The named Director Alonso, a balding man usually known for his meticulous and rigid image, turned ashen as paper, sweat beading on his forehead.
Wheeler wanted to open his mouth to defend himself, but could only produce a strangled "ho-ho" sound, his legs weakening until he nearly collapsed.
Some of the surrounding people glared at him with hostile eyes, their fists clenched sharply, while his colleagues instinctively stepped back a few paces, as if he were exuding a plague.
If there was room for argument before—
Like Rita Skeeter being inherently rejected by American Wizards due to her foreign wizard status;
Like her reputation as a journalist not being particularly flattering, her reports often marked with "credibility in question" tags.
But after the disappearance—or escape—of Laira and companions, every word from the curly-haired reporter's mouth seemed like a sentence to someone.
The list continued, with name after familiar name and crime after crime—big or small—being coldly recited.
Some people still harbored the lucky thought of "it might not be me," but those suddenly called, turned ashen, some collapsing on the ground, muttering "it's over."
And those officials and ordinary wizards unrelated to these matters, were all both astonished and angry.
Aurors, known for their upright nature, no longer waited for anyone's orders, and directly took down the named officials.
"Let go of me, I'm being slandered! Are you trying to rebel? I am your supervisor!"
Just appointed as the director of the Auror Office, Sloan Paul was also among those named, yet he didn't surrender quietly, struggling furiously while shouting with a cold sweat.
The two Aurors, who disarmed his Magic Wand with a Disarming Spell, seemed to realize his identity, glancing at each other with hesitant eyes.
Arresting criminals was indeed the duty of an Auror, but to treat their superior like a criminal without orders from higher up...
Even if correct, their career paths would be over.
"Shut up, you bastard!"
Samuel Goldstein strode forward and punched the new director hard in the face!
Sloan Paul's head jerked back suddenly, his facial skin quivering like ripples on water, a light sound reverberating from bones under pressure, and "pfft," blood mixed with spittle sprayed out.
His nasal bone had been broken, a swelling ache shot straight to the top of his head, tears involuntarily streamed down his face, his whole head humming.
Dazed, Sloan Paul was yanked back by a hand, hearing the man's voice full of hate:
"Don't think this is over, Sloan Paul! You're going to tell everything—where Laira Piqueley went! Who murdered my sister!"
At this time, Seraphina, momentarily distracted by the voice from the Flow Mirror, realized someone must be responsible for the crowd's unauthorized actions.
Following this upheaval, many officials would be jailed, even the lightest punishment would be dismissal. But they were not alone, they had relatives and friends employed in Congress, some in high positions.
If a future investigation arises, the voluntary actions of these people driven by outrage should not result in retaliation.
—In terms of taking responsibility, who could be more suitable than her?
Seraphina hesitated not, raising her Magic Wand to tap her throat, her previously faint voice instantly spread throughout the venue:
"Everyone, here is my command... or rather my request..."
Countless eyes turned to her.
"This matter concerns national security and the stability of the Magic Society, cannot... be tolerated... Immediately control and isolate all suspicious personnel and related individuals, awaiting... investigation..."
Suddenly, Stella heard her aunt's breathing becoming rapid and weak.
She turned her head to see the sickly flush on Seraphina's face rapidly fading into a ghastly pale sheen.
Stella panicked at once, quickly grabbing her aunt's arm, urgently calling: "Aunt..."
Yet immediately, her arm was squeezed a bit by Seraphina.
By saying "a bit," it was only slightly more forceful than usual.
Stella understood her meaning, tears instantly welled up in her eyes, she bit her lip hard and didn't stop further.
Seraphina panted briefly and continued arduously:
"But... during the investigation, we must ensure the basic rights and personal safety of the controlled individuals... Allow the use of Priori Incantatem, Veritaserum, memory checking and other legal means, but all procedures must be strictly documented..."
"If the accusations are verified... then, regardless... regardless of the status or seniority of the involved persons, immediately revoke... all duties and permissions, seize Magic Wands... transfer to Wizengamot for the severest... and most fair judgment..."
"This matter, should... should be entrusted to..."
Her gaze slowly swept over everyone present.
Seraphina too had been deceived by Laira for many years, and some of her friends were among Laira's interest groups.
Yet simultaneously, Seraphina knew who would never be bribed by Galleons or convinced by Fontana's theory. She knew several friends, as steadfast and upright as rocks.
However, before she could name them, her body's strength rapidly drained away like sand through an hourglass.
She endeavored to open her mouth, but her tongue felt as if it had lost weight, numbly unresponsive.
Seraphina's vision went dark, her body gently sliding downward.
"Aunt!"
Stella exclaimed, nearly toppling from the increased weight on her arm, luckily Vid stepped out of the shadows, steadily supporting Seraphina's collapsing form.
From the crowd, a wizard with a Healer badge hurried forward, waved a Magic Wand around Seraphina, a soft white light shimmering briefly.
She raised her head, with a solemn expression, saying:
"Ms. Picquery's old wounds are unhealed, compounded by immense emotional turmoil and physical exertion, mentally and physically exhausted. She must immediately receive systematic Magical treatment and rest, absolutely no further fatigue or excitement. Or else the consequences are unimaginable."
Stella knew her and trusted her judgment deeply, immediately nodding tearfully, saying: "We're going to the hospital right now."
"I'll come with you." The Healer said decisively: "On the way I can help stabilize her condition."
"Thank you, Ms. Woods." Stella replied.
No longer paying attention to Congress's chaos, they cautiously levitated Seraphina, the carriage that brought them waited quietly outside the door.
Healer Woods was the first to enter the carriage, providing Seraphina with emergency treatment.
Stella lagged a bit, prepared to board the carriage, then paused, turning to say:
"Mr. Grove, aren't you busy tonight? You don't need to accompany us to the hospital, attend to your business first!"
[—Grove? Didn't I say earlier, my current alias is Green?]
Vid muttered inwardly, he steadily looked at Stella, nodding, saying: "If anything happens, feel free to contact me."
"I will..."
Stella stepped forward, holding Vid's hand with her cold, trembling hands.
"I beg you... I know you're capable." The girl choked back tears and whispered: "Aunt trusts you, and so do I... Please, make sure Laira pays for everything they've done..."
Vid clasped her hand back, gentle yet firm, he said nothing more, only slightly nodding: "Don't worry, leave it to me."