Galina hadn't the least idea if her paper-thin ruse would hold any weight when they finally arrived on the third floor, but there was not the least chance she would second guess the gentlemanly accommodations being offered by the kindly, crippled Mr. Takahiro. He seemed quite contented with the Baronessa's company and, to the very last, Galina would not disabuse him of his more genial leanings.

Well, to the very, [i]very[/i] last, at the least. 

"Oh!" The Baronessa's mouth made a perfect little circlet of surprise as her eyes roamed the length and breadth of the high-ceilinged hallway that stretched out before them, its gothic-styled arches soaring over their heads to intricate peaks and gamboling curves among the solemn arcs. 

Galina's mind raced. No, it did not seem the art-loving guise would serve here - at least not long enough to take her to the length of the hallway, to that tantalizingly just-out-of-reach doorway. There was no art hung on these plaster walls, relieved only by columns of shining dark woods that rose to the gothic arches several feet above them. 

Galina chewed her inner lip thoughtfully for a moment, though the smile that suddenly lit the Baronessa's face betrayed not the least slyness, nor wolfish triumph - only wonder of course, and genuine joy. She clapped her hands happily - though delicately about her champagne flute - as she looked about.

"Mister Takahiro! No art. No paints. But... You like ark-i-tec-choor?" She pointed overhead to the arches, to the exquisite woodwork, finally availing herself of the opportunity she so obviously desired to run her fingers over the butter-soft wood columns of the hallway. Artlessly, she plucked the champagne glass from Souma's hand, nudging his shoulder gently as she offered him smiling encouragement to do exactly as she had, to run his fingers over the wood. 

"Soft! Like... Like silk, no?" The Baronessa beamed so happily as her eyes traveled to the ceiling once more. "Is called... Gah-thik. Style is Gothic."

She turned about in the hallway with both glasses of champagne in her hand with a contented sigh. "You like, Mister Takahiro? Come see... See more? With me? More ark-i-tec-choor?" Her dark eyes went wide with hope as she searched his face with the sweetest of silent pleas. Long, thick lashes batted softly, as if to add weight to her appeal with every least flutter. 

That was not to say, however, she truly waited for a full reply from her escort. Honestly, she did not believe for a moment after all, that dear Souma would refuse her, after all. The Baronessa lifted both the glasses she held helplessly, smiling so widely, the sweet sideways grin of a naughty child about to make some mischief or other. 

"You choose, Mister Takahiro!" she laughed. "Pick door! Any door you like. We go... Go see! Find byoo-ti-ful!"