Carefully alighting from the carriage, Zhang Lin's gaze fell upon the towering edifice of the Green family's stronghold, nestled within a dense forest—Green Castle.

To Zhang Lin, however, it seemed less a castle and more a manor encircled by high walls.

The structure rose only five stories high, starkly different from the majestic castles she had seen in films from her past life. Yet, it sprawled over a vast area, akin to a large residential complex.

The high walls, wide enough for a person to run along, boasted a massive iron-plated wooden gate at their center, secured by a winch system. Without someone inside to open it, entry was impossible.

Two castle guards stood atop the walls, shouting as they saw Zhang Lin dismount the carriage.

"Miss Freya has returned! Open the gate!"

The grating sound of the giant iron gate opening echoed, and an elderly, gaunt woman in a black robe led a group of maids dressed in servant attire out to greet her.

"Aunt Mary," Zhang Lin smiled, approaching the elderly woman.

Mary, the castle’s steward, had managed all affairs of Green Castle for years. It was said she had served the family since youth and had even raised the baron himself, making her one of the family's most loyal retainers.

"Welcome back, Miss Freya."

Mary, towering over Zhang Lin, enveloped her in a tight embrace, her frail-looking body revealing surprising strength that almost caused Zhang Lin discomfort.

Fortunately, Mary soon released her from the symbolic hug.

"I always told the baron not to let you leave the castle. Girls should behave like girls. But the baron wouldn’t listen... Riding and hunting are too dangerous. If you really want to, I can have some animals brought to the castle... Look at that wound on your head..."

Mary’s nagging carried a tone of reproach, but Zhang Lin merely smiled out of habit.

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Surrounded by a crowd, Zhang Lin listened to Mary's chiding as they walked towards the castle, her attention finally interrupted by her query.

"By the way, Aunt Mary, where is Erik?"

Erik Green, the baron’s fourth son, was born from a union of family interests after Freya's mother passed. His mother, a viscount’s daughter, had eloped with a farmer after giving birth, a lifelong disgrace for the baron. In Freya’s memory, Erik was a frail but arrogant boy, often bullying others, yet the baron had no fondness for him, perhaps due to resentment towards Erik’s mother.

Typically, Erik would join Mary and the other officials to greet Freya upon her return. Today, however, he was absent.

"Yesterday, young master Erik took a liking to a blacksmith's daughter. He might be in his room now. Should I call for him if you wish to see him?"

Mary’s disdain for Erik was clear, despite her addressing him respectfully.

"No need, I was just asking." Zhang Lin nodded, aware of her brother's notorious behavior, and refrained from further questions.

Walking and chatting, they soon reached the grand hall of the castle. Though the exterior might seem modest, the interior was luxuriously furnished in true aristocratic style.

After a few casual exchanges, Mary dismissed most of the attendants, leaving only two maids.

"If you need anything, just instruct them. I have other matters to attend to."

"Thank you, Aunt Mary. You may go about your duties."

Mary, burdened with numerous tasks as the steward, bowed and departed, leaving Zhang Lin with the two unfamiliar maids.

Surveying the familiar yet alien hall, Zhang Lin calmly instructed the maids.

"Prepare hot water in my room. I wish to bathe."

"Yes, Miss."

The maids bowed and went to carry out her orders.

Finally alone, Zhang Lin made her way to her private chamber.

Letting out a deep breath, she acknowledged that despite possessing Freya’s memories, she was not the deceased Freya. Thus, she had to consciously mimic Freya’s mannerisms and speech, which had been taxing. Only now, in solitude, could she relax.

The bedroom was modest, with a wardrobe, bed, desk, and chair, neat and simple, resembling a boy’s room.

On the wall near the bed hung an ornate crusader sword, a birthday gift from the baron when Freya turned fourteen.

Reflecting on the baron’s previous attitude towards her, Zhang Lin sighed.

Scattered on the desk were several thick, black-bound books, a parchment scroll, and a quill in an inkwell.

She pulled up the chair and lightly traced the parchment, covered in dense writing. It seemed to be an unfinished piece by Freya.

The script was not from any earthly language, but thanks to her integrated memories, Zhang Lin could comprehend it. It appeared to be a diary entry. After a quick glance, she picked up one of the black-bound books.

Running her fingers over its cover, she read the title aloud.

"A Complete History of Byron, compiled by the Elgin Library... A history book?"

As she opened the first page, a note fell out: "Please return by November 5th."

It appeared the book was not hers and needed to be returned.

Barely a few pages in, a knock at the door interrupted her.

"Come in."