The carriage rattled down from the last ridge, leaving the rough mountain paths behind. The air warmed noticeably, carrying the scent of open fields instead of cold stone. Noel leaned slightly toward the window, eyes narrowing as the lands of House Thorne spread out below.
Wide plains rolled into vineyards and scattered villages, all orbiting the mansion at the center. The estate itself loomed like a fortress dressed as nobility: tall gray walls, towers of carved stone, banners of crimson and black fluttering above the gates. Servants and guards lined the road as the carriages passed through, their eyes carefully neutral—though Noel felt the weight of their stares on him.
The system's familiar glow flashed at the corner of his vision:
[Mission: Prevent the Fall of House Thorne.]
[Time Limit: 45 Days.]
[Reward: The Truth.]
