#14. To Her Hometown (7)

Indeed, although Eleonore had whined a little in Eugenie’s arms about the train’s rocking and noise, her first-class compartment was spacious, comfortable, and luxurious.

The double bed set before the enormous window, which framed the passing scenery, the elegant rug covering the floor, and the sofa and table atop it—all were every bit as fine as their counterparts in the townhouse.

And it wasn’t just the compartment. The first-class dining car Eleonore entered was even more splendid.

The large chandelier hanging in the center was something one might expect to see in a stylish salon. So were the dining table and chairs in elegant antique tones, and the attendants who bowed to Eleonore with perfect politeness as she entered the car.

The inside of the train car looked as though a famous upscale restaurant in the capital had been transplanted there in its entirety.

“Um… Isn’t this a bit too extravagant for a moving train?”

Eleonore, who had confidently thrown open the door, rounded her already large eyes at the dining car before her.

She had thought she’d grown somewhat accustomed to such things as the youngest daughter of House Béarn. But at the syrupy chorus of “Welcome, Lady Eleonore,” she finally took a step backward.

“Come on, Eli. It’s nothing to make such a fuss over.”

Eugenie, standing behind her, sounded as though she didn’t understand why Eleonore was making such a big deal of it...