"Charlie!!!!! Is that Militeia I'm seeing? Finally! I will be seeing my darling Via soon!" Kylo exclaimed as Militeia came into view. They were currently at the balcony of the stateroom Charlton was staying in.

Charlton smiled as he nodded. He too was excited to see Serena.

When the captain announced that the ship has anchored, he and Kylo prepared for disembarkation.

Like when Serena and the others arrived, as first-class passengers, they were assisted by the personal concierge and was with the first batch of people to take a smaller vessel to take them to the marina.

Charlton took in the sight before him. He has read about Militeia, but the descriptions and illustrations in the books did it no justice. He wondered what Serena thought when she first arrived. Did she smile excitedly, her eyes dazzled? He wished that he were with her then just so he could have seen the expression on her face.

He shook his head as he smiled. Again, he was thinking of her. Ever since they have been together, his every breath and every thought, has been consumed by her. He loves her so and his heart swells with the knowledge that she loves him just as much.

Kylo whistled, he did not expect Militeia to be so beautiful. "I have to say that Militeia deserves its title as summer paradise. By the way, how are we getting to Gizel's parents' mansion?"

Charlton was shook-out from his reverie with Kylo's question. Well, he had no arrangements for that one. However, he has the invite with him, so he just thought they can just hire a carriage to take them there.

--

When they exited the Marina, there were a lot of carriages for hire. Other first-class passengers from Windsor recognized Charlton and Kylo and greeted them, wishing them a pleasant stay in Militeia.

Charlton and Kylo smiled back and thanked them as they waved them goodbye.

"So, what now?" Kylo asked as he looked at Charlton and Jack who was carrying their luggage.

Charlton was about to instruct Jack to hire a carriage when a man suddenly approached them.

"Sir, are you by chance Lord Charlton Daniel?" Sebastian, one of the senior coachmen of the Morris family asked.

"Yes, how may I help you?" Charlton asked.

"Good afternoon, my lord." He said as he bowed, then continued, "I am Sebastian Leroy, the coachman sent by Marchioness Geneva Morris. She sends her apologies for not being able to give a better welcome for she has only been given notice that you're arriving today and that everyone else is occupied for the event later. Please, come with me and let me take you to the mansion."

Charlton smiled in appreciation of the thoughtfulness. He would have to thank Gizel's mother later. "I understand. Then, lead the way."

--

When they arrived at the mansion, it was around 5pm. The relatives of Gizel's parents have all arrived earlier, while the guests for the event have not started to arrive just yet.

"Welcome to Militeia, Charlton, Kylo. It's nice to see you both here." George said as he welcomed the two.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, George. By the way, I have to thank your mother for sending Sebastian to welcome us. If not, I'm afraid we would have been lost on how to get here." Charlton replied as he shook George's hand.

"She's just happy that you're here and will sing for her event. She still can't get over the fact that you and Serena are here to do that. Anyway, please follow me, I will escort you to your rooms for the duration of your stay." George said as a valet came to help with the luggage of Charlton and Kylo. While Jack was led to the servant's quarters.

They walked inside and Charlton wondered where Serena was. He did not ask though. She must be preparing for the event and although he was excited to see her, he did not want her to see him having oily face. What? The weather was hot, and they were in a carriage ride for 3 hours. He would prefer to look his best when she sees him finally after 8 days.

--

George first showed them where the event would be held before he led them to the guestrooms. While doing so, he engaged them in a conversation. When they reached the front of their assigned rooms, he could no longer keep his curiosity and asked Kylo.

"Kylo, I heard you're courting Via? Is that for real?" he asked curious.

Although they were not that close, they have interacted quite a couple of times as they have been schoolmates in Alighieri and in Windsor. Add the fact that Charlton and Kylo were kinda friends with Gizel, they were able to talk more during the last school year. So, they were in a good relationship enough to call each other by first name and have casual conversations.

Kylo did not deny it and asked, "Does everyone, I mean your family, know that already? By the way, are Via's parents already here?"

"I'm not so sure, but they did confirm that they are attending. Perhaps they're already in the capital but since they have their own mansion here, they will only come over in time for the event. Anyway, I heard you'll be making a formal call while here."

"Yes, I would make the call tomorrow as I'm only staying here for 3 nights."

"Hmm… I think they'll allocate some time for you before they go back to their county. Hehe… Anyhow, good luck with that. My uncle's family has been a military one for generations. So, don't be surprised if Uncle Vernon doesn't seem so friendly. He has always been strict, and well, Via's his only daughter."

Kylo swallowed. The way George said it sounds foreboding.

Charlton chuckled. "Break a leg, Kylo. Hopefully, not literally."

"Hey!" Kylo exclaimed as he pushed Charlton playfully in mock anger.

George laughed as he shook his head. "I'll go ahead. See you both later."

With that, Charlton and Kylo both entered their room which were situated just beside each other.

--

TBC