A month passed and Tucker was impressed at the pace Vinoria was learning. She was able to comprehend things at the same rate as his students, if not, faster. It wasn’t long before he started to go over what Frederick worked on, and the subject excited the owner. 

The professor took a stack of unused papers and placed it in front of the woman. “Think of his Multiple Dimension Theory as a stack of papers, and each layer is a dimension or plane of existence.” Tucker taught, happy to see Vinoira following along. ”Now normally, we cannot walk or travel to these dimensions. But, what if there was a gate, or hole, to drop down to each layer.” The man then took a pencil and punctured a hole through the stack. “And like that, you can travel down each layer. However, you can’t just walk outside and dig a hole to do this. To achieve this, we look into the idea of something called a ‘Wormhole.’”

Vinoria understood the theories for the most part, but the one that interested her the most was about the multiple dimensions. It made sense to her, due to the type of folklore she grew up with, talking about spirits, ghosts, ghouls and monsters; how each kind is different and can exist in different worlds, or perhaps multiple at the same time, depending on how ‘heavy’ or ‘light’ their physical existence is. She couldn’t imagine it vividly, but she could at least understand the logic behind it and what Frederick’s papers were about.

“This ‘Wormhole’ can connect two layers together for a moment, possibly long enough to travel through. Though this is about the extent of his research, with some examples of them existing in space.” Tucker explained, as he took a deep breath and gave a warm smile to Vinoria. “Our job is to prove this theory right, and recently we think we have a breakthrough. We think we found one on a telescope.” The professor was excited to tell the woman of the news, since it wouldn’t have been possible without Frederick’s notes. “If tonight is clear, do you wish to see it using his- I mean, your telescope? That is, if you don’t mind me staying the night.”

Vinoria’s face lit up. The telescope was also something that she desired to learn how to use eventually. She didn’t need long to make her decision. “I’ll have Gale set up a room for you.” She spoke, excitedly. A rare sight to behold. 

For the next few days, Tucker stayed at the mansion to show Vinoria how to use the telescope. Once again, he was delighted how fast she was able to learn, even being able to calibrate it on her own at times. He would often find her daydreaming while using it, taking her time to look up at the stars. 

With Vinoria studying under Tucker’s supervision, there seemed to be a clear view of the future. The staff are much more relaxed about their commitment here at the mansion. The mood had shifted from uncertainty to a more positive outlook, and there was no longer awkwardness between each person in the estate. 

Adam was calling Vinoria by her nickname again. Gale wasn’t as tense around her anymore. Robin was more cheerful and outspoken, and even brought the peony flowers for her to decorate inside the house. To Vinoria, things have returned to the way it used to be, much like when Frederick was alive. 

Due to Frederick’s work being about Astronomy and Astrophysics, it was easier for Tucker to explain everything while they had the night sky clearly displayed above them. Whenever the professor would stay the night, they’d often have lovely talks under the stars while enjoying tea.

“So, Vinoria, me and some of the other professors have been talking, and because of your hard work recently, we would love to have you join our research team at the university.” Tucker proposed, eager to hear her answer. “What do you say?”

Vinoria was taken aback by the offer. She never had thought that she could ever qualify to enter a university to study, let alone to be a part of a research team. “I- Are you- Are you sure?” She stuttered her words, happy and filled with excitement, but also trying to remain calm and cautious. “A-Am I good enough to do so?” She recalled how, at least for her mother’s generation, women didn’t mesh well with the working space, and wondered if it’s still the same. Would she be able to work well amongst all the men in the field? Was she even educated enough to communicate with them? Would they look down on her if they knew of her previous status in society? 

“You would fit in perfectly, it would be nice to have a fresh pair of eyes on our work.” The professor took another drink from his tea before continuing. “You are at the same level as some of my top students, so it’s safe to say you are more than good enough.” Tucker complimented, giving off a little chuckle. “You should be proud of yourself, I know I’m proud of you.”

Upon receiving the compliment, Vinoria looked away, flustered and bashful. Another rare sight of her, but not unwelcome. “I- I will try my absolute best to be a part of the team.” She replied, her smile was wider than usual, and Tucker found it nice to see her so happy. Vinoria liked the idea, for the more she learned the more curious she became. She liked this kind of life, and hoped for many more years of happiness to come.

One night, when Tucker was staying over at the mansion, Vinoria was woken by a noise in the hallway. She assumed it was the professor, and peeked out of the master bedroom, properly dressed, to check. Before heading up to the man’s room, she checked the first floor. Perhaps the professor was hungry and went for a late night snack. 

“Professor Furuk?” She called out, cautiously. Despite her instinct to return to her bedroom, she made her way towards the guest room Tucker was staying in. Her steps were slow and light. The man didn’t respond, so she continued her search, making her way up the main stairway. “...Tucker?” 

Slowly, Vinoria reached the top of the stairs, now on full alert and at the edge of panic. During her time as a servant, she was once taught self defense in case it was necessary to protect Frederick. Despite that, she had never encountered a situation where she needed to step in and do so. Now she was doubting her abilities to keep herself from harm. Should she take another step further, should she just turn back and hide in her room? She wanted to head back down, but what about Tucker? What if he needed help? No, she couldn’t just leave him. She must be brave and just go check on the professor. This is her house, after all, what is there to be scared of?

Vinoria boldly took another step forward, making a right turn towards the hallway that led to the guest rooms. Without warning, a figure approached her from behind, and quickly wrapped their arm around her neck, locking her in a chokehold. The woman’s instincts kicked in, digging her nails into the individual’s hands and arms. Yelling, but it became more difficult to breathe. In the process, she kicked a table, causing a vase to topple. It came down with a crash, sending a loud echo, breaking the silence of the night, alerting everyone in the house. 

“Vinoria? Vinoria! Are you okay?! Vinoria…” A voice grew faint to her ears as she struggled for air. Before the last breath escaped her lungs, she heard another individual come near her. Vinoria didn’t see what happened as her vision faded to black. She felt her head start to tilt, accompanied by a faint snapping sound, and that was the last she heard… 

With the help of some of the staff, the professor was able to knock the assassin out and restrain him. While the men dealt with the intruder, Gale went to call the police and the paramedics. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t save Vinoria’s life. She was gone.

“Vinoria?! Stay with me! Please, Vinoria… Help is on the way.” The professor kneeled down to the floor and held the dead woman in his arms. He tried to pull her head back into the right position, but it was no use. 

Shortly, Curtis arrived at the scene. He quickly cuffed the assassin, and stood on guard, making sure the man couldn’t cause any more harm until the officers arrived. They all tried to speak to Vinoria, to see if there was any form of response from her, trying to keep her with them. But as the other help arrived, it was clear to everyone that she did not make it. 

Once the police and paramedics confirmed of Vinoria’s passing, it saddened everyone who was involved with the manor. To have Frederick pass, followed by her, it left holes in their hearts that may not be filled. 

With Vinoria gone, the mansion became a historical site. Gale, Curtis and Robin were the only ones left that still worked in the mansion, but everyone else, due to the lack of owner present, were dismissed. 

Tucker moved most of Frederick’s work to the university, so the knowledge can be preserved better and easier to access. The police were able to trace the assassin back to the original Redcrown family members, marking them all as criminals for hiring a hitman. Despite that, the professor still felt extreme grief for the loss of Vinoria’s life.