Kael's demeanor was calm and without any signs of rudeness.
Fleur also gracefully extended her hand:
"Hello, Fleur Delacour."
The two gently shook hands.
Kael hadn't learned French, yet he inexplicably understood Fleur's words, as if there was an invisible translation tool in the room.
Nicolas sat nearby, smiling while eating popcorn.
A house-elf dressed like a race car driver, with goggles and helmet, stood nearby holding a glass of white wine.
"I've heard about you."
Fleur sized up Kael and said, "Saved more than fifty people and thus became the youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order."
A few days ago, the sudden decision of the Merlin Knight Order to award a second-level medal to a twelve-year-old young wizard was indeed a sensation in the magic realm, naturally catching Fleur's attention.
And throughout Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, if Nicolas Flamel as an honorary professor isn't counted, there are only two medal holders.
Headmaster Ms.Maxime, second-level.
Alchemy Professor Viktor, third-level.
Now a Hogwarts student younger than her has also received a second-level medal, inevitably sparking Fleur's curiosity.
Of course, there was also a bit of defiance.
So upon learning that Kael was coming to France to meet with Nicolas Flamel, she asked Headmaster Maxime to bring her along.
For some reason, Maxime readily agreed.
That's the advantage of being alumni.
After all, Nicolas Flamel graduated from Beauxbatons, and as his alma mater's current headmaster, it was quite easy for Maxime to bring someone along.
However, upon meeting Kael, Fleur's first impression of him was quite positive.
Because she has one-quarter Veela blood, Fleur naturally possesses a special charm ability.
Even some professors at school have been more or less flustered upon first meeting her.
But Kael wasn't.
Fleur could tell that his eyes remained bright throughout.
"It's hard to imagine actually defeating such terrifying beasts."
"It was just luck, just happened that two professors were also there."
Kael half-jokingly said, "At that moment, I just rushed over without thinking much.
And I dare say, if it were you there at the time, you would undoubtedly make the same choice as I did."
"Of course." Fleur raised her chin proudly, "Beauxbatons students never lack the courage to face danger."
Perhaps it was an illusion, but as she said this, the invisible allure around her seemed to grow stronger.
Her waterfall-like silver hair appeared even brighter, almost glowing, even making the surrounding wave-patterned ceiling seem dimmer.
McPhail's once-rested heart was again on edge.
But Kael remained unaffected.
Occlumency isn't just a shield against Legilimency; it can fend off almost any spiritual magic.
Charm included, naturally.
Moreover, Kael had seriously committed himself to learning Occlumency because he was after Voldemort's soul artifacts, not daring to relax even a bit.
Not to mention Fleur only had one-quarter Veela blood; even if her Veela grandmother visited, it wouldn't matter.
Quite a pity indeed.
Seeing the two engrossed in conversation, Maxime's smile gradually faded... or rather, shifted to McPhail's face.
"Didn't expect that, Olympe." He said lightly, "Your little schemes have fallen through."
"What are you talking about..." Maxime said calmly, "Aren't those two chatting quite nicely?"
"Ha!" McPhail chuckled, not intending to expose her.
"But you, Dugald," Maxime glanced at him and said softly, "Didn't you say earlier that you were going to brew Bafe Awakening Potion? Why are you still here?
I'm quite curious... Are you sure you can still brew such complex potions now?"
Bafe Awakening Potion and Awakening Potion aren't simple potions; they have long making times and intricate processes. Any mistake could lead to potion failure.
Even for wizards who interact with potions frequently, there's no guarantee of success every time.
"To my knowledge, you haven't touched a cauldron in over a decade." Maxime looked at him skeptically.
"It's been nine years!" McPhail corrected, "That potion competition invited me too, and I even awarded the trophy to the champion!"
"Oh, yes, just that once, and they never invited you back after."
Maxime said lightly, "I still have that newspaper. You praised Shimmering Potion as if it were Vitality Tonic and even took a sip... Well, you sure stole the spotlight."
McPhail's face turned red, and he argued stiffly, "I was just... trying to lighten them up, on purpose... how could it be called a mistake!"
He then spouted some obscure comments about "potions' universality" and "livening up the atmosphere" and such.
This time, the smile had shifted to Nicolas's face.
Watching old friends bicker was a favorite pastime, second only to enjoying operas, only too bad Dumbledore wasn't here for even more fireworks.
On the other side, Kael and Fleur got along much better.
The two exchanged views on educational issues between different schools and made a preliminary commitment for mutual improvement.
Simply put: not very familiar, not much to talk about, so talk about academics.
After chatting a bit, Fleur looked at Kael's hand and curiously asked, "I meant to ask earlier, why did you suddenly take out a box..."
"Uh... just a habit." Kael nervously put his hand behind his back, shaking his head repeatedly, "Don't misunderstand, it's just an ordinary box for holding things."
"Habit?" Fleur's curiosity only deepened.
Hogwarts folks chat with boxes in hand?
Isn't that odd, never heard of such a thing either.
"Oh, I mean... just some little quirks of mine, nothing for you to bother with."
Kael felt more tense.
He had kept too many fantastic beasts at Hogwarts, and the mention of Veela had reflexively made him reach for the box.
Luckily, the real box was with Dumbledore; he just had a regular one, so others might not notice anything odd.
Besides, if he truly had Newt's box and accidentally put Fleur inside, that would be quite a scene.
Then, he'd be hard-pressed to make it out of Paris alive.
Attempting to lighten the mood, Kael opened the box and pulled out a pile of candy, offering it: "By the way, here's these for you."
Fleur instinctively took them.
"Candy?"
"Yeah, I didn't know you'd be coming, so didn't prepare a proper greeting gift."
Kael said, "But these are the most popular candies at Hogwarts, quite tasty."