Noire Island

It's lonely being the sole ruler of the world...

Gripping the invitation letter in her hand, Marion ascended the steps leading up to the large estate. From the outside, the hotel looked like a looming castle out of a storybook.

So this was Hotel Grand Eclat. The letter said it was once the estate of a renowned archbishop, and was now managed by one of his descendants after being remodelled into a hotel.

She entered the building and the atmosphere immediately seemed different. A strange tension permeated through the air; the temperature felt cooler as well, even compared to the brisk night air outside.

A voice greeted her as she entered the lobby, "Good evening, miss."

"Good evening. I'm here by the request of Mr. Thierry. I'll be staying here over the course of our... business matters."

Marion handed the letter over to the lady manning the front desk. Reviewing the letter, the lady nodded solemnly.

"Of course, thank you for coming. Allow us to show you to your quarters." She waved over a man standing off to the side. "This is Terrence. He has been assigned to watch over you."

"You may present any requests to me." Terrence bowed, his gaze meeting hers. He was a tall young man with dark hair, clothed entirely in black. "Please, follow me."

He led her up a flight of stairs and down a winding hallway. Marion noted that the interior of the hotel was furnished elegantly, albeit in an old fashioned style. Scones with gold ornamental brackets lined the hallway, alongside numerous oil paintings. They passed by several guests, each one possessing an air of dignified grace befitting of one staying in a reputed establishment.

"Your room is 241." Terrence unlocked the door with a key, which he then pressed into her hand. "Mr. Thierry will meet you in the lounge for dinner in an hour. I will come and escort you then. In the meantime, please settle in and get comfortable."

"I'll see you then."

Marion unpacked the few articles of clothing she had into the sturdy wooden dresser and undid the curtains. The silver moon was slowly shifting into the sky, casting a calming glow into the room.

Hopefully, she thought, coming here was the right decision.

---

"Thank you for joining me."

The man known as Cecil Thierry stood, a jubilant smile plastered on his face. He looked very much like his great-grandfather; they shared the same wavy auburn hair and sharp, calculating eyes.

"The pleasure is mine."

She extended her arm to shake his hand, surprised when he brought the back of her hand to his lips. She didn't know this part of the region still observed traditional customs.

The waiter wasted no time in serving up the appetizers. Cecil sipped from a glass of dark red wine, observing her. She ate slowly, carefully, mindful to preserve her manners before her host.

"There's been a disturbance in our beloved hotel," Cecil began. "We have heard of your medical expertise, and so, we were hoping you could aid us."

"I have taken over my family's apothecary in our village, that much is true. But, I am still nowhere near the skill level of my mother or even my sister..."

"I have heard about the tragedy that befell your family. They were all lost at sea, presumed dead, except for you. You were so young then, weren't you?"

She blinked; of course he knew. Everyone in Noire Island knew of the tragic shipwreck from five years ago.

"Forgive me if I say I try my best not to think about it. I've spent too many sleepless nights reliving those moments."

"Ah, I am truly sorry for your loss. However, please at least agree to examining one of our guests. They've fallen ill to a peculiar condition that none of us can diagnose."

"I will do what I can."

"Good. Tomorrow afternoon I will arrange for Terrence to meet you. Feel free to enjoy your spare time until then. The gardens are lovely place to go for a morning stroll, for instance."

She nodded, and they continued dining in relative silence.