When the Empire touched the valley the rules of living changed. Sure, some people still worshiped the old gods, but many a young citizen was drawn away from country living and into the city where opportunity for trade and modern living were abundant.
So it was with Benthem Manor, a lonely estate on an island in the middle of a lake with few servants and none to inherit the lands. When the last stubborn Benthem passed, Hortencia Fausta's firm was retained to hold an estate sale and manage all of the details of property liquidation. As her functionary, Professora Fausta sent Annabelle who would prepare things.
The heirs want only the money and to remain in the big city.