Hola, so I'm posting three new chapters today and hopefully I'll be posting normally now.
After Fransisco left the Earl and me; we took a small stroll in the garden. He told me about his company how they were planning to expand and whatnot. He also told me that his parents used to take him too many plays at my theaters here in London or as he thought, my parents' theaters. I felt quite proud that an earl has visited my theaters. Then it occurred to me. How is it that he is the earl of the Phantomhive family? Does he not have parents, like me? Did something tragic happen? As if reading my now concerned face, the earl stopped walking and looked at me with slight worry in his eyes.
"What is the matter?" he asked. I pondered on whether I should meddle in his past or not. Fransisco would always tell me I was quite nosey, which would make me feel insecure, but I couldn't help my curiosity. I looked up at the blue haired boy with no sign of distress.
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking." I replied as I began to walk again. He did not question further, much to my relief. I rubbed my gloved hands together. It was getting quite chill.
"Are you cold? We should head inside." He insisted. I nodded and we began to make our way back to the ballroom. He hesitantly took my hand guiding me back the small trail in the garden, though he avoided eye contact, keeping his eye on the path ahead. I simply giggled and suppressed a small blush.
Once we made it back into the manor, Ciel was bombarded by the Earl Trancy with a hug, causing the blue haired boy to let go of my hand. I smiled as Ciel complained about the ambush as Alois just waved it off as if it were nothing. I always wished for that kind of friendship, though I never had friends. They both looked at me as I giggled at them. They both looked away with slight blushes.
"Lady Cecilia would you care for some crème puffs? They're rather sweet, but not as sweet as you." Alois offered a plate full of the delicious looking treats. I blushed slightly at his last comment before taking one of the sweets off the plate. I took a bite and it was indeed sweet. I smiled and took another bite.
"This is so delicious! Ciel try it!" I exclaimed as I took another one from the plate handing it to Ciel. He looked at it before taking it out of my hand and biting into it. He nodded in agreement to the treats sweetness, finishing the rest. I giggled once more as he got a bit of frosting on his cheek, using a napkin, I carefully dabbed at his cheek wiping off the frosting. He blushed in embarrassment.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for a surprise performance brought to you by one of the great talents of La Rosa Divina Entertainment Corporation, please welcome Fransisco Grato!" a voice with an English accent called from within the crowd of people. My eyes widen as I heard those two very familiar names. Fransisco, what is he performing? I took both earls' hands within mine and dragged them through the crow trying to find my demonic butler. As I excused myself as I navigated through the crowd with the two earls in hand I was on the edge of the circle that the crowd formed around Fransisco. He sat in a chair sending me a wink, before his face calmed and eyes closed as he began to strum at the guitar he held in his arms. I watched in amazement as he plucked the different strings at such speed. My eyes sparkled with envy, I've always wanted to play Spanish guitar since I was little, but it was quite difficult for my small and delicate hands. Though, I have improved a lot over the years.
After his performance the crowd applauded and cheered. I cheered the loudest. As he began to leave the middle of the dance floor I followed still within the crowd, forgetting about the two earls. I made my way to the corner in which Fransisco retreated to, running into his arms.
"Fransisco," I called, "That was wonderful! Muy bien hecho! Por favor, enséñame a tocar la guitarra como usted lo hace, Fransisco!" I exclaimed happily, begging that he would teach me his skill, as I pulled away from the hug. He simply smiled and told me that while learn someday.
I then noticed the two earls behind me a little winded from my running off. I went up to them apologizing before introducing them to Fransisco, "Fransisco, these are the Earls Trancy and Phantomhive. Who would've guessed that we were the same age? I found someone just like me, Fransisco." I took both of their hands within mine as I smiled happily, they smiled a bit nervously. I do hope we all can be good friends, at least until my contract with Fransisco is complete.
After the ball, all of my servants and Fransisco and I meet back at the entrance of the ballroom. Bibi was carrying a sleeping Nico, while Cortez and Cora were still wide awake. The three maids seemed to have had a great time at the ball. I myself began to grow drowsy. Fransisco offered to carry me to the carriage, but I kindly declined. After we collected our coats, we headed out the manor to give our thanks and bid farewells to the hosts of this marvelous ball.
"Lady Cecilia, we hoped you enjoyed this ball." Alois said as he kissed the back of my gloved hand. I nodded and thanked him with a small blush.
"We hope to see you again, Lady Avaline." Ciel bowed.
"Likewise, I do hope we get to see each other sometime again. If you have a chance, there will be performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. It's a ballet piece; I would like it if you two attended the show." I offered. The two earls nodded, saying that they would be there. I smiled and got into the carriage with Fransisco's help. I waited with everyone else as Fransisco exchanged a few words with Ciel's butler, I believed was named Sebastian. 'I wonder if they know each other…or maybe they truly know each other.' I thought to myself.
Once, Fransisco boarded the carriage, we set off back home. I fell asleep during the ride back dreaming of tonight's events and the new friends I made. Although, I can't help but feel like something else is upon us in the near future, but for now I would like to cherish the present.
I was woken up by Fransisco the next morning. As he drew the further the curtains of the window, I sat up in my warm bed, 'Fransisco must have carried me to bed last night.' I thought as I stretched my arms above my head and let out a sleepy yawn; also noticing that Pequeño had fallen asleep at my feet. Fransisco chuckled at me as he placed a cup of coffee in front of me. I inhaled the sweet scent of the freshly ground coffee beans. I took my first sip of the warm beverage before asking Fransisco of today's agenda.
"We are to meet with the dancers for the ballet performance at the train station this afternoon, Juno is still working on the design for the costumes, but she says that she will have them finished later today. After that we are to meet with the manger of the new restaurant we plan on opening up this spring. The rest of the day is devoted to your studies and practicing." He announced with his Spanish accent, rolling the 'R's. I nodded as I finished my morning coffee handing the cup to Fransisco. There was a knock on the door and I called for them to enter. Jupita entered with a dress for me to wear for today. Fransisco excused himself before leaving the room. Being followed by a now awake Pequeño; whimpering for food.
After Jupita helped me dress, we went down to the dining room to eat breakfast with the others. As they promised they will eat every meal with me. I sat at the head of the table as the men were seated to my left and the women on my right. I smiled at everyone as Fransisco pushed in my chair and placed a plate of food in front of me.
"Buenos días a todos." I greeted.
"Buenos días, Señorita Cecilia!" They greeted back happily. A bark from the hound was heard which made us chuckle.
After we finished our meal, everyone went to do their assigned chores and I headed to the study when there was a knock at the front entrance of the manor. Fransisco excused himself from my side before heading to answer it. He shortly returned with a letter in hand saying it was addressed to the head of the Avaline family.
"Mi princesa, a letter from the Scotland Yard." He announced handing me the letter. I opened it before reading it.
"Three women killed last night during the train ride scheduled to arrive this afternoon. They were employed by L.R.D. Entertainment Corp." I read out loud, "The bodies were found in the tender of the train. They were brutally beaten and their hands were cut off. They currently don't know who the killer is, but they say that there has been more than one occasions were there are killings on a train with the same traits. The killer is currently dubbed as 'Käsien of The Train.' This is…"
"What should we do, señorita?" Fransisco asked after a moment of silence.
"We're going to bring the other performers here; they might know something about how or what happened. We'll look for some replacements for the show later. For now contact their families and tell them of the news…por favor, Fransisco." I ordered. Fransisco took my right hand in his left, my contract seal glowing through the glove.
"Si, mi princesa." He said with his right hand over his heart and a low bow.
Translations:
Pequeno- Small or little
Buenos dias a todos- Good morning, everyone
Senorita- Miss or lady
Si, mi princesa- Yes, my princess
Por favor- Please
Kasien- Hands
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. This is the first arc I'm calling it 'Death at the Lake of the Swans: Hands off Kasien' I have a couple more ideas for arcs for this fic I might make more than thirty chapters if not a possible squeal. Anyway, please favorite and follow and please review, thank you! :)
~Tomiko Hinamori