The main reference period for The Great Hero is a Schoolteacher is the European eighteenth century. However, the world has a history, just like ours, and while the Brealian kingdom is at peace when the story begins, it wasn't always the case. The name of the capital city itself is quite influenced by the Latin word castrum, meaning "fortified place".

This is why the royal palace in Carastra doesn't look like a typical chateau, but rather like a fortress that was altered and expanded into a royal residence fit for times of peace.

Hand drawn plan of the royal palace [https://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/12/09/03/58/carast10.jpg]

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The west wing (where Al lives) and the east wing (where Princess Nigella lives) were built as later additions, so their walls aren't quite as thick as the main building's.

My main reference for the general look of the palace was Château du Lude, in France.

image [https://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/12/09/03/58/castle10.jpg]

The flower garden is inspired by Kilkenny Castle, in Ireland.

image [https://i.servimg.com/u/f74/12/09/03/58/kilken10.jpg]

The idea of turning a former moat into a public area with lawn comes from Nantes, France, where the old moat is now a popular sunbathing place. One main difference, though: when it was in use, the moat in Nantes wasn't dry. It was directly connected to the river Loire.

image [https://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/12/09/03/58/chatea10.jpg]