Prologue
One of the things that naught a demon could escape from its clutches is a touch of a curse.
In this world filled of humans, curses are to be viewed as another form of blasphemy— disrespect shown to the Gods by an action of bestowing sorrow upon another creature. Throughout the centuries, the source of these curses were to be often found done out of envy, despair, and anger; sentiments in which each and every individual would succumb to in a matter of time. This was not uncommon in the world of demons.
Unlike humans, demons are more ruthless, vicious, and perhaps more superior than they would ever be. They could live on for decades without consuming a meal, and it lies in their possession of abilities that exceeds a human's. These creatures heed a belittling of care to none for others, their eyes resembling to ones of a predator's once its sight fell upon a prey who had caught their interest. They too enjoyed occupying themselves in an activity that brought forth amusement. To them, a game is not more than a mere match of dominance. They would go about at their game to satisfy their own senses of personification. Demons, they too are known to be the nemesis to many beings; including themselves.
"Young master, it is time to wake up."
Pouring a hot fill of water into a cup of shredded leaves, Sebastian settled the pot back onto the cart before proceeding his way to the covered windows, the curtains drawn back as the flaring rays of sun began to illuminate the chamber.
A quiet groan could be heard from the silhouette underneath the sheets by the time he turned. Blankets were draped all the way up and over one's head, and it nudged a crooked smile to appear on Sebastian's face as he witness this. It is not quite surprising of his master to react in a way, for he had done this a plentiful of times. Shortly returning to stand upright before his young master's bed, Sebastian's tall yet lean figure hovered over the bed ever so slightly, a finger reached out to lightly tap on the shoulders of the drowsy child who remained hidden under the layers of satin.
"Young master, we cannot afford to lose time. You have a day ahead of you." Came another lecture from Sebastian as he swirls the refreshment with a teaspoon to blend the tea leaves and water.
Once again, it elicited a groan from the child's lips as the statement began to stir him awaken. The earl continued to fumble underneath his quilt for quite some time before he managed to untangle himself from the sheets. How disorganized his appearance is for it was not sight to behold. There were cords of his navy locks stitching out, rustlings deter the finery of his gown as lids fluttered open to reveal mismatched eyes. Perhaps it is a mistake for the demon to have the symbol of contract engraved on the said spot, albeit he countered on about how appealing it was.
"For today's breakfast, you will have Apple Pie with Cinnamon Cream and Junshan Yinzhen as your cup of tea of today." He begins, a hand reaching out to offer the young earl a cup of tea he had prepared earlier. Ciel accepted, his gaze laboring upon the brown colored liquid for a short moment.
"What is this?"
"Junshan Yinzhen. It is a type of yellow tea that is popular among the Chinese folks. It has yet to be popular in the Western although it would seem that it is slowly gaining recognition over the past few years. I have ordered it not so long ago, and had yours exclusively made from the finest quality in China. My apologies, is it not to your liking?"
"The aroma is odd yet quite sweet in a way. And why is it that you have chosen this?"
"My apologies, my lord. Since your schedule is packed as of today, I thought it'd be a wise choice to bring you some tea that is said to have more beneficial affects on your health. Asides from that, a small inconvenience have happened in the kitchen." A smile played out on Sebastian's lips for he recalled one of a shelf where the tea powders set in jars were placed knocked over. Fortunately, not every single of them had broken into pieces and had their contents spilled out, dusting the marble floor. However, a shame it was for it would remain a considerably expensive amount of loss.
Ciel remained to busy himself in speculating the warm yet odd-scented tea he held in his hands. A sip was taken, and one sip alone was enough to have Ciel deem it as a tasty treat. "I see." The last part of the butler's statement went ignored as he indulged in taking few more sips from his cup, "Today's plans?"
"Completion of paperwork would be your first priority in the morning, and a discussion with Watson Elliot is scheduled to be hold by this afternoon. Social lessons and the principles of account comes in afterward."
"Watson Elliot? His name sounds oddly familiar." Another sip of tea is taken, a quiet sigh pushing past through the earl's lips as he begins to ponder on the name that drips a sense of familiarity. Much to his dismay, it dawns upon him of how the realization would not be seeping in as quick as he'd anticipate.
He, who had noticed this, fixated a watch on the child; his eyes glinted with a hint of curiosity. "Perhaps you will recognize him in no time, young master." The butler chuckled before he proceeds to slip the night attire off of the young male. A slick white shirt is donned, followed by a cotton lapel made from the finest quality, ornaments of beads enhancing its beauty. To favor his appearance further, shorts were deftly chosen to match with his coat. Indigo at a shade considered as pastel is the theme color of his outfit, and while the season for today's forecast called for it, it too meshed quite well with his skin tone.
Such a refining taste for the young master, indeed. From this, Sebastian felt satisfactory.
An eye-patch is plucked from the a stand nearby, and Sebastian begins to secure it around Ciel's head to have the pad cover the ill eye. "From what I gathered," He starts once more, "Watson Elliot is a doctor whose status is quite wealthy in Germany."
"A wealthy status? Inherited or procured?"
"Inherited, I believe."
"That could only mean one thing. A noble, is he. Doctors are not ones to simply be born with such status nor could they afford their own wealthy status. Unless an astounding achievement is done, that could be a reason as to why they are well-recognized enough to obtain a high status."
"That is true." Sebastian briskly responded as he laced a ribbon around the collar of Ciel's, one knee bent before him to have the knot patched with a notch. Once done, the outfit donned on the child has finally reached its completion. Lips curled, the valet then rose from his position. "Young master, your order?"
"Do a check up on him, have it reported before the time of our schedule. Once my session with Watson is done, have the rest of the today's plans cancelled off."
Sebastian chuckled. "The young master does not look forward to social lessons, hm? Have we not discussed about this?"
"And have I not given you an order? Is this one of your skims in going against our contract?" How curt and quick the reply had been followed by a glower sent at his direction. Ah, how cunning. How manipulative. How thrilling. Perhaps this is what that had made Ciel and the game itself more appealing. What more if they are tied by a contract? The proof of their forged contract lies in one of the child's gleaming eye and a mark on his hand emanating whenever given an order.
"Yes," A bow is given as an acquiescence, a palm gently wedged against his chest as a triumphant smile had begun to play across the demon's lips, "– My lord."
Published on 8th July.
Revised on 2nd August.
BEFORE PROCEEDING, PLEASE READ.
Hello! This is not my first time writing a story, however, it is my first time writing a Black Butler story. Now, before I could move on to post the first chapter, I would like to point out that this story will be having hints of Sebastian x Ciel. It is only mild, as I plan to try and keep these two stay in character throughout this fanfic. However, there will be at some point that they are out of character.
To have you all informed in advance, please be aware that I can be slow with my updates. There are times when I lack motivation, and trust me, I prefer not to do things half-assed. Until this story is complete, I hope you all will bear with my slow updates and be patient. Please don't be afraid to point out my grammar mistakes if there is any! Thank you very much for reading this.