A/N: So, I was in a verge of giving up because of my lack of motivation to write Kuroshitsuji fanfics but when I heard there's a new season of Kuroshitsuji, I was hyped up and return to write more chapters for Black Butler archive. As for questions regarding about Lizzy and Jim's future, just wait and be patient. It is still unclear of what will happen to their relationship in the future but for now, they're close friends and allies…and the reunion with Ciel and Elizabeth will be coming soon….there's a lot of things she will encounter, learn and experience before meeting Ciel as the temporary Queen's Watchdog.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji

Chapter 11: Social Circle

It was another day in the Midford Household and Elizabeth was extremely frustrated with the outcome of her previous mission. She lay on the couch staring blankly at the ceiling, still clutching Ciel's letter with anguish. Annie's elder sister, Darlene, together with the other European country girls, was being held captive as a slave to some Indian aristocrats. They were mistreated and abused, and the very thought of it made her angry beyond words.

The letter hadn't indicated if they were dead or alive, but what was important was that she had proof that there was illegal human trafficking going on in the East End. She had to find out the identity of the perpetrator.

"Lizzy, may I come in?" A male voice said outside the tearoom. Elizabeth smiled and stood up, twisting the doorknob to reveal her older brother.

"Edward, it's good to see you. Do you have what I asked for?" She asked the older man.

Edward took something from under his jacket and gave it to his little sister. "It's not very detailed, but I've found out that a certain nobleman was behind the kidnappings. He was pretty powerful and was being protected by very influential people of High Society." He explained as Elizabeth read the secret files and documents that her brother had given her.

Eyeing his sister, he noticed a troubled shift in her disposition. "Don't pressure yourself, my dear sister. I'm a bit worried about you." He said in a mildly concerned tone.

The blonde girl smiled. "I'm alright, Big Brother. Don't worry about me. Though, I admit, I'm a little scared. But who cares? I've been trained to become the perfect wife and a capable partner for Ciel. That's why I won't let him down." She said determinedly.

Edward closed his emerald eyes. All for the sake of that Phantomhive. He thought. He was just worried that such things would be too much for Elizabeth. Would it cause her to break? She would soon realize that her actions could jeopardize her reputation as a fine noble lady and a Midford.

Speaking of noble lady, Edward realized something that he missed. "Oh I almost forgot." He smiled as he showed her an invitation letter. "It's Lady Fotherthington's seasonal ball this season. She hopes that you will come to her party with a partner, but I'm afraid I can't be your escort tonight because of my busy schedule. So I think you should attend on your own." He said sadly.

She frowned. "That's rude, Big brother. I can't go to a ball without an escort. I'll be a laughing stock throughout High Society." Of course, the High Society's criticism was utterly repulsive. A noble lady's reputation was, in fact, a significant part of being a noble. Therefore, Elizabeth knew she had to find a fine young man for the job.

He should be very handsome and look like a noble.

"I know that. But there is no one other than Ciel Phantomhive who can be your escort." He cursed silently that the Phantomhive brat was not around for his little sister's needs.

Then, her lips curved into a smirk. "I have one, and I think he would be very useful."

Edward frowned skeptically at Elizabeth's scheme. "And whom exactly are you referring to?" The older man asked with his arms crossed.

/

East End

Winter was getting even worse than he could even predict. Jim Macken stood outside of his small house chopping firewood preparing for another cold night during the unbearable weather. His thoughts drifted onto Luka. He wondered if the boy was well. He wondered if he had been eating. Where was he sleeping at night? Until now, he had been searching for him throughout the entire city of London, hoping that he would find him and ask him about his reasons for leaving home.

"So this is where you've been hiding." He froze as he glanced at the beautiful blonde girl smiling at him wearing her winter outdoor jacket. Elizabeth smiled at him. "Good day, Jim." She greeted.

Jim stood up and wiped off the dirt from his butt ignoring Elizabeth's glare at the inappropriate action. "Good morning to you, Elizabeth. What brings you here in the first place?" He asked the girl, but noticed that Elizabeth was staring at him intently. Her eyes grazed him from top to bottom. She then approached to check the side of his face causing his cheeks to tint pink.

"Erm…what are you doing?" He asked awkwardly.

The blonde girl smiled. "You're going to be my escort for tonight's seasonal ball." She revealed, causing him to fall to the ground.

She wants me to go to a noble's party? This is ridiculous!

"Are you mad? Surely you realize that I'm a commoner and not fit for the luxurious, classy lifestyle of an aristocrat. What an idiot!" He growled. He didn't like the girl for deciding things on her own. The selfish attitude of aristocrats was the main reason he disliked the lot of them.

Ignoring the "idiot" part, Elizabeth replied calmly. "I'll pay you back after the seasonal ball is over. And besides, this is my humble repayment for all of the things you did for me in my previous mission." She smiled. Jim thought about the horrible people experimenting on innocent girls in the warehouse and his unexpected stunt he did to save her.

"You remember now? That's great. So, we're going to Miss Nina's tailor shop to make your suit for tonight. So, come on." He shrieked as Elizabeth's hand dragged him to the Midford carriage and forced him to get inside the contraption. He could hear some children laughing at the display in the background.

/

Miss Nina did her job as she measured a half-naked Jim Macken who was still nervous and somehow pissed off that Elizabeth was dragging him to a troublesome situation. Elizabeth sat on the other side, sipping tea while as she waited her turn for Miss Nina to take her measurements for her seasonal dress. Ever since she was young, she loved Miss Nina's hand-made dresses. To date, she continued to visit her tailor shop to make her new dresses.

The woman chuckled lightly. "That pretty boy did a good job cooperating, Miss Elizabeth. Is he your-"

"He's just a friend. So don't worry about it, Miss Nina." She cut off the woman's insinuation with a grin. The blonde girl knew what Miss Nina meant and it was inappropriate to be seeing a man while engaged to another. However, her relationship with Jim was nothing more than mere friendship. Nina looked at the blonde boy and then to Elizabeth. She couldn't admit, it but the two looked good together despite Elizabeth being engaged to the Earl of Phantomhive.

Jim put his shirt back on and noticed as the woman was began unfastening Elizabeth's heavy dress. His cheeks went pink and he immediately averted his gaze.

Nina noticed his presence and became annoyed. "Hey you brat. Have you no manners?"

Catching the hint that there was a measurement session going on with a lady, Jim quickly left. "Sorry about that." He muttered, as he shut the door quickly.

Elizabeth sighed. "I'm deeply sorry, Miss Nina."

The woman shook her head. "If you're referring to your male friend's behavior, don't worry about it. I'm getting used to those kinds of people." She said as she continued to take the young lady's body measurements.

"Besides, even though I only make clothing for 15 year olds and below, I can't say no to Miss Elizabeth. Ah, I remember you and that cute Earl when you were young. My seasonal concept masterpiece was indeed suited for you two as a pair." She said dreamily. Elizabeth could practically see the hearts floating in the air as Miss Nina reminisced about their younger selves. She smiled warmly at the woman.

The two blondes headed to the Midford Household. Jim was astounded at how big and luxurious the mansion was, as expected of a noble. As the carriage stopped in front of the entrance, Jim seem hesitated to further. Elizabeth told him that first, he would need a few lessons on dancing so that he wouldn't embarrassed himself if they were to dance at the party.

The butler of the Midford Household greeted them. He was surprised to see the young mistress with a commoner.

He cleared his throat. "Young mistress, is that person a-"

"He's my guest." Elizabeth interrupted. "So please treat him with respect. Even if he's a commoner. Understand? And please contact the dance instructor now." She said in a cold tone. Though they were servants, treating an outsider with hostility was inexcusable.

The butler bowed. "Yes, Lady Elizabeth." He said reluctantly. Jim, from behind, noticed the butler was glaring at him and then left. His fist clenched. He had grown used to the look. However, he knew that being with Elizabeth he would have nothing to worry about.

The blonde girl smiled sadly. "Please forgive my butler. He's not accustomed to dealing with outsiders let alone a commoner guest." She said as she looked at him.

The blonde haired male grinned back. "That's alright. I would like to apologize as well."

She blinked twice. "What do you mean?"

He looked down at his feet. "For being a commoner."

She giggled. "Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault that you're a commoner. I know that we're living in different worlds, but that won't stop us from being friends." She took his hand with hers and he was surprised by the gesture. He couldn't believe that she was holding his hand.

"Jim, just be yourself and have confidence. You can achieve anything you desire even if you're a commoner." She encouraged him causing his eyes to widen. He was enlightened by Elizabeth's words. She was right. He wouldn't stop. He wouldn't stop believing that he would find Luka and they could finally live a harmonious life with salt and bread to eat.

Her angelic and gorgeous smile made his heart flutter. He liked her but he knew that she belonged to someone else.

"Elizabeth, thank you." He said in a sincere tone with a smile.

The blonde girl returned his smile. "It's nothing, Jim."

Unknown to them, Paula was watching from the other side and surprised to see her young mistress smiling at the commoner boy. She had never seen her like this. She always heard from her young lady's mouth that her smile only belonged to Ciel, but things seemed different now.

She knew that Lady Elizabeth was the fiancée of Earl Ciel Phantomhive, and it was her duty as handmaiden to restrain Lady Elizabeth's closeness to the young commoner man.

"Milady." Paula approached the two startled teens. Jim and Elizabeth saw the maid approaching them with worried looks. "Did you find an escort for tonight's party?" She asked the young girl.

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. Here he is." She pulled his arm and he introduced himself.

"My name is Jim Macken. Nice to meet you." He greeted.

Paula eyed the blonde young man. She couldn't admit it, but the young man was very handsome despite being a commoner. I wonder where Miss Elizabeth met this young man. She thought suspiciously. "Likewise. My name is Paula and I'm Lady Elizabeth's personal maid." She smiled kindly at the young man.

Elizabeth grinned that her maid and her friend were getting along. "So Paula, please prepare Jim's bath and give him some clothes to wear for the dancing lessons." He was jolted when he heard that he would be learning to dance.

The blonde young girl smiled widely. "The dancing instructor is very strict so give it all you got, Jim Macken." He was paled and cleared his throat as he followed the maid Paula to the bathing quarters.

Trancy Household

"Welcome back from your travel, Lady Beatrice." The Trancy servants lined up and greeted the young woman from her travels in America. The woman was stunningly beautiful with long wavy brunette hair, fair skin and unusual pink eyes. In the High Society, she was known as one of the most influential and gorgeous noblewomen in England. Her reputation preceded her as the prying eyes of men gazed upon her form, bewitched by her beauty.

One of the men was the wealthiest man in England; The Lord of Trancy who was her third husband.

Her mysterious pink eyes rested upon on the servants, particularly the young men. "My, things have changed around here." She said in a cheerful tone. Her manicured long nails dug into her waistline.

"Hmm?" The old butler approached the woman and bowed to her. "Your luggage is being transferred to the master's bedroom by the maids as we speak, Madame." He said, not looking the woman in the eye.

Beatrice grinned widely. "My, that is wonderful. I think I should rest for a while. Are there any invitations?" She asked the old butler.

"Yes, one came from the Fortherthington's. The event will be tonight."

The woman smirked. "Is that so? Then please tell the maids that they will prepare my dress for this event. You know that when it comes to seasonal balls, I, Lady Beatrice Georgiana -Trancy should always be present." Her voice was cruel yet playful.

The old butler replied. "Absolutely, Madame."

Midford Household

The tailor dress and suit that was safely delivered by Miss Nina arrives at the mansion. The servants took the two boxes and deliver it to Lady Elizabeth's quarters.

Meanwhile, Jim was on the verge of annoyance and fear from the tyranny of the strict instructor as he messed up the waltz steps repeatedly. Luckily, Elizabeth cheered him on from behind and told him that he could do it. Because of Elizabeth's support and belief in him, Jim was able to perfect the waltz. For him, Elizabeth Midford was his motivation and his strength. Her words that she didn't mind that if he's a commoner was really touched him and grew even more fond of her existence. Lady Elizabeth was the only noble he had in faith and respect.

That's why he would work hard for her. Just for her sake, he will do anything.

"That was great! You're ready for the seasonal ball. Congratulations, Jim." She said cheerfully as she smiled at him.

"He was splendid, Miss Elizabeth." The male dance instructor commented. He was quite proud of his student's accomplishments.

The noble lady looked at the dance instructor. "Thank you, Mr. Lucas for your hard work." She thanked the adult man in which he nodded smilingly.

"Sorry about your foot." Jim said apologetically. He counted the times he stepped on the dance instructor's foot with his heels. Why the hell do these noblemen wear heels anyway?

"It's nothing. I'm just glad that you finally memorized the lessons, Mr. Macken." The dance instructor smiled back.

Elizabeth smirked. "So, let's see if you've really memorized the steps well." She placed her gloved hand on his shoulder making Jim stiffen a bit because of the sudden contact. His left hand shivered as he moved to touch Elizabeth's slim waist. Elizabeth noticed that he was hesitating and narrowed her brows. "Jim, relax. It's just a waltz. So don't hesitate." She forcibly placed his left hand on her waist causing him to blush. How can she be so bold at a time like this? He thought.

They began to waltz gracefully. Elizabeth smiled that Jim was really working hard. He didn't step on her foot once. Jim, however, was feeling something foreign in his chest while he was with Elizabeth. It was as though he was entering into a brand new world.

They halted as the grandfather clock chimed that it was 6p.m. "We have to get dressed. We should be there at 7p.m." She said in a serious tone.

The young man nodded. "Okay then."

Fifteen Minutes Later…

Jim felt uncomfortable in his purple and violet suit with frills on its chest and wrists. The inside was excessively hot and his neck itched from the frills. However, he didn't hate the outfit. In fact, it looked good on him, as he had checked in the mirror earlier. He looked much like a noble in the fancy material.

Adjusting his top hat, Jim Macken waited for his female partner for the night. It had been five minutes and she still hadn't stepped down from the stairway.

Remember Jim, watch your manners as Elizabeth taught you. He mentally scolded himself. He needed to be patient for a bit. She will soon arrive, and they would go to the seasonal ball together.

Together...

He smiled to himself. He was going to spend time with Elizabeth that night, just the two of them. Though he didn't think much of the venue, he was quite flattered that she chose him to be by her side, even if it was just for one night.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." A feminine voice said behind him. Jim turned around and froze at the goddess before him.

Elizabeth was stunningly gorgeous with her beautiful earrings, necklace, and her hair tied in a bun. A few blond curls fell onto her bared left shoulder, which held pink and white frills. The rest of the gown was adorned with ribbons.

Jim was speechless by Elizabeth's gorgeous appearance.

She sighed. "Come along now. We're going to be late." She told him trying to snap him out in his daze.

Jim's eyelashes blinked twice as he regained his senses. "Sorry, Elizabeth." He mumbled.

The young girl glanced at him and smiled. "You look good, Jim. It really suits you." She referred to his noble suit attire.

Jim laughed nervously. "I don't think so." He then escorted the young girl to the Midford carriage while the driver humbly

waited.

Fotherthington's Mansion

Guests from different ranks and families gathered in the ballroom eating, drinking, and chatting with other aristocrat guests. Jim noticed that there were mixed races present at the event including Chinese, Japanese, Arabians, and Indians.

Elizabeth stood beside Jim trying her best to make sure he didn't get lost in the crowd. "It's customary in our society to invite diplomats to social events because English aristocrats are interested in political, social, and environmental affairs from different countries. Specifically establishing business affairs and land ownership." She said professionally.

He was amazed by that new knowledge about Noble Society. "That's amazing. I never thought aristocrats were like that." He commented.

The young girl averted her gaze. "They are and seek power and wealth, as well. You see, we aristocrats only desire one thing…glory. That's why most aristocrats desire to join powerful families. And in order to gain that kind of glory an arranged marriage is established." She explained.

"My, if it isn't Lady Elizabeth Midford." She froze as she saw an adult nobleman approaching them holding a glass of champagne. She guessed that he was the Ambassador of Germany, Lord Clyde Fisher and the other was someone she didn't know.

The adult nobleman's wide grin could be seen through the thick beard that reached the sides of his ear. He chuckled at the sight of the beautiful young lady. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, my lady. How have you been?" He greeted the young girl.

"It's been great, Lord Fisher. I am at the utmost health. I see you've from your duties in India." Elizabeth began a casual conversation. Jim, however, looked at Elizabeth and then to the adult nobleman, feeling left out.

The man chuckled, "Oh, I've retired, my lady. I've been replaced by Marquis Schneizel's close friend as the ambassador of that dreadful country." The comment displeased both Jim and Elizabeth.

"Lord Fisher, don't you think that was a bit too rude?" His friend beside him told the man.

The nobleman frowned. "I don't regret what I think about that country. Especially considering the tons of slaves that country housed and treated like cattle just the ones from Europe." Jim and Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock. It was the sad truth about India and England. Even their own countrymen had been treated like rats.

Mentioning the slaves, Jim thought about his brother, Luka. What if he had become a slave as well?

Lord Fisher's eyes pried on Jim. "Is he an acquaintance, Lady Elizabeth?"

The blonde girl turned to Jim beside her and nodded. "Yes. He's from America. His name is…." She thought of a perfect disguise name for her male friend. "…Adrian Caraway." She introduced.

Jim raised a brow. Adrian Caraway?

The other nobleman eyed him. "He seems like a decent man but…" He thought that the blonde haired young man's features were distinguished as a noble. "…I would like to ask you, Mr. Caraway, what is your family's business in America?" He suddenly asked Jim. His head was spinning. He didn't know how to reply to a noble.

Elizabeth glanced at Jim with worried eyes. She hoped that he had a better idea that would fit his status.

"Uh…my family owns a cattle farm?" He told them sheepishly in his best attempt at an American accent causing Elizabeth to respond by placing her face into her palm. Is he an idiot?

The two nobles blinked for a while before bursting into a fits of laughter. The young girl's face blushed in embarrassment. Out of all the things, why a cattle farm? She just knew that he was going to be a laughing stock at the party.

Lord Fisher's chest tightened. He was completely amused by, what he perceived to be, the humorous joke from the young man. "Americans are always hilarious!" He patted Jim's shoulders. "Young man, you have an interesting personality! I like that. But that's what I expect from Americans. Always giving more surprises!" He grinned widely. He obviously hadn't caught on to the ruse.

Elizabeth giggled and just played along with their silly antics. Both nobles excused then themselves from the teenagers and proceeded to mingle with the other aristocrats.

Both Jim and Elizabeth sighed in relief. "That was really close." He muttered.

"Next time, try to give me a hint will you?" The blonde girl whispered. The orchestra then began playing a melodious tune. The couples gathered onto the wide ballroom floor as they waltzed gently with their partners. Elizabeth stared at the couples dancing and couldn't help but be insecure. "Hey Jim, let's dance." She requested suddenly.

"Huh? Is it really alright?" He asked the fellow blonde.

"Of course. You're my partner tonight. So, will you?" The flustered young man couldn't resist her pleading emerald eyes. The two blondes proceeded to the center of the ballroom and Jim remembered the lessons given to him by the dance instructor.

Offer the lady a dance.

He lifted his chest up and offered his gloved hand as he gave her a charming smile. "Will you give me the pleasure of a dance, my lady?" The females around the room were distracted by the handsome young man asking the Lady of Midford for a dance.

Elizabeth became flushed at the presence of the unknown man before her. This was not the Jim Macken she knew. At least he had been serious about the dance lessons and etiquette.

She smiled graciously as she offered her own hand to him. "I would gladly, my lord." She answered as she placed her left hand on his right shoulder as her other hand was cradled in his left with his right hand on her waistline. The two blonde couples waltzed gracefully, following the tune of the orchestra. They were getting all of the attention of all the guests, nobles, and the hosts of the seasonal ball.

Emerald met cynical blue as they stared at each other intensely. Their bodies continued to twirl around as if they were the only pair on the ballroom floor. Elizabeth's heart raced. She enjoyed dancing with Jim as they followed the rhythm of the music. She felt as if she were flying together with him.

The music continued as the couples gathered around the blond pairing to form a circle as they danced with their partners. The crowds from the other side were astounded and amused as well. They applauded at the dancing couple.

From the crowds, Lady Beatrice watched the blond young couple with interest particularly the young man paired with the Lady of Midford. He was utterly beautiful for a male, and she desired him.

"What a beautiful rose." She commented while licking her red lips.

Agra, India

"I am really pleased that you have accepted my offer, Lord Phantomhive." Marquis Edgar Schneizel grinned at the calm-natured Ciel Phantomhive who sat with his butler behind him. The Prime Minister's son welcomed them together with his long time comrades and business partners in Russia, India, Spain, and Germany.

"No worries. I was curious about your orientation in this late hour, Marquis." Ciel said as they proceed to the factory.

The young Marquis chuckled. "You will be interested in this, Lord Phantomhive. I'm sure that you will." His tone was alluring but with a hint of darkness.

"Marquis, we have to be careful. I heard that there is some poisonous chemical in the bottom of the factory, so we need to be extra careful." A British engineer warned the influential young man.

The young Marquis brightened. "Oh my, that is very dangerous. But don't worry, Mr. Grey, we are not actually going to the deep depths of the factory itself." Ciel and Sebastian stared at the carefree Marquis with cynical looks.

As they proceeded to the second floor, Ciel's nose itched of due to the foul smell. If his asthma were to trigger, he knew he would get into trouble and cause a commotion. The other foreigners behind him could smell the foul odor as well.

Marquis Schneizel glanced at his guests. "Do pardon me. There are tons of corpses lying around here. Such a shame that the staff didn't even bury them." At the mention of 'corpse', Ciel Phantomhive froze and glared at the Marquis from behind.

The workers opened the iron door for the nobles and Ciel's eyes widened in pure shock.

He saw a horrific scene before him as young females and slave men were forced to labor in the underground mine. They were slashed, whipped, and beaten by the guards if they were caught escaping and halting their duties.

"An Indian aristocrat owned this mine and together with our company's partnership, we established an underground mining here in India. As you have seen by now, tons of diamonds and gems are displayed before you." The greedy, prying eyes of the foreigners, except for Ciel and Sebastian, were mesmerized by these precious stones.

"This is utterly ridiculous." Ciel muttered beside Sebastian as his blue eye caught the sight of some women being beaten before him. His stomach crawled from utter disgust of the horrible men.

"Indeed, young master." Sebastian commented. He could sense filthy souls around the place.

Marquis noticed the dissatisfaction of the young Earl's face and he understood it. "Don't you like it, Earl?" He asked the young man.

"…"

He closed his eyes. "I'll take that as a 'no.' Do forgive me, Earl. I didn't mean to let you see such a gruesome and…" his deep violet eyes stared at the crying female being beaten, "…repulsive scene."

The Earl of Phantomhive eyed him suspiciously. "Where did you get these people?" He asked the Marquis. There is something strange about this Marquis.

Edgar smiled slyly. "I apologize but I cannot give you such classified information, Watchdog of Queen Victoria." As he mentioned Watchdog, the foreigners became alarmed and took out their guns, the barrels aimed toward the Earl of Phantomhive. Sebastian was ready for his offensive attack but his young master restrained him.

"Don't Sebastian." Ciel ordered with a grim look on his face.

Edgar Schneizel as well, restrained his guests, foreigners, and guards. "Don't worry, Earl Phantomhive will not harm us. Will you…Earl?" His sharp, deep violet eyes were filled with coldness.

Ciel closed his eye. "We're leaving. Let's go, Sebastian." He exited toward the entrance door of the second floor.

As they left the factory, Ciel thought about how the majority of the poor people were females. So, there really were kidnappings going on during his absence as the Queen's Watchdog.

"That man…" He referred to Marquis Schneizel. His instincts were correct. He couldn't trust the Marquis Schneizel.

"What are we going to do, young master?" Sebastian asked the young earl.

Ciel thought about it. His mission in India was to expand his Funtom company territory and nothing else. Nevertheless, he had been dragged into something so dangerous and out of his cage. However, he wasn't worried about his life because Sebastian was there to protect him.

Some previous days, he had experienced tons of accidents and harassment from random individuals around this place just because he was the Queen's Watchdog, and it really pissed him off. He still had no idea who was trying to kill him in the first place but soon, he would find out who they were and collect their head.

"Sebastian, prepare a ticket back to England. We're going home." He ordered his faithful butler.

"Yes, my lord." Sebastian replied back.

A/N: And that's that. Ciel will be reunited with Lizzy….soon? I hope you guys like this chapter! Please review!