Ch.11
I swear Ciel overreacts way too much. I'm sure Miss Nina isn't bad at all; if she has to tolerate Ciel I'd say she is a very patient woman.
Sebastian had led me to a room at the opposite side of the parlor where Derrick and I had been practicing.
"Is Miss Nina in here?" I asked.
"Yes, she is preparing her tools for the fitting." Sebastian said with a light grin.
"Tools? This is just measurements right?" I asked less enthusiastic than before.
"Alright you can come in now." A voice from the inside of the room said.
Sebastian opened the door slowly, a bright light came from the room and once my sight adjusted it was horror. The room was a pale pink color, but that wasn't the problem, the problem was the mess of pieces of fabrics, pins, sewing objects, and measuring strips.
"Okay, I understand the measuring tools, but it isn't like this person can make a decent dress in less than 2 hours." I said.
"What was that my dear? Oh trust me; you don't know what kind of tailor I am." A voice said from behind the mountain of fabric.
She was very tall and thin, she wore a long coat which reached a collar at the neck. Basically she was a very sophisticated woman, long brown-red hair that was in a side pony-tail.
"Nice to meet you." I said as the woman came closer.
"Same to you, now what kind of dress did you have in mind today? Or perhaps would you like to browse from the Nina Hopkins collection?" she said.
"U-Uh…Sebastian?" I asked hoping the butler could help me in this situation.
"Miss Nina, there isn't any need for a flashy dress. We just need something simple yet, upholding. To show that Miss Clarissa here has a status that she protects dearly. After all, this is for a very special event that we will be attending to shortly." Sebastian said.
"Why did Mr. Stiff have to come?" Nina said pouting.
"Well I'll see what I can do none the less." Nina continued grabbing my arm and inching me toward a short podium to stand on.
"You can go now Mr. Stiff." Nina said motioning for Sebastian to leave.
"Certainly, if you need anything just inform me." Sebastian said leaving.
"W-Wait!" I said trying to stop him from leaving but I was silenced by Nina.
"Now, now, you don't want a man to be here while I take your measurements do you?" Nina said removing her coat exposing her very short shorts and sleeved shirt with frills.
Well, there goes the sophisticated part of her personality, and I thought that my shorts were bad to have in public, if this woman was to be seen out in public like this then she'd be mobbed! Well, it is very un-ladylike but I can't say that since I where shorts too, but at least they reach up to my knees. Nina's on the other hand are a tad bit too short. I guess I can't complain.
"How long will this take?" I asked as she began to take my shirt off, and I shuddered from both embarrassment, and how cold her hands were.
"Not long, try to stay still I know this is very uncomfortable for you but the less you move the faster this can go." Nina said smiling.
"Okay." I said as I straightened my position.
A few moments later and Nina was finished. I put my shirt back on and was joined with Sebastian and Ciel.
"I have what I need, so what exactly do you want the dress to look like? Nina asked grabbing a pencil and paper.
"I honestly have no idea so I'll have to leave this to you." I whispered to Sebastian and quickly moved for the door.
"Where do you think you're going Missy?" I heard Nina growl.
"W-Well, you see, I was hoping that I could go check on something." I lied hoping she would let me go.
"I don't think so, you may not know what it is that you want, but you are the person who will wear this dress." Nina said again and I returned to where I was originally standing.
"Nice person was it?" Ciel teased.
"Well, I didn't expect she'd be that bad of a person, but I guess you have a good judge of character." I muttered.
"Now all I need is an apology and I might consider to forgive you." Ciel said.
"Oh wait now I know why you must hate her so much. I mean, she didn't seem to have any comments on my measurements, but she would talk to me about how, 'everything about you is small.'" I hissed and saw Sebastian chuckle.
Ciel flushed deeply and didn't say a word after that.
"Alright alright, I'm sorry for what I said." I started and patted Ciel on the back for comfort.
"I don't need your pity, and what makes you think I want a simple apology?" Ciel said.
"What do you mean simple?" I asked.
"Well everyone who stays in my manor has a purpose to fill, so what purpose do you have? I mean it was nice of me to let you stay here but maybe you should work to have your stay." Ciel said with a smirk.
"Fine, I'll do what you want, but don't forget, if the Queen approves of me then I do have a purpose now don't I? Until that time I'll do whatever you want." I said in a flat voice.
"Oh really? I sure look forward to it then. It's only about 1:30 p.m. you have until 5:00 p.m. to do whatever I want, but it doesn't stop me from ordering you around during the ball now does it?" Ciel said.
"Sounds good enough." I tried to say flatly but there was a lump in my throat that threw off the sound of my voice causing it to be unstable.
"Are you two done verbally starting a war?" Sebastian asked.
"Seems so, anyway have you finished the preparations for the dress?" I asked.
"Yes, would you like to see the design?" Nina asked.
"No, she would like it to be a surprise." Ciel said from behind me.
"Wait but I- Uh, yeah I'm fine with seeing it when it's done." I said.
"Hm? Alright then, you can all go I will be working here if you need me." Nina said as she shooed us away.
"What was that about?" Sebastian asked.
"Oh nothing, right Clary?" Ciel said grinning.
"R-Right." I said.
"Okay then, I'll be in my office doing some paper work. Would you like some sweets?" Sebastian asked.
"No thank you, Clary and I will be working on something ourselves too." Ciel said grabbing my wrist and pulling me away.
"So, what's your first order?" I asked as Ciel sat down on his usual chair behind his desk.
"Hm, I'm not sure, just sit there until I think of something." Ciel said and was beginning to shuffle through papers.
"Okay then." I said as I slouched against the seat.
Was he serious about this? I'm bored just sitting here, it hasn't even been a minute but it feels like forever. Can't he just think of something already?
"Hm, I'm quite bored of reading. Put these papers in alphabetical order and stack them on top of the shelf over there." Ciel said standing up to stretch.
"Sure." I said getting up and took the papers from the desk.
"When I get back you'd better be done." Ciel said.
"Back? Where are you going?" I asked.
"To have Sebastian make me some sweets." he replied leaving the room.
"Geez, how does Sebastian put up with him?" I muttered to myself as I began shuffling through the papers, not long after I finished organizing the papers and stacked them on the shelf.
"Ciel isn't back yet, do I stay here?" I whispered to myself.
"Well he shouldn't take that long; it's been five minutes so he should be here in no time.
There was a quiet knock at the door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It's Sebastian." Sebastian said from behind the door.
"Oh, that's a surprise." I said as Sebastian walked in.
"Where's Ciel? He said he was going to see you." I continued.
"I thought he was in here." Sebastian said.
"So, he wasn't with you? Where could he have gone?" I asked startled.
"I'm not sure." Sebastian said resting his head on his palm.
"Well then we should look for him!" I said standing up.
"First we have to know which direction he went in." Sebastian said.
"Well, where were you? All I know is that he was heading in your direction." I said.
"I was in the kitchen; I thought that you two might have wanted something to eat." Sebastian said.
"Of course." I muttered to myself.
"What was that?" Sebastian asked.
"Eh, oh nothing, anyway let's split up. If either one of us finds him then… well I'll figure something out." I said heading out the door.
Where could he have gone?
I kept thinking of all possible places Ciel would be in, and why he wouldn't have come back.
Was he taken? No it wasn't possible, no one that I know of came to the manor.
"Derrick, come I need your help." I said as I quickly ripped off the bandage from my neck.
The seal glowed red and Derrick was right next to me.
"What did you need now?" he asked irritated.
"Did you see Ciel go anywhere?" I asked.
"Yeah, he was heading for the kitchen last time I saw him." Derrick said.
"Well then let's go to where you last saw him." I said.
Derrick quickly scooped me up and in a flash we were in the kitchen.
"How did you? Oh wait never mind." I said.
"Yeah try not to forget that I'm a demon." Derrick said with a laugh.
"I never knew the kitchen was this close." I saw looking out into the hall.
"Close to where?" Derrick asked.
"Hold on I'm going to check something out." I said leaving the kitchen and dashing out into the hall.
Just as I suspected, I had been here before. The front parlor was just around the corner, so was the room that Miss Nina had been working in.
"Maybe, just maybe my suspicions are right." I whispered to myself as I opened the door to the room that Nina had been in and placed my hand on my neck to cover the seal.
"H-Hey!" I heard Ciel shriek as I opened the door.
I only got a quick glance but he was trying to get Nina off him, his shirt almost completely off.
"Gah! S-Sorry!" I said quickly covering my eyes with my one free hand and flushing a deep red.
"Why can you never cooperate earl?" I heard Nina say.
"I told you I don't need you to tailor a suit for me, I have plenty!" Ciel said.
"U-Uh, what's going on?" I said still covering my eyes.
"Nothing, you can look now." I heard Ciel say.
"W-Well Sebastian was looking for you." I said, my face was hot and I'm positive that I had been blushing really hard.
"Yeah yeah, I would've had a normal day if it weren't for Nina here." Ciel said.
"I just wanted to make a matching suit for the dress I made." Nina said pouting.
"Couldn't you have just used the measurements you already have?" Ciel asked.
"Well those aren't accurate or recent enough for me to be sure." Nina said.
"What's going on?" I heard Sebastian say from behind.
"Oh Sebastian you're here." I said.
"Glad to have you join us Mr. Stiff." Nina muttered.
"Come on, we don't have time to waste." Ciel said fixing his collar on his shirt
"What do you mean waste?" I asked looking at a nearby clock.
3:40 already? Heh, more like barely, it seems like today has taken forever.
"Miss Nina, have you finished the dress?" Sebastian asked breaking the silence.
"Yes it's done." Nina said proudly.
"Thank you for your cooperation I hope it wasn't much trouble." Sebastian said again.
"I really wish I could see it on you, but unfortunately I must go now." Nina said, mostly directing it to me.
"I don't see why you can't see it on Clary, why not have her try it on and see if you need to make any adjustments? It's no problem right Clary?" Ciel said smirking.
"Wait but I-" I started.
"That's a wonderful idea alright, boys out, I'll call you in when we are ready." Nina said cutting me off.
Sebastian and Ciel were both led out and I was prisoned in the room.
Shit! What do I do I can't have her see the mark on my neck!
"Come on we need to put your corset on." Nina said grabbing my wrist.
"Wait what!? Is there really any need for that?" I asked.
"Of course, this seems like a very important public event. Well I don't think I can say 'public' since it is only for people with a very high social standard. So it's only fitting to dress like a noble now isn't it?" Nina said preparing the torture device.
"D-Do I really have to?" I asked but she was already motioning for me to undress.
"I can do this on my own, you go get the things you need or something." I said frantically.
"Alright then." she said.
I found a ribbon and tied it around my neck and quickly took off my shirt.
"Damn this." I muttered to myself as I took a quick glance to see if she were looking.
It wasn't long until she had me in the corset, now all that followed was the dress which she proudly unveiled.
"I-Is that it?" I asked my mouth dropping to the floor.
It was a beautiful long-sleeved dress with frills at the skirt. The color of the ocean; blues and greens blended together creating the most beautiful color, not to mention the pearl white ruffles and trim. The skirt was long and frilled, with a ribbon tying to the back. The top of the dress was very plain and simple; the end of the sleeves had white cuffs and had a white ruffled collar.
"You made this like an hour ago." I asked though it came out as a statement.
"I told you I'm no ordinary tailor." Nina said taking the dress and helping me into it.
"So would you mind explaining why you have a ribbon around your neck?" Nina asked as she untied it.
"No! I uh, I got a burn." I said quickly covering my neck.
"Oh that's terrible! How should we cover it up?" Nina asked.
"Well, it's up to you; I mean I usually just put a bandage on it." I said shrugging.
"No, no, no, that will not go at all, let's see if I have something." she said rummaging through her bag.
"It's a little much, but it will have to do." Nina said handing me a choker.
The choker almost matched the color of the dress, it was really similar, but you couldn't really tell a difference, it had white ruffles and a blue stone at the front of it. I quickly put it on trying to move as fast as I could to not have her see the seal. To my surprise she literally jumped on me.
"What are you doing!?" I asked trying to break from her grasp.
"You look so adorable I couldn't help myself!" Nina said hugging me tighter.
"Okay, I get it, can you let go now!" I said gasping for air.
"Fine then." she said pouting.
"Thank you for choosing me as your tailor I took pleasure in making this dress for you." Nina said as she began to pack her bags.
"You're leaving already?" I asked.
"Well, it is almost time for you to be departing as well." Nina said pointing at the clock.
"Wow, time really flies by when you're occupied. Alright then, should I show you the way out?" I asked stepping towards the door.
Is this dress really supposed to carry weapons? The shoes are uncomfortable as it is anyway.
"No I'll show myself out. It was a pleasure seeing you in that dress." Nina said hugging me once more.
Once she left the room I quickly followed behind and headed for my room.
Thank god it's empty.
I looked into the mirror, my hair was still down, and so I decided to put it into two braids. There was a quiet knock at the door.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It's Finny, Mey-Rin has asked you to come to the training room." Finny said.
"Oh okay." I said as I walked toward the door.
I feel like I'm forgetting something.
I looked behind me to see Gynx sleeping on the bed.
"Of course." I whispered to myself and quickly scooped up the kitten.
"Hey Finny, do you mind taking care of Gynx while I'm gone?" I asked closing the door.
"I'd be happy to." Finny said taking the kitten from my hands.
"Did Miss Nina make that dress for you? It looks beautiful!" Finny said wide-eyed.
"Thank you." I said smiling.
"Well, you'd better hurry. Mey-Rin is waiting." Finny said once more.
"Got it." I said before rushing towards the training rooms.
Once I was there the door was open to the "Fire-arms" room which Mey-Rin was waiting in.
"Good, now come in." Mey-Rin said.
"So, where do we plan on keeping the weapons?" I asked as Mey-Rin took down a pistol and a pocket knife.
"I can see we are sticking to the smaller items." I whispered.
"Well, Miss Nina didn't really keep in mind that we needed space in the dress to have weapons, so we are going to have to improvise." Mey-Rin said taking out a gun strap.
"Here, wrap this around your leg, the higher the better, we need to keep it out of sight." she said handing me the strap.
"Okay." I said as I tied it around my thigh, close to the knee.
"Now, put the pistol in its handle, the handle should always be at the side of the strap so that you have easier access to it." Mey-Rin said.
"Got it, where am I going to have the knife?" I asked.
"This is the tricky part." Mey-Rin said.
"How about I just keep it in a purse or something?" I asked.
"No, they will probably check your bag before entering. How about just using the pistol, it think that it's more than enough don't you?" Mey-Rin asked.
"Yeah I'm fine with that." I said.
"Okay then, we're finished here." she said.
"I'll go meet up with the rest of them." I said as I left the room.
It didn't take long until I found someone; sadly it was the last person I'd wanted to see.
"Hey Derrick." I muttered.
"What's wrong? Are you disappointed in seeing me?" he teased.
"No, I was just hoping for anyone else." I said.
"Ouch, talk about hurting someone's feelings." he said.
"Never mind that, shouldn't you get dressed?" I asked looking at his normal dark jeans and shirt attire.
"Hate to break it to you, but sadly I don't have any of my clothes here, I'll just have to get some when we are there." Derrick said.
"Well, it's convenient for you." I said.
"Anyways, where are Sebastian and Ciel?" I asked.
"Getting ready, at least I think." Derrick said.
"Thanks, you are such great help." I said with sarcasm in each word.
"Don't forget to at least act polite and lady-like when we're there." Derrick said.
"I got it; we should be heading there in no time though." I said looking for a nearby clock, just my luck, there were none in the hall.
"Come on, let's go wait for them to be done." I said starting to walk towards the exit.
"Idiot, you do know that there is a shorter way if you go this way." Derrick said walking in the other direction.
"I swear sometimes I really want to kill this guy." I muttered to myself.
As much as I hate to admit it, Derrick was right the path he led me through was much faster than the normal way I'd always take. We ended up in front of Ciel's study in no time all we had to do was wait for Sebastian and Ciel to meet up with us.
"Wait, if you're going to get dressed when you're there then how am I supposed to talk to the people there?" I asked panic filled my voice.
"Well, you looked as if you were studying very hard so I don't see any problem in you doing it by yourself." Derrick said smirking lightly.
"Gee, thanks." I said pouting.
"Don't worry; you have Ciel with you don't you?" Derrick said.
"Yeah, but still, you never know what could happen what if we get separated?" I asked.
"I highly doubt that would happen." Derrick said patting the top of my head.
"What about the demon seal on your hand? How are you going to hide it from everyone?" I asked.
"God, do you always worry this much? I told you I will figure something out, I'm not as stupid as you are." Derrick said.
"Hey, at least I think ahead!" I said.
"Could you two refrain from fighting when we get there?" Sebastian said.
He was dressed in a regular suit, with a long coat. His hair was combed back and he was wearing glasses. Meanwhile, Ciel who had been behind him was wearing a suit as well with a dark blue lining. His hat had the same blue colored ribbon wrapped around it.
"Shall we go?" Sebastian said.
"There should be a carriage waiting for us outside." Ciel said as he walked in front.
"So, we all know what to do if something happens right?" Derrick said.
"Yes, oh, Clarissa, do you have enough ammunition in your gun?" Sebastian asked.
"Yup, what about you? Aren't you going to take anything?" I asked.
"I don't need to, neither does Derrick I'm sure we can handle ourselves, try to stay out of trouble though." he said.
"I will, now how am I supposed to get the Queen's acceptance?" I asked.
"It won't be that difficult, just try to show your leadership and honor as much as possible, a good character is what she looks for most in a person." Ciel said.
We reached the carriage and got inside; as we rode away I saw the manor getting smaller and smaller.
Time to get this over with.
Hope you guys like it! Please keep reading and reviewing I really appreciate your support!