Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XXXIV: Unlikely Companions

In the library of Mohn estate, an atmosphere of studious tranquility prevailed. The room, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, showcased the richness of its dark oak shelves, laden with volumes that seemed to whisper centuries-old knowledge.

Albert's desk, positioned near a tall window adorned with heavy velvet curtains, was a focal point. It held an assortment of quills, inkwells, and neatly stacked parchment. A large, ornate globe rested nearby, hinting at Albert's curiosity about the world beyond the estate.

While the library possessed an undeniable air of refinement, it also bore the marks of a space where genuine intellectual pursuits unfolded. Dog-eared pages, hastily scribbled notes, and the occasional unreturned book hinted at a dynamic exchange of ideas within its hallowed confines.

As the door creaked open, Alice stepped into this sanctuary of learning, feeling a mixture of awe and trepidation. The scent of ancient leather and the sight of towering shelves greeted her senses, contrasting with the serene ambiance. Albert, already absorbed in his scholarly pursuits, looked up with a stern expression as Alice entered.

Albert noticed the flush on her face, evidence of her hurried journey to the library, and the glistening beads of sweat on her neck and chest as she nervously entered the room. Her long, wavy blonde hair was braided but now tousled due to the rush. Albert swallowed, a subtle reaction to the sight before him.

Alice: "Apologies for the delay, Albert."

Albert: "In this library, you address me as 'Sir'." He regaining his composure.

Alice: "Understood, 'Sir'."

Albert, glancing up from his work, sharply addressed Alice, "Your disregard for punctuality is disrupting my work, woman. Tidy this mess." Albert abruptly cleared his desk, causing books to cascade onto the floor with resounding thuds.

Alice, shocked, but maintaining her composure, responded, "I apologize, sir. I'll tidy it up immediately."

As Alice diligently organized the books and placed them on Albert's table, he, without warning, threw them off again, amplifying her shock.

Alice: "Sir, I don't understand..."

Albert sternly commanded, "Tidy up these books, and perhaps you'll start to comprehend the importance of punctuality."

Alice, holding her annoyance, offering a polite nod, replied, "I understand, sir. I'll be more mindful in the future."

Albert sternly handed Alice a leather-bound book, the weight of its significance evident in the stern lines of his face. It was a Bible, a sacred text cloaked in the ancient language of Latin.

"Read it aloud," Albert commanded, a tone of authority underscoring his words.

Alice hesitated, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar words. "I... I can't read Latin," she admitted, a touch of vulnerability in her voice.

"Read the first paragraph of Genesis," Albert insisted, his gaze unwavering. Albert's gaze, with its meadow-green intensity, held an unwavering sternness that seemed to pierce through the air. Those eyes, like a verdant field beneath a clear sky, harbored an imposing presence, revealing a mixture of skepticism and authority. In the library's muted light, the green hue of his gaze became a focal point, accentuating the scrutiny with which he observed Alice.

Alice attempted to navigate the Latin verses, stumbling over the syllables in a stammered manner. Yet, her efforts fell short of Albert's expectations.

"Wrong. Try again," he asserted, his patience waning.

Undeterred, Alice made another attempt, her voice quivering with uncertainty.

"Wrong," Albert pronounced sharply. The cycle repeated, each repetition met with a terse correction. The atmosphere in the library became charged with tension as Alice struggled to meet Albert's expectations. Albert: "Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!"

In frustration, Albert demanded, "Give me your hands."

Alice extended her hands, unsure of what awaited her. Albert's light lash struck her porcelain skin, a warning etched in the sting of the moment leaving a red marks.

"If you disobey me again, it will be harder," he cautioned, the severity of his words lingering in the air.

Albert, seemingly unamused, instructed Alice to organize the letters of any important matters that required a response. As Alice meticulously sorted through the papers, she discovered a peculiar assortment of requests, complaints, and intricate matters that mirrored the complexity of the Mohn estate.

Leaning against his desk, Albert scrutinized Alice's every move with a watchful gaze. "You don't seem to be as useless as I thought. Maybe you can manage to be somewhat productive around here," he remarked, a hint of surprise coloring his voice.

Alice, keenly aware of Albert's skepticism, responded with a polite nod. "I shall do my best, Sir Albert. If there's anything specific you'd like me to focus on, please do let me know."

Albert, unable to completely conceal his condescending smirk, retorted, "Just make sure you don't spill ink all over those precious letters. We wouldn't want you causing more trouble than you're worth." The underlying challenge in his words lingered in the air as Alice continued her assigned tasks with a sense of determination.

As Alice delved into her newfound responsibilities in the library, the air hung heavy with the unspoken tension between her and Albert. The once serene sanctuary of knowledge had transformed into a battleground of wills. The quiet rustle of parchment and the occasional creak of the library door marked the passage of time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the library windows, Albert, without a word, gathered his belongings and left the room. Alice, left alone amidst the towering shelves, absorbed the weight of her duties. The creak of the closing door echoed, leaving her in solitude with the lingering challenge of earning her place in this intellectual domain. The library, now shrouded in the soft embrace of dusk, bore witness to the silent struggle that unfolded within its walls.