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Oscar did not use parties to socialize. Parties bored Oscar beyond compare, and there was little in the world he found more boring. However, there were always rewards for attending parties. Networking. Business associates. Food and drink. And sometimes, when he found himself particularly lucky, there might be a pretty face somewhere in the crowd.

He was a man who enjoyed beauty. All aspects of it. It was ageless. Timeless. Beauty was priceless, and Oscar found himself craving the aesthetic allure that could be found around him. He had a fondness for roses in particular, and it was that curiosity that drew him to the balcony that overlooked the garden party. Perhaps there would be intricate potted plants that he could admire.

He'd been enjoying himself in solitude, savoring the spicy-sweet scent that wafted up from the garden below. In truth, Oscar could stand very little when it came to the intricacies of socializing at court; it was why he did not spend much time there at all. Instead, he preferred to host his own small parties at his estate, surrounded by his own garden and own hard-earned belongings. There was a sense of pride that came with it, considering how he'd clawed his way out of nothing, and Oscar enjoyed showing off the pretty things he'd earned.

When he was joined by a silver-haired young woman, Oscar did not immediately make his presence known. It was far more interesting to watch her when she wasn't aware that she was being watched. It suited his more feral, basic nature; he was a predator, through and through. It wasn't until the girl slumped down onto the chaise that Oscar chuckled. The sound was low, rusty, unused.

"Are you well?"

Oscar knew that forced façade for what it was. He'd seen it many times before, and he'd even schooled his own voice into much the same tone. Oscar stepped closer to her; she was young, but pretty. He could appreciate it for what it was, without any ulterior motives - he had no intentions, impure or otherwise. Just a mild curiosity that plagued him, and for lack of anything better to do, Oscar would indulge himself.

Besides, it was not every day that he might happen across a noble young woman who had apparently had entirely too much socializing and had deemed it necessary to find solace on a balcony.

He impassively watched her fix the dress, an odd sort of smile toying with his lips. Oscar's golden eyes were keen on the girl, his full attention focused on her - and in truth, it might seem off-putting to many. It was the way he was, in all things. There was an intensity about him, one he did not try to curb.

"I must admit," he began, refraining from introductions for the time being, "that when I found myself on this balcony, I expected more boredom. I am not fond of parties. Are you, my lady?"

Her response caused him to laugh; it was a wicked sort of sound, dark and rusty from obvious disuse. Oscar thought it was rather delightful how this noble girl spouted things that she might think she should say. It was interesting, really, and he found himself fascinated by the lies that poured from her lips like bitter sludge.

"Of course, I apologize. One's social life in the inner walls is of extreme importance, you are absolutely correct in that."

His eyes gleamed with mirth, but it was a calculated sort of humor, twisted and blackened.

"I should also introduce myself. I fear my manners are not what they ought to be."

Oscar bent at the waist in a rather spectacular bow, the dress jacket he wore over his waistcoat and finely tailored shirt straining across his broad shoulders. It was a costume, nothing more, but it was one that Oscar wore well.

"Oscar Berlitz. I am but a humble Lord, but I am most pleasured to make your acquaintance, Lady...?"

Her curtsy was perfectly executed, and being the connoisseur of beautiful things that he was, Oscar allowed himself a moment to admire it. He oftentimes liked to think of himself as a wolf among sheep, going through the motions expected of him and fitting in only to worm himself closer to those with more money, more power, more wealth and land. Knowledge was important to him. With the right kind of knowledge, one could go very far, indeed.

"Franziska," Oscar repeated as he straightened, smoothing his palm over the front of his chest. "The pleasure is all mine, my lady."

He paused briefly, a coolness slipping into his eyes.

"Are you here with anyone, Lady Franziska?"

Golden eyes watched the young girl critically before he turned his gaze towards the crowd of people laughing, dancing and twirling below them. It was always good to know who belonged to who in these sorts of games; a child could come in handy as collateral when it came to the game of give and take. If this mother of hers ever had anything he might want, Oscar had to assume that this daughter would be something the mother might want to barter for.

It would not be difficult to find out names, lands, and titles.

"I do not, my lady Franziska."

Oscar paused and glanced over at her again. The corners of his eyes crinkled in a smile that was not really a smile.

"You should return to your mother. I would hate to think what the gossipmongers might say if they happen to see a young woman of your age alone on the balcony with a man of my age, dear girl."