Could it be that the so-called spies, the so-called transfer zone, and the so-called prison were all just a setup designed to trick him into revealing evidence?
Maybe it was all orchestrated to give the club a solid excuse.
As Claremont thought this through, he also realized why Golden Snidget's sudden attack had felt oddly off, like there was something rebellious about it.
Even if the club's adults wanted to clean up the park and investigate spies, they probably wouldn't suspect him, a senior collaborator.
After all, his mind had been cursed; even if he wanted to be a spy, he couldn't say a word.
It was a shame that when he faced the Golden Snidget, he was completely terrified and dumbfounded, his mind just wouldn't stay sharp.
Plus, he had hidden ghosts in his heart and had secretly been collecting memories all these years, which made him an easy target.
In other words, the club might still be clueless about what really happened, just thinking that several people in the park disappeared mysteriously.
Thinking about this, Claremont couldn't help but look deeply at Andre.
He hadn't expected the usually upright Director of the Department of Legal Enforcement to be the ultimate villain behind the scenes, willing to use any trick.
Even though Claremont now had a vague understanding of the truth, he didn't dare say anything right then, even though only the two of them were there.
No matter what the facts were, the story had already been twisted and spun.
In the minds of hundreds of wizards, it was the silver wand that caused all this, accused of plotting to split the country.
Ironically, most of what the civilian wizards believed was actually true!
But Claremont couldn't go around saying that while the silver wand might be trying to divide Germany and stirring up civil unrest, they hadn't actually kidnapped anyone.
If he said that, not only would no one believe him, but they might even attack him in anger.
The box of memories in front of him was solid proof.
With that evidence, it was only a matter of time before Pete and his gang were cleared by the Ministry of Magic.
After thinking it all through, Claremont realized there was no way out.
The truth no longer mattered.
All Claremont could do now was look for an opportunity to save himself.
After a moment of thought, he let out a long sigh and glanced at the rough-faced man standing before him with a defeated look.
"Tell me what you need me to do, and I'll cooperate fully," he said.
Andre nodded approvingly.
"You're smarter than I thought. From now on, you'll work under the Legal Enforcement Department's orders, infiltrating the silver wand."
He gestured toward a box filled with memories.
"These are the pieces of evidence you've carefully gathered for us to complete the mission. Next, you'll be questioned by the Wizengamot. I trust you know what to say."
Claremont nodded, realizing he had no choice but to accept the role of a pawn in this game.
Still, he looked at Andre with a glimmer of hope.
"What about my future? I have no other demands, I just want to live a good life."
Andre cast a contemptuous glance his way.
"I know exactly why you collected all those 'goodies.' Don't worry, I'm not like Pete, I won't mess you up. As long as you cooperate, you'll be safe for the rest of your life."
"But everything you've gained through the club over the years, whether it's the magic supplies or the black market dealings, you won't get back. You should be prepared for that."
Surprisingly, Claremont didn't find the terms too harsh.
Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief.
If Andre had promised to restore his status, Claremont might have doubted his sincerity.
But by stripping him of all his property, Andre showed he was serious.
"No problem, I'm willing to give everything to you, but from now on, Pete…"
Claremont wanted to say Pete's name, but suddenly the contract in his mind flared up, stopping him mid-sentence.
Instead, he could only change his words, saying, "From now on, that person and the club backing him will hate me to the core. I just hope you can have some mercy and at least let me live the rest of my life in peace."
Andre looked at him with a mocking smile.
"Afraid of dying, are you? Fine, I promise that if you cooperate fully, I'll arrange a new identity for you so you can live quietly. But this time, the club and Pete won't be so easy to shake off. Whether they survive or not, that's another story."
"I'm not sure how much you understand about the club," Claremont began cautiously, "but their strength is deeper than you think. Especially the power of individual wizards."
The contract's restrictions kept him from being too explicit, so he spoke carefully.
"Individual strength? I know exactly what you mean. When I killed that 'Phoenix,' I already experienced her skills firsthand. So don't worry about that."
Andre, naturally, knew what Claremont was talking about.
With Alex and Moody at his side, and after breaking the club's power just now, he wasn't afraid of any counterattack.
"What? You already killed her?"
Claremont stared at Andre in shock.
He knew the club well, and the 'Phoenix' was a major figure in the silver wand, rumored to have a status rivaling Golden Snidget himself.
And now she was dead, so quietly?
The thought made Claremont tremble all over.
This Director Andre was even more terrifying than he'd imagined, not only was his method flawless, but his strength was unfathomable.
Realizing this, Claremont stammered with a trembling voice, "If someone as powerful as you exists in the German wizarding world, those young people in the club don't stand a chance against you."
"Enough nonsense," Andre said, seeing Claremont's complete surrender.
He pulled out a document and tossed it in front of him with a satisfied smile.
"Here's your new identity package. It clearly outlines what to say and what to do. When I come down, I'll arrange a single room for you. You should get to know it well, okay?"
"Yes, Sir Andre," Claremont replied nervously.
He picked up the document with trembling hands, and Andre led him into a small.
In a closed-off room.
After finishing up Claremont's business, Andre pulled out a piece of parchment with a sigh and ticked off one of the items on his list.
"The way Alex explained things is really complicated. This kid just doesn't get me, even though I'm an old man. Let's see... next up, I have to interview reporters from the Goblin Herald and other media outlets. Ugh, I still have to deal with those embarrassing press releases?"
Andre muttered, clearly frustrated, but he diligently worked through his calendar one task at a time.