Whispers of the city

A brief silence followed the inspection of the book before Yuu spoke her thoughts aloud.

"Maybe the young man at the reception knows more about this book," she suggested.

"It's definitely worth asking him," William replied.

After leaving the history section, Yuu, William, and Victor returned to the first floor. William, holding the book, approached the reception desk. The young librarian, absorbed in his reading, looked up as they arrived.

"Can I help you with something?" he asked politely, offering a warm smile.

"Yes, we'd like to inquire about this book. Do you know anything about it?" William asked, handing it to the librarian.

The young man took the book gently and examined it carefully, scanning its contents.

"Yes, I recognize this book," he said. "It's one of the volumes about the lost treasures of the world. There's a counterpart that contains the key to deciphering its mysteries, but the whereabouts of that book are unknown."

Yuu sighed softly. "Do you... do you know anything more about it?" she asked, feeling overwhelmed.

"Anything at all would be helpful."

"Let me think, dear lady," he said, staring at the ceiling as he tried to recall details about the book.

After a moment, he spoke as if unraveling a mystery, resting his chin on his hand.

"Ah, yes. Among librarians and book lovers, there are whispers of a foreign seller, often spoken of in hushed tones. The rumors suggest that you might find something if you pay close attention to the city's murmurings. When the stronger wind blows, a figure might emerge from the shadows... That's all I know. I'm sorry I couldn't be more specific."

"Thank you; this gives us a lead," Yuu said with a smile. The trio left the book with the young man and, with polite nods, exited the building.

Outside the library, they paused to consider their next move. Victor turned to Yuu and William.

"Even if it's a bit vague, I suppose it's better than nothing," he said.

"I guess so," Yuu replied with a sigh. "But unfortunately, we're not sure if it's fact or just rumor, as the librarian suggested."

"Remember, you're not alone. My brothers and I will do our best to assist you," William said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Thank you, William. We truly appreciate your help. We'd be lost without you and your brothers," Yuu said with a smile, turning her attention to him.

"No worries, my lady; the pleasure is ours," William replied with a smile.

Victor, feeling a sense of inner conflict, sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I really need to get back to my fiancée."

Yuu blinked in surprise before turning to her brother. "Whaaaat? You have a fiancée? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise.

Seeing Yuu's curious and shocked expression, Victor blushed slightly. "Well, I wanted to tell you in person. And... I haven't proposed yet because I wanted you to meet her first and ask for your blessing."

Yuu's expression softened. "I understand... but I trust your judgment, dear brother. If you think she's the one, go for it," she said with a wink.

"But please, tell us more," Yuu added, her curiosity piqued.

"Your trust means a lot, Yuu," Victor said, his face brightening as his initial embarrassment faded.

"Well, her name is Annabella. We met at university, chose the same subjects, and started talking more and more... and I developed feelings for her."

"Is she a commoner or a noble? You know how our grandmama doesn't approve of commoners - just like she didn't approve of Mama's marriage to our father. It's sad when people get fixated on such trivial things..." Yuu said, gazing off into the distance.

Feeling warmed by his sister's support, Victor continued. "She's a noble lady, and very kind. I can see a future with her."

Yuu took Victor's hand and said, "then you have my blessing. Finding true love is rare. I wish you all the best and hope she says 'yes' to your proposal."

William, who had been following their conversation and feeling genuinely moved, chimed in.

"Congratulations, Victor. I truly wish happiness for you and your future bride. But I must admit, from what I've gathered, your grandmother seems quite set on everything being done according to her own judgment," he said thoughtfully.

"Yes, she has her ways," Yuu replied, releasing Victor's hand. "She always tries to control everything, never letting us choose what we want or follow our hearts. Because of her, our parents never got married," Yuu added, her voice tinged with sadness.

She paused for a moment before continuing. "But I never intended to follow her path. I will always follow my heart and my feelings. That's how I choose to live," she said confidently. "I just want to be myself," she added, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at William.

"Well said, my lady. It's always best to follow your own path," William replied with a smile, his expression approving.

"And if you're seeking grandmama's approval, Victor, I believe it'll be easier for you to get." Feeling a bit bold, Yuu asked a pressing question, her eyes on her brother as she giggled. "So, have you two, um, been intimate?" she asked, waiting eagerly for his reaction.

"Yuu! That's very personal!" Victor replied, his cheeks turning rosy with embarrassment. "But no, we haven't. I'm waiting for the wedding, if she even says 'yes' to my proposal."

"My brother is so adorable!" Yuu said mischievously, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But that's just like you - the gentleman type. I'm happy for you, Victor."

Yuu, clearly not ready to end the conversation, turned her attention to William. "What about you, William? Do you have someone special?"

William, taken aback by the sudden shift in attention, quickly composed himself. "Well, I'm too dedicated to my work. I haven't had time for romance."

"Is that so? Well, maybe love is just around the corner. Who knows?" Yuu said with a soft giggle.

"And how about you, sis? Has someone captured your heart? You never mentioned any love adventures," Victor winked.

"Because there's nothing to tell, actually," Yuu said with a shrug. "I've been more immersed in traveling and wandering from place to place. Fleeting romances aren't for me. Besides, most men find me too complicated or boring. They're interested in my looks, but then they don't care about my character. I don't believe love should be forced; it has to come naturally."

"What do you mean, Yuu?" Victor asked, looking puzzled. "What men?"

Yuu took a deep breath before responding. "Well, you know how grandmama is. She's always planning our futures and insisting that our partners be nobles or from prominent families. She's tried to set me up with various lords..." Yuu said, looking uncomfortable as she recalled those events. "I did my best to engage in conversations with the lords to avoid disappointing her, but they often said they weren't interested in a 'library princess.' Honestly, I think it's for the best, as I didn't see them as equal partners."

"I didn't know that, Yuu," Victor said, looking surprised.

"I just want to experience the same kind of love that Mama and Papa had. When they were together, it felt like the whole world disappeared. They would get lost in each other's eyes, and you could truly feel their emotions. But... let's not dwell on the past," Yuu replied with a sad smile, briefly glancing at the sky before speaking again. "William... I have a request. Since we're already in the city and don't have any solid leads at the moment..." She paused, glancing at her fidgeting fingers before looking back at William. "Could we explore the city? I want to experience Victorian London firsthand. I've read a lot about it, but seeing it in person is something I truly desire. Also... there's a particular place I'd like to visit - it's very important to me. We don't know how long we'll be here or if we'll get another chance to explore while we're busy with the search." Yuu's eyes sparkled with sincerity as she made her request.

William saw the determination in Yuu's eyes, along with a hint of vulnerability. "Of course, Yuu. There's no rush. We can certainly fulfill your request today."

Yuu's enthusiasm was palpable as she briefly hugged William. "Thank you, William. You're a true friend!" Her eyes glistened with gratitude. Stepping back, she added, "then let's go explore and see where the day takes us!" She spoke with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she moved to the front of the group.

William, clearly taken aback by her warmth and carefree spirit, simply looked at her and smiled.

Yuu took the lead, strolling ahead of them. Victor and William walked together.

"She can be a bit much sometimes, but she means no harm," Victor whispered.

"She is certainly unconventional," William remarked with a soft giggle, watching her lead the way. "But I find it refreshing. It's clear she's enjoying this."

"I'm glad to hear that," Victor said, his expression reflecting his relief.

"Oh, when it comes to exploring or experiencing new things, she dives right in without much thought," Victor said, watching Yuu march ahead of them. "She was always the type to run off and explore ruins or abandoned places. Her eyes would light up when she discovered something new, and she'd come home covered in mud or dirt," he added, his expression warm with nostalgia.

"She sounds like a very enthusiastic lady - full of life and curiosity. Like a breath of fresh air," William remarked, his gaze fixed on Yuu's silhouette.

"Indeed," Victor replied, admiring his sister.