But halfway through the lunch buffet, Lockhart noticed something was wrong.

Because France and the foreign affairs department of the African Wizarding Union came to him and said they had something to talk to him about.

Even if it wasn't for the Americans, Norwegians and Bulgarians who were all haunted by Fudge, maybe they would want to talk to Lockhart, at least that's what Lockhart saw in the eyes they were looking at him.

"Is there a problem?"

Lockhart asked in French, and couldn't help but glance over at Fudge.

Although it was only noon, that guy Fudge was actually drinking, and from the look of his red face, he was obviously drinking too much.

It's a shame there's no congressman here to impeach him on this, so Fudge can drink whatever he wants. Lockhart thought regretfully.

The French thought that Lockhart was worried about Fudge seeing their little gestures, so he took the initiative to point to the exhibition hall of the stadium and pretended to be interested in it.

Lockhart immediately followed after seeing this, because it was his job to provide security, so no one would feel wrong.

In the exhibition hall, the French and Senegalese gave Lockhart the truth - they had come to cooperate with Muggles.

"The relationship between the Magical Congress of the United States and the Muggles has always been bad, so ignore them," the French told Lockhart. "We bring you Mr. Lemay's dying wish."

"Lemay? Could it be the great alchemist, Mr. Nicole Lemay?" Lockhart asked.

In his impression, French people like to use exaggerated rhetoric and intense emotions to explain the existence of things, and I don't know if French wizards are the same.

After listening to Lockhart's evaluation of Nicole LeMay, the Frenchman's expression hardly changed, and it could even be said that he accepted it calmly.

Lockhart can feel it, and in the eyes of the French, Nicole Lemay is fully worthy of this evaluation, whether it is "great", "remarkable" or "extraordinary", using these adjectives to describe Nicole Romay can only be regarded as a truthful comment.

\"Yes, Mr. Lemay thinks that Muggles have outdone themselves in alchemy

Beyond wizards, he said he wasn't even sure which alchemy he knew, or what Muggles knew, was closer to the essence, especially after he read Planck and Mr. Heisenberg's theories...

Although I don't think Muggles have this ability, since the teacher wants us to be able to cooperate with the Muggle scientific community, we have to think of something. "

Lockhart suddenly realized: "So the reason why you pay attention to nuclear energy is because of Mr. LeMay? No wonder."

If it was other wizards, it was normal to not understand the technological changes in the Muggle world, but these people definitely did not include Nicole May. Because he is already at the top of the wizarding world's alchemy and potions pyramid, if even he can't see the progress of technology on the Muggle side, then no one in the wizarding world can realize this.

If he had studied Muggle papers on nuclear energy and quantum mechanics, it was normal for him to be skeptical.

No, it should be said that this is the correct one - because it is impossible for anyone who has read quantum theory for the first time to understand it.

Seeing that Lockhart can handle it clearly, the people of the French Ministry of Magic feel a lot of peace of mind.

"That's great...I think we should work together more on these things," he told Lockhart. "Paris, as an international capital, is far more enlightened than you think. Whether it's nuclear or oil or other energy, We have to figure out a way to keep up with the Muggles, or the next Grindelwald will appear sooner or later, don't you think?"

"It couldn't be more correct," said Lockhart admiringly.

Then, Lockhart turned to the representative of the African Wizarding Union: "So, do you think so too?"

"Of course, we are of the same opinion," said the wizard, who is said to be from Senegal, patting his chest. "In addition, in terms of communication with Muggles, I

Our African wizards have always been at the forefront of the world. Honestly, John Bull... I mean, you British wizards can actually influence the Muggle government, which we didn't think of before. "

Lockhart opened his mouth, and Gang 0 wanted to ask him how he knew that British wizards could influence government departments, but then he responded.

It seems that a few days ago, the British parliamentarians collectively spoke out about the witch hunt in Gambia, making them think that British wizards also have a lot of influence on the Muggle government.

Although it is said that after communicating with the Prime Minister, there is a possibility that the wizarding world can influence the Muggle world more in the future. But there is no need to tell outsiders about these things, so let them continue to misunderstand.

Besides, there are four districts in Senegal that have seats in the French National Assembly. God knows whether this African wizard and the French are wearing a pair of pants. You have to be careful, don't make random promises and end up in someone else's trap.

As for "good relations" between African wizards and African governments, Lockhart scoffs.

The actions of African wizards have always been semi-public on the Muggle side. Many African leaders, dignitaries and even rebels will ask the wizards in the tribe to ask God for inquiries. It's not unimaginable that they hold a part of grassroots power.

But most of the African countries are very poor, so their "intimacy" is very powerful, but it is actually useless, and Lockhart can compliment them.

However, in this way, the Magical Congress of the United States and the Norwegian and Bulgarian Ministry of Magic

Lockhart can basically guess what he wants to talk to himself about.

Chapter 258 The Opposition

Sure enough, after taking a look, the U.S. representative took the opportunity to accuse Fudge: and then found Lockhart in the stadium honor room.

"I heard about you," the Deputy Secretary of State for the Magical Congress of the United States said to Lockhart with a serious face. "I advise you British to be more cautious in your dealings with the Muggle community."

\"Where did this come from?" Lockhart pretended to be stupid.

It wasn't that he didn't know that the relationship between the Magical Congress of the United States and the "No-Majes" had always been tense, even more tense than in the Middle Ages.

Moreover, there has been a very bad case in the United States in history. After the No-Maj "Purger" Bartolomeo and Barry Bonn used their love relationship with witches to understand the situation of the American magic circle, came here. a full exposure.

As soon as this happened, the wizarding world in the United States was almost destroyed because of it. It took them a lot of effort to use the oblivion spell to control the impact in time, and they tried to send Barry Born to prison. Tone, lest something similar to the Salem Witch Case happen again.

Therefore, although the United States prides itself on being civilized, open and tolerant, their wizarding world and Muggle world have always maintained a state of "one-way communication", that is, wizards get information and learn from Muggles, but they basically do not Export anything to the muggles.

This is understandable at first, because the American population is relatively large and the land is very rich, and the American wizard is an organization that was basically formed after the 18th century, so the national conditions are completely different from the British side.

Not only is the U.S. wizarding population 5 or 6 times that of the U.K., but it has also developed independently—some self-sufficient magical industries with economies of scale that can accommodate more diverse divisions.

Therefore, there is even a profession like a wizard scientist, and even if they don’t rely on No-Maj, they can live better than ordinary civilians.

They could continue with the status quo, but Lockhart knew that Britain couldn't follow America's way. This is not only because there are too many magical families in the UK and too little land available, but more importantly, there is the fundamental issue of economic scale.

So even if he knew that Americans were dissatisfied with his actions, Lockhart still had to persevere.

"I don't think you should get involved with the French." The Deputy Secretary of State said bluntly, \"You, like them, are doing a very dangerous thing, once the wizarding world is exposed to Muggle eyelids Underneath, our lifeline is out of our hands.”

Lockhart very much agrees with him that one really should not put one's own safety under the great benevolence of others.

"I never expected No-Maj to be merciful to our wizards," Lockhart said, complaining about the same No-Maj, and they have to come up with a set of things like Asians, Latinos, Africans, Aboriginals and whites. In order to distinguish each other, if the wizards join, there will only be one more discriminated race in your country. "

The Deputy Secretary of State was a little surprised, because he had no idea that Lockhart knew so much about No-Maj in the United States.

He glanced at Lockhart before asking, "Are you a half-blood wizard? Or are you from a No-Maj family?"

"Mixed blood, so I know a thing or two about the political situation over there." Lockhart made no secret of it.

"Why do you want to get involved with the French when you know that?" the Secretary of State asked, puzzled. "We think LeMay is just exaggerating."

"Probably because Grindelwald almost destroyed Paris, but not Washington," Lockhart said vaguely.

"But Grindelwald didn't want to destroy London either.

"That's another sad question..." Lockhart sighed. "We in the UK have tougher guys than Grindelwald, like... The Man Who."

"But he's dead, isn't he?" said the Under Secretary impatiently.

"I reserve my opinion on this, and we don't have time to debate this issue right now," Lockhart said. "I'm sorry, but if you have any further questions, please discuss it with our minister."

"That minister of yours?" The Deputy Secretary of State sneered, "I will be lucky not to see a drunken alcoholic when I go back."

When he returned to the VIP lounge, Lockhart found that the Deputy Secretary of State was indeed unfortunate.

Fudge was obviously drinking a lot, his nose was red, and he spoke in a rough voice, often laughing loudly for no reason, even if the jokes were not good.

Seeing Lockhart coming in, accompanied by Scrimgeour, Jones, and several of Fudge's henchmen, such as Mokridge from the Goblin Liaison Office, the expressions were not very good. After all, the Minister made a fool of himself in front of foreigners. Neither look good.

But Bulgaria's international director is obviously a driver." Yun rushed into the gums. ＜Extraordinary food, danger, Park Zhile, chlorine, Sifu, �/

It's a pity that neither Lockhart nor Scrimgeour could be regarded as Fudge's "own people". They didn't have the position to persuade them, so they could only watch from the sidelines.

In the end, Mokrich couldn't stand it any longer, and persuaded Fudge out of the lounge and asked him to drink some hangover medicine.

Lockhart helped him to the minister, and got a grateful look from Mockridge.

Thank you...and also for Ludo Bagman. "He told Loja

Te said.

Since the other party is polite enough, then Lockhart should reciprocate: "You're welcome, the friendship of colleagues, you don't think I'm interfering in your department."

"No way."

Fudge had been gone for two or three hours, and by the time he returned to the lounge, Lockhart had already had a long discussion with the Norwegian and Bulgarian international divisions.

The Norwegian Ministry of Magic doesn't seem to want to get involved in the disputes between the French and the Americans, and they don't have anything to export other than the farming of magical creatures, so the Ministry of Magic's influence among Norwegian wizards is actually very weak, even Durmstrang's principals are all more powerful than they are.

After two or three conversations, Lockhart knew that the Norwegians were just here to make soy sauce, so he didn't go any further.

But the Bulgarians made a statement of firm support for the British, and said that they would decide their country's policy according to the effect of the reform of the British Ministry of Magic.

Maybe Lockhart would have believed it if he hadn't witnessed the scene where he just got Fudge drunk.

To avoid giving the Bulgarians a chance to snitch on Fudge, Lockhart stopped talking to the two directors, but kept chatting with the French and the Ugandans.

And this is undoubtedly the statement that Lockhart has made a decision, and the face of the American does not look good.

Chapter 259 Camp

After Fudge came back, the preparations for the game entered the final link - guarding the audience to enter the stadium.

After sending the VIPs into the box, Lockhart got a chance to go out for inspection and get some air, and Moody and the three Aurors sent by the Ministry of Magic were in charge of guarding the VIP box.

Lockhart wasn't sure if this was the result of Fudge's sudden bout of "jealousy" after hearing that he had been talking to foreign guests for a long time.

Fudge apparently thought that if there was only one person at the Ministry of Magic who had the power to negotiate cooperation with foreigners, that person would have to be him.

Lockhart wanted to persuade him not to be in vain, because he had not even completely eliminated the influence of Barty Crouch Sr. in the International Division.

The result of Fudge's irresponsibility is that no one expects him to do things, especially those that require "standing your ground." Maybe people will obey his orders on unimportant issues, but when people want to do big things, they usually don't come to this one.

Fudge was jealous, and so was Lockhart.

After saying hello to the French International Division, he slipped off the court, greeting acquaintances outside, and began to think about what had just happened.

I have to say that the influence of the Quidditch World Cup is indeed great. In addition to the camps in the United Kingdom, Bulgaria and European countries, Lockhart has also seen people from the United States, Brazil, Burkina Faso and even Australia come to watch the game.

Having traveled abroad before while writing the book, Lockhart knew very well that even for wizards, transoceanic travel was a luxury.

Travel transportation, gear plus lodging, food, and attraction tickets, one family

The cost of dispatching four or five people for a few days can easily cost several hundred Galleons, which is several times the monthly salary of a senior staff member of the Ministry of Magic.

But even so, the wizarding families who came to see the ball didn't look like rich people. From camping equipment to clothing, they were undoubtedly ordinary people.

In other words, these wizards took out a large portion of their family's income just to watch football games.

It may seem unwise to do so, but when you think about it, these wizarding families don't seem to have anything else to spend, so spending their huge savings on entertainment doesn't seem like a big deal.

All things considered, the wizarding world's economy is interesting.

Because basic food needs can be met, food production in its primary industry, that is, agriculture, has already reached its "limit" hundreds of years ago, and further progress will be limited. Even in a "poor" family like the Weasleys, Mrs. Weasley can provide all the children with the necessary nutrition, and it is quite rich food.

Therefore, people who are engaged in food production usually don't get much profit. Only those who grow herbs and those who breed magical creatures may make some money. These two are actually serving the production of potions in the secondary industry. Can't make any money.

The secondary industry is also the industry. Because of the economic scale, it is still in the manual stage. Whether it is a Toffan ready-to-wear store or Mrs. Mokin's robe store, it still needs to be cut by hand. Even the broom and the construction industry have not It has developed too much, only the potion has developed well.

Perhaps the only thing worthy of praise in the wizarding world is the tertiary industry, which is the service industry.

With a wizarding population of around 10,000, the UK can afford to support two radio stations, a dozen newspapers, weekly magazines, and even thirteen professional Quidditch teams.

And judging from the lives of Ludo Bagman and Ginny Porter, the income of professional Quidditch players can't be considered low.

If bars and joke shops are counted into the tertiary industry, then the vast majority of the wizarding industry is dominated by the tertiary industry.

This also means that the wizards consume most of their production and surplus value in these tertiary industries, and the "assets" for reproduction are seriously insufficient.

That's not a good thing, because it means the wizarding world won't be much more productive in another hundred years than it is now.

At present, the core assets that wizards rely on for a living are actually only magic spells, potions and alchemy, but the problem is that they are limited by secrecy laws. If there is no demand, then there is little room for them to improve.

From this perspective, pure-blooded wizards who monopolize the "inheritance" are indeed the cancer of the wizarding world, but the bigger cancer is the "Secret Law" that prevents wizards from turning knowledge into actual economic benefits. Just like the Dameng Dynasty, which locked the country in order to avoid pirates, this is purely because of choking. If you continue to retreat, sooner or later, there will be a stronger force to turn you back on.

So even if the Americans are against it, Lockhart will not stop the possibility of reform because of this.

Only in this way, it became an imperative to reach an alliance with France, which has a long history of magic, and the African Wizarding Union, which has a large population of wizards.

Otherwise, if only the United Kingdom or France were to carry out the reform alone, then the international pressure they faced would be too great, and at least the United States, which has a far larger population of wizards than the United Kingdom, would firmly oppose it.

I believe the French think so too, so they hurried over to win over the British. After all, everyone still has the "comradeship" of fighting against Grindelwald. The rest of the European countries are not much better. Judging from the performance just now, it seems that the Bulgarian and Norwegian Ministry of Magic intend to remain neutral. If the reforms of Britain and France are successful, they will follow up. If they fail, they will see the jokes of the United Kingdom and France. In short It's not a loss

Dangerous future ahead! Lockhart couldn't help sighing.

As Lockhart walked, he straightened his thoughts, and set out the direction of future diplomatic work for himself.

Just as he was thinking, there was a sudden exclamation in front of him.

"Guidero, be careful!" A man's voice sounded.

Lockhart shuddered, then subconsciously kicked his waist, and his wand ejected.