Chapter 14

When Eleonora and the others entered the grand hall on the first floor where the ball was being held, there were already many people gathered.

(There are so many people. I was told to stand in the corner by my parents. It’s quite a hassle to get to the wall.)

Her father, stepmother, and half-sister ignored Eleonora as soon as they entered the castle, leaving her alone in the grand hall.

(Everyone is wearing such beautiful dresses. ... Ah! There’s some delicious ham over there. It’s Ham-chan’s ham!)

Eleonora keenly spotted a dish decorated with slices of prosciutto arranged to resemble roses. Her cheeks flushed as she walked gracefully and elegantly towards the dish. Her beautiful posture and demeanor were the result of her governess’s training and her own efforts. Although she couldn’t quite fix her speech, she could speak like a lady when she took her time.

With her rich golden hair intricately braided and shining, and dressed in a bright red dress, Eleonora, who looked like a terrifyingly beautiful goddess, had everyone in the room captivated.

(There are so many people, but it’s easy to walk. I feel like people are avoiding me. I take a bath every day, so I shouldn’t smell. Why are they avoiding me?)

Eleonora was still uncomfortable with people in this life.

(Well, it doesn’t matter. I just need to have a bite of Ham-chan’s ham!)

She kept these thoughts to herself, but her gestures were those of a lady.

Eleonora, graceful and dignified, was determined to reach the prosciutto.

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

Just as she was about to reach the table, the announcement of the Emperor’s entrance echoed through the grand hall.

(With the ham right in front of me, why does the Emperor have to appear now!)

Despite her inner turmoil, Eleonora stopped gracefully and curtsied to the Emperor, Alexei, as he appeared, lowering her gaze. All she could see was Alexei’s black attire.

(Maybe it’s just my hopeful thinking, but I’m sure the Emperor will say a quick hello and tell me to enjoy myself. Then I can eat Ham-chan’s ham.)

Eleonora’s mind was filled with thoughts of ham. Like a word association game, she began to recall young Alexei.

(For a while after coming to the forest, he used to wet the bed at night. In the morning, he looked so sorry, it was pitiful and cute, and I was moved. Come to think of it, my vocabulary has increased. Studying is wonderful.)

Eleonora’s mind was filled with thoughts of young Alexei and ham.

On the other hand, Alexei spoke to everyone in the hall with his resonant, deep voice.

"Since I became Emperor, this is the first ball. Enjoy yourselves, everyone."

It was a rather simple greeting. However, Eleonora, who wanted to eat ham, mentally applauded his short words.

After a moment, chamber music began to play. Since this life, Eleonora had also taken up playing an instrument, so she listened to the music for a while.

(Ham-chan’s voice was like an angel’s. He taught me to sing. Despite being so small, Ham-chan knew so many things. Well, it’s time to go eat Ham-chan’s ham!)

After enjoying the music, just as Eleonora was about to reach the dish with the prosciutto, she was called from behind.

(What! I want to eat Ham-chan’s ham! Why are you blocking me!)

However, she did not let her inner thoughts show and turned to bow slightly. The person then spoke with a smile.

"Nice to meet you. I am Sergei Bazarov, the Chancellor. You must be Eleonora of the Purpureus family. I’ve heard it’s rare to see you in society. Thank you for attending the ball today."

(Why am I being thanked?)

Confused, Eleonora responded.

"…It’s no trouble at all. I am honored to be invited."

Eleonora spoke slowly, contrary to her inner thoughts, to avoid her accent.

"Many people of your age are gathered in the other hall. Please, Eleonora."

Sergei extended his hand. Unable to refuse, Eleonora took it with a slight sadness.

(Wait for me, Ham-chan. I will definitely eat you. I will definitely eat you, Ham-chan!)

Reluctantly, she left the grand hall with Sergei and moved to the other hall, where young women and their chaperones and parents were gathered.

This was where Alexei’s matchmaking was taking place, but Eleonora had not been informed and was left in the grand hall, so Sergei brought her there.

"Why are you here too?"

Seeing Eleonora alone, her half-sister Sophia approached with an angry expression.

(Sophia, no! This isn’t home. This is the castle. You shouldn’t speak like that. There are people around. Calm down, Sophia!)

Her inner thoughts were in vain as Sophia continued to speak rudely.

"Truly, to be related to such a dull woman is embarrassing. Go home quickly."

After saying this, Sophia seemed satisfied and returned to her mother.

(What’s wrong with Sophia’s lady education?)

Eleonora could only be amazed.