https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-958-Pierce-I-Nominate-Hals-as-President-Who-Agrees-and-Who-Opposes-/13454945/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-960-This-is-Just-a-Part-of-Your-Grand-Plan-/13454947/
Chapter 959: Acting President Hals
Chapter 959: Acting President Hals
As Pierce spoke, the room buzzed with discussion. Many felt that although Ivan was powerful, he was far too young for such an important position. Could a teenager really be trusted with such a crucial role?
"Of course, if anyone has a better idea or any objections, please step forward. We can discuss it", Ivan said, his gaze sweeping over the gathered Wizards. He pointed to the space in front of him, his tone warm and inviting.
The chatter in the meeting room died down considerably. For most, it was one thing to murmur complaints in private, but quite another to stand up and face the pressure alone.
The vivid memory of Ivan single-handedly suppressing Grindelwald still lingered in their minds. No one was foolish enough to oppose him now.
"Very well, it seems everyone is in agreement. Let's finalize this then", Pierce announced, giving them barely a minute to consider.
Bruno and a few others were somewhat displeased by Pierce's decisiveness but kept their feelings off their faces.
"Do you have anything to say, Master Bruno?" Ivan, perceptive as ever, noticed their emotional shifts and asked.
Under Ivan's 'concerned' gaze, Bruno shook his head, forcing a smile. "No, nothing. I think Mr. Hals is the perfect choice to lead this department."
Ivan nodded and then turned to Cornell and the Russian Wizards. "What do you think?"
Cornell paused for a moment before responding. "Minister Pierce is right. Lord Hals is indeed the best candidate."
After Wilkinson's death, Cornell needed Ivan's support to smoothly become the President of the North American Congress. It was only natural that he would give Ivan some face.
The Russian Wizard representatives didn't elaborate, but considering Ivan had uncovered the true culprit who killed Minister Igor and indirectly saved their lives, they pledged to do their best to convince the new Minister of Magic to agree with Ivan's appointment.
The President of the Asian Association remained silent. As one of the two surviving leaders of major powers present, his political instincts were sharper than those of Bruno and the others.
Three leaders of major powers had died during this Wizards' Joint Conference, and Ivan chose this moment to discuss forming an Alliance. This raised suspicions of a conspiracy.
It was too coincidental, leading him to wonder if these attacks were orchestrated by Ivan and Hals in league with Grindelwald.
Without this sudden incident, even if they had all agreed to form an Alliance, the leadership would never have gone to a young warlock like Ivan, who lacked the necessary prestige.
In contrast, President Wilkinson of the North American Magical Congress would have been the ideal choice. He possessed the necessary prestige and leadership qualities that everyone respected. More importantly, North America was recognized as the strongest Great Magical Nation, a factor far more significant than personal power.
However, the situation had changed after Grindelwald's attack.
The North American Magical Congress had been thoroughly humiliated during this meeting, and with Minister Wilkinson's death, they had lost all leverage for leadership.
Additionally, the Ministers of Magic from Russia and France had also died in the Congress Building, leaving them without a voice. Minister Pierce of Britain, acting as Ivan and Hals's mouthpiece, naturally would not participate.
This way, the only person who fits the description is Ivan-Hals, who just made a huge splash by defeating Grindelwald single-handedly!
As for himself, the President of the Asian Association, he almost never involves himself in international affairs and has no chance of being selected.
Could this be the reason he's still alive?
At this thought, the President of the Asian Association inwardly drew a sharp breath and shot Ivan a wary glance. If his suspicions were correct, then the other party was far too terrifying...
"President Sir, do you have any suggestions?" Ivan, noticing the President of the Asian Association staring at him in silence, asked curiously.
"Ah, no, nothing, I have no objections..." The President of the Asian Association snapped back to reality, breaking out in a cold sweat, and hurriedly shook his head.
Although he had many suspicions, he wasn't foolish enough to voice them in public.
After this battle, Ivan-Hals had truly turned the tide in his favor. Even if he strongly opposed it now, it would be meaningless, let alone the fact that these were just his suspicions with no evidence.
"Since everyone agrees, I won't decline any further." Ivan spoke with great humility, then began discussing the new department's name, powers, and responsibilities with Cornell and the others.
"Since this department will require funding and personnel from various countries, it would be best to place it under the International Confederation of Wizards. These Rapid Response Teams can serve as the direct forces of the International Confederation, making it easier for us to supervise them. In the future, Aurors can conduct investigations and apprehend Death Eaters under the name of the International Confederation", Pierce suggested.
The wizard representatives present thought about it and nodded in agreement. However, Pierce suddenly changed the subject and added:
"Additionally, the position of President of the International Confederation of Wizards is currently vacant. Hals can temporarily take on this role to facilitate coordination among the countries..."
"This... seems a bit inappropriate, doesn't it?" Director Cornell hesitated.
Bruno and the others were also hesitant. To maintain a balance of power, the International Confederation of Wizards had never had a President; all matters were typically decided by the Five Councillors.
As they were considering this, Ivan timely declined Pierce's suggestion, indicating that he had no experience in international affairs and would likely struggle to handle the role of President of the International Confederation.
However, the International Confederation of Wizards could create a position of Acting President with limited power, just enough to command the Rapid Response Teams from various countries and maintain constant contact with the Ministers of Magic.
Considering that the members of the Rapid Response Teams were their own Aurors, who would nominally follow Ivan's instructions, Cornell and the others didn't object further and agreed.
After reaching this preliminary consensus, the rest of the meeting focused on minor details, such as the number of personnel each country should send and the funding ratio. Ivan patiently negotiated with Cornell and the others, and the meeting finally concluded in the evening.
(End of Chapter)
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