Chapter 35
The attention span of young men often sent Bastian reeling. When it came to certain topics such as women or sport all other gossip that fluttered around the school would be pushed aside in favor of what truly and currently mattered to them. It so happened that the current important topic that mattered happened to be the upcoming event: the Cricket Tournament.
Bastian lounged by the lake's shores where he could watch the Rowing team practice before the tournament started. The weather was steadily warmer, so many students, especially the younger years, took to rolling up their trousers to wade in the shallows merrily splashing one another in gay abandon. The older students like him stayed beneath the trees to escape the harsh sunlight, hoping it would cool them down. Yet, with the buzz of the tournament in the air, it did not calm their excitement.
"Look at them, getting worked up over a sport," Michealis commented as dry as the grass beneath them. He sat beside Bastian, book in hand to read while keeping him company. "I cannot wait until this is over so everything will return to normal. I don't want to hear gossip anymore."
"I am surprised you have not been taken by their infectious attitude," Bastian drawled, lying on his back. He stared up at the green leaves to watch them sway in the wind. "Were you not asked to be a player at this time?"
"I was, but it wasn't something I enjoyed. Not to mention the fire that happened before."
Ah, yes. There was that. With everything going on how he could ever forget the fire at the Violet Wolf dormitory? They were still feeling the aftereffects of that night.
Somehow, one night, the Violet Wolf dormitory caught fire. It happened late one evening and came out of nowhere when the few students awake at the time caught sight of the blaze. The other dormitories spread the alarm. Bastian vividly remembered being shaken in the dark by Midford, being told to get up to help put the fire out. Bastian was thankful it was dark and everyone was so preoccupied to notice his wig (which he wore to sleep) was askew. He managed to fix it before running out the door.
At the affected dorm the other dormitory students had rushed to aid in putting out the fire. Buckets of water were carried over to the building, the braver students going inside to carry the water directly to the blaze. Through all of their efforts (and one handy Indian elephant), the fire was put out. There were limited casualties with the dorm having sustained only smoke damage to its interior. With the Violet Wolf students out of a shelter, each dorm prefect decided to take them into their own rooms until their building was repaired.
All of this was accomplished by dawn.
Even now, they all had Violet Wolf members inside their dorms along with the Cricket Tournament to prepare for in two days' time. It was all an exhausting affair. It was good that the tournament preparations were so important, classes were put on hold until its end. That left the other students to relax and help with preparations.
"Speaking of the tournament," said Bastian, remembering an important fact about his companion, "do you not already know who will be the victor?"
"Yes I do," Michealis said as he turned a page. "That does not mean I will spoil the outcome for you."
"Why not? For a sporting event like this, I doubt it would have a great impact if I do."
"Bastian, you all of people should know that an 'insignificant' event can have the largest impact in the future. Take what almost happened to your sister for example."
Yes, he did know that even the smallest, unimportant thing could have the greatest repercussion in the future. It did not mean he wished to accept it when he did not know how a cricket tournament could affect their future.
"I suppose you are right," Bastian grumbled, squinting at the leaves until his eyelids were slits. "You are far too cryptic for your own good. I take it you find pleasure in withholding future events from me and Viola?"
"Why, yes I do. It's the only form of entertainment I can get from this time period. Watching all of the drama in your daily lives is the equivalent of trash telly from our time." Michealis paused when they heard a voice yelling for Victor Valentine behind them. "Oh, look. Here's another chance for you to entertain me. Try not to mess this up."
Bastian sat up, twisting his body around to seek out who called his name. Rushing through the grass was Marshall, who was headed straight for their tree. When he reached the shade line he slowed to a halt, panting lightly and sweat on his brow.
"Good day, Marshall," he greeted. There was no way Michealis would say a word, seeing as how he had buried his nose in his book again. There was no doubt in his mind that the demon was eavesdropping. "What brings you to the lake today? I would have thought you would be busy with the tournament."
"Practice does not start for another hour," replied Marshall, curtly. He stood up straight, squaring back his shoulders, upon mention of being on the Scarlet Fox cricket team. "Because of that, I am in a hurry. I hurried to find you to discuss something important with you."
"Such as?"
Marshall glanced uncertainly at Michealis. When he saw that the demon was not paying attention he stepped forward and took a seat beside Bastian. He leaned in close to whisper, "Why are you allowing your relative to attend this school when she is a woman?"
At first Bastian did not comprehend the question. He was sure he misheard him. Then, as he ran the question through his mind once more, he made an undignified noise in his throat.
"Is that a joke, Marshall? I did not know you were a jester," he laughed with a nervous hitch.
"It is not a joke! Vincent is actually a woman named Viola Dupree, correct? I know this because she told me herself."
My God, Viola! Irritation flared to heat his cheeks as he bit the inside of his mouth. The sharp pinch abated his undeniable urge to track Viola down and scold her. How in the world did Marshall convince Viola to tell him her gender? Obviously it had to be against her will. The question was how he managed to find out when she had been so careful to conceal her true self.
"When did you find out?"
"The night of the fire a few days ago. I found out when she was getting ready to bathe. I was still awake when she snuck out of our dorm room. I was curious about what she was doing and followed her to the bathroom where I, uh…" Marshall coughed uncomfortably as Bastian narrowed his eyes. Was he implying what he thought? "Anyway, Kadar also followed me as well and he confirmed the truth as well. I was also told that she is his fiancé and that she wished to attend this college. What I wish to ask you is why you would allow her to?"
"Why would you think I have any control over her?" Bastian sighed, resigning himself to this. As always, because of Viola, he had to deal with the aftermath made from her mistakes.
"You are her brother! If you knew what she was doing, you should have stopped her."
"I am her cousin. While I did know what she was doing, that does not mean I have control over her actions."
"Of course you do. You should, by default, be the one telling her what she can and cannot do!"
"No it does not. Viola is a bull-headed woman who refuses to allow others to control her. Whatever thought is in her head, she will go through with it and ignore any protest against it. Despite being male, I do not, and will not, control her actions. I can only do my best to support her."
It was an unfortunate fact Bastian had learned over his acquaintance with Viola. While they were both stubborn as mules, more often than not it was his female counterpart who gave into her urges and went through with her plans. No matter how much he raged and pleaded, the only way he could even control a portion of her decisions was to go along with them and support her. He would have been more annoyed with her had she not done the same for him.
"So you would allow your cousin to attend a male college, which goes against all of our traditions, just to go along with it?" Marshall accused. "How can you be so irresponsible. She is sullying our school's good name!"
"Then why accuse me when you could have told the principal or the prefects?" Bastian challenged. He did not like the tone he took. "Surely, if you knew about Viola's true identity, you could have told any of the teachers or prefects. Yet, the fact that you are here to accuse me instead means you have not. I wonder why that is?"
It was a curious thing how Marshall's face turned pink and it was notable on his tan skin.
"That is because Kadar and Viola asked me to not say anything. They made me promise to keep their secret since she said she would leave after the tournament. But if what you said is true about her stubbornness, I cannot help but feel she will extend her stay. That is why I have come to you to ask that you convince her to leave."
"What makes you think I can convince her?"
"You two are close, are you not?" He nodded. "Then she will consider your advice if you tell her why she should leave for the sake of our school. Having a woman here is against all of our traditions and it bothers me to know she is here."
"So in the end it all comes down to tradition." As always, the school's traditions came first and foremost on its grounds. The students adhered to it like it was a religion. From a young age, they learned this and would always remember it. Bastian stared out at the water, wondering if those carefree boys would also feverently uphold the traditions laid by generations of young men. It would disappoint him if they did. "I apologize, Marshall. There is nothing I can do. My cousin does as she pleases. Yet, if she said she is leaving after the cricket tournament, then she will. She is a woman of her word."
"If you say so," Marshall muttered, doubtful but complying. He frowned as he stood. "That is all I wished to discuss. Now if you will excuse me, I have to head to practice. Goodbye, Valentine."
"Good luck with the tournament," Bastian bid in all sincerity. He may not have cared for cricket, but he did not want the other dorms to win. He was, above all, a Scarlet Fox.
He nodded and ran off back towards the school buildings, disappearing among the students.
"Was it wise to tell him that Viola does what she wants?" Michealis lowered his book to raise an eyebrow.
"It is the truth. You know how that girl is. She'll act out and do what she wants no matter what I say."
"I know, but you should be more careful of what you tell people."
"I do know that. However, I cannot help but be short with him the moment he brought up his reasoning behind all this. Tradition. Bah!" Bastian scoffed, lying back down to rest his head on his arms. "All because of tradition, he is bothered by Viola's presence in the school. I know that having a woman here is against common decency, but it is silly how concerned he is about it."
"What do you expect? During this time, schools were more concerned about molding the students into leaders. They are like sheep being herded by shepherds, tamed to do as they are told, in hopes they will pass on their ideals. At least in the future they are more subtle about it."
"That is a good analogy." Bastian could see the comparisons. Sheep tended to do as they were told when fenced in somewhere. The students were doing as they were told by the teachers instead of forming their own opinions. It was no wonder he despised this school and he would be glad when this mission ended. "Hopefully this mission will end soon so I can get away from these sheep."
"Do not worry, Bastian. You will soon get your wish. What you should be hoping for is coming out of this mission in one piece."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Just a warning."
A cold sweat broke out on his back. Whatever Michealis meant did not bode well for him. Bastian had never received a warning from him on the Campina. Michealis himself kept all future knowledge of the events, saying he could not interfere. If this was true, why did he bother to warn him?
Bastian sorely regretted taking this mission if such a warning was given to him.
xxx
On the night of June 3, the eve before the cricket tournament, was to be a night of relaxation. It was when the students' families could come to watch their relatives participate in an age old game. It was one large party, and a joyous one at that.
Bastian himself wandered through the semi-crowded dining hall-one of the largest rooms in the entire school. It was one they rarely used as it was used during special occasions like the cricket tournament as well as the feasts at the beginning and end of the year. The room itself had a high vaulted ceiling where multiple bronze chandeliers hung in two wide rows over their heads. The spacious hall was decorated well with various white-clothed tables dotted on either side of the dias in the room's center. There were five doors in total, yet four of them, each branded with the school's four dormitories' symbols, that led to other parts of the building. Two doors on each side of the dias flanked it as a velvet red carpet was laid in front of each door to the platform.
It took hours to set this all up and it resulted in an impressive view.
Awe and laughter filled the hall to lighten everyone's hearts. Normally Bastian disliked this atmosphere. He did not enjoy this as much as everybody because of how many people there were. After living a sheltered childhood and working in a small family environment, he was unused to this many people outside his small social circle. Not without Viola around at least. He was alone in this crowded room since his companions were taking part in the tournament and Viola and Michealis were nowhere to be found. In fact he had not seen either of them in the past two days.
This was odd since he thought Viola would want to attend such a party. Their classmates were there, which meant they were not completely surrounded by strangers. He wandered around the room in hopes he would encounter her somewhere.
He was unable to when someone stepped up to the podium at the front of the room. He cleared his throat and, in an instant, the noise died down.
"My apologies for disturbing your conversations," said Professor Agrares, a tall fellow swathed in black robes and had dark hair hidden beneath his square academic hat. He addressed the room at large as the Vice Principal everyone knew he was. "Everyone, I welcome you to the opening ceremony to the traditional Fourth of June cricket tournament. I am glad we are able to open the tournament safely again this year. Please enjoy this night-before feast." He cleared his throat. "Well then. Will the dormitories' representing players come forward?"
At his declaration the ground near the Green Lion door began to rumble. It startled many and felt as if an entire army was marching towards them. Many boys whispered excitedly around Bastian.
"Here they come! They never let any of the other dorms overtake them in overwhelming physical ability or team effort!" The doors burst open and, through them, marched in the Green Lions students clad in steel armor and chainmail. At the forefront was Greenhill carrying the torch as Midford fell into step behind upholding a green banner bearing a lion. "Top of the world, Green Lion!"
The crowd did not watch them for long. They became distracted by the red rose petals that fell from somewhere, the scent carried from the Scarlet Fox door.
"Look!" a boy yelled to Bastian's left. "The second placed dorm that was on Green Lion's heels until the end last year! They charm the visitors with their beautiful play." The doors slowly opened. In swept the Scarlet Fox team carrying their own banners. They were all dressed in velvet red overcoats trimmed in Snow White fur. Unlike the brusque knights, they elegantly made their way in as they handed roses to those standing close. "Beautiful Eden, Scarlet Fox!"
Then, rather abruptly, the lights went out. Bastian noticed a ghostly purple flame close to where the Violet Wolf door was supposed to be.
"C-Could it be?" a few frightful students murmured. "They say they confuse their opponents with their foreseeable tricky play. The Ghost Legion, Violet Wolf!"
The lights slowly turned back on to reveal the Violet Wolf team standing nowhere near their entrance. All were dressed in black cloaks, the hoods drawn up to hide their eyes. Bastian was impressed they managed to get inside the room without being seen or heard.
Finally, they heard wings flutter from above. Bastian peered up to see snowy owls circling near the ceiling.
"Those birds," said someone. Bastian lost track of the conversation. "It's that dorm. Their physical ability isn't good, but they aim for an opening with their game making strategies…"
The owls flew down, their feathers barely ruffling as the Sapphire Owl doors opened. The team entered in time to allow the birds to perch on their arms. Bastian held back a snicker when he spotted Ciel, who was shorter than the entire team. He let it loose at the voice of Elizabeth, squealing and cheering her fiancé on.
The four teams gathered at the steps of the dias. The four prefects stepped up, branding their unique torches.
"Light the flame of St. George!" Prof. Agrares commanded.
"All of us players," Greenhill started in a solemn voice.
"Vow to keep," Bluer continued.
"To the tradition of Weston College," Redmond recited.
"And fight fair and square until the end," Violet finished in a clear tone.
As one, they raised their torches to the goblet. It lit in one glorious blaze before settling to a warm height. Everyone cheered.
"And with this I declare the 1889 school year's dormitory cricket tournament open!"
Bastian winced at the loud cheers, the room's acoustics doubling their volume. Now he remembered why he never enjoyed the opening ceremonies very much.
Once they all settled Prof. Agrares bid everyone to enjoy the night's festivities and mingle to their heart's' content. When he stepped down from the podium (more like tumbled down), it was the signal for the party to start. The teams dispersed, students seeking out their friends and family. Speaking of which, Bastian needed to find his own.
"That was some opening ceremony. It reminded me of the Olympics," giggled a familiar voice. A hand touched the crook of his arm as a soft body pressed against his side. He glanced over and gasped.
"What are you doing?" Bastian exclaimed. He could not tear his eyes away from Viola dressed in an elegant mint green dress and her natural blond hair tied back in a bun. She beamed at him, the subtle makeup she applied making her glow. She was beautiful as always, yet it could not have made him more nervous. "Why are you dressed like that! Are you mad?"
"Not at all. The reason I look like this is because I want to," she responded, smoothing down her hair. "I got too tired of dressing like that for weeks on end. My body could only take so much of that. The moment I heard visitors were coming I wrote a letter to Madame Red to bring me some clothes so I could attend the party as myself. And here I am."
"You grew tired of dressing like that?" He never thought he would hear her say that. "I thought you despised being restricted by gender roles?"
"I happen to love my femininity, thank you. I was serious when I said that my body couldn't take it anymore. My chest started to hurt because I kept binding it. Anyway," Viola abruptly said, changing the subject, "with the party in full swing it's time to mingle! Come on! There are people who want to see you."
"Like who?"
"You'll see." Viola winked at him and pulled him through the crowd.
She pulled him past many students and their families, laughing and catching up on their lives. Because of the amount of people, it was difficult to hear anything anyone said. He was dizzy from trying to subconsciously understand what they were all saying. Were it not for Viola, he would have fallen to the floor trying to reorient himself. They made their way through until they came upon a group of women. When he saw them Bastian had to take a moment to identify them.
"Mot-Uh, Lady Emrys!" he exclaimed. He could not believe that his mother and sisters had come to the school. They were all chatting amongst themselves when he had spoken. When they turned to him he also spotted Lucinda standing with them as well.
"Bro-Mr. Valentine!" Christine caught herself. She and Alyssa approached him, both grabbing his arms to drag him into their circle. Viola had long relinquished her hold on him, amused by his older sisters' handling. He was taken to stand amongst them and was scrutinized.
"Oh, my! I never imagined you in glasses, Mr. Valentine," Alyssa laughed in delight. She reached a silk-covered hand to his face to fix the frames. "They are becoming of you. Why had we not thought of that before?"
"That is because it hides his handsome face," Rebecca commented. She, too, laid a hand on him to fix his hair falling across his face. "You should have fixed yourself before the party. Your hair could be mistaken for a bird's nest."
"Oh, Mr. Valentine. Your tie is crooked as well," Christine sighed, moving to fix it.
"And your blazer has lint on it! My goodness, you should have brushed it!" Marlene stepped behind him to run her hand down the back of his coat.
"M-Miladies…." Bastian squirmed as his sisters fixed his appearance for him. He was embarrassed to admit that the combination of living as a servant and amongst other boys had made him lax in rooming before social events. None of the students in Green Lion seemed to care about that type of thing in daily life. To have his sisters comment on it made him uncomfortable-especially when Lucinda was closeby. He was often scolded if he did not make himself presentable in front of his fiancé when they were engaged. "Please control yourselves! We are in public!"
His sisters' actions froze as they realized what they were doing. They stepped back, sheepish looks on their faces.
"Apologies, Mr. Valentine," said Marlene on their behalf. "Seeing you again after what occurred last time has made us forget ourselves. And to see you in that uniform once again has made me, personally, nostalgic."
"Although the color is different. Really, Mr. Valentine, you are in the Green Lion dormitory?" Christine giggled, bringing up her hand to cover her grin.
"Here I thought Mr. Valentine was not known for his physical prowess," Alyssa teased.
"Now, now, sisters. We cannot judge Mr. Valentine for something as silly as a dorm placement," Rebecca lightly chided as the eldest daughter should.
"Rebecca, did you not say that he were better of in any other dorm than the so-called 'Lion Pride?'"
"Hush, sister!"
"I've missed this," Viola commented as his sisters teased and giggled at one another. "It's been awhile since we got to spend time with them, huh? I bet you must have missed them too."
"I have. Because I had not seen them last Easter, I have missed their company." As his sisters said, the last time he saw his family was during the Campina tragedy's aftermath. He stayed well away from them on the rescue ship. He was glad to see them after so long. "Were you the one to invite them here?"
"Of course I was. I know you missed them. Though," she dropped her tone to a whisper, "I didn't invite Lucinda. I think she tagged along or your mother invited her."
"I know you would not do that yourself." After the Easter party, Viola had told him Lucinda did not intend to give up on him. With no marriage or engagement to intimidate him she thought the best way to try to get him to love her was to get to know him just as Viola forced her suitors to. Bastian thought this was nothing but a hindrance. He wished she would give upon him. "Still, it was thoughtful of you to write them. I appreciate it."
She merely smiled at him, practically bouncing on her heels to make them click on the marble floor.
"This event brings back memories." Lucinda finally worked up the courage to approach him. She was radiant once more since she had abandoned the black, dour outfits she had taken to wearing in the past year. Her dress was a cream color and made of silk and transparent cloth. This cloth was used to layer the different shades of cream to create a subtle beauty. She was obviously trying to impress him since she knew he preferred her hair down. She had even gone as far as to weave in flowers in her few braided locks above her ears. "Do you remember, Mr. Valentine? You used to be so embarrassed every June Third because of how much your sisters fretted on you. They missed you so much you would allow it."
"I do recall you would be so flustered whenever we visited," Francesca lightly laughed, coming to stand beside Viola to smooth her hair. "You would say you did not want us doting on you around your classmates. In the end you allowed it because the girls would continue to do so otherwise."
"Did you come here every year since his enrollment?" asked Viola.
"We did. Even though my son did not participate in the sport, we would come to see him. The letters he sent home made us miss him with each one."
"Was he ever homesick?"
"During the first two years, I was," Bastian answered, reminiscent. For the first two years he would get homesick after break. He would miss his sisters and mother greatly, and often debated begging his parents to let him return home. In the end he never did. Soon, he became better at managing his homesickness and adjusted to being independent. Thankfully, his sisters understood that he was becoming a man and had ceased their doting in public, restricting it to home. These moments were what he treasure when he moved to a servant's life.
"Did you also visit, Lady Walters?" Viola turned to Lucinda in genuine curiosity.
"Yes I did. I would get excited whenever this date came around," she responded earnestly. "Outside of holidays and scheduled outings, I rarely got to see your brother without needing my brother and my father's permission. To see him in his school uniform was one of the best days of my life. They were some of my happiest…"
Lucinda glanced at Bastian, then suddenly turned her head away. In the light he noticed how her neck colored a darker shade. She made for a pretty sight. It was good she had returned to her usual jovial self again. He admitted that to see her so withdrawn and dressed in black filled him with guilt. How could he single-handedly be responsible for such a drastic change? To see her back to normal eased his guilt.
However, Bastian wished she had not changed knowing that he was alive.
"He does look handsome in a school uniform." Viola winked at him. "Then again, he looks great in anything."
"He does, does he not?"
The two began to converse about Bastian's appearance and trailed off into fashion and Lucinda's dress. He blankly listened to them, thinking how odd Viola was holding a conversation with his ex-fiance without trouble. He did not know if it was pity for the woman that drove her need to speak to her or her natural affinity for people. Bastian was content to let Viola speak to her in his place. In fact, he thought as he regarded all the females in his life chattering to one another, he was content with life. He loved being surrounded by the people in his life like this. It made it feel as though all was right with the world.
If Matilda were her, it would be complete. Were he by himself, he would would have allowed himself to indulge himself in such thoughts. As of now, he was yearning to see Matilda Hopkins.
Since the day that he and Matilda had baked together, he and the tailor's assistant had decided to keep a correspondence. Over the course of several weeks, they had sent multiple personal letters. Bastian learned much of the young girl and enjoyed her humor and wit she would rarely display out loud. He found her quite charming through her letters and even thought her intelligent in a way she focused on keeping her aunt's shop organized.
It was safe to say the girl was endearing in a way he never thought imaginable. However, they rarely got to see one another and their letters were his only mode of communication with her. The only way he ever saw her was when she accompanied Ms. Hopkins to outfit Ciel. It was disheartening.
Bastian was comforted in the knowledge that Viola did not know of this acquaintance. Something told him that if she found out that he was constantly in touch with Matilda she would possibly tease him or interfere with his (hopeful) relationship. While he appreciated how she distracted his ex-fiance, he wanted to pace it slowly with Matilda. It was a miracle that Sebastian decided to aid him in keeping this a secret by slipping her letters to him unnoticed by the other servants. He did not know why the butler would do such a thing, but it reassured him that his relationship would not be exposed.
To be surrounded by all the women in his life and not Matilda made him wish he had told Viola about her.
"My, my, what's all this commotion about?" Madame Red's silky tenor broke through the overlapping noise. Bastian caught a flash of vivid red among the sea of neutral colors. As always her dress was extravagant as she was. It appeared she was venturing away from the constant black to complement the vivid color since she used white trim to the folds and edges of her dress. Like Viola, her hair had grown to a length where she had to pin some locks back with a feathered accessory.
"Good evening, Madame Red," Bastian greeted. "You are here to see Ciel as well?"
"Of course! I would not miss watching my nephew compete in cricket for the world! He looks so cute in his outfit tonight."
"'Cute' is not a word I would use while he is dressed like that."
"Their outfits are interesting. Their entrances were magnificent as well."
"They definitely make some first impressions," Viola commented, joining their conversation. Lucinda glanced between him and Madame Red, an open question on her face. "Good evening, madam. Where's Conrad?"
"He is currently having dinner with the rest of the servants in the Guest Hall. But, before we go any further, perhaps you should introduce me to your acquaintance?"
"Right. Excuse my manners. Madame Durless, this is Lady Lucinda Walters, the daughter of Lord Reginald Walters. Lady Lucinda, this is Madame Angelina Durless."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, madame," Lucinda greeted, dipping into a courtesy. A smile bloomed wide on her pink lips. "I have admired you for quite some time now. You are as beautiful and charming as everyone has said."
"Thank you for the compliments, dear. I have heard much about you as well," Madame Red replied, returning the curtsy. "Although some rumors were not favorable, I am glad you are back to your usual personality. To see you in black was not an appealing sight for a woman of your stature."
"I realize that during these past few months I have not been myself. But I have returned to normal after much rest and meditation." Again, Lucinda glanced briefly at him.
"Ah, I see…Love, is it?"
"Please do not try to imply anything, Madame Red," Bastian drawled at the grin she had on her face. He did not want to interfere with his romantic relationships, her treatment to Viola's multiple relationships the evidence that nothing good would come of it. He glanced around the room to find something to that would distract her.
It came at the perfect moment.
"Viola!"
Viola tensed at Soma's exclamation. She whirled around as she was dragged as an unwilling victim in a hug, releasing a squeak when her face was shoved into his coat. Bastian would have pitied her had the sight not brought him amusement.
"You look radiant tonight. I had almost forgotten your true beauty shines when you are dressed the way you are now," said Soma, nuzzling his cheek to her temple.
"Soma, stop! Can't breathe!" she gasped. She pushed against his chest to put space between them.
"Brother, who is that?" Marlene asked. When they saw Viola get embraced his four sisters and his mother stopped their conversation to observe Soma's intimate interaction.
"That would be Soma Kadar," Madame Red informed them, a grin painting her temptation red lips. "He is a Bengal prince as well as one of Viola's suitors."
"Is that so? I did not know he was a prince!" Alyssa exclaimed in delight. She and his sisters knew about Viola's engagement contract and the competition for her hand from various letters. For their own sanity they did not inform them who was participating. It was a shame they had thought to do so as they paid the consequences for it now.
"A prince you say? Who are her other suitors?" Francesca hummed, scrutinizing the excitable royal who was apologizing to Viola for smothering her in his love. "Do we know them?"
"You do. It is Edward Midford and the Phantomhive butler?"
Christine's eyebrow rose so subtly it was difficult to notice it.
"Truly? If I recall, Viola was not fond of that butler. Did she not say he was a demon?"
"As you know Viola tends to over exaggerate," Bastian laughed with a nervous hitch. "But Viola does not entirely dislike Mr. Sebastian. There are some aspects about him that make up for his shortcomings."
"Such as?"
"For one he can cook. And two, he's the perfect house husband." Viola pulled away from Soma, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Sebastian's practically a triple threat. He's got the looks, skills, and charms. It's such a shame about his personality and perfectionism. They're too overbearing for me."
"Should you be saying such a thing in front of one of your suitors?" Rebecca advised, the same aura around her smile.
Bastian glanced at Soma to see a pinched expression. He couldn't help chuckle. Sebastian's aim to be the best at everything made it impossible for any human male to compare. His demonic allure made them pale in comparison.
"That's not to say my other suitors don't have admirable qualities," said Viola to placate the prince. "Soma can make me smile and reminds me to have fun while Edward protects me. It's because of those qualities I am unable to decide between the three."
Marlene sighed, forlorn as she touched her cheek.
"I envy you. You have such fine men vying for your hand."
"There, there, dear," soothed her mother. She patted her second eldest daughter's hand gently. "One day you shall find and marry a man as equally devoted."
"If it were to be true!"
"How astonishing you, a relative of Viola, are not yet married," Soma voiced, sincere as he regarded all of Bastian's sisters. "All of you are as beautiful as she is. How is it every man has been blinded by it? Surely you have proposals?"
The four Emrys girls giggled, tittering at the compliments.
"Aren't you a charming prince?" Christine slid up to his side, hugging his arm and leaning against him. "Cousin, if you choose to marry another suitor, may I marry this one myself?"
Soma glanced wildly between Christine and Viola. "Are you planning on marrying Midford?"
"That would make my life easier." Midford appeared slipping past a few students, his decoration armor clanking against the chainmail. He had his parents, Elizabeth, and Ciel in tow. Seeing Christine latched onto Soma, he smirked. "Are you already moving onto the other Emrys ladies? It would be fine if you were."
"No! Not that they aren't lovely, but I would never give up on Viola!" The prince took his arm away to wrap it around his beloved's shoulder.
"That is a shame. I was hoping you would bow out of the contract with your dignity in tact."
"I can see why you are having such difficulties choosing a suitor," Lucinda observed, amused by the two young men's banter. "They are both dedicated in their courtship. I must agree with Christine. I find myself a bit jealous."
"Please don't be." Viola removed the arm around her to come stand beside Bastian. "Neither of them have managed to fulfill the first requirement to the engagement let along the second one."
"What would those be?"
"My son or the prince must know her on a personal level if they wish to marry her," Lady Midford explained. She nodded to Francesca and Madame Red in greeting as she stood with the older women alongside her husband. "They must know her likes, dislikes, and such should they wish to court her. In that manner Viola would naturally fall in love with one of them. Should they manage that, they would have to duel her cousin to prove they can protect her."
"Neither Lord Midford or Prince Soma have fulfilled it?"
"No, thank goodness." Bastian could count themselves lucky that Soma and Midford did not spend enough time around her to learn such things. Otherwise, Viola would be more concerned about this engagement than the mild annoyance she currently had.
"Then what about Sebastian?" asked Ciel, smirking. "I thought in the past few weeks they had grown close. From what I heard from the other servants, Sebastian had learned quite a bit about her. He knew her favorite color, her favorite food, and her favorite poem."
"I never told him anything!" Viola gasped, a rosy glow creeping onto her cheeks.
"He did not have to. He had, supposedly, learned from mere observation."
"How did he manage that?" Midford exclaimed, distraught. "All I have managed to learn was her favorite flower as well as her preferred outfit."
"All I have managed was her favorite kind of chocolate," Soma muttered, pouting.
"Is what Lord Phantomhive said true?" asked Christine as she grinned at her descendant's flush.
She hesitantly nodded, much to Bastian, Soma, and Edward's dismay.
"I thought it was suspicious how Sebastian could have known my favorite food and my favorite color. He ended up making Lord Phantomhive French Onion soup out of nowhere one day and gave some to me on top of a white chocolate cake, despite how the young master isn't fond of it. He even helped me repair one of my handkerchiefs with blue embroidery."
"As I said, he learned through observation," Ciel repeated, disgruntled with the memory.
"Why in the world would he remember those?" Bastian did not believe for a second Sebastian would memorize such things to earn his relative's love. He knew he played with human feelings without regard for any consequences. What did it matter to a demon what Viola's favorite things were? This went beyond toying with the owner of his heart.
"How romantic," Lucinda cooed, tickled pink by such effort. "He must truly love Viola to know such things through sight alone."
"To think that Sebastian would know such things about a woman," Madame Red slyly chortled, opening her fan to lazily hide her smile.
Midford and Soma's twin scowls was a premonition to the headache Bastian and Viola would feel should they let the topic continue.
"What do you think of the cricket teams' players this year?" Bastian asked Rebecca in haste.
"I believe that the teams have formidable members this year," she replied, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She scanned the room for the other costumed cricket players. "Although the Scarlet Fox team has the most new players, Redmond has assembled what appears to be a fine team. I hope this year they are matched up with Green Lion early so as to ensure they do not make it to the Final game."
"I doubt that," Midford retorted, turning his scowl to her. "Was it not two years ago you thought that the Violet Wolf dorm would make it to the Final game"
"Were you not the one to get an out to one of those Wolves you mock?"
The two began to politely point out the fault from cricket matches in years' past. Bastian was relieved he could count on Rebecca's love for the sport to serve as a distraction. It may have baffled him and his other sisters to know that their studious eldest sister would find that sport fascinating, yet it was a safe topic he could broach. Seeing Viola's intrigued gaze on Rebecca as she entered a heated debate with Midford over the plays made in the tournament in Bastian's last year was well worth the diversion he created.
The conversation soon moved on from Viola's engagement to happier things. Edward, once finishing his debate with Rebecca, happily told Elizabeth about how hard he and the Green Lions had been training while their parents and Madame Red were discussing school tuition and Midford's upcoming final year. Bastian ended up spending his time chatting with Viola, Rebecca, and Lucinda about their lives at the Phantomhive mansion as well as why Lord Allen and William hadn't come to the school. Rebecca told him that they were so busy with meetings concerning jewel shipments. They were in no mood to attend a silly school event. It was certainly a relief. Soma was busy being harassed by the rest of his sisters.
The majority of the party was spent much like this. Everyone's chatter became white noise to Bastian. He was more focused on his sisters and did his best to catch up on what recently happened to them ("Marlene made the most darling banner the other day! But Alyssa has become quite the player at cards!"), while trying to entertain Lucinda. She was insistent on speaking to him about his daily activities and about his day. Bastian was used to this being the opposite where she recounted her day without letting him speak. He supposed it had to do with what Lucinda had declared to Viola. She was determined to learn and love him the way Viola wanted her suitors to. However, like his beloved niece, he did not desire such a thing. He did not want her to keep on loving him when he did not, and would not, love her.
Yet, in the middle of a banquet, he was forced to endure the pleasantries and entertain her the same way he always did. To dull the sheer agony of it all Bastian nursed several glasses of champagne. During balls and events, he often chose not to drink wine or champagne beyond what was socially expected of him. However, there were times he indulged in alcohol to fight off the sheer boredom such polite talk brought. It helped him take his mind off of everything-his father, his school life, anything Viola involved herself in-as a bubbling feeling warmed every part of his body.
The alcohol soon poisoned his blood and added a filter of lightness to the festive atmosphere. Bastian's muscles relaxed under its charm, loosely smiling whenever someone pulled him into conversation. He didn't keep count how many glasses he drank. After finishing four glasses, he stopped counting. He allowed himself to be dragged off to dance by Viola and his sisters. Bastian laughed as they whirled around the dance floor.
Time became irrelevant after the alcohol ran through his blood, heating him to a furnace. He lost track of time as it slipped through his fingers. He didn't want it to end.
Soon, his eyelids became heavy and he began to feel nauseous. Bastian's head ached, the lights making it throb during his third dance with Viola.
"Whoa, Bastian," she said, gripping his arm and slipping her other hand to his shoulder. "You alright there?"
"I…think so?" he replied, blinking owlishly at her.
"Oh my gosh. Are you drunk? Holy-How much did you drink?"
"Not much. I am not drunk." To prove his point he stood up straight, but the world tilted and swayed. Viola had to grip his arm so he wouldn't fall over and embarrass himself. "I'm fine. I'm not drunk."
"Only a drunk person would deny that. You need to go to bed. Sleep it off, dear cousin."
"But the banquet is not over yet." Bastian may have hated any social event, but he was taught to be a courteous guest. He knew better than to leave an event before it was acceptable to do so. With his mother there he did not wish to leave the banquet so soon. He was having fun.
"It is for you. Can you get to your dorm without an escort or do you need someone?"
"I-I believe I am well enough to-to get to my dorm."
"Let me take you to the door. You're going to fall over if you don't have help."
Bastian protested, but Viola would have none of it. She kept a firm hold on him. He slumped against her as she dragged him through the congested hall. They stopped at one point so that she could tell someone from Green Lion she had to step out for some fresh air and was helping him out. He didn't know who he was, but he didn't care. He knew Viola could grab any man's attention. It was why she was so popular. All she had to do was flutter her eyelashes and they would drop to one knee, proclaiming eternal love. He told her as much.
"I wouldn't say eternal love," Viola lightly laughed. "All they see is a pretty face they can attach their arm. That love's superficial."
"Then those men are fools," said Bastian, hiccuping at the last word. "It is the same with that pompous prince and that cocky Lion. They profess their love, yet the prince will take more wives and Midford will stop loving you after he's won!" He patted her arm in sympathy. "No one deserves you, my dear Viola. You're too good for them. They'll never know what a treasure you are. Men are stupid."
"Men are stupid," she agreed.
"Stupid! So very, very stupid!"
He continued to ran about the foolishness of men and how they believed themselves capable deciding what was best for their female counterparts. He couldn't help but comment how she was ever so lucky to have been born in an era where women were equal to meant as well as independent. Viola could be whatever she wanted, including being a lawyer like her mother. Wasn't that delightful!
He went on and on as she took him outside to the building's entrance. The noise level quieted to nothing once the door closed behind them.
"You know," Viola interrupted, "you're right when you said that no one deserved me. Most guys look at me and make all kinds of assumptions. They try to do what's best for me without asking what I want. They don't even try to get to know me."
"That is a shame. You might be a vulgar woman and bullheaded at times. However, I find those to be your best qualities!"
"I know it is. That's why no guy deserves me except for one."
"And who might that be? If he asks for your hand, I'll kill him!"
"You won't have to worry about that. After all, I'm talking about you."
All thought screeched to a halt. Bastian couldn't but stare back at her, dumbfounded and at a loss for words.
"Viola," he uttered, "you can't marry me."
"Oh my God. You're so drunk. I know that. You think I want to marry my incarnation? That's weird. What I mean is that out of all the guys I've met who think they deserve me you're the only one who never tried to get me to do things I didn't want to. It's sweet of you to go along with my harebrained schemes half the time."
"That is because I love you, you daft girl." He maneuvered his arm to wrap around her shoulders to pull her to his chest. She squawked, her bosom pressed against him where their hearts were next to each other. "You are insufferable and cause me to lose my patience with you daily. Yet, you are the best thing to happen in my life. You waltzed right in with that deplorable curses and attitude and I love you for it. I hate how you can smile and laugh when you have experienced things that would make most men cry. Because of that, I love you and I will not let any man unworthy of your love near you."
It was very stupid of two very spoiled boys and a sadistic demon to play with Viola's feelings. They would not know the true her if they only knew superfluous details like her favorite colors. Why, he bet he was the only one among them that knew why her sister's name was Arisu or how she gained her Demon of Justice persona.
Viola laughed, returning his hug.
"Thanks, Bastian, for everything. Besides Patchy, you're the only one looking out for my virtue." She sniffed, sounding distinctly like she was trying to hide tears when she pushed him away. "Ugh, you reek! How much did you drink?"
"Does it matter?"
"When you suddenly get an attitude of course it does!" Viola led him down the steps to ensure he wouldn't fall flat on his face. She pointed him down a path. "Go back to your dorm. You'll feel better in the morning."
"Yes, yes, cousin dear," he sighed, feeling drowsy. "Good night."
"Night, cousin."
Bastian waved at her before making his way down the path to the Green Lion dorms.
Just as with any other night, the campus grounds were quiet. The warm summer air refreshed his burning neck and cheeks as he walked. Serenity soothed his soul, making his muscles loosen up. With almost the entire student body at the banquet hall he finally felt relaxed. The alcohol may have inebriated him, yet he never felt better. After a month of being forced to act as someone he no longer was, he was happy to be allowed to drop it.
He could be simple Bastian Dupree for a few hours.
Yawning, Bastian stretched his arms above his head as he made his way out of the main campus. Past the gates, he was about to go down the empty sidewalk.
Suddenly, he heard heavy footsteps behind. He glanced over his shoulder to see a black blur. Then, an arm snaked around his neck to force him into a chokehold. Bastian gasped, stumbling back. He fell on top of a body that grunted yet did not release their hold. All of the air in his lungs ran out when he hit them. He started to panic, and thrashed against them. His nails raked against the appendage choking him. But, they made a metallic noise as they scratched something cold and smooth.
Bastian's vision started to blur at the edges the more he fought and the longer he went without air. Slowly, his energy left him and the only thing he could do was go limp.
Before his consciousness slipped, he heard a voice that would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life on Earth.
"A pleasure to see you again, little Maria. Now…let's have some fun."