Earl and Fairy: Volume 7 [Parts 1 to 2] by Mizue Tani

Author:Mizue Tani
Language: eng
Format: epub

Return to the Merrows’ Isle

Though it was a cold day with gentle snowfall, the boat didn’t encounter a single choppy wave on its way to the Isle of Mannan. The merrows that occupied these waters must have been aware of Lydia’s approach. The small, lone island was located off the west coast of England in the Irish Sea. She had last visited in early spring, when it had risen out of the water as a pale green shadow. Now, with its dusting of midwinter snow, it more closely resembled a sugared cake.

“That’s Mannan, huh? Edgar’s territories aren’t the easiest places to get to, are they?” In the end, Lotta had accompanied Lydia to the island.

“Fairies thrive in remote places. That’s why these territories were conferred to Lord Ashenbert all those centuries ago.”

“Yeah? It’s definitely got some great views. Wait, is that a castle? This place isn’t as shabby as I thought it’d be.”

“Are you sure you ought to have come with me, Miss Lotta? I thought you told His Royal Highness that you would be back in London yesterday,” Lydia said, referring to Lotta’s grandfather.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine to add an extra day or three.”

The splendorous castle stood at the island’s highest point. Its bluish exterior looked all the more vibrant against the white backdrop. Mannan’s harbor had been totally deserted the last time Lydia was there, but the number of ships had increased, and it was now alive with people loading and unloading cargo and fish despite the season. Lydia and Lotta had taken a ride on a small cargo ship, and they were now making the journey from the harbor to the island’s lone inn.

“Where’s Nico?” Lotta looked around. The gray cat had alighted with them but was now nowhere to be seen.

“He’s just had a happy reunion with some of his brownie friends. They must have gone off together somewhere.”

“What about the invisible one?”

“The coblynau? I imagine it joined them too.”

“Excuse me, but might you be Miss Carlton?”

Lydia stopped in her tracks upon being approached by the unfamiliar man. He introduced himself as one of the inn’s staff. She had sent a letter giving notice of her intent to visit, so he must have come to greet her.

“Please allow me to welcome you to Mannan, Miss Carlton. The roads are slippery at present, so we have arranged a carriage for you.” With a cordial smile, he pointed at the carriage waiting at the roadside.

“Oh, but it isn’t too far to the inn,” she protested.

He motioned for her to mount the carriage despite her bemused objection, and she decided to do so. The inn was managed by the Tompkins family, historical stewards to the Ashenbert estate, so she had no reason to be wary.

Lotta made to follow, only for the door to be closed right in front of her face.

“What are you doing? Open it at once!” The carriage made off as Lydia tried to pull the door open. She caught a glance of Lotta trying to give chase before the man from the inn stopped her.

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