"It's so beautiful!" Milly exclaimed as Militeia came to view.
Serena smiled as she nodded her head. She and her friends were currently standing on the portion of the ship's deck for first class passengers.
The ship has dropped its anchor and their sail slowed down. From a few miles away, they saw the capital of Militeia in all its glory.
Militeia boasted a classic Mediterranean landscape. The breathtaking terrain included dramatic coastline topography. Colors were intense. Pastel colored structures lined up like sugar cubes on green hills sprinkled in lemons, overlooked by turquoise skies dotted with brilliantly white clouds, and plunging down to sapphire seas. If Serena were to compare it to any tourist destination, then it was like the Amalfi coast.
After a few minutes, the ship has come to a complete stop and a voice was heard through the speakers. "Good afternoon everyone, this is the captain speaking. I am pleased to announce that Brittania has anchored safely in the port of Militeia. Passengers and crews, please stand-by for disembarkment."
With that, passengers went back to their rooms to prepare for disembarkation.
--
One disadvantage of the port of Militeia is that it could not accommodate large ships like Brittania. However, instead of building a new port, they practice double handling. The bigger ship would anchor a few miles away from the shore, and then smaller boats would tender the passengers and small cargoes ashore to the marina.
When the smaller boats have arrived. Serena and company, as first-class passengers, were given priority to ride them. They were grouped together in one boat with their luggage.
As the boat got nearer to Militeia, Serena noted the waterfront with a boardwalk atmosphere. It was lined by seafood restaurants with terraces overlooking the water, and at the forefront, white sandy beaches lined the shore dotted with people enjoying the sun.
Finally, the boat docked, and they all disembarked.
"We're finally here!" Gizel exclaimed, as she pulled on Serena and Milly.
The girls were all excited, especially Serena and Milly who were first time visitors in Militeia.
--
When they exited the Marina, they were welcomed by 6 carriages to take them to Gizel's family's mansion which, Gizel said, was 3 hours away. Their March was 5 days travel from the capital, so for the convenience of everyone, especially the other nobles attending her parent's wedding anniversary, the event will he held in their mansion in the capital.
The ride was scenic as they pass through the capital's center. The roads were narrower, but everything was very charming. The center had what they call a piazza, also known as a public square. People were walking around dressed in different cultural outfits. From this, one can see that the economy of Militeia relies heavily on the tourism industry.
Serena could not help but think of exploring Militeia with Charlton. It looks like some kind of a honeymoon destination.
"So, what can you say so far about Militeia?" Gizel asked.
"It's very beautiful, better than how you described it!" Milly answered.
"Tomorrow, we can go out and start to explore. It's pretty safe, and many people won't recognize us." Via suggested.
Serena nodded her head as she smiled. She was also looking forward to tour the place.
--
Gizel's family mansion was located just at the outskirt of the capital. As it was away from the city center, it looked more like a Tuscan villa. It was 5:00 pm when they arrived.
The girls alighted the carriage and the family butler and servants welcomed them. Geneva introduced Serena and Milly to the servants, and they all bowed in acknowledgement.
When they arrived inside the villa, Gizel wanted to show them around and was about to pull them to do so, until Geneva cleared her throat.
"Gizel, I believe we must show our guests to their bedrooms first. Anyway, Linda, have the guestrooms been prepared?" Geneva asked.
"Yes milady." The head housekeeper replied.
Geneva nodded in acknowledgement, then she smiled at Serena and Milly, "Serena, Milly, I hope that you two will take our home as your home while here in Militeia. I apologize for I won't be able to give you a house tour myself, but I think Gizel is more than excited to do that."
Serena understood that with age, travel like that was not so easy and Gizel's parents must be exhausted. "It's alright auntie Geneva, thank you very much for hosting us. Please don't worry as Gizel and Via will keep us company."
Milly nodded and seconded Serena's sentiment.
"Thank you. I hope you two will enjoy your stay here. If there's anything you need, just tell Gizel. Me and your uncle Gregory will also be quite busy with other matters starting tomorrow."
The girls all nodded. After that, they were guided to their rooms. Beatrice also joined them so that she would know where to serve her lady in the morning. While Bernard was led to the servant's quarters.
--
The rooms for Serena, Milly, and Via were all located at the east wing of the villa. They were just next to each other and were of similar interiors. Though Serena's room has the better appointment. It was at the end of the hall and has a terrace. Well, she was the duke's daughter.
The girls freshened up then Gizel gave them a house tour. Afterwards, they had their dinner together with Gizel's family. Gizel's parents explained that after the wedding anniversary, they would need to return home to their March as they have already been away for too long. Serena and Milly knew and understood that. And of course, they rather spend their time with Gizel and Via unsupervised by her parents later.
--
The next day, they started touring the capital like they discussed. Everything was going smoothly, and they were enjoying themselves. They spent their time going on tours, discussing their song number for the wedding anniversary, and rehearsing for that.
Serena could only look forward for the 28th to arrive. Although she enjoyed touring, she could not help missing Charlton and wishing that he's beside her taking all the sights in.
--
TBC