Leni and Talih left the dining room, which soon had its name corrected.

That room is designated as the informal dining room, where most meals are usually served. The imposing main dining room, on the other hand, is located on the lower floor and is reserved for more formal and refined occasions.

Talih's eyes sparkled at the grand description, and her mind immediately drifted into the books she loved to read, imagining the banquets and balls that might take place there, or even the malicious plots whispered among the guests.

“I hope to see it in all its splendor someday.”

“Of course you will, miss.”

After that, they walked down the corridor with paintings, where Talih could once again admire the beautiful pictures.

"While walking around here, I found some of these paintings that are so beautiful… I'd like to reach that level someday." Talih chuckled to herself.

“Oh, are you skilled with the paintbrushes?”

"Not as much as I'd like, like those wonderful artists... Unfortunately, I don't know many artists, especially those in this corridor." Talih hesitated, embarrassed.

Leni smiled gently and, taking the girl's hand, led her down the hallway.

“This painting is by John Everett Millais. Apple Blossoms, of 1859.”

Talih's eyes sparkled, admiring the details in the spring trees, the calm of the young women enjoying the beautiful day surrounded by the most beautiful flowers. Even though the scene was one of happiness, something troubled the girl. The drooping and even deathly features of the young women depicted seemed almost contagious, for, with admiration, her eyes became opaque; it was strange to see such sad expressions in such a beautiful setting.

However, she reflected that this was something common for her. The island where she lived with her tribe was beautiful, with flowers, trees, and crystal-clear water lapping at the shore, but after so much cruelty and hurtful words directed at her… it was impossible to maintain a smile there, no matter how beautiful the place was.

Before Talih's eyes could sink into their melancholy, Leni's voice roused her, guiding her to another painting.

“This one is quite famous. Ophelia, also by the same painter.” The governess's blue eyes lingered on the little lady beside her. “Beautiful, isn't it?”

"Yes... Very beautiful, albeit somber." Talih smiled slightly.

Behind her eyes, the female figure in the river conveyed not a sense of despair, but rather of acceptance, of freedom. The reeds around her seemed to form the image that nature was giving her a final embrace, and the flowers paid their respects in mourning. In a bittersweet way, the possible song thatOpheliaShe sang it, it played in her mind like a lullaby.

Such a unique end for such a unique voice, Talih thinks.

"I feel like Ophelia really likes this one," Talih commented, making Leni laugh.

“You are absolutely right, Ophelia is very proud of her name because of this painting.”

Guiding the girl to another area, Leni exclaimed:

“Ah! Frederic Leighton! The painter's honeymoon… Pretty intimate, don't you think?”

The way they lean against each other is so simple, you can feel the couple's connection; they look at the screen with so much passion.

"An image that could be from a fairy tale," Talih thinks.

The lady, leaning against her supposed husband, gazed at the fruit of her labor with admiration. The painter, on the other hand, seemed to be teaching her where each brushstroke went, where each dot of paint touched, and where each feeling overflowed. The woman portrayed in the painting admired the work in her lap, even before it reached its full glory. The painter showed his beloved the process of creating the painting, seemingly explaining each detail and what it symbolized. The simple garments, compared to the wife's pompous dress, showed the couple's comfort; they were not only undressing physically but also emotionally, revealing layers of themselves that only the most intimate person could access.

Bringing to light the comfort that having someone so intimate to share your inner self with could bring, feeling free to express yourself and be yourself, knowing that you wouldn't push away the loved one, Talih sighed imagining how lucky she would be to have someone who looked at her with so much love, and whom she could explain where each brushstroke went, where each dot of paint touched.

Someone who could see beyond what she was.

“The young lady is truly so innocent…” Leni sighed gently. “The couple’s feelings are truly touching; the ‘bridal season’ isn’t usually depicted in such a calm way… And clothed, if I may be honest.” The older woman chuckled to herself, earning a confused look from Talih, which only made her gaze overflow with affection for that pure young woman. “Besides both sharing the same passion for painting, it’s truly touching to see.”

Talih nodded beside her, and turning slightly, observed a scene that made her heart clench: Entwined around a man's neck was the figure of a being half woman and half fish.

“ Oh, did you like this one, miss?The mermaid and the fisherman, Also from Leighton. Enchanting creatures, don't you think? I grew up hearing stories about them, I confess I'm afraid of them, with some notes bewitching men to drown them! So beautiful but terrifying.” Leni laughed.

Talih's breath faltered momentarily after Leni's comment, her throat tightened as her eyes widened.

No, I won't have to run away again, will I?

Small tremors ran through her body and her gaze wavered away from the painting.

I'm so happy here! Please, let me not be in danger again.

Please, let me stay safe.

The sweet scent of rosemary and cinnamon emanating from Leni was making her dizzy, unlike the calming effect these spices usually have.

Please, let me stay safe.

Talih's heart raced in her chest, and her first instinct was to run away, as she always had.

Please, let me stay safe. Please, let me stay safe!

The scent of rosemary and cinnamon intensified as Leni held her.

“Miss? Is everything alright?”

Her amber eyes swayed from side to side as she tried to calm herself, clutching her hands tightly.

“I…” Her speech wavered as her senses adjusted, and averting her gaze from Leni, she murmured: “I think not all mermaids drown humans, they aren't that scary, in fact I feel that most only attack if they feel threatened…” Talih finished her sentence, hoping for an understanding reaction from Leni.

The youngest was clenching her hands; she needed to show these beings in a new light. She didn't know if everyone feared the sea people as much as Leni did.

"Of course, miss, I understand. However, the first reaction is always fear, especially of what we don't know…" Leni approached the girl and took her hands, gently caressing them. "Excuse my comment, but it seems mermaids are your favorite creatures, aren't they?"

Talih responded with a crooked smile, nodding quickly, trying to disguise her tension.

"You come from an archipelago, don't you? You must have seen one of the sea people in person!" Leni commented, then quickly changed the subject. "Are you still comfortable enough to continue the tour?"

The feeling of danger vanished as quickly as it had arrived. Feeling that this crisis had been resolved, Talih chuckled softly and replied:

“Please, I want to see the whole house.”

Reaching the end of the corridor, Talih's heart raced again, but for a different reason. As she passed several restrooms and bedrooms—one of them hers—the corridor's end felt like a sudden conclusion to a journey that seemed to be getting interesting.

At the end of the long path, one last painting stood out, emanating a magnetic aura and hanging from a golden frame that seemed to pulse with its own light.

The figure of a gentleman with alabaster skin stood out against the dark background, his serious face revealing a captivating depth. The slight weariness that softened the rigidity of his face caused Talih to want to touch him, to discover if he was real or just a work of art, if the weariness on his brow was merely the result of concentration on an intimate project.

The drooping purple eyes gazing at the horizon possessed a mysterious gleam, a secret kept deep within her soul, which made her falter in her steps. The gentleman's robes were of such a soft and vibrant texture, with glittering gemstones and golden trimmings. The fabric seemed to flow like water around him, further emphasizing his authority.

The golden strands of hair on her head shone like a halo… illuminating the darkness around him and giving his figure a divine and magical aura. But something within the painting told her that the man depicted there was not a being of light. Perhaps he was a human being, with fears, desires, and dreams like anyone else. Or perhaps he was a mythical being, with powers beyond human comprehension, and something within her, unknown to her, wished that he were more than just a man. His aura was intimidating, yet at the same time, so innocent and fascinating, that Talih felt her heart race; she wanted to know who that man was.

The golden eyes were determined to memorize every detail of the painting, especially every feature of the boy depicted there, but a part of her resisted that decision. Because her heart already belonged to another. An impossible and distant relationship, but one that was real in his dreams. M.V. Abravontia was not just a writer, but someone who had occupied her thoughts since adolescence, and a part of her wished it could remain that way.

But her curiosity was stronger, and without thinking she asked:

“Mrs. Leni, who is this?”

“This is the Lord, miss. Lord Manfred.”

Instinctively, she placed her hands on her chest to calm her heart; possibly the boy in the painting no longer existed, perhaps the painting was just a fleeting memory of who he once was.

“Mrs. Leni… Can we see other parts of the house?”

“Of course, miss. I have a feeling you'll really enjoy the garden.”

The two walked to the stairs, descending to the first floor and going to the back of the house. Leni opened the openwork wooden door that led to the garden, where the flowers shone and nestled in the sunlight; the show of colors gleamed in her golden eyes as she, captivated by the beauty of the flowers, laughed enchantedly, snuggling among the buds, followed by Leni who carried a classic umbrella.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Leni! I ended up not waiting for you.”

Leni smiled casually at the girl, taking her hand again.

“Don't worry, miss, I know you were captivated by the beauty of the flowers; they almost rival yours.”

Talih laughed, embarrassed by the compliment, bringing her hand to her cheeks as she walked beside Leni.

Inside, a male figure gazed adoringly at the image of the young guest in the garden. Something within him rejoiced at seeing her so happy, compared to her state when she had arrived at the house, and the sight of her walking side-by-side with Leni in such a comfortable and light manner relieved him.

He truly feared that the young woman would feel intimidated in the house and, because of that, wouldn't leave her room. He had even changed his routine and had his breakfast in the casual dining room; he even styled his silvery-blond hair more neatly, but he wasn't lucky enough to cross paths with her. But because of her melodious laughter, he found her, surrounded by the most beautiful flowers, delicately blooming, almost camouflaged among them thanks to the flowery dress that seemed to shine on her vibrant skin, like a precious pearl hidden in an oyster, but just like the jewel, she stood out when found.

Pearl.

This title suits her perfectly, Pearl. The word resonated in her mind like a song, and not even the sun could compare to the sparkle in those purple eyes admiring… Pearl.Even if they never ended up meeting, at least now he had something to refer to her with.

Manfred chuckled to himself before turning around and returning to his drafts, his heart sighing with relief at seeing that Pearl felt safe among them, but first, in his thoughts, he corrected Leni: Not even the brilliance and beauty of flowers rivals the radiance of the Pearl of the house.