Date: September 18th, 1887
Location: Tran Estate, London, England
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength."
~Isaiah 30:15
This day had started like any other day in the Tran household, it was peaceful, quiet, and uneventful. You've surely would've thought this mansion would be abandoned and devoid of any forms of life, if it weren't for the well-maintained garden outside the household, planted with unique and beautiful flowers that would put all other plants to shame. But most importantly, the various maids and butlers rushing around the household attending to their masters' and guests' every need. However, in spite of the commotion, a pale, young woman in a black had decided to get away from all of the boisterous activity inside her household by retiring to her favourite place in the manor, the library. Knowing that nobody will go in there and disturb her had put her anxious mind at peace. She had never quite been an outgoing lady, being shy and easily flustered all her life had made her socially awkward. Her mother would always reprimand her for her antisocial and "unladylike" behaviour.
'I know I shouldn't do this. But I honestly can't help it, I've never really been particularly comfortable around other people. It's just… so… nerve wracking. But… what if they think I'm a slob… or even worse, that I'm mad? And then my parents would think I'm a disgrace and they would… no don't think about that. You just need to focus on calming down, Thuy. It's okay, you'll be away from everybody soon.'
The young woman was so consumed by the pessimistic thoughts that wracked her brain, she didn't realize she had arrived at the gigantic cherrywood doors of the library and nearly knocked over an expensive porcelain vase in the process.
"AH-"
Thuy shrieked, but she clamped a gloved hand over her mouth to prevent any sort of commotion.
'Darn it Thuy! Why can't you do anything right?'
She removed herself from where the case stood and faced the titanic, red doors. She stretched out a shaky hand and gripped the fancy golden doorknob, giving it a twist before gently pushing it open. The door opened with a few soft creaks before revealing a room with shelves upon shelves lined with thousands of dusted books and scrolls from around the world. Thuy breathed the musky-scented of the library, a small smile graced her small, thin pale lips before shutting the door behind her with a gentle click. She hummed a quiet tune as she picked out various books from nearby shelves. After picking out a mountain of books, she headed to the farthest end of the library. Spotting a spruce table with plush chairs conveniently placed next to a window, Thuy had decided to settle there like she usually does. After all, it is her favourite in the library due to how isolated it is compared to the other tables. Pulling out a chair and comfortably settling down, she decided to start reading the first book in her stack; Jane Eyre.
~45 Minutes Later~
Around Fourty-five minutes into her reading, Thuy felt parched and thirsty. She decided to summon one of her servants to get her a cup of Chai tea. Reaching into her left dress pocket and pulling out the bell she always carried with her, she rang it three times. Knowing that a certain servant will answer her.
"Thomas, may you tell Izumi to make some tea? Please?"
Thuy lifted her head from the novel and looked around for any sign somebody entering the library. Concluding that no one was in the library, she sighed and slumped back down in her chair, feeling rather naive that she thought anybody could hear her from where she is. That is, until she heard a smooth monotone voice from behind her.
"Do you need something, my lady?" Said the voice from behind.
"EEP!" She screamed, dropping her novel and nearly falling off of her chair. She turned around to face a tall bespectacled man in a butler's uniform.
"Thomas! Please don't scare me like that next time!" Thuy shouted at the man, clamping her hand over her racing heart.
"Forgive me for my rude entry my lady, I vow to never do it again." The man responded, placing a gloved hand over his heart, bowing apologetically.
"No, it's quite fine. It's not your fault." Thuy said quietly, regaining her composure.
"I heard that you require my assistance. Is something the matter?" Kevin responded in his usual deadpan voice, straightening out of his bow, and adjusting his spectacles whilst Lady Thuy spoke.
"No, it's alright, nothing's wrong. I was just asking you to bring me my tea, I am feeling rather parched. May you please bring it here as soon as possible?" She asked kindly.
"Yes my grace, it will be here in a matter of minutes." He replied flatly.
"Thank you, I appreciate that." She smiled and nodded her head appreciatively.
Kevin then walked out of the library and into the at a brisk pace, closing the library doors behind him with an audible 'click'.
