Karkaroff, on the other hand, had a completely different reaction. He was just watching with a bystander's curiosity, treating the whole thing like a juicy bit of gossip.
No matter how he looked at it, this fresh-faced alchemy professor didn't seem like he had anything particularly fierce going on.
"Got anything to say?" Dumbledore patted Kasenhis on the back.
"Is being a headmaster a job requirement that needs you to be at least 180 cm tall and above? Oh? Your alchemy professor's name is Rostammer… is that the same Rostammer from the Three Broomsticks?" Kasenhis asked instinctively.
Dumbledore nodded helplessly, though it was unclear which part he was agreeing with—the height thing or the surname thing.
"I think you miss remembered Madam Rosmerta." So he nodded for the height part? But then he added another question: "Are you drunk again?"
At this, Madame Maxime's frown deepened.
Every academic or technical wizard she'd ever known—whether they specialized in Potions, Runes, or Alchemy—was exceptionally self-disciplined.
Their minds were sharp at all times. But this wizard in front of her, who seemed like a borderline alcoholic… his actual abilities? Judging by appearance alone, they seemed… less than promising.
And the fact that this guy had turned down her invitation just made it all the more painful.
"Give it a try. Let's see if you can fix this thing," Dumbledore nodded toward the center of the conference table. It was only then that Kasenhis noticed the huge object sitting on the table—that was today's repair project.
"Emmm…" He went silent for a long moment, then reached into his pocket, pulled out a monocle, and clipped it into place over one eye.
[Supreme Blazewood Relic (Goblet of Fire / Damaged)]
"Oho? Now this is a fine piece of work." Kasenhis waved his hand, pulling the massive Goblet of Fire over toward himself.
Since it was Supreme Wood—didn't matter what element it was aligned with—it was definitely going to be useful for Kasenhis's Arcane Art magic. And rather than wander the world with some random adventure partner, this chunk of Supreme Wood right in front of him would do nicely.
"Any leads?" Dumbledore asked.
"The wood's good wood," Kasenhis said as he reached out to touch its surface.
His Growth Magic activated, and in the next moment, it was like spring had come to a dead tree—the once-carved Goblet of Fire began to flourish and regenerate.
The four people present all froze for a second. The two headmasters were stunned that alchemy could be used like that.
The two alchemy professors were stunned for a different reason: "How the hell is this alchemy?!"
"You're going to grow a new sapling as repair material, right?" Rostammer asked after she regained her composure.
"Huh? No, I just really like this kind of wood. I'm taking the sapling with me to cultivate it," Kasenhis said as he stored the little tree into his ring. Meanwhile, back in his office's natural zone, the sapling suddenly sprouted from the soil—saving Kasenhis the effort of planting it himself.
"But don't you still need material to repair it? Or did you prepare something else?" Professor Pond asked, also curious.
"Wait—do you guys all fix things the hard way?" Kasenhis scratched his head, then casually touched the Goblet of Fire and activated Naming Magic, calling forth a status window only he could see.
[Goblet of Fire / Damaged]
...3 seconds' letter..
[Goblet of Fire]
After erasing the words "Damaged," Kasenhis stepped back a couple of paces and clapped his hands. "All done."
"..." ×4
"Dumbledore, Professor Kasenhis, we may not know much alchemy, but don't take us for fools," Karkaroff said, his tone clearly suggesting he wasn't buying it.
"We can always test it," Dumbledore replied, pulling out the Elder Wand and casting a diagnostic spell specifically meant to check the functionality of the Goblet of Fire.
The result? With a loud whoosh, brilliant blue flames erupted from the Goblet.
Inside the small conference room, everyone except Dumbledore and Kasenhis wore expressions of complete shock.
Especially Madame Maxime—who was now immensely relieved that all her mental trash talk about Kasenhis had stayed strictly internal. This meant… she still had a chance to poach him!
And not just a chance—a very good chance.
After all, between Beauxbatons and Hogwarts, Beauxbatons was clearly the more attractive school. Just look at the faculty lineup—nothing but beautiful men and women. And Hogwarts?
Grannies, grandpas, people walking around with dead-fish expressions like they were cosplaying Sasuke, and a student body that wasn't even united—just chaos day in and day out.
Beauxbatons was different. Still full of gorgeous staff, and she could even introduce her favorite female student to Kasenhis—perfect to cultivate a relationship between the two!
And once she graduated? Boom. Push them to settle down together!
And then, Beauxbatons would rise to greatness—in her hands!
Just as Madame Maxime was still immersed in her beautiful daydreams of the future, Karkaroff had already taken action on his end.
Professor Rostammer had started chatting with Kasenhis.
"Yes, the surname Rostammer isn't exactly common, is it? The moment I heard it, I thought of Madame Rosmerta. I absolutely love the cocktails she mixes…"
"We should totally meet up somewhere in England sometime."
"Sounds great!"
Watching Kasenhis and Rostammer getting along so well, Madame Maxime immediately felt she was a step too slow—and deeply, profoundly regretful.
Why hadn't she brought a female professor along? Why did she settle for appointing a male alchemy professor?
Ugh!
A metaphorical lightbulb suddenly lit up over her head.
Male… England… male… England… makes total sense!
She glanced down at Professor Pond beside her.
Dry. Crusty. Old prune.
Well, maybe some people were into that vibe, but… better not tempt fate.
Sure, England had its share of special tastes, but that crowd was still the minority—not everyone liked cozying up to men, especially this kind of old prune…
Why didn't she hire a female professor back then?
Madame Maxime sank deeper and deeper into her pit of regret.
Meanwhile, across the table, Dumbledore was experiencing the exact opposite emotion.
While Maxime was gloomier than a rainy November, Dumbledore was having the time of his life.
Sipping milk tea from his thermos, he smiled contentedly at Kasenhis chatting away with Rostammer, radiating the pride of a father watching his boy finally figure out how to chase a girl.
And as for Kasenhis? After a long internal struggle…
He finally asked the most important question:
"Is there any booze here?"
_________
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