wouldn't be a loss for you; in fact, you'd retain your position as one of the leaders in Uagadou. What harm would there be in that?"

Wentworth's smile widened at the temptation presented by Joseph's words. With deliberate slowness, he responded, "I've already secured my seat on Uagadou's Board of Governors. Moreover, I am now the chairman of that very board."

Joseph's initial smile faltered, replaced by a darkening expression. His gaze shifted to Headmistress Lopez standing beside Wentworth as he demanded, "Headmistress Laila Lopez, what does he mean by this?"

Observing his student before him, Headmistress Lopez's gaze betrayed a mix of emotions, though he proceeded to respond with a measured tone. "As Wentworth just stated, I've agreed to your Coney tribe's proposal to establish the Uagadou Board of Governors. However, I've chosen to cede the chairmanship to Wentworth. Furthermore, he will assume sole responsibility for selecting the remaining board members."

Joseph's response was a disdainful sneer, followed by a resentful glare directed at Wentworth. "So, Headmistress Lopez has spilled all the beans to you, Wentworth. But let me remind you, our Coney tribe has toiled and suffered greatly. Do you believe you can claim our efforts as your own? This isn't Europe, nor Hogwarts!"

As Joseph's words echoed, numerous students of the Coney tribe in Uagadou converged, encircling Wentworth and Headmistress Lopez. Yet, Wentworth seemed unperturbed by the encroaching wizards, his attention fixed on Joseph as he spoke with a smile, "Joseph, if you wish to kill me, just say the word!"

Upon hearing Wentworth's words, Joseph shook his head and responded, "Wentworth, I truly don't wish to harm you! See these two wizards beside me? They were dispatched by my father to ensure my safety. They're both skilled wizards!"

"If you'd only lower your wand and join us, allowing them to remove any memories you shouldn't possess, we could still be friends, and you could retain your position as Uagadou's school chairman! Think about it, Wentworth, I am offering you another chance to mend this relationship between us!"

Wentworth couldn't help but laugh at Joseph's proposal. After chuckling, he gestured toward Joseph and remarked, "Joseph, do you honestly think I'd believe you? If I were to drop my wand and approach, I fear a Killing Curse would be awaiting me!"

Joseph vehemently shook his head once more, insisting, "You can trust me, Wentworth. I wouldn't dare incur the wrath of Albus Dumbledore, the most revered white wizard of all time! What good would it bring our tribe if we stood in Dumbledore's way? I truly want to settle this peacefully!"

Wentworth's response was a scoffing smile, accompanied by a dismissive shake of his head. "Joseph, you're terribly dull. In the midst of all this, you're still spewing nonsense. Do you genuinely believe I'd buy into it?"

"I'm certain that if I were to lay down my wand and approach now, I wouldn't survive five seconds! And even if Dumbledore were to intervene, you'd simply concoct a story about my disappearance!"

"A Hogwarts student came to Uagadou for the first time, only to vanish in the end. No matter how you spin it, Uagadou can't escape the Coney tribe's scrutiny. But what does this have to do with your Coney tribe? You could have used this incident to advocate for the establishment of the Uagadou School Board, citing the need to strengthen oversight of Uagadou!"

Wentworth sighed heavily and continued, "It's a devious plot indeed! Tell me, even if I rejected your proposal today, would you still have gone through with it?"

Upon hearing Wentworth's question, Joseph fell silent momentarily, before breaking into a sudden laughter.

With a smile on his face, he looked directly at Wentworth and replied slowly, "Wentworth, to be honest, I have a sincere sentiment—I genuinely wish to be friends with you! For some reason, I've always felt that we share a lot in common. If circumstances were different, perhaps we could have indeed been friends! A shame it's only a case of what ifs at this moment..."

Wentworth reciprocated the smile, remarking, "Joseph, since you've brought it up, acknowledging our similarities, then you must understand that for individuals like us, the truth holds little significance."

"It's like a chess game, Joseph. We're all just pieces on the board, moved by forces beyond our control. Even if we were to become friends, when it comes down to it, we'll act according to our roles. It's inevitable... both of us want to have our hands on the same goal, but I just don't believe it's big enough for us to share," Wentworth remarked with a solemn tone.

Joseph nodded in agreement, his expression grave. "Indeed. Henceforth, on this day each year, I'll bring flowers to pay my respects. Few of my peers truly comprehend me like you do."

Wentworth frowned slightly at the mention of flowers. "See, we're still different. Flowers are ostentatious. Instead, I'll bring you delicious food each year. However, I lead a busy life, so if I miss a visit, I trust you'll understand, right?"

Joseph chuckled at Wentworth's response, withdrawing his wand from his robes. "Let's not delay any longer, Wentworth. I'll grant you your final duel."

Wentworth matched his adversary's stance, drawing his own wand. "It's about time. After all the chatter, it seems inevitable that we reach this point. I've long been curious to see what Uagadou's magic has to offer!"

As Wentworth prepared to face Joseph, Headmistress Lopez couldn't help but feel a surge of concern. Quietly, she reached for the wand at her side, ready for whatever may come.

In the next instant, a spell was hurled towards Headmistress Lopez, but her reflexes were sharp, and she retaliated swiftly with a counter spell.

Headmistress Lopez turned to the direction from which the spell originated, spotting two figures cloaked in black robes wielding wands. One of them sneered, "Impressive, Laila Lopez. I've been eager to witness the capabilities of Uagadou's Headmistress."