Chapter 2: Preparation
Early the next morning was a busy day at the Phantomhive manor. Bustling and rustling can be heard as well as the sounds of shouts from the voices of the servants. It was a big day for the Young Earl to go for the Queen's birthday ball. The atmosphere was both of excitement and of anxiety as well worry of strange things to happen. The earl watched as the servants zoomed left and right snatching the needed luggage and right prom clothing for the ball. It was indeed something that kept the servants busy.
"Finny, get the master's luggage full of clothes!" Mey-Rin shouted from across the main hallway where it connects to the stairs.
"Got it!" Finny answered back as he rushed hurriedly to get the luggage.
"Bardroy, have you got the young master's hat for the ball?" Sebastian asked the chief.
"I was about to get it." Bardroy answered with slight annoyance as he ran to get the hat which also came with the cane. The young boy simply sighed as he walked towards the carriage where it stood, ready to board him and his butler in. He was wondering as to why the Queen would send such an invitation to have him attend her ball. He was still troubled about that even if it meant to be a simple ball. Yet, he couldn't help but think that there was a meaning to it and that it was very important to have him there in presence.
Perhaps Her Majesty wishes to come to her ball party as a thanks to all the cases a solved for her. The Young Earl thought. However, I feel it is not as simple as it sounds. I feel there is something dark lurking, waiting for its chance to come out.
His thoughts were broken by his butler walking over to him and giving a bow."All the preparations are complete, my young lord."
"Good. Let us now leave for the ball." Ciel said in an orderly tone as he turned and stepped inside the carriage, sitting down. He shifted over so his butler can sit next to him as well. He then leaned against the window, as he looked out the window, his focus now on there. He heard the carriage began to move and now moving towards the Queen's castle.
The door of the carriage opened as Sebastian stepped out holding out a hand to support his master. Once his master was down, he walked inside alongside with the young lord as a servant came to greet them with a great smile.
"Welcome to the Her Majesty's palace. I offer my greetings to you on behalf of her. Please, do follow me." The servant did a formal greeting as they were led to the drawing room, where the guests were. There was Lau, Elizabeth, Prince Soma and Agni. He saw the young master blink in surprise that they were here.
"Ciel!" Prince Soma said as he ran towards the young lord giving a bear hug.
"Let go of me at once, you idiot!" Ciel shouted back as he tried franticely to get Prince Soma's bear hugging grip off.
"A pleasure to see you again, Mister Sebastian." Agni gave a respectful greeting to him.
"Indeed. I'm quite surprised that you would be attending the Queen's birthday ball actually." Sebastian answered with a smile on his face.
"Well, Her Majesty actually invited us to come." Agni answered timidly."So, Prince Soma then insisted to come since he heard Master Ciel is here."
"Ah, that explains quite a lot." Sebastian gave a nod. A few more guests came in as a chatter about the ball rose up to topic in the crowd. It was quite lively. There was even some chatter about the Earl of Phantomhive being around and the questions came bouncing lightly on the young master as it dragged on. Eventually, it was time for dinner as all the guests went out the door to the dining room. Sebastian followed his master and went to the dining room along with the other guests.
Ash adjusted his suit as he walked with the Queen to the dining room where the rest of the guests are waiting patiently. As they stepped into the room, all the guests rose as they said together at the same time,"Welcome, Your Majesty."The queen whispered something to him before Ash turned to say something in return.
"Her Majesty the Queen says,'It is an honor to be here to eat with you. I hope you will enjoy this ball and have a excellent time in celebration of my birthday." Ash told the guests as he glanced a cold stare at Sebastian who stood behind Ciel. A menacing stare was returned to him. He continued,"As well, you may be seated and enjoy this evening's meal." The guests sat down as the food began to be handed out. Ash took the opportunity to walk over to Sebastian with a mocking, cold smile on his face.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ash. Who would expect that you will be here as well attending the Queen. Then again, you are Her Majesty's butler." Sebastian mockingly at Ash.
"Yes, it is such a great pleasure to meet you, devoted butler," Ash replied with a cold, mocking tone in his voice,"How is the young, 'cleaned' earl doing? I'm presuming he doing well?"
"Oh, he is doing absolutely fine, Ash," Sebastian replied still a menacing smile on his face,"In fact, he is keeping up his 'clean' standard and didn't drop it one bit."
"Well, that's good." Ash answered with clenched teeth,"If you would excuse me, I shall be checking on something." Ash was clearly annoyed with the demon and how he kept mocking that his master is always kept 'uncleaned' and that it was been that way. He distasted uncleaness and soon will have the whole England to be cleansed. Either way, it would work, he made sure of that. At least with Star around. He walked into the kitchen to check up on the food as well have a quick chat with Star. Once he got to Star, he said with an annoyed snort,"That filthy demon is around."
"Shall I deal with him then?" Star replied with a menacing smile.
"No, until the time is right then we shall make him clean." Ash said a evil grin spread across his face.
"Oh, I love your idea, Ash! I'm sooooo looking forward to this!" Star clapped her hands together with a smile."When do you think we should start?"
"Soon." Ash smirked as he looked at her, his voice now female,"And we will make everyone clean."
"Surely we will." Star smirked.
*End of Chapter 2*
