Warm regards

The small cottage near the sea was not as busy as Mariette had expected. Being relatively close to the trading port, Mariette thought it would be very noisy, but it wasn't. There was still a lot of noise mixed in with the sound of the sea, but that didn't bother her in the least.

"Wow, this is the first time I have come to this house. It is quite big, right?" Linda commented.

"In total, there are five bedrooms. If you mind, we can hire a maid to clean up later. I will also help," said Mariette.

"Eh? How could that be? You just relax here. This house must be easy to clean with just two people," said Linda. She smiled then. "You must be tired from the long journey, right? How about I make you some tea while you unpack your luggage?"

"Yes, thank you."

Her room is on the second floor. There is a small balcony there. The curtains and bed linen were new, and most of the personal items delivered in advance had already been arranged. Anyway, the house is ready for occupancy. Mariette, Linda, and Emmanuele just slept.

"Hope all goes well," Mariette muttered.

***

The next day, Mariette was busy again. She wrote letters to almost everyone in Masoullac. The neighbors also flocked to greet her–Mariette had to treat them properly. Not to mention that she still had a few things left.

"Who said that I could relax as soon as I got here?" said Mariette after the last of the guests left.

"They are good people, My Lady. There is nothing wrong with interacting with them," said Emmanuele. "Since you only employ Linda and me, you may need their help someday."

"They're a little noisy," said Mariette honestly.

Emmanuele laughed at that. "What about the letters you're writing?"

"Still not finished. Maybe tomorrow it will be finished. I'll be the one to send it myself later."

"Well, that's a good choice. You can all take a walk and see the surroundings," said Emmanuele happily. "I'll ask Linda to accompany you later."

"No need, I can go myself."

So Mariette went alone the next day. Linda prepared everything well, from bags to hats. Mariette's skin was very pale, it could be dangerous if she was exposed to the sun for too long in the middle of summer like this.

Being close to the sea, Mariette's new residence was hotter. The exhaled wind carries the smell of the sea–fresh mixed with a bit of salt. Everything clearly feels different from the county and the capital city of Masoullac.

"Now I'm here," Mariette muttered as she stared out at the harbor from where she stood.

The post office is adjacent to another administration building in the city center. Most of the people there were nobles. Several people greeted Mariette, surprised to see her there. Mariette also explained a little about the situation. Then came their invitation.

It seemed that no matter where Mariette was, there would always be people who cared about her.

"My wife will be pleased to know you are here. Would you mind if my wife sent you an invitation for tea?"

"I shall be glad to receive it, My Lord. Her Ladyship was always good to me back then," Mariette replied.

He smiled. "I really didn't expect to see you here. Move all the way from your county and leave Capital Masoullac."

"I was looking for peace, My Lord."

"Ah, yes, of course. My wife and I moved here after retirement to find peace. Even though you can't say that this place is quiet," he joked. "But…"

"Yes?"

Suddenly his eyes turned to worry. "Young people like you who decide to move here are usually burdened with problems. Do you…?"

"Young people like me naturally have problems. It's not something big. It's just that it really needs to be avoided. So that's why I came here."

"Is that so? If you don't mind, you can share stories with my wife later. She really likes listening to young people's complaints because our children have gone far away."

"Thank you, My Lord. I will definitely come right away as soon as I get an invitation from your wife."

They then parted ways in front of the post office. Mariette entered, visited reception, and was directed to the one on duty.

There were three letters in total, one each for Louisa, Anatole, and of course Elroy. The contents are the same, informing him that he has arrived at his new home safely.

Especially for Elroy, well that's a bit different.

[To Sir Elroy,

As promised, I sent the letter as soon as I got to my new house. Linda, Emmanuele, and I arrived safely. My new home is ready to move in, and I am immediately forced to rest after my new journey. Nothing is lacking or left behind. So far, everything is going well.

Several neighbors have visited me and they all seem nice people even though their voices are loud. Maybe because they live by a bustling port, they are used to shouting a bit. But that's fine with me.

I haven't had time to walk around while writing this letter. But apparently, not much has changed here. From the balcony of the room, I can see the sea. Then if I stood up from the village hall, I would be able to see the cliff where my parents and I used to play.

Sir Elroy, you know, I've had two dreams about that cliff lately. But I saw not only my parents but also you. I see myself smiling and laughing my heart out with you, and what makes me that way is you.

I saw you and I on that cliff together, as if the world were just the two.

If I'm not where you find me, please find me there.

I hope you are doing well there too. Summer is almost over. So it will definitely rain soon.

Warm regards,

Mariette Tierney]