When Colin entered the study, he noticed that the arrangement had completely changed.
The desks, chairs, cabinets, floors, and windows were all remade with brand new redwood, and the entire study was filled with a faint scent of raw wood.
A row of white crystals was embedded in the snow-white wall. These crystals were a specific arcane material capable of amplifying light. Thus, even without many candles, the study could be as bright as daylight.
Previously, hanging above the fireplace was a specimen of a massive, colorful tiger skull, said to have been personally hunted down by the previous Duke St. Hilde, but it was now gone, replaced with a dazzling Blood Rose wreath.
The changes in the study seemed to hint that the master of this castle had changed.
"Countess Schultz is not Vera's biological mother. Fortunately, you didn't fall for it," said Marquis Garcia.
Colin nodded and then cautiously ventured, "Then, Vera's biological mother is...?"