"Huh?"
Charlotte stared at the outstretched hand before her in surprise, almost convinced she had misheard.
How was this any different from deliberately picking a fight?
Anyone with working eyes could see that she was talking to Roselle, and that they had deliberately moved away from the others for a private conversation. Even if someone wanted to invite her to dance, he should have waited nearby rather than interrupting them outright.
When she did not answer immediately, the young noble remained bowed in invitation, seemingly oblivious to the awkward atmosphere.
Charlotte soon caught the faint smell of alcohol on him. Looking past his shoulder, she spotted several young nobles gathered near the long buffet table across the hall, watching with amused smiles. One even raised his glass toward them in a gesture of encouragement.
Noticing Charlotte's gaze, they immediately looked away.
Not far from them, Matilda and Ilaira of the Derilose family had clearly noticed what was happening as well. They were frowning and talking in low voices, apparently quite displeased with the young nobles' behavior.
So that's it. Some silly game among young nobles. They egged on a companion who'd drunk enough to grow bold and sent him to ask me to dance, just to see whether Miss Sauron, who hid away in a corner with Roselle as soon as the ball began, was really that aloof. They might even have placed bets. Charlotte quickly grasped the situation and was about to refuse when Roselle stepped between her and the young noble with a frown. "This lady has already promised me a dance. If you want to invite her, you can wait your turn."
As though he had expected Roselle to intervene, the young noble slowly straightened and looked past him at Charlotte on the sofa, apparently seeking confirmation