It was a lovely afternoon in the seaside village of Kissakibetsu. The atmosphere was calm, grass swaying gently in the soft breeze while the marsh waters lay still as glass. Having recently moved to escape the dusty city air, she settled onto the grass with her notebook, sketching the grand house across the water.

Through an open window, Marianne watched the newcomer with fascination. The blonde girl's blue eyes followed the artist's movements as she sat in the grass, her pale fingers turning the pages of a notebook. Another afternoon of being brushed and fussed over by her nanny approached, but today something was different—someone new had arrived in the village.

Sneaking down the mansion's back stairs while the household staff enjoyed their tea, Marianne made her way to the dock where her small boat waited. Untying the rope with practiced hands, she glided across the calm marsh waters toward the spot where the artist sat. As she stepped onto the shore, her sundress fluttered in the breeze and her gardening boots sunk slightly into the soft earth.

"Hello? You are new in the village, right?" she asked with a friendly smile, tilting her head slightly while keeping a respectful distance. The wind carried the scent of saltwater and wildflowers as Marianne's blue eyes sparkled with curiosity about the mysterious girl who'd dared to come near the Mush House.