Kuroshitsuji: Another World

Chapter 10: Retirement is NOT for the elderly

Just as I was about to give up on ever meeting Tanaka, I finally found him sitting beneath a very shady tree drinking tea. He waved me over (thankfully he was not in his chibi form…if not all I would have gotten was his standard response), as I neared I smiled and waved back."

"I suppose you're the new young miss that the Earl hired, correct?" Tanaka asked, gesturing for me to sit next to him beneath the tree.

"I am," I answered politely, "My name is Nekohime, I am the new stewardess to the Phantomhive Earl."

"So young," he sighed, "what was the Earl thinking when he gave you a matching position?"

"Wait, so what you're saying is that you are the steward for the master?"

"I am, but don't get me wrong I'm not judging your proficiency at actually performing this particular job…well, I suppose I also shouldn't judge what the Earl does for the household as long it is for the good of the household."

"Well," I sighed, relieved that he readily accepted me, "I'm a good person, so in other words I'd never betray the Earl or any of the staff. So, do you have any tips as to be a good stewardess since you've been here for so long?"

Tanaka smiled, sipping his tea, "Actually, yes. Here are a few: 1) Listen and listen well, 2) Do specifically and EXACTLY as you are told, 3) Protect the Phantomhive master, name, staff, and manor, and 4) Enjoy yourself while doing whatever the young master has asked you to do."

I raised a brow, "Hmm, looks like I'll have my work cut out for me."

"It may seem that way," He laughed, "but always remember that there are two types of people in the world, the ones you can consider family and everyone else. We're your family and we are your friends. Besides, whatever the young master will order you to do at any whim of his won't be too difficult…he only allows the most dangerous orders for Sebastian."

"I could tell that from a distance," I muttered, enjoying the feel of the warm sun rays.

"Speak of the devil," Tanaka said to me, "There is Sebastian right now, my guess would be that either he or the young master has something that they want you to do."

"Aww man," I whined softly, getting up. "and just when I was enjoying my conversation with you too."

"Nekohime," Sebastian called as he approached where we were, "The master has requested your presence."

"Yes, Sebastian," I answered, my voice barely tinged with annoyance. I turned to Tanaka and curtsied, "it was nice meeting you, Mr. Tanaka. Oh, by the way, thank you for your words of encouragement and advice."

"It was my pleasure," Tanaka smiled, "It was fun while it lasted. Go now before you get a scolding from Sebastian and try the patience of the master."

"Okay, I'll talk to you later then." I replied with a final wave as I followed Sebastian back to the manor.

With my meetings with the Phantomhive staff officially over, I calmly walked slightly behind Sebastian, with determined steps (I was determined to keep up with Sebastian's long stride…it just SOOOOO did not help that he was far taller than I was. Men and their height, SOOOOOOOOOO NOT FAIR!). Still, I walked with confidence…especially since I already knew every character like the back of my hand (no doubt that my obsession with the anime helped A LOT). At that moment, I could take on the world if I wanted to.