By the time Arlen arrived at the Sermont estate, a deep, starless darkness had already fallen. The staff of the estate began to murmur when they saw Arlen appear in a carriage bearing the Crawford family crest. “Where is Madam Regina?” “Please wait a moment.” At Arlen’s question, a young maid bowed her head and scurried inside. With no invitation to enter, Arlen waited among the unfamiliar faces. There were many she did not recognize. The servants who had been with the family since before she left were nowhere to be seen, and the mostly young maids only stole curious glances at her. Soon, the main door of the mansion opened, and a middle-aged woman in a black veil ran