I can't feel my fingers anymore! Anyway, I hope you like this update
Thank you Small Aqua Phantomhive, Mangafreak666 and the three anonymous reviewer for reviewing :)
Thank you Lilith Graves and Mangafreak666 for placing this story in your favorite list :D
Disclaimer: I don't own Black Butler it belongs to Yana Toboso. I only own Philippa Phantomhive.
-Two years Later-
No one's POV
A short distance from London, just beyond the fog-cloaked forest, there stands a well-kept manor house. Its resident is the head of the Phantomhive family, a distinguished aristocrat. His day begins with a cup of early morning tea.
A butler clad in black entered the master's bedroom with a trolley holding his breakfast and his tea. He was the butler of the family. His name was Sebastian Michaelis. He had jet-black hair and a copper colored eyes.
"Young master, it is time to wake up," he said as he pulled the curtains open. A young boy rolled over and sat up. He was the Earl Ciel Phantomhive head of the family. He had large blue eyes and dark navy blue hair.
"For today's breakfast, I have prepared poached salmon and mint salad. We have toast, scones, and pain de campagne on the side, which would you prefer?" asked Sebastian.
"Scone," said Ciel as he was hiding his eyes from the sun. He started to get up, but someone grabbed his hand.
"Hm?"said Sebastian. A bump under the cover slowly came out. She was the female version of Ciel. Her name was Philippa Phantomhive. Her dark navy blue hair reached her mid back at the moment they were a mess. She was the Lady of the house and Ciel's younger sister.(A/N: Is that how we call it? The Lady of the house? If not please note me)
"Good morning Ciel," she said with a tired smile.
"Good morning Philippa," said Ciel.
"Lady Philippa how many times have I told you not to come into your brother's room at night," said Sebastian.
"I had a nightmare and Ciel let me come," she protested puffing her cheeks. Ciel was quietly drinking his tea.
"This aroma… Ceylon tea," he said.
"Yes, sir from the royal Doulton," said Sebastian.
"Philippa," said Ciel.
"Yes Ciel?" she said.
"Please wait outside while Sebastian dress me. I'll bring you back to your room. So, you can get dress and we can head to dining room," he said.
"All right big brother," she said. She sat near the edge of the bed and Sebastian was beside her with her wheel chair. After the incident two years ago, she lost her ability to walk. She's slowly recuperating. She sat herself in and Sebastian drove her outside along the way she grabbed a toast and ate it a bit unlady like.
"Lady Philippa," sighed Sebastian. He brought her outside and came back.
"What is the schedule for today?" asked Ciel.
"Professor Huges, an authority in kingcraft, will arrive after breakfast, sir," he answered as he was dressing Ciel.
"And after lunch-"
BONG!
Outside of the Phantomhive manor at the front courtyard was a stand off between Sebastian and an Asian martial artist. Sebastian was in a straight pose and as for the Asian artist he was in a sort of kung fu pose both were ready for a fight. Tanaka, the house steward, was the one who rang the gong beside him was Ciel sitting in a chair. A table was beside him and on the opposite side was Philippa in her wheel chair watching the battle intensely.
"HUAAAH! Take this! Secret technique! The beauties of nature blooming in glory!" cried the kung fu fighter. He charged towards Sebastian, but the butler merely tugged his glove and in a blink of an eye he was already behind the Asian artist in a pose.
"GAHAH!" as the kung fu fighter coughed blood.
"Th-That was the ultimate secret technique of our school!" he exclaimed.
"When the fierce tiger and dragon roar, ten thousand flower scatter and split fist… You fiend! Who the hell are you!" he yelled.
"I am the butler of the Phantomhive family. It goes without saying that I can manage a technique as elementary as this," he said coldly. He turned toward the Master giving him a grin.
"Now then, young master, as I've won this battle please review what you did today and prepare for tomorrow's lessons until dinnertime as promised," he said.
"TCH!" sneered Ciel.
"You beat him Sebastian!" exclaimed happily Philippa. The other three servants of the house stared at Sebastian with oohs and ahs.
"You're amazing Sebastian!" said Finnian the gardener or otherwise know as Finny.
"That makes fifty wins in a row!" said Mey-Rin the housemaid.
"That's my- Er, That's Mister Sebastian for you, ain't our butler flippin' awesome?" said Baldroy the Chef.
"And after I went to all that trouble of going to mysterious lands to bring an expert in chinese martial arts. I thought for sure today would be the day I would see you down on your knees," said Ciel.
"I told you we should of chosen someone else," said Philippa. Yeah, even though Philippa cheered Sebastian, she helped Ciel find an opponent.
"That is most unfortunate, sir," said Sebastian giving him a mocking smile. Ciel took the glass beside him and handed it to his butler.
"Well done Sebastian. Here, drink this on one gulp," said Ciel.
"Much obliged, sir," he said drinking it.
"By the way," he said as he set the drink on the table.
"What are you three doing here?" demanded Sebastian. The three servants flinched.
"Finny. Have you finished weeding the inner courtyard?" asked Sebastian
"Ah!" realized Finny.
"Mey-Rin, Have all the sheets been laundered?" he said turning on her next.
"U-Umm," she stuttered fidgeting with her fingers.
"Baldroy, were you not to be preparing dinner?" he demanded.
"Tch!" Baldroy clicked his tongue and scratched the back of his head. Horns started to form on the butler's head and a tic mark appeared on his forehead.
"If you have time to dally here, go do your work!" ordered Sebastian sending a deadly glare. The three servants quickly ran to do their duty.
"Speaking of work, Sebastian," said Ciel.
"I got a call from Chlaus in Italy," said Ciel as he stood up.
"Uncle Chlaus is coming!" exclaimed Philippa. Ciel was about to answer, but a carriage was coming.
"It must be the doctor," said Ciel.
"Yes, he was schedule to come today," said Sebastian. Philippa sighed. The carriage stopped and a man stepped out. He had a fancy suit with a sort of bag and wore glasses.
"Greeting Lord Phantomhive," he greeted.
"Greetings Dr. Thomas," greeted Ciel as they shook hands.
"And how's Lady Philippa?" he asked giving a warm smile. Sebastian was behind Philippa and pushed her wheel chair.
"It's good to see you Dr. Thomas," she said.
"Well, why don't we go inside and to this examination? Shall we," he said gesturing towards the manor.
"Sebastian, bring my sister to her room and come to my study. I need to talk to you about Chlaus's arrival," said Ciel.
"Yes, my lord," said Sebastian.
"Now let's see those legs," said Dr. Thomson. Philippa was sitting on her bed. He came beside her and analyzed her legs.(A/N: I don't know if a doctor actually do it this way. If not sorry about that)
"Seems the scars are still there, but there aren't any new damages," he said.
"Can you bend your legs back and forth?" he asked. She nodded and did so.
"Does it hurt?" he asked.
"Less than before."
"All right, how about standing?"
"I can stand much longer than before."
"Have you tried walking yet?"
"Not a lot. I can stand, but the pressure I put when I walk still hurts a bit much."
"I see." The doctor looked more attentively at her legs.
"Doctor, will the scars go away?"
"It's hard to say. There are some small cuts that did disappear. However, I don't know if the major ones will do away." Philippa didn't hide her disappointment.
"But, don't lose hope. You're a lucky girl Lady Philippa. At first we thought you had lost the ability to walk permanently, but your recover is quite the miracle," he said giving an encouraging smile.
"Right," she said.
"I'll take another look and take notes one last time. After, we'll proceed to the next step," he said. Philippa blushed.
"D-D-Do we really have to?" she stuttered. The doctor noticed she was uncomfortable and took her shoulders in a reassuring manner.
"I understand that your uncomfortable, but we've done this before," he said.
"I-I know, but…" she fidgeted with the hem of the skirt of her dress.
"It will be quick. You won't even notice. I promise," he reassured. Philippa took a deep breath.
"All right," she said.
During the examination, Ciel and Sebastian were in the study room.
"Then, Mister Chlaus himself is coming to England sir?" asked Sebastian.
"Yes. He rang to tell me he'd gotten ahold of what I'd asked for. It seems he went to a lot of trouble this time," answered Ciel.
"He should arrive by six and we'll talk business in here," he continued.
"You get my drift, don't you Sebastian?" he asked with a meaningful smile.
"Perfectly, sir. We shall entertain Mister Chlaus such that he is well and truly satisfied. By the way, young master, might I inquire as to what was in that lemonade? I seem to have a spot of heart-burn," said Sebastian looking ill.
"That was Tanaka's special lemonade made with 'AJIxMoto'. He probably mistook it for sugar since they're both white. I'd had enough with just one sip," said Ciel looking indifferently. Then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Ciel. The door opened to reveal Philippa and Dr. Thomson.
"Hello everyone," she said smiling.
"How was it doctor?" asked Ciel.
"Lady Philippa is in top condition. Some minor cuts have disappeared and I've learned from the Lady that she can stand now, which is a very good step. In the future she should stand a little bit more often. However, she can't walk yet," he explained as he brought Philippa to Ciel.
"Very well. Thank you Dr. Thomson. Sebastian, lead our guest back to his carriage and start preparing for the arrival of Chlaus," ordered Ciel.
"Yes, my Lord," he said bowing and placing a hand on his heart.
"See you for your next examination Lady Philippa," said Dr. Thomson.
"Thank you very much sir for taking care of me," thanked Philippa both men left the room. Philippa rolled her wheel chair beside Ciel. She placed her elbows on the armchair and layed her head on her hands.
"So, you were saying Uncle Chlaus is coming?" she asked.
"Yes, he got ahold of what I wanted," he said.
"Ah, are you talking about that thing you said to me the other day?" asked Philippa in a meaningful tone.
"Yes," he answered.
"Did he have some troubles?" she asked.
"Yes, but he got it and that what matters," he said.
"I see… Well, that's Chlaus for you," she said smiling.
A car came arrived at the Phantomhive Estate.
"My, my! Home is from this!" exclaimed the man as he came out of the vehicule.
"And it's been a while since I've come here too," he said as he walked towards the steps to the mansion. At the top, Ciel was reading a book about economics and Philippa was knitting something.
"You made it Chlaus," said Ciel calmly.
"Buona sera Ciel!" greeted Chlaus as he hugged Ciel and clapping the back of his back.
"Have you been well? And how about you my dear Philippa?" he asked. They started to head for the entrance and Ciel was the one to push Philippa's wheel chair.
"I've been doing good Uncle Chlaus," said Philippa.
"That's great and how about you Ciel? Have you grown a little taller?" he asked. Philippa giggled in response. Ciel grumbled a little bit.
"I regret to say I have not," said the young Earl with a small tic on his forehead.
"I do beg your pardon! I'm glad you two are doing fine," said Chlaus.
"You seem to be doing well your-self," said Ciel as the doors to the manor opened revealing the servants in line.
"Welcome, Mister Chlaus," said Sebastian as they all bowed.
"Oh-hoh! Oh my, You've really cleaned up this manor house," complimented Chlaus.
"We have been expecting you Mister Chlaus," said Sebastian bowing.
"I'll take your thing," said Finny smiling.
"Sebastian long time no see! I see you've taken new staff here. Here's my hat too," said Chlaus as he placed his hat on Finny's head.
"You have much to discuss with my masters. Dinner will be ready shortly. So, please right this way to the courtyard, sir," said Sebastian gesturing towards the door to the back.
"The courtyard?" asked Chlaus.
"The young master has ordered us to entertain you for all the trouble you have experienced on his behalf during your journey, sir. I hope you find our efforts most agreeable," he said as he opened the doors.
"Please make yourself at home," he said as the view of a beautiful Japanese styled garden was revealed.
"OOH! This is a Japanese stone garden. Delightful! Prodigioso!" exclaimed Chlaus impressed.
"We have tea ready for you, sir. Right this way, if you please," said Sebastian.
"The irises are very beautiful. Bare trees and flowers, this must be what's called 'wasabi'" said Chlaus as he was seated by Sebastian. At the other end of the table Ciel placed Philippa beside him.
"Excuse me. Even the tea is Japanese. I see you're particular about details," commented Chlaus.
"I deeply appreciate your kind words," said Sebastian.
"I think I can look forward to dinner as well," said Chlaus. Behind Sebastian, hidden in the bushes were the other servants who were staring intently at the current event.
"A-Amazing, Mister Sebastian," said Finny with admiration.
"He talked his way through it," said Baldroy.
"…" said Ciel and Philippa grinning.
"By the way Chlaus. What I asked for?" said Ciel.
"Ah yes, I've brought it, as promised," said Chlaus. He took something out of his coat. It was a box with the name of the game and company.
"Here is the game you wanted," he said.
"It isn't widely avalaible in Italy. So, it was quite the troublesome to procure it," said Chlaus.
"Hmph! Trouble, hm? So you keep stressing since this morning's call," said Ciel.
"Of course. The prince gives his servant a fitting 'reward' for his efforts afterall!" said Chlaus.
"I so hope this game is worth the 'reward'. The one I finished playing the other day had such a tiresome ending," said Ciel as he pushed his chair a bit backwards.
"Ciel, I told you numerous times to not do that. You want to break your head?" scolded Philippa. Ciel grumbled and came back in a straight positon.
"Really now games are easily completed by the hands of children like you, Ciel. Soon you you'll be asking for another one," said Chlaus.
"Of course," smirked Ciel a darker aura surrounding him.
"Didn'y you know Uncle Chlaus?" joined Philippa as she set her teacup down.
"Children are greedy-" started Philippa.
"When it comes to games," finished Ciel.
"And so. At the tender age of twelve, you've made the Phantomhive the number one toy maker in the country. I fear for your future. Did Lady Philippa helped you get your rank?" asked Chlaus.
"No sir, my brother is the one who made the company flourish the way it is today," answered Philippa.
"Pardon my interruption, Sirs and Lady," said Sebastian.
"Dinner is served. On the menu is our chef Baldroy's Gyuu-tataki Don," said Sebastian. However, in reality the chef just sliced the meat.
'Don?' Ciel, Chlaus and Philippa with a huge question mark.
"This, is diner?" asked Chlaus as Sebastian placed the bowl in front of him.
"I was expecting a Kyoto-style full course meal or something," said Chlaus.
"Mister Chlaus, did you know?" started Sebastian. He had sparkles around him as he started to explain the story of the dish.
"Donburi has been used in Japan to express gratitude to laborers. A dish given as a treat to a person who has rendered great service… THIS IS DONBURI!" proclaimed Sebastian. The Chlaus and Ciel were overwhelmed with this information. Philippa looked at her bowl with sparkles in her eyes.
"That's great Sebastian!" she exclaimed.
"Wonderful Mister Sebastian!" cheered Finny from behind the doors.
"I'm up next! Let me do my job!" said Mey-Rin.
"Hahaha! Ciel! This is great! You always surpriseme! A lot of the fellows in this business lack a sense of humour. But I think we'll continue to get on just fine from here," said Chlaus.
"I'm honored to hear that," said Ciel with a mischievous smile.
"WE DID IT!" exclaimed Finny.
"It was a complete success!" joined Baldroy.
"I didn't know the Japanese donburi had such history behind it. You really are quite the intellectual," said Chlaus.
"Most kind of you, sir," said Sebastian.
"I also selected an Italian wine to suit your taste," said Sebastian on cue Mey-Rin was suppose to go poor the wine.
"…" it was silence.
"Mey-Rin!" exclaimed Sebastian.
"Y-Yes?" she said. Sebastian was now only inches from Mey-Rin's face.
"Stop standing there and poor the wine into the man's glass," said Sebastian. Mey-Rin was blushing ever so red and her glasses cracked even more.
"Hey," said Baldroy.
"Yeah?" said Finny.
"Isn't there something wrong with the little lady?" asked Baldroy and he was right. Mey-Rin was blushing mad and the wine was shaking in her hand.
SPLOOSH!
"AAAAHHH!" shouted Finny and Baldroy.
"Miss Mey-Rin! You're spilling the wiiine!" squealed Finny. The wine was expanding on the tablecloth and it was coming fast towards Chlaus. Ciel froze in mid-bite and Philippa had a panicked look. Then there was on drop that fell from the edge of the table.
"WAAAAAAAAH!" cried the other two servants.
FWHIIIP!
In a blink of an eye, Sebastian pulled the tablecloth and caught the single drop of wine. He pulled further without knocking a single object and soon the tablecloth was removed. Baldroy was impressed so much his cigarette fell out of his mouth. Finny and Baldrot quickly took Mey-Rin away who was still red.
"NN? O-Ohh! Wh-Where did the tablecloth go?" asked Chlaus with confusion.
"I had it taken away because there was a slight stain on it. Don't trouble yourself," said Ciel. Philippa was looking towards Sebastian with admiring eyes.
"Excuse us for our grave discourtesy. Please relax and enjoy your meal," said Sebastian. He bowed and left for the kitchen.
"Your butler is most skilled Ciel," said Chlaus.
"Skilled? He only did what was expected of him as my servant," said Ciel.
"He's still one kind of a butler," said Philippa.
"You're tough. But talent like that would be hard to find, even if you looked all over Britain," said Chlaus.
"Of course, but that's not the only reason I hired him," said Ciel as he took the spoon and twirling it.
"I've never had sweets that tasted better than Sebastian's," he said
"Sweets?" asked Chlaus.
"PFF! Hahaha! That's certainly a very important reason for a child!" he exclaimed.
"I'm looking for today's dessert," said Ciel smiling.
"Me too," said Philippa.
"Many apologies for having kept you waiting. Dessert is served," said Sebastian as he brought the trolley with the desserts.
"That looks delicious," said Philippa with sparkled in her eyes.
"Thank you my Lady," said Sebastian giving her a smile.
Oof! Finally did it. I hope you enjoyed it :)
Review and Alert! :D