The Calm

-----Yui's POV

Yui: "Right!"

Natalie: "Is that everything?"

Yui: "I think so."

I've finally finished unpacking all my things from my bag into my new room inside the mansion. The first thing I realized upon entering was a wide open window, perfectly capturing the ocean in it's view. But it took me a while to realize that it wasn't just a window, but actually acts as a door, extending my room out much like a balcony. I could only take in the smell of the ocean for a bit before going back to unpacking my things.

Like I thought, there was already a bed here, along with a table and some cushioned chairs. There's even a wardrobe, which is far larger than the one I had back home. And actually, this room in general is quite a bit larger than my previous room. And with the final thing to pull out of my bag, I place the stuffed bunny on top of my newly made bed, letting out a sigh of relief seeing as everything is finally done.

Yui: "What about you?"

Natalie: "The maids were preparing my room while I was helping you. They should be nearly done."

Another thing that'll be different is that Natalie, along with all the other maids and butlers will be having rooms inside the mansion. It's massive compared to the old mansion, so there's plenty of rooms now for all the servants, instead of having them sleep in another building. However all the maids and butlers will be living downstairs, whilst mom and I take the upstairs. Apparently we also have a basement, but I can check that out later, right now-

Yui: "Then let's take a dip in the ocean."

.....

Bursting out of the mansion, I run down the stone path, making my way down the hill that the mansion is atop of. At the bottom of the hill I can see Kaede along with everyone else. It makes me happy to know that they were waiting for me.

Collin: "I'm pretty jealous. Getting to live in a mansion like that."

Collin and Violet also seems to have joined us, but their parents seem to still be sorting out their new house. Luna and Nick are also here as I believe their parents are also dealing with the same thing.

Nick: "Remember, we can only be out for a bit. Mom still needs us."

Luna: "Kay~"

Looks as though Luna pleaded with her parents to come. Maybe after this is done I can give them a hand as well.

Kaede: "Then, shall we?"

Smiling, I take Kaede's extended hand in my own as we all head out to the ocean as a big group. Of course that masked person is still here which is still a bit unsettling, but at least they're letting Kaede and the others experience this as well. To that I thank you, mysterious person.

...

It felt like with every step, the smell of the ocean grew stronger as the air became thicker and thicker. It's almost as if the air itself was a meal as even Kaede was pleasantly smelling the ear, taking heavy breaths along with everyone else.

Lillian: "Hah~ This is amazing."

We're not even there, but it seems as though everyone is all smiles during our walk.

Violet: "H-hey, Kaede. Are they-"

I was curious what Violet was going on about, but then it dawns on me. They have no idea about Lillian and Sicily being elves. I don't know if it's because she's scared or shy that she's speaking quietly, might be a bit of both.

Kaede: "Yes. They're elves."

However, Kaede spoke in a clear voice. So much so that everyone can clearly hear which startled Violet in the process.

Sicily: "Hey, not all elves are bad. What you know about them, that's ancient history."

Masked Person: "That might be so, but we still need to take precautions."

Collin: "Well, the way I see it is that they're a friend of Kaede's, so they must be good elves. Right, sis?"

Violet: "That might only be because they're all not human."

Lillian: "No. Even if Kaede were a human, we'd still feel the same way about her."

Sicily: "Mhmm!"

Violet still seems to be cautious of them. But that's to be expected. She only just recently discovered that Kaede's a vampire, and now she's even surrounded by elves. In her eyes, she's surrounded by monsters so I think it's natural to be on guard.

Fleur: "..."

Faye: "You okay, sis?"

Fleur: "I-I'm fine."

We might be travelling in quite a large group, but Fleur and Faye are noticeably distant from the rest of us, choosing to hang back, away from everyone.

Kaede: "Wait one moment."

Yui: "Huh? Okay."

Kaede then lets go of my hand before moving back to where Fleur and Faye is. I'm guessing it's something to do with vampire stuff, so I don't really want to intrude and potentially make things worse. Seeing Kaede move back, Mell also joined her as if it's the most natural thing ever, making me doubt whether I was just overthinking that-

Luna: "My turn!~"

Suddenly, Luna slides into my arm moments later, taking Kaede's spot. I would be worried if this was the past, but I know that Kaede and Luna are getting along better now, so this should be fine. Plus, I missed Luna's flamboyant affection when it comes to skin-ship like this.

Yui: "You could've had my other arm."

Luna: "Mmm. But I like this one better."

Yui: "Weirdo, pfft."

Nick: "If only Alice could join us."

Yeah, Alice is busy helping mom with sorting out the city. I can sort of feel for him.

Luna: "Maybe she isn't that into you? Ever thought of that?"

Nick: "What?"

Luna: "I still can't believe Alice chose you over everyone else."

Nick: "We're childhood friends!"

Luna: "Doesn't that just make it more weird?"

Nick: "Says you."

I can't help but smile at the two of them, bantering back and forth like this. I've never had a sibling in my past life, and Fabian and I have had quite an interesting history, so I feel a bit envious of Luna being able to joke around like this with Nick.

.....

Finally, we arrived at the ocean. The ground we stepped upon wasn't stone, nor grass, but now sand. Fine sand that immediately started to encase the bottom of our shoes. Not wanting to get my shoes or socks sandy, I take them off before going any further, and after a few moments later, everyone also began taking off their shoes, except Mell who's still shoeless, and the masked person who doesn't seem to care. We place our shoes onto the grass just before the sand before advancing forth, towards the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing was a surreal experience in and of itself as I un-intentionally increased the pace, now running faster into the ocean.

And just as the waves started spreading over the sand, it collides with my feet, kicking up water up to my shins. I half expected for the water to be as cold as the lake, but the water this time was quite a lot warmer. Feeling like I can handle it, I end up continuing further, kicking up more water with every stride I take.

Luna: "Ah!"

I turn around at the sudden sound, only to see Luna had completely face planted straight into the sand, with the ocean waves now submerging her body before the tide goes back out.

Luna: "Pfft!"

But when she rose her head, she had the biggest grin on her face, completely unfazed from getting a face full of sand and water. Nick is quick to help her up as they both continue to catch up to me. I take a moment to look at everyone else. Sicily and Lillian sat at the shoreline, only letting the tide reach their feet. Collin and Violet were together as Violet had already began to do the stereotypical "water attack," splashing water all over Collin's clothes with her hands before he immediately starts to retaliate. Kaede is busy being a mom, watching over Mell as she proceed to go further out than anyone else. The masked person was way back, even behind Sicily and Lillian, watching over everyone.

Natalie: "What a lovely sight."

Yui: "Mm."

Natalie was by my side, just like one's personal maid should be doing. Although I like to see her as more of a friend now than a maid, but I guess she was a maid first and foremost.

I end up turning back around, looking over the vast open ocean. I wonder just what kind of world lies out there. I'm aware that there's fish and stuff, but what about monsters that lurk beneath the waters? Mom mentioned about dangers that could be in the lake, so surely there's dangers out there in the ocean. But now's not the time to think of such things. Right now, it's time to enjoy this, celebrating our arrival; our new life.