“Welcome, Your Majesty. We are honored to be your first official engagement.”
“I’m delighted to be here. I haven’t been told much about what you do, so I’m excited to learn more.”
They began a slow walk through the lobby.
“We’re more than a retirement community. About a third of those who live here are much younger - university studentsor recent graduates.” He picked up a brochure and handed it to her. “Those who live here provide services in exchange for significantly reduced housing expenses.”
Intriguing. Hadn’t she heard Elise say something about a similar project in Southern Santiero?
“Many of those who live here are performers. Not all are studying in their art, but still perform. Others contribute in other ways. They’re required to offer several performances a month. It can be solo or a group effort,” he explained as they moved into a large open area with a piano and stage on one end. “We have an adopt-a-grandparent type program that’s part of it as well. They spend time together, help with errands, technology, or anything else they might need help with.”
“I can easily see how it’s tangibly beneficial to the retirees, but aside from the low cost of living, what benefits are there for the younger residents?” They continued to walk slowly through the room.
“The relational aspects can’t be accurately measured, but that’s the primary one. Overall satisfaction with the living situation is generally high. There’s a trial period of 90 days during which time the agreement can be terminated by either party.” He held open the door to the garden.
“Is there a code of conduct? How are parties handled? Overnight guests?” She hadn’t experienced university herself, but had seen enough television and movies to understand those things could be an issue.
“Guest policy is the same for everyone. During the day, there are no real limits, but overnight guests are limited to no more than two nights a week and six nights total throughout the month unless special permission has been obtained.” The director grinned. “These students aren’t generally what you would find in a movie about American universities. They don’t have wild parties. In fact, for many of them, their evening orweekend activities aren’t much different than they would be if they lived elsewhere. Board games, card games, movie nights, things of that nature.”
Victoria smiled back. “I suspect that’s how I would have been in university.” She clamped her mouth shut and hoped he hadn’t noticed. One thing she didn’t have was an education, not beyond the compulsory schooling until she was eighteen or so. Did Enzo know? Would it matter to him?
Or to the people of Dellisole?
She had learned a lot during her time away from Southern Santiero, but none of it came from formal education.
As they continued the tour, Victoria met a number of the residents from both ends of the age spectrum. They had a round table of sorts with discussion coming from all sides as she asked any questions that occurred to her.
There weren’t nearly enough of them. She didn’t know enough to know what she didn’t know and be able to intelligently hold her own in a conversation.
When the discussion ended, the director walked her back to the front entrance where her security team and a car waited for her.
Hopefully, she hadn’t embarrassed Enzo.
Once back at the palace, she made her way to their quarters and changed into something more comfortable before curling up underneath a blanket next to a window overlooking the water. Her ereader sat on the table next to her, but she already knew she wouldn’t be able to focus. Instead, she stared unseeing into the distance.
“Victoria?”
Enzo saying her name broke through her thoughts.
She looked up at him and smiled. “Hi. How has your day been?” No reason to burden him with her melancholy.
“About the same as all of the other days in the last few weeks, more or less.” His head tilted slightly to the side as though something new had occurred to him. “And probably about the same as most of my days for the foreseeable future.”
“I would imagine they’ll have more variety before long, even if just in the content of the meetings and who they’re with.” She hadn’t really thought about it in much detail before, but it made sense that they could get monotonous.
She watched as he pulled at his tie. “How was your day? You were at the intergenerational facility, right?”
“Yes. It’s a fascinating idea. It benefits both generations in ways I wouldn’t have thought of. Everyone I spoke with seemed very pleased with the arrangements.” She shifted to sit cross-legged in the chair. “I think Elise said something about a similar project in Southern Santiero.”
“Mum was very interested in the idea as well. She supported the pioneers here in Porto Capriggio.”
“What were some of her other pet projects?” Victoria likely wouldn’t want to - or be able to - take all of them on, but maybe she could take a few.
“Uh...” Enzo had to think a moment. “The Dark Sky Initiative was one of them. Some early childhood education things. Literacy. Mental health. I’m sure one or more of her assistants would be happy to work with you at least until you decide what directions you want to go and find your own assistants.”
“I hadn’t really thought about any of that. Just that I would need to start finding causes to champion before long.” What else had her mum done? “Do I need to start working with the Head Steward and Head of Household, too?”
“My eldest sister has been doing that for the last few years, but I’m sure she would be happy to work with you if you wanted to take over.”
