Between all the expansion and construction plans for the colony and the sudden enrollment of twelve new students next year, Miss Juliet Renard-Argenté was feeling like she could barely get any peace and quiet in her own home. It was past time she had a vacation, even if the summer wasn't officially here yet. Perhaps the school year wasn't officially over yet, but she could consider this trip a pre-graduation gift to her current students. Considering the careers they've started to pursue after becoming Animalians, some of which Miss Juliet felt like they were settling for lowlier aspirations, there may not be much more she could educate them on. Still, Miss Juliet wasn't about to let her loyal servants toil when she was on vacation. They've earned their own trip as well.
Though with Animalia's tourist spots filling up, Miss Juliet was glad she had the opportunity to accept the invitation of Countess Irena de Vasconcellos. That invitation extended to all of Juliet's students and staff. Irena's Spanish villa on the Mediterranean coast had been feeling rather empty after her conversion into a Pyrenees ibex and development on the Spanish colony has been delayed because of the pandemic. Though things were starting to pick up again and Juliet was curious about what the plans for the colony were. Anyways, a seaside holiday was too irresistible to pass up.
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The trip was remarkably smooth and easy. Of course, France and Spain shared a border so it was a short trip. They could have driven there, but passage through the Pyrenees mountains could be rough, let alone the hassle with crossing the border. The flight was much easier and the airport was within driving distance of the villa. One of the Animalian-designed buses the Countess had commissioned was waiting for them and ferried them to the villa.
"Now, I know we're here on vacation, but I want you all to try and learn something while we're here," said Juliet to her students, "Practice your Spanish, learn about the history, try some of the local food."
"Do they have good tacos here?" asked Fifi.
Juliet sighed and said, "Please try to keep in mind that this is Spain, not Mexico. Not everything that appears in Latin America applies here. Don't try to assume you'll be able to find anything Mexican here. It would be as insulting as someone expecting to find something Canadian back in France."
"So there aren't any churros here?" asked Mia.
Juliet paused and said, "Well, actually, churros do originate here, but I suggest you try to find out what Spanish dishes are made here before you try to order anything. I understand that the paella is particularly excellent here."
They passed a few construction vehicles on their way to the Villa de Vasconcellos. They seemed to be keeping a distance from the grounds. They could tell when they were on the grounds by the sudden greenery and vineyards. They crossed an old stone bridge which led up to an old stone wall that looked like it could have been part of a castle. Above the gate was a coat of arms featuring two lions standing on either side of a shield with a winged horse on it. The grounds inside the wall were even more impressive, a well-tended lawn, many tall trees, and flowers spreading around the borders. The villa itself was a stately home not unlike the mansion albeit smaller. A smaller building stood farther away. The Mediterranean could be seen from every spot.
The Countess was waiting for them at the entrance to her villa, wearing a purple sundress. Beside her was a male Pyrenees ibex Animalian wearing casual clothes, though the stained and worn look of his pants' knees told that he spent a lot of time working on the ground. Once the French Animalians exited the bus and approached the villa, Irena said, "Hola y bienvenido, we've been expecting you."
"Bonjour Irena, you are looking well," said Juliet, "And who is your handsome companion?"
"This is Lopez, my soon-to-be husband," said Irena.
"Oh, so you're the Lopez who cares for the garden," said Juliet. She looked around at the magnificent courtyard and said, "You must be very proud in your work."
Lopez shrugged and said, "It is the work of several generations, I am but the latest caretaker."
"So I assume you're keeping the construction workers off the land right now," said Juliet.
Lopez gave an irritated snort and said, "I'm not about to let some idiotas tear up the land so recklessly. Nobody is building anything without my approval."
"You'd think he was a Count already," said Irena wryly, "But I'm sure there is some areas we can put a few new buildings."
"Well, there's that nice bungalow over there," said Mia, pointing at the smaller building.
"That is a mausoleum," said Irena flatly, "Five Templars are entombed there."
"I hear your family is rather rich in Templar history," said Juliet, trying to shift the conversation.
"Yes, I would like to have a wing opened in the local museum for the Knights Templar," said Irena, "There is a lot of old history that shouldn't be forgotten."
"Is there anything else we should know about your estate right now?" asked Juliet.
"We've found an old well over there," said Lopez, pointing in one direction, "Please stay away from that area until we've built a proper barrier for it. There's a great danger in fall down it."
"I'll make sure everyone keeps that in mind," said Juliet. Though she assumed the girls would be more interested in the beach than the garden. Still, this was a beautiful estate and it looked the de Vasconcellos' past and future were in good hands.