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Even from this distance, the young man was able to count the beats to the music, which was his only saving grace when it came to formal dancing. Aside from that, he didn't have a musical bone in his body. A fact that Mother was always mourning.

He leaned his body forward a bit for a partial bow, then extended his hand to the child. "Would you be kind enough to join me in this dance, Princess Istas?" The fluffy feather upon his hat for a moment seemed to blow forward before bobbing up and down gently. There must have been a breeze.

"It would be my pleasure, Princess Istas."

Since this child was definitely much shorter than his usual dancing partner, he placed on hand upon her shoulder rather than upon her back, and kept his hand about the hand she offered to him. Part of being a good dance partner was considering your partner. Mentally, he was counting the beat, and after a single count of eight, he began to guide the child into a simplified waltz. He kept his own steps dwarfed so she couldn't be left stumbling. Perhaps it was not the most elegant of dances, but as he saw it, he was doing this out of the kindness of his heart.

"Please let me know if I am moving too fast," he requested considerately.

Even as a child, she was worrying about stepping on his toes. It was quite admirable how considerate she was. "A young woman should never worry about if she is stepping on a young man's toes. If her partner is doing his duty, then she will not step on his toes at all." Even if someone stepped on his toes, it would be impolite to mention it.

When the song ended, the teal-haired fellow rather skillfully spun the child slightly before releasing her. He gave a small bow forward. "I thank you for the dance, Princess Istas."

As he lifted himself back to an upright position, he tugged slightly at his sleeve so he could take a look at his watch hiding there.

I better not linger here much longer. Mother will be suspicious if I take too long.

Teal eyes fixed themselves upon the child's pale yellow ones. "Dear Princess, do tell, when will your chauffeur arrive?"

Listening to the child, Howl once more observed a few qualities to this child that were admirable. She had manners to spare, and she did not seem to like others worrying for her. Children usually weren't so mindful.

Once more, he held his hand out to Istas. "Oh no, it would be improper of me to let a young lady return to the front of the building without an escort. It would be absolutely irresponsible!"

As he had before, when he had her hand, he guided it into being tucked about the crook of his elbow. With that, he walked the child to the front of the building, not seeming to notice by the white floating by. However he had actually noticed it. Perhaps it was some sort of special effect in the Masquerade?

Whatever it was, it most likely was not important. He guided the girl through the garden, back past the tree, and to the front of the building. Once they were back in the exact spot he had found her at in the first place, he once more carefully removed the child's hand from his guidance.

"As is proper, I will wait with you until your chauffeur arrives." He nodded his head slightly before tucking both of his hands behind his body.

Not wanting to get his costume remotely dirty, the lad remained standing, watching the child casually as she spoke on the phone. He was not really listening in, since it wasn't his place, but he could get the gist of the conversation based upon posture and expression. The hint of color to her cheeks meant her mother said something that must have been embarrassing.

With a nod of the head, he acknowledged the child after she finished with the phone. "That is quite good to hear, Miss Holywell." Not being one to keep awkwardly silent, he placed a simple conversation piece on the table.

"So, do tell me, are you quite interested in the arts?" With how many entries the child had done in the pumpkin decorating contest, he seemed to think this was the case.

He smiled and sighed. Such a topic somehow managed to swing back in his direction. "Alas, my talents are nowhere near the arts, Miss Holywell." He could have continued on to explain how mother would have preferred if he had been musically inclined. He could have mentioned the fact he didn't have an ounce of talent in regards to that particular fine art. He even could have mentioned that the closest thing he had to a talent in the arts was his fine script.

No, he instead guided the conversation to something she got to encounter upon her own as well. "I prefer tending to flowers when I am able."

The lad smiled at their interactions. "You have done a most excellent job of raising your daughter, so it was a joy to keep her company this evening." With a slight bow of his head, he then wished the pair a good evening.

"Until we next meet, Princess Istas." With that, he spun around and began to walk. If he lingered too long, he was certain the woman would offer him a ride to his next destination. And given the fact his mother thought he was dismantling the pumpkin decorating contest booth still, he wasn't about to take any charity which could deceive this deception.