In the vast, beautiful countryside of East Chester County, by the side gate of a sprawling estate, Audrey Hall sat expertly astride a chestnut mare. She wore a fitted black riding outfit over a simply decorated ladies' blouse, and did not sway in the slightest.
Her black leather riding boots rested in the stirrups, her white-trousered legs lightly pressed against the horse's sides. Turning her head, she said to Susie, the golden retriever carrying a small leather bag beside her:
"I'll wait for you at the edge of the woods!"
With that, she bent low over the saddle, whip in hand, and urged the horse beneath her to gradually pick up speed and gallop across the open fields.
Compared to the magnificent, expensive yet gloomy and sinister family castle, Audrey preferred the beautiful estate and the scenery of the countryside.
Fine horses followed after her, ridden by attendants and maids alike. Their purpose was naturally to protect Miss Audrey.
January in East Chester County still retained winter's lifeless air. Leading Susie, Audrey circled a ruined Ancient Tower several times amid the escort of attendants and maids, but found nothing.
This did not surprise Audrey. The tower was not far from the estate, and anything valuable within had long since been removed. All that remained were piled gray bricks and rotting wood. Though Audrey had hoped to use her Beyonder Ability to see something different, Beyonders were hardly a secret among great families. In the end, she could only shake her head.
Pursing her lips in disappointment, Audrey was about to turn toward her mount when she suddenly heard a faint rustling sound.
Almost instinctively, Audrey assumed a defensive stance, half excited and half wary, while the substitute she had secretly trained for so long was summoned at the same time.