Annie felt a sense of mystery and power when she heard Robert's words. She really didn't understand how Mr. Grindelwald's career success was connected to whether or not he published a book.
Seeing her confusion, Robert knew she didn't fully grasp his point.
"Let me ask you, what is the purpose of books?"
"Um… passing on and inheriting knowledge?" Annie guessed.
"So, what do you think qualifies as knowledge?" Robert asked.
"Magic theory or something?" Annie replied hesitantly.
"Knowledge includes many aspects, Annie… Magic theory is just one of them. In fact, even cookbooks that teach you how to cook—cooking is a type of knowledge, too. So, if cooking can be passed down as knowledge, why can't ideas be passed down?"
"Ideas?" Annie scratched her head. "Why do we need to transmit ideas?"
Robert resisted the urge to scold her. He had explained it so clearly, yet she was still asking why ideas needed to be conveyed. Was everything he said in vain?
However, he kept his patience. Even if Annie didn't understand, Old Deng certainly would.
"Didn't you just ask why Grindelwald's theory sounds reasonable, yet so many people oppose it?" Robert asked.
"Yes…"
"That's because Grindelwald never organized his thoughts into a systematic framework and spread them properly. Many people don't truly understand his ideology, so naturally, they can't recognize its rationality."
"Think about it. Even if he's the most eloquent speaker in the world and his speeches excite everyone present, how many wizards in the world can attend those speeches? How many have the courage to listen?"
"In that case, a lot of his viewpoints will end up distorted! Even if he is a genuine revolutionary, in the end, he might be labeled a terrorist."
"Another thing—if no one distorts his words, his ideas will only be understood by those who heard him speak. Those who haven't will struggle to resonate with them."
"But if he published a book, things would be different! If he had distributed his ideological works immediately after his speeches, his true believers would have helped spread his ideas worldwide."
"When more people recognized his ideas, more would naturally support him."
Hearing Robert's explanation, Annie finally grasped the basic idea.
She then asked, "But what if people don't agree with your ideas? Does that mean your ideas are wrong?"
"You first need to understand why they disagree," Robert said. "Take Grindelwald's philosophy as an example—he advocates that wizards should no longer hide and should rule over Muggles. On the surface, it sounds logical. But… do you know how an ordinary wizard feels when he hears this?"
Annie shook her head.
"He would probably think, 'Hmm, that sounds reasonable. Why don't you try and reform things?' Yes… most people would just watch and wait. They wouldn't actively participate."
"Because all of this is too far removed from them! Even if their current life is dull, they're satisfied with it. Grindelwald's ideas sound impressive, but they're too abstract. Not everyone gets excited about change."
"Everyone understands that if wizards ruled over Muggles, they'd become superior, and all wizards would benefit. But… that's just a slogan! It's a distant goal. The reality is, this concept hasn't brought any actual benefits yet."
"Since Grindelwald started his movement, has he done anything to benefit wizards? No. He only claims that everyone will benefit after he succeeds… but so far? Nothing."
"There's no immediate benefit, yet he expects people to fight for his dream… Does that make sense?"
"No matter how reasonable his words sound, they won't stop people from going to work and living their normal lives. Because until his vision becomes reality, it has nothing to do with them!"
"Even Muggle politicians at least pretend to care. Before they take office, they propose policies that help the people. They might donate to orphanages, for example."
"But what about Grindelwald? A self-proclaimed revolutionary who does nothing but shout slogans and incite violence. He hasn't done anything to benefit wizards…"
"A revolution that brings no benefit to anyone—is it still a revolution? Actually, let me rephrase that. It's a revolution that doesn't benefit ordinary wizards."
"But for Grindelwald and his supporters, it's a different story. Otherwise, why would they follow him?"
"Grindelwald gains power, and his supporters fulfill their personal ambitions…"
"Just look at how he tried to recruit Tom and me. He didn't discuss revolutionary ideals—he offered us power as a bargaining chip. Because he knew that's what we wanted!"
"He even used that strategy on us, so what does that tell you about the rest of his followers?"
"In the end… no one is actually doing any serious work."
"Do you think there are any good people around him? It's just a bunch of self-serving individuals gathering together. Naturally, people see them as terrorists. His so-called ideology is just a smokescreen for personal gain. Only a fool would believe it!"
Robert started off calmly, but by the end…
Annie was almost moved to tears by his cutting sarcasm.
She wanted to argue that she followed Grindelwald because she genuinely believed in his ideas—not because of personal desires!
But after carefully considering Robert's words, her faith took a heavy blow.
Because, deep down, she knew the truth…
Her aunt, Vita Rosier, didn't join the Witch Party for Grindelwald's philosophy. She did it to make their family influential when Grindelwald reached the top.
Annie had realized this before, but she had always chosen to ignore it.
But now, Robert had torn away the last illusion and forced her to confront reality.
The so-called ideology was just a polished excuse.
Grindelwald's supporters weren't united by belief; they were driven by self-interest.
They didn't gather around Grindelwald for his vision.
They gathered around him because they believed in him!
Annie fell silent.
Her faith was shattered in an instant. It took her a long time to recover.
Tom had been watching Annie's changing expressions—first doubt, then deep thought, then shock, and finally, silence.
He, too, had to admit that Robert had a point.
Since Grindelwald's rebellion began, there had been more destruction than construction.
People feared him, but no one trusted him.
At that moment, Tom recalled something Robert had once said: "Don't underestimate the power of the people."
If Grindelwald had never resorted to violence and had instead proposed policies that benefited lower-class wizards… If he had gained their trust before discussing wizard superiority…
Wouldn't he have had more supporters?
Because when people see actual benefits, they naturally trust the one providing them.
Tom didn't dare think further.
He turned to look at Robert, who was casually studying the Marauder's Map. A chill ran down his spine.
If Robert had been the one leading the movement instead of Grindelwald… he might have actually succeeded.
Robert was the same age as him, yet he understood these things so deeply. Where did he learn all this?
Could it be… his family?
After a long silence, Annie whispered, "Hearing what you said… Grindelwald really can't succeed."
"That's not necessarily true," Robert said nonchalantly, still looking at the map. "If he cleanses himself and gets rid of the toxic elements, he can still make a comeback."
Annie looked at him in surprise. "What do you mean? Didn't you just say—"
"If I were him, I wouldn't have used force first. But since that mistake has been made, he has no choice but to push out scapegoats, clear his name, and go into politics."
"Once he gains legal power, he can win people over with beneficial policies. If there's enough gain, people forget the past…"
"Why rebel when you can rule legally?"
Tom narrowed his eyes at Robert.
After Annie left, Tom asked, "I don't believe it. Can't you see she's trying to trick you?"
Robert smiled. "I don't believe it either. Can't you see I let her trick me?"
"What are you planning?" Tom asked. "Do you really want Grindelwald to rise again?"
"If he does good for people, does it matter if he's bad? I just want peace and happiness."
Tom sneered, "If I believe even one punctuation mark in what you just said, I'll take your last name, Robert!"
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