Albert’s Surprise

“What in the world is this…?”

Albert de Isle, Baron of this domain, had hurried to the shore—only to be stunned. The beach looked the same as ever, filled with townsfolk happily enjoying themselves.

No—on closer inspection, it was different. Cheerful music rang through the air, and more customers than usual crowded the food stalls.

The place was livelier than he had ever seen.

Perplexed, Albert spotted a familiar merchant and called out.

“Hey, business seems unusually good today. What happened?”

“Ah, Lord Albert! Well, you see—some unusually flashy visitors showed up and have really livened up the beach.”

“…What?”

The merchant pointed. Albert’s gaze followed.

A lean, red-haired young man with a well-trained body was performing alongside what looked like a local bard. Nearby, a sweet-looking girl sampled local delicacies, her happy expression so radiant that even Albert felt the urge to grab a bite.

‘No—this isn’t the time to be thinking about that.’

Because the two who truly shocked him weren’t those performers at all.

It was the blond boy and the silver-haired girl.

Even in swimsuits, there was no mistaking them. He had seen them at noble gatherings before: Arthur and Morgan.

And there they were, mingling among commoners on the beach. When Morgan’s eyes met his, she gave a small nod of greeting. Then, after whispering something into Arthur’s ear—just after being fed a bite by the smiling girl—they began walking toward him.

“Truth is, I meant to pay my respects tomorrow, but the beach looked so lively, I couldn’t wait. Forgive me, Albert.”

“N-no, not at all. Please think nothing of it…”

Albert faltered. The Arthur he remembered was a cocky brat who never considered anyone else.

“Morgan.”

“I know, I know.”

Prompted by Morgan, Arthur bowed his head.

“Last year I was selfish and never thought of the people. I’m sorry. I won’t do such things again. If there’s any way I can make it up to you, I’ll help however I can.”

“…Th-thank you!!”

Albert saw it in his eyes. The boy was sincerely apologizing. A prince of Britannia, bowing to a mere baron. In this kingdom, such a thing was unthinkable.

And so—it struck Albert deeply.

‘He really has changed…’

Then he looked around again. The beach was buzzing with energy. Surely, that red-haired youth was one of the royal court musicians, brought here deliberately to enliven the scene. The cheerful girl eating food was no ordinary guest either—her smile alone was drawing crowds to the vendors.

Was this Arthur’s way of apologizing? Had he orchestrated this whole spectacle to revive the beach’s spirit?

Of course, the truth was nothing of the sort. Arthur had come simply to enjoy himself. But Albert, his opinion soaring, believed otherwise.

“Please, enjoy your swim.”

With that, he departed, silently regretting his earlier suspicions.

Later, this day would be remembered as the beginning of the Isle Beach Music Festival. And when word spread that Arthur and Morgan had enjoyed swimming together, and that he had even healed her injury, the beach would become known as the “Lovers’ Sanctuary.” The Isle domain would flourish. But that was still to come.