Be careful... what you wish for

9. Shadows of the past

William cleared his throat. "Albert, you're heading to the House of Lords today, right?"

Albert nodded slightly.

William continued, "that leaves Louis and me. Louis, I'd like you to stay home today and wait for Fred, as he's returning from his mission. I'd also like you both to gather some new clothes for Victor and Yuu, along with any other supplies they might need while they're here. Meanwhile, I'll take these two to the London Institution Library."

Louis nodded without protest. "Understood. I wish you success on your quest, Yuu and Victor. See you in the evening."

William, Yuu, and Victor said their goodbyes to Louis and Albert before continuing with their task.

"Well then, it's all settled. Let's get moving." William stood up, and Yuu and Victor followed him. Before leaving, William took his top hat and cane. They went to the carriage, which was already waiting outside the Moriarty estate gates.

"My lady," William said, turning to Yuu and offering his arm to help her into the carriage. He followed her in, with Victor being the last to step inside.

"It's exciting to visit a building that no longer exists in our era! I'm so delighted!" Yuu said, her eyes twinkling.

William chuckled. "Well, I'm glad someone is fired up, despite the situation."

"She's always been like that, fascinated by old buildings and ancient ruins," Victor said, now sitting next to his sister and smiling at her.

"Well, it's only natural. As a historian, experiencing history firsthand is something I've always desired. The smell of old buildings, the architecture, the aesthetic, the atmosphere - it's all so fascinating!" Yuu shifted to look at Victor and William, a wide smile on her face and her eyes shining.

"Come to think of it, you always spent your time in the libraries with our father, conducting research with him, or sneaking out of the estate just to attend his lectures in secret," Victor remarked, grinning at Yuu.

"Yes, he was the person I admired the most," Yuu said, her voice trailing off as she placed a hand on her heart. "He will always remain in my heart."

"It seems you had a strong bond with your father," William observed, his gaze softening.

"Yes. He had a deep appreciation for history and was a professor at the British University. He would involve me in his research and show me his papers, and before I knew it, I was becoming fascinated by it myself," Yuu said with a smile, looking down before lifting her head to meet William's gaze.

"I loved the stories he told us about bygone eras - the lives of people and their experiences. Each person is like a book, with stories that can be light or heavy. I was captivated by this, and it drew me into his world. He took me to explore new places, and we would discuss various topics and develop new theories," her voice quivered with nostalgia.

She paused briefly before continuing, "What a time that was," Yuu sighed softly. "I miss him so much," she added, her voice trembling.

Victor took her hand. "Yuu, I miss him too. I know I wasn't as close to him as you were, but..."

Yuu looked at Victor, squeezing his hand, her eyes filled with sadness and unshed tears. "I understand, dear brother."

"Mind if I ask what happened to your father? If I'm not intruding," William asked, his expression serious.

Yuu averted her eyes, falling silent as she gazed out through the carriage window, her expression clouded.

Sensing his sister's hesitation, Victor decided to speak for her. He cleared his throat. "Our father... he passed away while he and Yuu were searching for an artifact near London. It's already been three years. Time certainly flies," he added with a sad smile.

"During the expedition, as they were about to leave the ruins, the rocks began to fall. He pushed Yuu out of the way, but he... he got caught in the collapse. She tried to dig the rocks away from him, but her efforts only caused more to fall. She was injured as well, but fortunately, help arrived in time. Yuu barely survived - she was half dead and struggling to breathe. But our father was lost."

As Victor recounted the events, Yuu bit her lip, overwhelmed with guilt and grief. Her heart ached with a deep longing to be reunited with their beloved father, but she knew it was impossible.

William watched Yuu, lost in her thoughts, and observed her quietly. He could see how deeply this had affected them both, especially Yuu. His expression softened, a thoughtful and compassionate look crossing his face.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," William said gently. "I know it must have been difficult and recalling it must have caused you pain."

Victor nodded politely, his concerned gaze shifting toward his sister.

A brief silence settled in the carriage, but it was soon interrupted as they arrived at the London Institution Library. The carriage came to a stop before the grand entrance. Inside, the mood was heavy, but Yuu felt a sense of relief as she stepped out and breathed in the fresh air after their difficult conversation.

Victor helped his sister out of the carriage, gently holding her hand.

Yuu looked at him and said, "It's alright, dear brother. I will be fine," as she freed her hand from his. Victor nodded, sensing her inner strength and respecting her need for space.

Her heart still ached, and the memory of that fateful day - one that had forever changed her life - was impossible to forget. Yet, she knew she had to be strong for herself and her brother.