Chapter 344 "Failed Wines"
Along the way, Joseph took it upon himself to introduce each guest attending tonight's banquet to Wentworth with meticulous care.
Despite being a gathering organized by a group of students, Wentworth, known for his discerning eye, couldn't help but acknowledge the impeccable organization of the event.
It was evident that Joseph was no stranger to orchestrating such affairs; this wasn't his inaugural rodeo.
As Joseph made the introductions, Wentworth discovered that while the attendance wasn't overwhelming, each guest seemed to represent a significant faction within the African magical community.
Initially, Joseph entertained the idea of having Wentworth address the crowd, but with a genial refusal, Wentworth opted out.
As the melodies swirled through the air, the banquet launched into full swing. Amidst the crowd, despite the abundance of young women, it was evident that Wenna had secured an unspoken place in the spotlight.
Though Wentworth noticed the lingering glances from several young women upon entering the banquet, none dared to challenge Wenna for the coveted first dance. This realization left him slightly disheartened.
Without hesitation, Wentworth naturally gravitated towards Wenna and gracefully joined her for the opening dance, synchronizing their movements to the music.
Rosier, known for his strict demeanor, took it upon himself to refine Wentworth's dancing skills, a task that he approached with diligence.
With the conclusion of the inaugural dance, accolades poured in, particularly from Wenna, in praise of the duo's performance.
"You are such a perfect partner for dance, Wentworth! As expected of a british gentleman," Wenna praised with her tone slightly teasing him.
"I don't think being a gentleman has anything to do with this," Wentworth replied, forcing a smile to her praise.
As the music subsided, a throng of eager young women immediately encircled Wentworth, vying for the opportunity to share a dance. Their enthusiasm elicited bemusement from the other male attendees.
Just as Wentworth prepared to graciously accept the invitations, Joseph interjected in a somewhat inappropriate manner, addressing the assembly, "My apologies, ladies and gentlemen. While we're eager for Wentworth to experience the warmth of our African hospitality, let's not overwhelm our esteemed guest!"
As Joseph spoke, he gently guided Wentworth towards a secluded corner of the banquet venue.
There, nestled in a quiet spot on the lawn, two chairs and a small round table awaited, adorned with a bottle of red wine and accompanying wine tools.
Seating Wentworth, Joseph took it upon himself to pour a glass of the exquisite red wine, a gift bestowed upon his father by the French Magic Congress.
He elaborated on its composition, "This drink is known for boasting of its forty-eight ingredients, including the coveted Burgundy devil grapes. Care to taste some, Wentworth?"
Intrigued by Joseph's description, Wentworth's interest was piqued.
Though restricted from drinking at Hogwarts due to his age, the festive atmosphere of the Alliance seemed to soften the usual constraints.
With Rosier's discerning palate shaped by his French heritage, the pursuit of fine wine became a shared passion for Grandma Rosier and Wentworth.
Thus, they often found themselves indulging in the complexities of various French wine regions.
Upon taking a sip with eager anticipation, Wentworth found himself unable to suppress a slight grimace.
This particular wine, lacking the finesse he was accustomed to from Rosier's selections, failed to tantalize his palate as even a humble butterbeer might have.
Observing Joseph's apparent enjoyment, Wentworth contemplated crafting a diplomatic response when Joseph preemptively broached the topic, "Finding it a bit challenging?"
Caught off guard, Wentworth hesitated momentarily before mustering an awkward smile.
Joseph, unfazed, continued to sip his wine calmly before remarking, "To be frank, even I struggle with it at times. There are moments I feel inclined to toss it aside! But then, the price comes to mind, and well... it is a dear gift from others..."
Joseph's candid admission piqued Wentworth's curiosity. Considering Joseph's background and the resources at his disposal, the contents of a mere bottle of wine likely held little significance.
Without any pretense, Joseph elucidated, "Wentworth, you must realize, compared to Europe, Africa lags behind in many aspects. However, what we lack in advancement, we compensate for with what Europe seeks."
These words struck a chord with Wentworth, prompting him to ponder the depths of Joseph's insight.
It was clear that Joseph possessed a wealth of knowledge and a perspective rooted in the unique challenges and opportunities of African culture.
Upon hearing Joseph's remarks, Wentworth paused for a moment, contemplating before speaking slowly, "Fantastic beasts?"
Joseph's smile widened as he affirmed, "Indeed, not only fantastic beasts but also an array of unique potions indigenous to Africa."
Curiosity sparked, Wentworth inquired further, "I heard you attended Professor Laura's class today and concocted a revitalizing potion on the spot using the long horns of the Nile Tricera?"
Wentworth's bemusement was evident as he continued, "Joseph, it appears you take a keen interest in my affairs."
With a chuckle, Joseph waved off any implication of surveillance, "I didn't assign anyone to tail you, Wentworth. However, a friend of mine happened to have a contact in the class you attended. They relayed the information to me afterward. I must say, Wentworth, your academic prowess at Hogwarts, coupled with your lineage as a descendant of the Dumbledore family, and the recommendation from your friend, has left quite an impression."
Wentworth responded with a smile, opting to remain silent. Sensing his reticence, Joseph pressed on, determined to engage him further.
"Back in the day, our Coney family went to great lengths to secure the rights to distribute magical animals and potions in France. We made substantial donations to the French Magic Congress, including the Nile Tricera you see today, just one item on a lengthy list of contributions."
Joseph gestured towards the wine bottle on the table. "And in return, the French Magic Congress gifted us with a crate of red wine like this."
Listening intently to Joseph's narrative, Wentworth glanced at the wine in his hand once more, unable to resist another sip. With a nod, he remarked slowly, "Still quite challenging to appreciate..."
Joseph's reaction was unexpected; he paused momentarily before bursting into laughter.
His mirth reverberated throughout the banquet, drawing the attention of many attendees, though Joseph remained unaffected.
Regaining his composure, Joseph nodded emphatically before adopting a serious expression. "Indeed, it's no easy feat because, my friend, this," he declared, pointing to the wine, "is a crate of failed experiments!"
"Sure, its price tag might be considerable, but regardless of cost, a failed product remains just that—a failure." Joseph's tone carried a hint of disdain as he continued, "Yet, the French Magic Congress presented me with this crate of rejected experiments, masquerading it as a precious gift from my esteemed father."
Perplexed, Wentworth inquired, "What do you mean by that?"
Wentworth's awkward smile hinted at his reluctance to engage in the conversation, prompting Joseph to interject with a sneer, "Feeling bashful, are we, Wentworth? It's fine. Let me spell it out for you—they're simply disposing of unwanted scraps, pretending it's something of value to us the backwater wizards!"