"Uh, I should... probably get changed," Lyra blurted, shooting up from the seat while inching toward the hallway. "I'll be back in a few. K-knock if it's serious…!"
"Yeah…" I trailed, nodding after her as she practically ran from the dining room.
The knocking continued. Persistent, but not urgent. I sighed, hoping that whatever this was would take me out of the stupor I was currently in. What the hell was that…?
I swung the door open, surprised to find a man in a butler's outfit holding a sealed envelope in a gloved hand. He was middle-aged, with a neatly trimmed, silver-speckled beard with hair to match, and eyes that scanned me like he was appraising the whole manor in one glance. Behind him was a large, fancy-looking carriage with two well-groomed horses leading it.
