Chapter 426 - Madam Zenarie’s, Emporium of Fine Delicacies, Treats, and the Exotic. (2/2)
Madam Zenarie delicately coughs and says, ”Welcome, Mr. Fudge, it is a pleasure to have you're here today in my humble establishment.”
Cornelius Fudge draws himself nervously to his full height, which isn't much, to be frank, and says, ”Madam, your establishment is anything but humble!”
”Mm, well I have a select clientele which enjoys such visiting such a fine premise,” Madam Zenarie calmly said. ”And how is your father, Mr. Fudge? I have not seen him for many years since he retired from the Ministry.”
”He's ill at present,” Cornelius stiffly replied uncertainly as to why he had yet to leave. He didn't particularly like what the Madam was insinuating about his father. And he especially did not want to think further on the matter!
But a potential ally within the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes had invited him to attend with him. And if he wanted to become the youngest, Junior Minister within the department in the next seven years, he'd have to gain connections, powerful ones to boot! He just couldn't well leave, but what would the rest of the Ministry say if they ever found out?!
”Calm yourself, Mr. Fudge,” Madam Zenarie said. ”There is no need to panic nor force yourself to pick one of my flowers. Why many a patron comes to my establishment simply to enjoy the ambiance and the cuisine. I have it on fine authority that my kitchens are one of the best in the country. Please I invite you to see for yourself and partake of what my establishment has to offer.”
”Er, I suppose I could,” Cornelius said with a bit of relief. ”If you wouldn't mind pointing out the direction of the dining hall, I would be very much obliged.”
”Nonsense,” Madam Zenarie smoothly replied with a cunning sheen in her eyes, before turning to a perky young woman standing nearby with wheat-colored hair, a large bosom, and a cheery smile. ”Katelyn, please show Mr. Fudge to our fine dining faculties.”
”Er, I don't mean to impose, Madam!” Cornelius lamely protested as his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to lovely ample chest was drawing closer to him.
”Why not all, Mr. Fudge,” Katelyn warmly said as if they were lifetime friends. ”It would be my pleasure to accompany you, sir, I insist,” and intertwined her hand into the crook of his arm without so much as asking.
Licking his lips, Cornelius flushes in embarrassment and feels that his shirt collar is suddenly tight, and rather hot. ”I suppose that will be fine, Miss Katelyn,” Cornelius weakly said as he found himself being led away by the young woman towards the dining hall.
Madam Zenarie curls her lips in triumph. The young man would be utterly besotted with Katelyn by the end of the evening and would surely return again. The boy was exactly like his father and would become a faithful patron to Katelyn.
Satisfied that she had made a prudent choice, Madam Zenarie makes her way towards another guest when a loud piercing scream makes its way from upstairs, before abruptly cutting off. In an instant, the entire atmosphere of the hall had changed. Something terrible must have surely occurred, but what?