Lakayla Adisa nodded calmly. For her, this task was indeed not difficult.
Wentworth, meanwhile, was inwardly jubilant.
Perhaps the wizards of the magical world had yet to grasp the true power of finance, but Wentworth understood all too well: at times, those who control the financial system can wage wars without a single whiff of gunpowder. For reference, see a certain white-headed eagle.
Seeing both Nala and Lakayla fall into silence, Wentworth spoke at an unhurried pace:
"Really, there's no need to overthink it. Just look at Hogwarts, after all these years, hasn't it continued to flourish?"
Lakayla started in surprise. Yes, even Albus Dumbledore had been an illusion, if that were true, then Hogwarts must have long since fallen under the control of the Alliance.
Yet over the years, Hogwarts had shown no obvious change. It remained the most prestigious school of magic in the world.
Having already been swayed by Wentworth's words, Lakayla, now reminded of Hogwarts as a precedent, finally made up her mind.
She silently walked to her desk, gently turned the penholder atop it, and behind her, the star chart slowly parted, revealing a hidden compartment.
From within it, Lakayla retrieved a thick stack of documents. She caressed the papers with deep reluctance, as though parting from a dear companion. After a long moment, she handed them to Wentworth and said:
"These are the deeds to Mount Moon (Mountains of the Moon), the legal records of Uagadou's various properties, and the full student rosters from all these years. Together, they represent Uagadou itself. And now, I entrust them to you."
"I hope you can ensure that Uagadou continues to exist, with dignity. Also, many of our assets are now nominal at best. I hope you can reclaim them quickly from the Kalembo tribe."
Wentworth skimmed the documents briefly before tucking them away.
"Don't worry," he said, "Uagadou's future will shine even brighter than its past. As for the properties, rest assured. No wizard dares lay hands on something that belongs to the Alliance."
Lakayla nodded without comment. Then she glanced around her office with a deep, weary sigh.
"I'm the worst Headmistress in the history of Uagadou," she said. "I hope that whoever sits in this chair next won't repeat my mistakes."
But Wentworth smiled and replied,
"Headmistress Adisa, please don't say that. You still have the chance to set right what was once wrong. Though, to be frank, your administration of the school left much to be desired, your talents as an educator are beyond dispute."
"As Chairman of Uagadou's Board of Governors, I'd like to continue employing you as Headmistress. However, from now on, your authority will be limited strictly to educational matters."
Lakayla Adisa blinked in surprise. "You're not appointing a new Headmistress?"
Wentworth shook his head with a smile. "What I just said represents the official stance of the Alliance. As long as you're willing, you'll remain Uagadou's Headmistress."
As he spoke, Wentworth extended his hand toward her.
After a moment's hesitation, Lakayla reached out and clasped it. As their hands met, she said slowly,
"I hope I've made the right decision this time."
But as she tried to pull her hand back, she found Wentworth was gripping it tightly, refusing to let go.
Frowning, she asked, "Wentworth, what is the meaning of this?"
With a smile, Wentworth replied,
"You misunderstand, Headmistress Adisa. I didn't extend my hand merely for a handshake. Let's bind ourselves with the Unbreakable Vow. Once you swear eternal loyalty to the Alliance, your appointment will be official."
Lakayla froze, then quickly exclaimed:
"No—I refuse! While I've agreed to hand Uagadou over to you, I never said I was joining your Alliance!"
Wentworth responded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Now that Uagadou belongs to the Alliance, it must be led by the Alliance. As Headmistress, your allegiance is crucial, without it, how can others be expected to follow?"
But Lakayla still shook her head repeatedly.
"No. I refuse. If that's the condition, I'd rather not be Headmistress at all."
Wentworth looked at her with a half-smile and said,
"Headmistress Adisa, don't you want to witness Uagadou's transformation with your own eyes? This has been your home all your life. Without your guidance at the helm, I fear Uagadou's ship might drift off course. Your experience is one of Uagadou's greatest treasures."
Lakayla fell silent at that, and Wentworth continued:
"Rest assured. I promise you won't be forced to do anything you don't want to. Your sole duty will be to oversee Uagadou's academics on behalf of the Alliance. Nothing more. If you wish, that clause can be included in the vow."
After a long pause, Lakayla sighed and said bitterly:
"The Alliance... You really are masters of persuasion. Fine, I accept."
Wentworth grinned broadly.
"You should say, we accept."
At that moment, Wentworth's mood could not have been better. He had just acquired a thousand-year-old magical institution for free, and recruited a seasoned expert into the Alliance to boot. This was a windfall of the highest order.
With the Unbreakable Vow complete, it was official: the legendary school of Uagadou had changed hands.
"I'm sorry, Wentworth," Lakayla said. "Traditionally, we should share a drink to celebrate Uagadou's rebirth. But I'm afraid I—"
Before she could finish, Wentworth cut in gently,
"I understand completely, Headmistress Adisa. Please, take some time to rest. I'll take my leave."
He knew her emotions must be in turmoil, and so he departed without lingering.
Lakayla rose to her feet, intent on escorting Wentworth and Nala to the door. The three of them made their way toward the exit.
But as they reached the threshold, Lakayla suddenly froze. After a moment, she turned, panic evident in her voice.
"We're surrounded, the Kalembo tribe's wizards have blocked every exit!"
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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]