It was the very next day, as Arthur entered the drawing room. Hours before, everyone had joined together for breakfast, except for one: Miss Honda. He was told that she was feeling unwell and had no appetite at that morning. Although it was the truth – considering the circumstances from last night – which did hurt Miss Honda more than she admitted, Arthur was still worried for her. The man had been thinking about the shy Japanese all night, reminding himself of the harsh choice of words he had used to form his reply when Alfred had confronted him. The American had been honest in his confrontation, because he knew about the real reason of Arthur's conflicted behaviour.
Silence filled the room as the party was eating. Upon looking at his cousin, Arthur noticed his strange expression. Alfred was sympathising with him and he was not certain what had caused him to do so. 'Is he still thinking of our last discussion?' he asked himself, not realising that his mind was filled with the same memory. After some minutes, Alfred asked Yao about his new plans of creating his business in England, leaving his cousin to tend to his thoughts. Sometimes, the room erupted in laughter and voices but Arthur could still feel the unexplainable tension in the dining room.
Sakura had decided to stay in her room longer than intended. She had excused her presence with the reason of not feeling any appetite which she concluded could have been caused by last night's events. The woman had not planned on eavesdropping her host's and his cousin's conversation; she had only come with the purpose of thanking Mr Kirkland for his hospitality and agreement on buying her the dresses, her good friends had purchased for her. The moment she had heard his words, was a horrifying experience for her. She did not know why she had already formed any assumptions of spending a lot of time with Mr Kirkland; she was hurt by his choice of words and felt stupid for having dreamed of a future with the man. For weeks she had grown extremely fond of him and had been uncertain if those feelings were reciprocated. Days ago Sakura's hopes had increased due to their strong relationship. Only yesterday had proved her that it was only friendship – and she was not even sure of it; it seemed as if she would only burden den man.
"How could you even think about such an absurd dream," she muttered to herself, shaking her head with a sad smile. "Stupid, stupid, foolish girl."
Nonetheless, the female decided to join the party before lunch was to be served. As she entered the room – with the presence of her personal maid who wanted to make certain that she would arrive the room without feeling ill – all heads turned in her direction. Especially Mr Kirkland's eyes lingered on her form longer than needed. Of course her uncle approached her immediately to inquire after her health. "I am fine," she answered with a light smile before sitting on the settee near the window. Before she could decide to read a book or engage her free time with other ladylike activities, Mr Jones joined her to have a conversation. She froze a little, thinking about yesterday where he had clearly seen her shock. He had witnessed her horrible eavesdropping and was aware of her feelings; Alfred had seen her expression . . . he knew, she was certain of it.
Arthur was relieved and content when Sakura had entered the room. Although her eyes had not settled too long on him, he was thankful for the one glimpse she was giving him. One small detail that was not left unnoticed to his observation, were her eyes. They had a distant look and he could not ignore the troubled feeling in his stomach that was increasing every second. Something was wrong. Without thinking twice, the English man walked to her and his cousin and seated himself on a chair next to Alfred and Miss Honda. The two of them were engaged in a whispering conversation; very strange for the American. With a raised brow, Arthur observed their mimics. Alfred's face was frowning and held a caring look, while Sakura's face remained neutral. But the English Gentleman could see her eyes. Minutes ago they had been distant, but now he could see the sadness they were bearing.
"Good morning, Miss Honda," Arthur greeted with a slight nervous tone, noticing that his cousin was observing him intensely. "I hope you are feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you Sir," she answered with a soft but neutral voice, before turning her attention back to Alfred. Now Arthur was certain that something unfortunate must have occurred; she would always wear a small smile when she was engaged in a conversation with him, or wearing a content look while her eyes would search his. But at the moment nothing of these accompanied her movements when she had thanked him for requiring after her health. And that confounded him.
Alfred glinted at his cousin for some seconds after Arthur's question had interrupted his and Miss Honda's conversation. After the incident of last night, he felt oblige to tend to the Japanese woman, who he had befriended weeks ago. He was rather angry with his cousin, thinking that he was dim-witted as to not see how much his words had caused pain. But how could he tell Arthur, when the English man had not realised that Miss Honda had stand behind the office door when he had almost shouted such ill-chosen words. The American sighed before focussing back on the black-haired woman next to him.
"Mr Jones, do you know some of the guests that will attend Mr Beilschmidt's ball?" the Japanese asked, as Mr Edelstein approached the party. The Austrian had been frustrated by his eldest cousin in the room – who was still trying to distract himself by vexing the pianist – and decided to change conversation partners.
"I must admit, no. I have some friends among the attending people," Alfred mused with a small smile, "but Miss Honda, it is not such a small ball, so there will be a great opportunity to make new acquaintances."
"Don't worry, Miss Honda, I will attend too," Mr Edelstein encouraged, taking his glasses off his face before cleaning it with a tissue. "But I share the same acquaintances as Mr Beilschmidt, therefore I can introduce you to some of the guests."
Miss Honda's smile widened a little but did not reach her eyes.
"Although my cousin and I do not have a lot in common, we do enjoy the company of our mutual friends," Mr Edelstein admitted before placing his glasses back on the bridge of his nose. It was then that the oldest Mr Beilschmidt neared the party to disclose some of the mutual acquaintances, he had invited.
"Mr Karpusi will attend, a friend of Roderich and mine," the Prussian mentioned before addressing Arthur, "he is also a friend of yours and Alfred, if I am not mistaken?"
"Indeed," Arthur muttered, not approving of this topic of conversation.
"A fine man from Greece," Alfred smiled, causing Sakura to perk her ears up.
"From Greece you say?" she questioned, her eyes glinting with interest.
Upon hearing her soft and curious voice, Arthur endorsement increased. Although he liked Mr Karpusi, Arthur did not want her to be involved with him more than needed. Not only was it due to his jealous nature that he had a bad feeling about her meeting the Greek, but due to his activities outside the ball rooms. Mr Karpusi was a rake, who enjoyed the company of women and seeing how Miss Honda was interested in being introduced to the brunette Greek man, was angering the British man.
"Yes, a soldier whose father had fought in the war of independence," the American mentioned.
Arthur felt extremely troubled and decided to change the topic. "Have you already survey the dresses my cousin had chosen for you? I hope she has a good taste in fashion and you are not disappointed?"
Sakura was not prepared for his question; even though it was a simple inquiry after her satisfaction concerning the dresses, the Japanese's shoulders stiffened greatly. Mr Kirkland was holding her gaze for a short time before she diverted her sight else were. The dresses . . . She had wanted to thank him for the presents yesterday and was faced with his opinion about her. "I love them," she sounded monotonous, "Thank you, Sir."
'There it is again, that word . . . Sir . . . ,' Arthur thought to himself, 'Why is she so distant towards me?' The man had not expected such a neutral reaction. Despite her verbal communication, her body language was signalling him that she felt extremely tense. She almost cringed as he spoke to her. It left him confused and wondered if he the dresses were that hideous.
"Oh Miss Honda, do you plan on staying longer in Greenstoke? It would be lovely to invite you to other balls or other social activities," The Austrian aristocrat suggested, causing Sakura to give him a gentle smile.
"I would be very honoured, Sir," she mentioned, "Indeed, my uncle and I plan to settle down in England after his trading company is established near London."
Now everyone in the room listened to her talking; her uncle and Ludwig Beilschmidt have joined their assembly.
"Oh, then I must introduce you to my other acquaintances," Mr Edelstein added, "If your uncle wants you to be engaged in a fortunate marriage."
Sakura's cheeks coloured heavily and Arthur was left with the thoughts of whom she would choose to marry. It left a bad taste in his mouth.
[A/N: First of all, sorry for not updating yesterday; I had no time, and unfortunately this chapter is split again :'D the other part will include a Pruhun moment, so sorry for not putting it in this part. Yep… I put Greece in the story :D, I think most of you can foresee the next chapters :D *drama baby drama*. Greece (I mean the real country now) was supported by the United Kingdom during the Greek war of independence. The United States recognised Greece as an independent country after the wars and signed many treaties with them. The first modern King of Greece was a Bavarian (who was born in Austria) and Prussia had good relations with Greece since they had become independent. So in this story Iggy, Alfred, Gilbert, Ludwig and Roderich are on good terms with APH Greece :D.]