This couldn't possibly be part of etiquette she hadn't learned, could it? After all, she had definitely noticed other girls filling out their dance cards before.
After looking at the card for a considerable moment, she concluded that it wasn't really important.
— …
The muffled whispers pulled Eileen from her reverie. She looked around, still holding the card in her hand. Then she tilted her head, embarrassed. The incident of the triumphal procession had repeated itself.
Everyone in the banquet hall focused on Eileen. They murmured as they watched the woman surrounded by tall, powerful men with shocked expressions on their faces.
On this occasion, however, the nobles recognized Eileen immediately.
Social circles were rife with rumors that the Archduke was taking care of his late nanny's daughter.
— Ah! It is the one that His Grace esteems…
— Oh? So it's her. Hmm. I must say I'm quite surprised.
— Isn't that strange? I can't believe she attended that banquet without even making her debut!
I heard that her family was going through a difficult time.
— I suppose the soldiers are doing this on His Grace's orders.
The whispering voices struck Eileen like a dagger, cutting deeply. She felt sorry for the soldiers who insisted on dancing with her while she listened to the malevolent conversation. If she hadn't appeared, each would have danced with a lady of their choosing.
After deep reflection, she realized it had been a while since she had learned to dance. If someone took her hand now, she would undoubtedly step on their feet. Eileen made a decision. She would apologize to the soldiers who had asked for a dance and stick to her original plan of simply congratulating Cesare and leaving.
Eileen looked at Diego, who had been the first to put his name on his dance card.
— Mr. Diego.
— Oh, Senon and Michelle are going to be a little late. They have some business to take care of. Depending on how things go, they might not be able to come.
It wasn't the question she wanted to ask, but it still piqued her interest.
— Really? That's a shame. I wanted to see them too.
Before he could continue, Diego interrupted with a mischievous grin reminiscent of a street performer.
— How about having a cup of tea later? I bought you a plush toy. It's amazing, I must say. A great giant rabbit.
What kind of plush rabbit could be so impressive? She couldn't even guess. While Eileen was preoccupied with the story behind the plush toy, Diego and Lotan exchanged brief glances.
— Miss Eileen.
Lotan smiled brightly, his gruff, bear-like expression softening in front of Eileen.
Did you feel uncomfortable on the way here? I should have picked you up myself, I apologize.
— Oh, no, not at all. Your Grace took care of everything…
Eileen fiddled with her glasses and explained hesitantly.
He sent someone to help me. But I felt I was overburdening him, so I sent her back. If I had known it would be like this, I would have tried harder.
The last comment unintentionally drew the knight's full attention. If she had anywhere to hide, she would have done so long ago. Lotan laughed heartily as he looked at the embarrassed Eileen.
— We would have had problems if you had tried harder, young lady.
After Lotan, Diego also made a comment.
That's right. All the men would have gathered around our girl like bees around honey.
Eileen just blinked, unable to comprehend what they were saying. They couldn't be serious, could they? Then, in an instant, she remembered what she was going to ask.
—Oh, by the way, about the dancing–
— My lady! Have you looked at the garden? It's undergone a major transformation.
Lotan interrupted her with another question. He then paused, and Eileen waited for him to continue. This prompted Lotan to go on.
— I mean, the greenhouse. They brought in a new plant called Camellia of the Orient, I think that's the name.
— C-Camellia of the Orient?
Eileen stammered with excitement.
— Ah, yes, I've heard it's a very precious plant.
When Cesare was at the Imperial Palace, he gave her full access to explore the palace gardens. The memories of her wanderings among plants that she had only seen in books were still vivid in her mind.
However, Eileen found it impossible to visit the palace gardens in the last three years without Cesare by her side.
Wouldn't it be nice to take a moment to explore the gardens before the Archduke arrives?
That would be great.
Eileen's overwhelming fascination with plants overshadowed her desire to return home. Eileen blushed as she asked Lotan for help finding the garden, and the man graciously agreed, as if anticipating her request.
On her way to the garden, after leaving the banquet hall, Eileen remembered what she had been trying to say all night.
Oh…
Lotan, who was leading the way, turned around with a confused expression when Eileen sighed. As if in response, she showed him the dance card on her wrist with a pained expression.
— You won't have the chance to dance with other ladies because of me. I feel the other gentlemen feel the same way. I feel terrible. So, I was only planning to greet His Grace and leave without dancing.
Please don't do that, Ms. Eileen.
Faced with Lotan's insistence, Eileen smiled slightly.
— Alright. Shall we dance to a song, Mr. Lotan? But I have to leave the others without it.
— … I think that would be acceptable.
Lotan's response brought immense relief to Eileen, easing her worries. They laughed and talked until they met in front of the greenhouse.
Please take your time and enjoy the view.
— Aren't you coming, Mr. Lotan?
I have to go back to reception. You don't need to worry about the way back.
It seemed he would send someone to escort her back. Eileen thanked him and went into the greenhouse alone.
To be continued….