Chương 13: Joseph and Ann

Upon entering the family library, Joseph stood once more in awe at just how massive the library was.

His family had done its best to gather books from all corners of the world on various topics, after all information is important for a businessman, one needs to stay on top of emerging trends within any type of industry around the world.

New books and other reading resources would purchased by the family every so often, resources would be updated or replaced but never thrown out. Having the System already stored the contents of the library within a newly created [Resources] tab, Joseph was going to start making his way towards the location for the new arrivals when he heard the sound of footsteps coming towards his direction.

When he was going to ignore the sound and focus on new books, a heaving girlish cry could be heard on the outside of the library's door. "Young Master, please come out. I can't accept this"- When Joseph heard this, he realized it was the young maid he crashed into earlier.

Joseph approached and opened the door and saw the young Ann with her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath after running through the corridors.

After a couple of minutes, Ann had regained her breath and seeing the door had been opened and a young man was standing in front of her, her face quickly blushed and stretched out her hand holding a cloth bag.

Upon seeing the young maid Ann trying to return what he had gifted her, Joseph could not help but smile and think about the young girl, while looking at her, Joseph noticed for the first time she seemed to be around the same age as him and could not help and sigh at the workings of fate.

When the bag left her hands a mixture of relief and sadness appeared on her face, relief at no longer being in possession of such wealth that could get her into trouble and sadness at the prospects of delaying her mother's well being.

As Ann turned to leave, she heard a voice from behind her and when she turned she saw the Young Master calling out to her. "Hey Ann do you have a moment? Please come with me"- With a smile on his face Joseph was beckoning her to follow and she did.

The two walked in silence.

As Joseph lead the way and Ann quietly followed behind, Joseph turned to take a look at Ann who seemed to have suddenly become extremely afraid of something.

Ann had suddenly realized where they were walking to, the study of the Master of the House and all sorts of crazy ideas of punishments were going through her young head.

When they approached the door to the study, Joseph knocked on the door and waited for a reply. Soon a voice could be heard -"Come in", Joseph proceeded to open the door and go inside followed by the very scared Ann.

Thedius Fallenwind looked up from his paper to find his grandson being followed by a young and scared maid. At first Thedius imagined his grandson Joseph may have done something or wanted to do something to this young maid, as thoughts were starting to build up in his head his visitors were waiting waiting for permission to sit.

After Joseph sat down, Ann did not dare to sit and stood behind him trying to hide from the old Master.

Upon seeing this, Thedius could not help but let out a laugh, Joseph looked behind him and noticed Ann was hiding behind him, while he tried to get her to come and take a seat she refused completely.

"So what bring's you here today to visit grandpa?" - With a smile on his face, Thedius was curious about what his grandson had on his mind.

"I would like for Ann to be my personal maid from now on. And I would like to do something to help her struggling family." - Joseph was quite precise with his wording and his statement stunned both his grandfather and young Ann hiding behind him.

"I don't have any issues with this, what about you girl?" - Thedius statement and question, once more startled Ann and as she looked up she found herself being stared at by both Old and Young Masters.

Ann lowered her head and managed to barely whisper out "I... I a...accept"- and she tried to lower her blushing face even further.

After that issue had been dealt with, Thedius looked upon his grandson and was about to say something when he had his thoughts interrupted.

"Grandpa, after the testing last night I would like to get started as soon as possible to learn all about alchemy as well as the other businesses I'll be involved with in the near future." - After thinking about it throughout the morning, Joseph was ready to implement his plans, it was time to start working towards his ascension through his very own business.