Later that evening, the mansion's halls were dimly lit by flickering candles, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. The wind howled softly outside, causing the ancient windows to rattle. In one corner of the mansion, Ginevra was in her room, which resembled a mechanic's workshop more than a noble's quarters. The room was chaotic, with shelves overflowing with tools, gears, and various mechanical parts. Workbenches were covered with blueprints and half-assembled devices, some hidden under dusty blankets, others rusted and forgotten. A solitary lamp cast a soft glow over the cluttered space, illuminating Ginevra's determined expression as she worked.

"A little bit of touch here, and we're done," she murmured to herself, her hands deftly maneuvering around a small device. After making a final adjustment, she slid out from under the half-finished machine, holding the intricate gadget up to the light. "There, all finished," she...