As they walked toward the city center, Yuu let her eyes wander, taking in every detail of the view. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she observed the people passing by and the buildings that reflected the city's rich history. While many of these structures still stood in her time, others had been destroyed during the two World Wars or had deteriorated with age. She felt as if she were connecting the past with the future.

The cobblestone streets, passing carriages, the smell of gaslit lamps, and children shouting “Extra, extra!” while selling newspapers added charm and painted a vivid picture of a bygone era. They passed several cafés where people sat, chatting or reading newspapers as they sipped their tea. “Not many people these days read print newspapers; it's refreshing,” Yuu murmured to herself.

Yuu was struck by the beauty and elegance of the people passing by: women in long, refined dresses adorned with ribbons and lace, and men with canes and top hats. They each looked as though they had stepped out of a painting. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of carriages coming and going. Yet, she also saw the other side of the era.

Despite many people looking posh and refined, others less fortunate roamed the streets - some begging for money, others simply trying to survive. She saw it all, the bygone days of the Victorian era. It felt as if she was in a well-crafted movie scene, yet this was her reality - one she was still trying to understand and navigate. Finally, they reached London’s Tower Bridge, which was still under construction. She stopped to admire the view of the River Thames.

“It’s fascinating to see Tower Bridge still under construction. In our time, it stands tall, attracting many tourists and serving as one of the symbols of the city. Witnessing history unfold before my eyes is truly magnificent.” Yuu’s eyes sparkled with fascination as she gazed at the view before her.

Victor joined her in admiring Tower Bridge. “Indeed, my dear sister. Do you remember how father used to tell us stories about it? And how mother would listen so intently to his tales of bygone eras?”

“How could I forget? It feels as though it all happened only yesterday…” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Suddenly, tears filled her eyes as memories of their late father flooded her mind. She recalled the happy moments they spent together, picturing him standing tall, pointing at Tower Bridge, and sharing stories while their mother listened, deeply immersed in the moment.

She remembered how their father would lift both Victor and Yuu into his strong arms as he continued his tales. Those vivid memories stirred her emotions, bringing to life one of the happiest moments she longed to relive, even if just for an instant.

Victor noticed Yuu’s tears and the distant look in her eyes as she stared at Tower Bridge. “Yuu, why are you crying?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

“I just... remembered something from those happy days when we could all be together, even if only for a short time.”

Without saying a word, Victor stepped closer and hugged his sister, stroking her hair gently. Yuu wrapped her arms around him and, her voice barely above a whisper, murmured, “you know, the Victorian era has always captured my heart, and now I’m so grateful to experience it firsthand. I truly appreciate this opportunity…” She paused for a moment before continuing, “while we were walking through the city, I admired the view and the people. I could stand here all day. Everything looks like a painting: the people, their clothes, the carriages, the houses... It’s all so beautiful. Father would have loved to see this.”

Victor, still stroking her hair, said in a calm voice, “he definitely would have.”

Sensing they needed a moment of respite, William stepped back to give them space. He felt their closeness and understood the bond between siblings, as his own connection with his brothers was strong and unbreakable. From a distance, he observed the twins, feeling both admiration and respect for the way they cherished family and memories.

Yuu’s grip on her brother grew stronger. “Thank you, brother. I’m grateful to have you with me,” she managed, with a faint smile.

“It’s my pleasure, Yuu. We’re in this together,” Victor said, gently wiping away her tears.

“You are my strength in all of this mess,” she said, looking straight into his eyes. “I am ready to move on.” She squeezed his hand.

“You are strong, Yuu. You always have been.” Victor squeezed her hand before turning to William, who stood a little farther away. “We are ready to proceed.”

William stepped closer and nodded. “Alright.”

They continued walking through the city, with William and Victor conversing ahead while Yuu wandered behind them, taking in the sights of the pedestrians and buildings around her. At one point, her gaze fell on William, and she recalled the closeness of their encounter in the library.

A man full of mystery and intrigue, he had a commanding demeanor, and every step he took radiated confidence and refinement. Though his face remained calm, his expressions were difficult to read, making his thoughts nearly impossible to discern. Yet something about him intrigued her; she wanted to understand the real William, not the façade he presented to others.

But then her attention was captured by an intricate structure across the street, and she decided to take a closer look. Absentmindedly, she found herself moving toward it, her curiosity getting the better of her. Lost in thought, she didn’t hear the approaching carriage, its wheels thundering against the cobblestones as it headed straight for her.

Just as she stepped onto the road, a frantic shout sliced through the air. “Move away, lady!” The driver’s voice echoed with urgency as he waved his hand to get her attention.

Victor and William, just a few meters away, froze at the driver’s warning. They turned to see Yuu in the street, oblivious to the oncoming threat. William’s expression darkened, a primal instinct kicking in. Without a moment’s hesitation, he sprinted toward her, adrenaline surging through his veins.

He grasped her hand with fierce urgency and, with a powerful tug, pulled her out of harm’s way. Their bodies collided as they landed safely on the sidewalk, and Yuu found herself enveloped in his strong arms. Her heart pounded - not just from the near miss but from the rush of fear and the warmth of his protective embrace. Confused, she blinked as she felt William’s heat and the steady rhythm of his breath against her skin. Turning her head toward the street, she saw the carriage passing by, realizing just how close she had come to danger.

Her heart raced, the thrill of the moment heightening her awareness of their closeness. The warmth of his body sent shivers down her spine, and as she sensed the beat of his heart and the strength of his arms around her, Yuu lifted her chin to meet his serious, concerned gaze.

William held her trembling form close, his expression filled with evident worry. She rested her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“I am now,” she answered, barely above a whisper.

Relief washed over William as he heard her response and felt her arms wrap around him. He was not used to such closeness, but to his surprise, he didn’t mind. He understood that she needed this moment, and he held her as if she was the most precious thing in the world. Closing his eyes, he savored the moment, as if they were the only two people in existence.

Victor hurried over to them. “Yuu, what were you thinking?” he exclaimed. “You were heading straight for the oncoming carriage!”

William released her, and Yuu stammered, “I... I didn’t mean to. I saw this building and... I just wanted to take a closer look at it. I didn’t hear anything.”

Victor placed his hands on Yuu’s shoulders, frustration evident in his eyes. “You always run off, getting distracted by things and ignoring your surroundings! If it hadn’t been for William’s quick thinking... I don’t even want to imagine what might have happened.”

“I’m sorry,” Yuu said, looking down.

Victor sighed. “Seriously, Yuu, one day you might get hurt - or worse! You’re too precious; I don’t want to lose you.” He embraced her tightly. “Please be more careful next time.”

Yuu nodded and hugged her brother back.