Although Wentworth's breakfast had been depleted, his manners dictated that he remain composed and not rush off immediately or ask for another serving till he is asked.
As Wenna nibbled at her breakfast, she hummed a tune softly. Then, out of the blue, she uttered, "Wentworth, why don't you marry me?"
The unexpected proposal caused Wentworth to sputter and choke on his saliva, prompting a fit of coughing.
Observing Wentworth's flushed face with an amused expression, Wenna continued, "Wentworth, once again, don't think you've got me all figured out from yesterday. In truth, I've kept myself for my future husband!"
With a cup of fruit tea extended towards him, Wentworth accepted it gratefully, taking a few swigs to compose himself. After regaining his composure, he regarded Wenna with a mixture of surprise and skepticism.
"What's this about?" he exclaimed. "You can't seriously be suggesting that you've fallen for me overnight. I find that hard to believe!"
As Wentworth processed Wenna Coney's unexpected proposal, she chuckled. Even in her modest T-shirt attire, Wenna's laughter was infectious, causing a subtle sway in her chest.
After her laughter subsided, Wenna gazed into the distance pensively. "I can't say I fully believe it myself when I say I love you, but I can't say I hate you either," she confessed. "Wentworth, you're unfamiliar with Africa, let alone the ways of the Coney tribe."
"In the Coney tribe, most witches can't escape one inevitable fate: marriage," Wenna continued matter-of-factly. "Congratulations, Wentworth Dumbledore, you've now made it onto the Coney tribe's marriage list, and quite high up at that!"
"If I were to marry you, it would certainly be preferable to the alternative of marrying some old man fifty or sixty years older than me in the future!" she added with a teasing grin. "After all, you're young, handsome, and talented enough, aren't you?"
Wentworth's eyes widened in disbelief. "Forced marriage? Is such an ancient method of alliance still prevalent in Africa?" he queried incredulously.
Wenna nodded solemnly. "Indeed it is, but it's proven to be effective, hasn't it?"
"Don't worry, Wentworth. If you do decide to marry me, I won't interfere with whatever you choose to do after marriage. I'll simply fulfill my duties as a wife quietly," Wenna reassured him.
"Furthermore, if you do marry me, the Coney tribe will certainly offer a generous dowry to impress Albus Dumbledore. While these gifts might hold little value to Dumbledore, they could prove useful to you in the future!"
"Imagine what you could do with those amount of money in your hand as a young man, Wentworth! You don't need to worry about me, I will submit to your will. All I ever ask is please marry me."
The offer of the Coney's treasure is not enough to sway Wentworth's heart at this point, he was grown from an influential family with access to almost unlimited riches from the Alliance.
What can the tribe from Africa possibly offer that he doesn't possess yet?
As Wentworth contemplated Wenna's proposition, she struck a pose, accentuating her figure. Caught off guard, Wentworth stuttered, "Uh, yes, that's fine, let's just focus on our studies!"
After Wenna's laughter subsided, Wentworth abruptly inquired, "Was Joseph the one who sent you here?"
Wenna paused, then shook her head calmly. "No, he didn't. My actions yesterday were indeed at Joseph's command, for the sake of the Coney tribe. But as you can see, my efforts yesterday were unsuccessful," she admitted. "Today, I'm acting on my own behalf. If I'm to be used as a bargaining chip, then I'd rather have a say in who my future 'master' will be. Can you understand that, Master?" She whispered in Wentworth's ear.
Hearing Wenna's delicate voice, Wentworth felt a lump form in his throat. "Wenna, I'm sorry, but I can't help you in this way. Your marriage shouldn't be a bargaining chip, and I refuse to treat it as such," he asserted firmly.
Wenna nodded, showing no signs of disappointment. "I understand, Wentworth. Please forgive my audacity. I was like a desperate fish finding water—I couldn't help but leap in when I saw a spring in front of me," she confessed with a bitter smile.
As Wenna rose to leave, Wentworth halted her. With a determined expression, he suggested, "Wenna, I want to help you, just not in that manner. I can take you back to Europe with me."
Initially, Wenna's eyes sparkled with hope, but they dimmed soon after. She shook her head, sighing, "Thank you, Wentworth, but it wouldn't work. You don't know the Coney tribe. Even if I went with you to Europe, even to Hogwarts, unless I remained hidden there for the rest of my days, the tribe would never let me go."
Wentworth's confidence didn't waver. "Then let them dare not retaliate against you. That's all I ask. I can offer you shelter, but in return, you must do me a favor."
Wenna Coney responded eagerly, "Whatever you ask, as long as you help me break free from the Coney tribe, I'll do it, Master!"
Wentworth cleared his throat before speaking slowly, "I've heard rumors of a secret deal between your tribe and Headmistress Lopez. I want to know the details of that deal."
Taken aback by Wentworth's inquiry, Wenna hesitated before speaking, "I can divulge the details of the agreement, but you must ensure my safe departure from the Coney tribe and Africa."
Wentworth put his hand on top of Wenna's; he looked at her in the eyes as he softly said, "Trust me, Wenna, no matter what happens, I will protect you with my life. Not even the wizards from the Coney tribes will have the chance to lay their hands on someone precious as you."
Wenna's heart skipped a beat after hearing Wentworth said that with his eyes gently staring at her. This is the first time Wenna felt the excitement from man… She could feel the genuine intention Wentworth offers.
Without even realizing it, Wenna, in return, grasped Wentworth's hand. Slowly smiling while leaning in toward his face with a smile, "It all started when..."
Everything Wenna disclosed mirrored Emma's revelations.
At this moment, Wentworth was fully persuaded that Headmistress Lopez, despite being the head of the ancient Uagadou Wizarding School, was clandestinely trading admission spots and even supplying the Coney tribe with herbs meant for student education at a bargain.
Looking up at the serene sky, Wentworth's smile broadened. "I must admit, this is quite unexpected!"
Wentworth found a loophole that might benefit him more from this encounter with Wenna in his visit here. Probably bringing just Wenna alone to his side will made fortunes for the Alliance.
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