The castle loomed before Lyra, towering and grand, but when she looked closer, its corners told a different story.
The faded and cracked walls whispered of years gone by, a physical reflection of the decline of once-mighty noble families.
On the surface, they were still impressive, but beneath the glamour, they were slowly falling apart, their influence stolen by the military and government long ago.
Albert bent down slightly, holding the car door open with a practiced hand.
Standing at the entrance, a maid and a young butler bowed in perfect unison, greeting Lyra with a formal, "Welcome, Miss Lyra."
Lyra seemed completely mismatched with her surroundings.
The maids were dressed in lacy caps and traditional uniforms, while Lyra was the picture of modern efficiency. She was wearing a sleeveless white chiffon blouse, army-green pants that hugged her frame comfortably, and sturdy black ankle boots.
