The sun was just beginning its climb over the misty ridges of the southern hills when Erina Wellington galloped through the castle gates, her armor polished and sword gleaming at her hip. Her red hair trailed like a flame behind her, and the smile on her face was anything but that of a woman going on an official mission.
"Erina!" Count Wellington's voice boomed from the upper balcony of the estate. "You are going there to investigate! Not to have fun. Please remember that!"
"I know, I know!" Erina replied cheerfully without even turning back. "I'm just going to take a look."
Before her horse even reached full speed, she had vanished into the trees. Count Wellington let out a deep sigh, fingers pressing at his temples.
Behind him, his wife folded her arms in frustration. "She's nothing like a woman. The goddess please helpher. She's already thirty five and not the slightest bit interested in marriage! God knows who'll take care of her if she keeps living unbridled like this."
