Theia and Hilda could smell the faint fragrance of wine leaking from the barrels around them. It wasn't overpowering, but had a subtle, distinct kick to it, unlike the alcohol from other regions. Moving cautiously, they avoided making any sudden noises that might alert someone to their presence.
The cellar was dimly lit by Hilda's oil lamp, which provided just enough light to cover their movements. Despite the mansion's grand size, the cellar seemed surprisingly small, with only about twenty barrels of wine lined up against the walls. Navigating through the barrels, they finally reached the door that led into the main mansion.
Theia carefully pushed the door open, just enough to peek through and see the hallway beyond. The corridor was brightly illuminated with oil lamps, the light reflecting off the freshly polished floors. The mansion had just fallen into evening's shadows, and the brightness of the lamps contrasted starkly with the creeping darkness outside.
