Chapter 1

The blue sea sparkled, reflecting the sunlight.

Young Fiona ran towards the shore, laughing at the sound of the waves and the ripples. She was wearing a white dress for the outing, and a matching white hat, which her mother had put on her head and would be very angry if she took off. Noble girls were taught not to get sunburned.

However, the beauty of the sea, which she was seeing for the first time, made her forget such teachings.

She ran along the beach towards the water's edge and played by running away just as the waves reached her.

"Fiona, you'll get in trouble with Mother if you keep doing that."

Her sister, Eides, called out. The moment Fiona turned around, a gentle breeze blew, and her hat flew off. Then, a particularly high wave soaked her white dress.

Fiona panicked. Her dress was wet, and her hat was floating in the waves.

What should I do?

As she was on the verge of tears, the sound of splashing water echoed. A boy had entered the sea and retrieved her hat. His face was hidden by the backlight.

"Here you go."

A gentle voice. Fiona tried to take the hat, but Eides, who had slipped between Fiona and the boy, pushed Fiona aside and took the hat as if snatching it.

"Thank you. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience caused by my ill-mannered sister."

Eides' voice, though apologetic, sounded oddly cheerful. Fiona watched her perfect bow from behind.

Hidden in her sister's shadow, Fiona couldn't see the face of the boy who had helped her. Even though she was young, she wanted to say thank you herself and properly apologize.

She knew that Eides would tell their mother an exaggerated and false story. Scared of her mother, Fiona started to cry.

Then, a warm hand gently stroked Fiona's head.

"Are you okay? Were you scared? It's alright now. Sometimes waves can suddenly get high, so try not to get too close to the sea. You should change quickly, or you'll get cold."

A very gentle voice. A big brother. That much she could tell from her tear-streaked eyes.

"I have to go now."

With that, the boy turned and left.

Wait, I haven't thanked him yet. As Fiona tried to follow him, her sister pulled her arm forcefully. Surprised, Fiona looked at Eides and saw that she had been slapped hard on the cheek.

But Fiona didn't break down in tears. Instead, she bit her sister's arm hard out of anger.

After that, Fiona was severely scolded by her parents and was not allowed to have dinner.

The next day, Eides was asking her father, George, if any nobles around her age were visiting the resort. However, when George said, "It seems the Baron's family is here," she made a small clicking sound with her tongue.

After that, Eides seemed to lose interest in him.