The Reserved Daughter Of a Duke And The Cold-Headed Emperor

When Eleonora and the others arrived at the reception hall on the first floor where the ball was held, there were already many people gathered.

(There’s so many people-pe. I was told to go stand by the wall away from father and the others-pe. Going to the wall also seems like struggle-pe.)

The minute they entered the castle, her father, stepmother, and half-sister all began ignoring her and she was left abandoned in the reception hall alone.

(Everyone’s wearing such pretty outfits-be… Ah! There’s delicious-looking ham over there-pe. Ham-chan’s ham-pe!)

Eleonora quickly spotted prosciutto ham shaped in the form of a rose.

Thinking of Ham-chan’s ham, her cheeks became flushed and she quickly yet gracefully walked to the area where the ham was. These elegant movements were the result of both the tutor’s teachings and her efforts. Though her speech couldn’t be fixed no matter what, if she spoke slowly then she could also speak properly.

Her bountiful, sparkling blonde hair, intricately braided, her body clad in red, and her goddess-like beauty made those in the area unable to take their eyes off of her.

(Even though there are so many people, it’s surprisingly easy to pass through-pe. It’s like they’re all avoiding me. I’m properly washing myself every day so I shouldn’t smell bad. Why is everyone avoiding me-be?)

Even in this life, Eleonora was bad with people(humans?).

(Ah, whatever-pe. More importantly, I’m going to have at least one bite of Ham-chan’s ham-be!)

This speech would only be used in her head, while her gestures were that of a noble lady’s. Thus, was the overflowing with elegant Eleonora who headed straight for the prosciutto ham.

(Just a little more-pe! My Ham-chan, Ham-chan!)

When she had almost reached the table, a voice announcing the emperor’s entrance sounded within the reception hall.

(Why is the emperor arriving now, when the ham is just within reach-pe?!)

Though her inner thoughts were in turmoil with the ham right in front of her, she gracefully stopped, bowed, and lowered her line of sight. Now, she could only see his black clothes.

(It might just be my wishful thinking but after the emperor does his greetings, he’ll probably let us go back to enjoying ourselves-pe. Then I can eat Ham-chan’s ham.)

Eleonora’s thoughts were full of ham, and, like an association game, her thoughts drifted to the young Alexei.

(For a time, after he entered the forest, he would have nightmares and end up wetting the bed. In the morning he’d have such an apologetic look on his face, I always felt like I’d faint from the cuteness-be. Oh, now that I think of it, my vocabulary has grown-pe. Man, learning is amazing-be.)

Eleonora’s thoughts became filled with memories of the young Alexei and ham.

On the other hand, Alexei faced those in the hall and began speaking with a deep resounding voice.

“This is the first ball since I’ve become the emperor. Everyone, please enjoy.”

What a simple greeting. Eleonora who wanted to eat the ham, however, applauded Alexei’s short greeting in her heart.

After a while, music started playing throughout the room. In this life, Eleonora had an appreciation for musical instruments and thus listened for a bit.

(Ham-chan had the voice of an angel-pe. He taught me a lot of songs. Even though he was so small, Ham-chan knew so many things-pe. Now, it’s about time to go dine on Ham-chan’s ham-pe!)

Just as she was about to reach for the ham after enjoying the music, a voice called out to her from behind.

(What-pe?! I just want to eat Ham-chan’s ham! Why are you getting in the way-pe?!)

However, without revealing her thoughts she turned around and lightly bowed. Then, the other person smiled and began speaking.

“Nice to meet you. I am prime minister Sergei Bazarov. And you are Eleonora-sama from the Purpleus ducal household, I presume. I heard it’s hard to find you at these kinds of events. Thank you for coming to tonight’s ball.”

(Why is he greeting me-dabe?)

Though she didn’t understand, she decided to reply first.

“…It is not worth mentioning. It was an honour to receive this invitation.”

Eleonora, opposite her true thoughts, slowly spoke those words. If she didn’t, then her dialect would come out.

“Those around the same age are all gathered over in that room. If you’d please, Eleonora-sama.”

Sergei gently held out his hand. Eleonora couldn’t refuse and, with a slight sorrow, took his hand.

(My Ham-chan, wait for me. I will definitely eat you-pe. Ham-chan, just wait for me!)

Eleonora tearfully left the large reception room and moved with Sergei to the other room. Gathered in this room were young ladies of marriageable age with their attendants and parents.

This was Alexei’s matchmaking room, but Eleonora was abandoned in the large reception hall without any information. Thus, Sergei led her in.

“Why is someone like you here?”

After Sergei left her by herself, her half-sister Sofa saw her and approached with an angry expression on her face.

(Sofia, you can’t-pe. This isn’t home. This is the castle­-dabe. You can’t use that kind of speech. Everyone is here-pe. Calm down Sofia!)

Her thoughts were in vain as Sofia continued speaking with her awful mannerisms.

“Honestly, I can’t believe I’m related to this stupid woman. It’s so embarrassing. Hurry and go home.”

Sofia returned to her mother’s side afterward. Maybe she felt better after saying that.

(What happened to her noble lady education-pe?)

Eleonora was nothing more than surprised.