The power was restored. The section of the Phantomhive mansion that contained the ballroom had heat for the first time in months. The windows were pitch black from the night outside, but the massive room was fully lit, its chandeliers bringing life to the room as light bounced off of gold, silver, and glass. The room was alive again and once more, was in full splendor as the heads of the great house anticipated the arrival of their guests.

The table cloths were neat and pressed, perfectly covering each table. The cutlery and glassware was polished—but none was made of actual silver in order to prevent accidental harming of any guests. Candles were lit, flowers were arranged, and Sir Phantomhive had even arranged for some local musicians and singers to perform. Some of them also doubled as guests, despite it generally being in poor taste, but they were also influential and many could not pass up the opportunity to perform at such a venue.

There was Ruth Goatman and her husband; two American faun. There was Tegwen Sibyl, of course, who would have been invited regardless, as she was the chief of police. Counting Seeds, a vampire only band, would be there along with their rival group, Sodapop Run. They were rivals because they were the only local bands in their genre to be taken seriously. Many garage startups didn't make the cut. The event was to also have a DJ, a man by the name of "Dusk" who offered to do the event for free for having his music store idea approved by the council, but the hosts insisted on properly paying him.

Daniel Westley, on the other hand, refused. He had no wish or intention to perform one of his songs. He just didn't feel comfortable with it and wanted to start smaller. Much smaller. So he didn't attend the party. An invitation was offered to him regardless, as he was an important staff member at the Town Welfare Center, but he already made plans to go to the zoo with the Ravenscrofts the next day, so he wanted to get some sleep. Understandable, as the event was expected to go on late in the evening, given the nocturnal nature of some of the guests.

There were some familiar faces, however. Logan and Elvis Kendrick, as well as Kristopherson Miles, Logan's boyfriend and the owner of the tailor shop. All three were successful businessmen of certain acclaim in Gehenna. Logan ran his woodworking studio and did commission work for the city itself from time to time, Elvis had his hair salon, and Kristopherson clothed almost the entirety of the city. Audrey Baines was invited as well, although he found the link to be somewhat tenuous. Whether he acknowledged it or not, he, too, was a rather powerful supernatural, as the only child of the owner of Baines Pharmaceuticals. While he preferred to live on his own money instead of asking for handouts from his parents, he still had access to it and was slotted to inherit it at some point in his life. He just decided to enjoy the party, partake in the free food, and talk to the interesting supernaturals that gathered there.

Other HELLSING agents and employees gathered there, of course. Audrey got to speak with the Garous and Seras Victoria—the latter of which was of an incredibly important and powerful lineage in the supernatural world, as the sole blood relative of Dracula himself. The reaper was somewhat eager to avoid talking to Miranda Ackerman, one of the only humans invited, due to her research on supernatural beings. She had a brilliant mind, he agreed, but as his ex-girlfriend, he wasn't so keen on enjoying it. The feeling was not his alone, as Wink, HELLSING's resident magical expert, was not exactly interested in talking to Tegwen, although their conversations were civil, these days. She brought along Damien Chaput, her protege, as it would be important for him to make connections as well while he was on this side of the channel. The warlock was amazed at the things he was seeing, overcome by the sheer splendor of the event and the people who were there. This is what a supernatural community could be like. It filled Damien's head with dreams for what France's future could be like, as well.

The chief of the faoladh was in attendance, along with her beau and a few of her own people. Her hair was down and she wore her finest cape with the best of furs. It obscured her dress, but she and her compatriots refused to remove them, as significant pieces of cultural attire. Oliver was more than fine with this, finding her lovely, regardless of what she wore. This was something that her most trusted associates, Saorsie and Kayleigh, teased her insistently about, although it could just be an aspect of their excitement about the outing overall.

Then there was the other half of the Sibyl sisters, Forsetti Sibyl. She was the judge in Gehenna, known for her fair and just rulings—although sometimes, her sentencing could be considered a bit "creative." She arrived with her hair down while wearing a dark blue jumpsuit with no sleeves. She checked her cloak with the butler at the door. Her younger sister, however, showed up wearing a suit with a pretty lady on her arm—Kyung-Soon Park, the current leader of the Girasol vampires.

Her bleached blonde hair was put up and she did her makeup a bit differently than usual. She kept the black lipstick, but her eyeshadow matched the blood red dress she wore. She looked like a proper vampire out of some movie, if not for the sunflower tattoo on her shoulder, crawling up her neck. She had brought an underling or two of hers, as well. Most notably, she brought Fangless Shaun, who was very famously not a fan of the Earl Phantomhive—simply because it was the Watchdog who made Fangless Shaun—well—fangless. His canine teeth were missing. Tall, lanky, and ordinarily somewhat of a brute, he cleaned up rather nicely for the event, wearing a real suit instead of his usual tracksuit.

Darlene Darcy of the local paper was there. She was a guest, of course, but she couldn't help but take notes for a story. Her brother, however, was nowhere to be found, after having skipped town after peddling lies about the Phantomhives and subsequently peeving his neighbors in the process. Occasionally, Darlene would hint that she knew where he was, but despite her occupation, never elaborated further on that. Still, she was more than happy to report things accurately and with a story like this, it was absolutely irrepressible, despite the Phantomhives not really seeing why. To them, it was a party, but to people in Gehenna, it was like some kind of fairytale.

To those who had never been before, like Mister Chaput, were equally impressed. They had been invited into what was essentially a castle; one that few people had ever seen and in particular, had seen the inside of it—and they had their senses assailed by gold and glamour, the smells and tastes of the finest food in the supernatural world, as catered by some of Gehenna's premier restaurants, fine wine, the tablecloths pressed, the cutlery polished, and everyone dressed in their finest clothes. It was truly something that would never had been possible mere years ago. It was, in a word, fantastical.

The crème de la crème of supernatural society in the region was there. Marian Allsop, the lawyer and faun was there, as was Amy Witherington, the local dentist and owner of the best set of fangs in the London area. The second best would have to be her girlfriend, Allison Savage, who knew the Phantomhives personally from playing both with and against them in a rousing game of baseball. Jeffery Steele, the owner of the general store and his wife, Helen, were in attendance, as well as the local postman, Lewis Knaggs and his family. Sister Dorothy simply had to be invited. After all, she was the one who officiated the Phantomhives' wedding!

Unfamiliar faces like that of Felicity LeFay, a witch of some power and influence was there, along with her granddaughter, Adrian were also invited. Javert Torquatus, the hardworking and ever-tired owner of a local magic shoppe was there. Richard and Rudolph Roberts-Wright, the gentleman vampire and werewolf couple who went by "Rudy and Rich" were there, as they were both title-less and distant relatives of aristocracy, once upon a time. The famous illustrator and painter, Hannibal Hughes, a notoriously grouchy old cynocephallus and painter of Sir Phantomhive's first proper portrait as nobility was there, as was Norman Leech, an unfortunately named, but handsome vampire and author who had Hannibal illustrate a few of his works. The latter, the Earl hoped would be a viable option for Mademoiselle Lapointe.

There were others of course, but one man of importance was Glen Li, the manager of the local bank. He was a weretiger who was getting a bit grey around the muzzle, but still cheerful as ever. He was a member of the Town Council who was in acquaintance with the Baronet on a professional level. But he brought none other than a Mister Serge Durand, a man with whom the Mademoiselle was more than "acquainted" with. He sought proper work at the bank from Mister Li, and under his tutelage, became a rather handsome and polished man. He wore a suit that was new and fit him well. His hair was neat, trimmed, and held back in a ponytail with a nice ribbon. His shoes were polished and new from the cordwainer's shop, and his buttons were shiny, the cologne he wore was fragrant, and the flower on his lapel was fresh. Serge looked like a brand new man and Renee had mixed feelings about that.

She had to admit, he looked good, but she was still unhappy with his choice. She didn't like that he left her on her own. It didn't matter than he cleaned up a bit, he was still neglecting his duties to her and for what? Was this all to impress her? What was so impressive? That he could get a job? All men should get jobs and as far as she was concerned, his servitude still hung over him. It clung to him. It was a blemish on his personal record that could never be rectified. But, as long as she kept those thoughts to herself and far, far away from the ears of either of her hosts, all should be fine. After all, she had plenty of suitors, all trained by Earl Phantomhive himself!

Ciel's students all put their best faces forward, wearing their finest and having made sure not one single hair is out of place. Some of them had to stop by a tailor shop beforehand and were ever so grateful that the Watchdog instructed them how to conduct themselves and what to ask for in such a situation. Some of them didn't even know they could look so good. Wallace especially felt immensely proud of himself. Combined with the weight he had lost since starting his HELLSING training, he felt like a new man and his confidence was through the roof. He couldn't keep himself from smiling.

His compatriots felt equally dashing, although a few of them had their own peculiarities about them. Gordon put on either some very strong cologne or simply too much of it. No one was really certain, but it did make the guests with stronger senses of smell want to avoid him. Falchion had his hair fixed in his usual manner, having fixed it in two masses on either side of his head toward the back, looking like devil horns or cat ears or both all at once, but overall, his attire was perfectly appropriate and ordinary. Richmond Blackwell, however, kept his own sensibilities, wearing a nice black suit, yes, but also a black shirt. He had three, small, silver-coloured chains around his neck, with two small pins in the shape of bats on the tips of his shirt collar, connected by a fourth chain. At the bottom of the longest and largest one, however, was a simple pendant in the shape of a teardrop. He wore several rings on his fingers as well, a nice watch, and a matching belt, but insisted that he had dressed somewhat conservatively, considering where he was.

One could also say that Caroline also dressed out of the ordinary for the group, and he did, wearing a light grey suit as opposed to the typical navy or black, but he was the one who had truly everything together. The suit was of higher quality than the others, as was his tie and accessories, and everything was polished and precise. Despite having lived as a servant for most of his life, the incubus was more than familiar with this sort of lifestyle, and was therefore bound to impress—if not Renee, then someone else, surely.

Solomon Danlaw certainly impressed his superior, as he wore the faoladh's traditional cape along with his own company. It was a badge of honour for him, as it was with Claire and the others, and he wore it just as proudly. Surely, it would impress Renee and if it didn't, it would surely impress someone else!

All of them were looking forward to a pleasant evening and the connections that may be forged during it. They were all eager to make a good impression, regardless of what may happen, and strove to put their best foot forward, for here was the gathering place of titans in the supernatural community. Artists, militarymen, businessmen, and other people of influence and repute all within these four walls, were eager to have fun and make merry. There was just one thing missing.

With a heavy sigh, Ciel put on his jacket and stared into the mirror. His guests were all waiting downstairs, but he felt no need to hurry. If anything, he only felt the opposite. Scrutinising his own appearance, he searched for reasons to postpone going downstairs.

"You look amazing." grinned his husband, putting his hands on the Watchdog's shoulder and kissing his cheek.

"You look amazing." Ciel corrected. "I look… Passable."

"Perfect, you mean." Jim stated with a roll of his eyes. "If the uppercrust of human society would look at you and be filled with both respect and fear, then surely supernatural society will do the same."

"I suppose, but… I'm not sure… Something feels 'off.'"

"About you or about the party?"

"Both."

"What's wrong, Poochie?" the blonde said, turning his beau to face him. Placing his hands on both of his shoulders, he rubbed them before sliding them down to gently rub Ciel's triceps. "I know you don't really care for parties, but people are kind of expecting to see the Earl. Two hours. If you can make it two hours, you can disappear for a bit, take a break, and then come back. Rinse and repeat. How's that?"

"Hm. Maybe…." The Earl seemed noncommittal in his response. "I'll try that. I can definitely manage that much, but… I don't know… Something feels strange. I can't quite figure out what, yet…"

"Besides the colourful cast of supernaturals in our ballroom?"

"That, too." Ciel chuckled somewhat forcibly. Obviously, he husband didn't seem fully convinced. Offering him a smile, Ciel mirrored his gesture right back at him, moving to set his mind at ease instead. "I can manage, I promise. We'll have the party, meet some people, have a bit of fun, marry off Renee and we'll all live happily ever after. I'll be good, I promise. You can count on me not to embarrass you in front of your people."

"If you say so. There's nothing to be nervous about, though. You'll be fine. You've done this a million times before with millions of dollars at stake. You can handle this, but seriously… Lemme know if you need a break. You've got my back and I've got yours."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Tilting his chin upwards, the Watchdog kissed his beau between the eyebrows before sliding his hands down the man's arms and clasping Jim's in his own. Removing the blonde's grasp from his shoulders, he offered Jim an arm which was happily taken. "Shall we?"

"Let's." agreed the blonde and taking the Watchdog's offer, the two of them made their way downstairs together, side by side and arm in arm. They were announced by rank, but between the two of them, they knew they were equals.

"Announcing the hosts of the party, Earl Ciel Phantomhive and Sir Jim Phantomhive, the Lion." Sebastian called out over a hushed crowd as the two demons entered the ballroom. In response the crowd applauded as the two stepped forward to join them.

They walked with grace and dignity, having a strange air about them that was hard to place. They seemed divine amoung the damned, saintly amoung scoundrels, and ethereal amoung the terrestrial. The way the pair carried themselves, composed, poised, and put together, made them stand out and take on an image that was much larger than they really were. To many of those in attendance, these were legends amoung men—meant to occupy a space greater than most others, but here they were, having invited those of unequal status and standing into their own space. It was generous as it was intimidating. As they took their place amoung the crowd, however, they did not part in the beginning. The Earl simply wasn't ready for it, and Jim was fine with that.

"About time you two showed up." Kristopherson playfully scolded with a hand on his hip. "I was starting to think we'd been conned."

"It's good to see you two, again." Logan added, somehow saying what his own beau was conveying with meaner words.

"So glad you've decided to grace us with your presence." Jim replied. "How are you, anyway? You run ragged, yet?"

"With all of the people you pushed toward my shop with this little soiree of yours, It's like you're trying to make me that way." answered the wolfman with a smile. "Fan it out a little next time, alright?"

"Nah. Don't think I will. It'll keep you nimble. Keep you on top of your game. Keep you sharp. You're welcome for the profits, by the way."

"It's good to see you again, Ciel." Logan said, addressing the Watchdog while their partners jabbed at each other. The two shook hands, greeting each other as good friends in their own way.

"It's good to see you, too. I hope you're having a good time, here." the Watchdog replied with a smile.

"I am! The place is really gorgeous, and I'm not just talking about architecture."

"Thank you, but the credit is all Jim's. He's the one who organised all of this."

"Ah, I'll have to give him my complements after he's done playing with Kris." The two men mutually looked over at their respective beaus, watching as the Lion and Wolfman continually roasted each other with occasional shoving. It was all in good fun, however, as it always was. "You know, if I looked at them from the outside, I would never think they're friends…"

"Agreed..." But that was simply how they were. They had all accepted this by now. After a pause, however, the incubus placed a hand on the Phantomhive's shoulder, nudging him away from the others for a moment. "Can I talk to you for a second?" he asked. "I want some advice. Not right here or right now, but sometime. When you get a moment."

"I take it Kristopherson isn't privy to this information?"

"No. He will be… Eventually. Just not right now. Does that make sense? That sounds a bit shady, doesn't it?"

Slowly, the Phantomhive nodded. "I may be able to sneak away at some point during the party, if that's alright. Or, we can arrange a day."

"I'm not sure… Which do you think is more convenient for you? I don't want to take up too much of your time…"

"It's no trouble at all. Find an excuse to get away in… Let's say two hours' time, and meet me in the office upstairs." Ciel suggested in a hushed voice.

"Deal. Thank you so much, by the way. I really owe you." Logan replied, patting the other man's shoulder and noting the time on his watch. With that, he rejoined his own partner and Ciel's returned to his side. Jim wore a big grin on his face, pleased with himself at the thorough ribbing he and the wolfman exchanged.

"Hey," the blonde greeted, noting the exchange. "What'd I miss?"

"I'm meeting with Logan in private in two hours in the office. He has some sort of private matter he wishes to discuss with me. He wants advice." the Watchdog matter-of-factly answered, raising his eyebrows as his chest was gently swatted with the back of the other's hand.

In a hushed tone, Jim leaned in close to the Watchdog and asked: "You don't think he's thinking about proposing, do you?"

"What?"

"Do you? They've been kind of talking about it, and you're kind of the go-to guy to ask for advice in that department." Jim clarified.

"I… Well… I suppose so. I don't really know. I'll only know when he asks." answered the bluenette. "I don't exactly have much to go on to make a hypothesis. I'll let you know, later."

"Please do. This is big! If it is, then I'm sworn to secrecy. I won't tell anybody."

"You'd better. A blabbermouth in your position is a massive liability." Ciel chuckled. "I'm not sure how I feel about being the person to get everyone engaged, though… That's a lot of responsibility that I'm not certain I'm equipped for."

"You'll do fine! You're great at this stuff!"

"Jim… Remember when I proposed to you?"

"And we're married, aren't we?"

Rolling his visible eye, the Watchdog let it go, accepting that this was probably his fate. As far as he was concerned, there was no other option but to meet it. After all, he did want to help out his friends. He was rather fond of Logan, so of course he would help him out. He just wondered when this stream of engagements would end.

"Ciel!" a voice called out from behind him. It wouldn't end soon, it seemed. Turning around, he laid his eye upon the woman this party was initially for, fully dressed in her finest with her hair and makeup done up especially for the event. "Hello, my lord. You look rather dashing, tonight. As does your husband." She put a great deal of emphasis on the word "husband." As to why, the bluenette couldn't fathom a guess.

"Hello, Renee." he greeted. "You look lovely as well, this evening."

"Thank you. I was a bit worried I might not have put it on right, on my own." the woman confessed before letting out a breath. "I'm terribly sorry… I hope that I wasn't interrupting anything."

"Not at all. I was actually wondering where you were. I was wondering if you needed introducing to anyone."

"That's what I've come over here for. I'm afraid that I don't really know anyone. I'm terribly, terribly sorry, but I was hoping that you would. Introduce me, that is… I'm afraid that I'm a bit—well, I feel rather out of place, at the moment. It's a different crowd than I'm used to…"

"Likewise. There's some people here that I need introducing to as well. But, I will be more than happy to help you make acquaintance with the people I do know. Even I have trouble with some of the newer rules of engagement. It still feels somewhat strange, being able to walk up to anyone and speak to them casually."

"Indeed! You understand! Thank goodness… I was worried I might be making a fool of myself…" confessed the woman, peering around the room as she spoke.

"Is there anyone that catches your eye so far?"

"Well, there's a few that are certainly handsome. They all look the part, really, but I'm not sure. How about the incubus in the grey suit? He stands out. So does the man with the long hair and the black suit."

"Ah, Caroline Lexington—a real blue blood, that one. Shall we start you off with him?" the demon asked, beginning to walk and prompting her to follow. "The other man is Richmond Blackwell. Vampire. He's a teacher, as well. He teaches English, among other things at the local school. My younger brother-in-law is one of his students, actually. He's eccentric, but very kind. He's a very naturally nurturing fellow. Very interested in the arts. He may not be gentry, but I think you will like him as well."

"Interesting… I'm not sure which one to start with… I like the idea of marrying another vampire, but if Mister Lexington—I'm sorry, I didn't catch his title… He is a noble, you said?"

"Yes, but, it's a complicated story… His predecessor got into a spot of trouble and the family lost the title of 'Baron.' He does have a courtesy title of 'lord' or 'sir,' however. I'm not certain of his precise rank at the moment. You can probably ask him yourself. I must warn you, however, a relationship with an incubus carries many 'quirks.'"

"I'm aware of what they are, Lord Phantomhive. I'm not a child. I will have to… fulfill my wifely duty to my husband, regardless." she said, hesitating, despite her insistence. "This should make no difference."

"Hold on, hold on…" Holding an arm out, Ciel halted the woman dead in her tracks, causing her to frown.

"Yes? What is it?"

"The wifely-'wifely duties' thing… drop that. Don't—no. That shouldn't be a 'duty,' but a 'desire.' It should be beneficial to you both."

"I beg your pardon!" Renee hissed with a face of utter indignation. "You are in public! You musn't speak so vulgarly, especially in the presence of a lady! And how dare you insinuate that I—I-" she lowered her voice to a whisper, "Be some sort of… I don't know what. Woman of ill-repute."

"My lady, I mean no disrespect and it is not my intention to offend. I am merely speaking purely in the form of giving you advice from the perspective of a married man." insisted the Watchdog.

"Indeed! A man… married to another man! What would you know of such duty?"

"Excuse me?" Now it was the Phantomhive's turn to take offense. "Just what is that supposed to mean?"

"Isn't it obvious? Two men simply cannot—well, you know. It simply isn't mechanically possible! Neither of you can act on the other as a man would a woman. Your hearts are connected, that I can accept, but that is something that doesn't apply to you!"

The Earl opened his mouth to retort, but as her words washed over his brain and seeped into its' crevices, he simply found himself lost for words. It was difficult for him to process such a thing! There were simply too many layers! Floundering, he found himself wanting to address the homophobia of suggesting that his relationship with his husband was not the same as that between a man and a woman, and furthermore, he couldn't understand whether or not she believed that they could not desire each other in the same way a heterosexual man may desire a woman. It was offensive, but as he processed the thought, he realised that this may not be the time or place to correct her and inform her that they did indeed feel lust for one another. At the same time, she had accidentally exposed some more of her naivety to him. Did she not realise that there were far more things two people could achieve in bed than whatever it was her impression of sex may be? If so, was she really ready for this and was he potentially exposing her to something she was not ready for?

In the course of seconds, all of these thoughts assailed the Earl's mind and urgently competed to enter his conscious thought. The brawl tied his tongue and he was not able to address her as succinctly as he would have liked. Yet in the span of those seconds, his emotions were thrown into turmoil, shifting from shock, to indignation and offense, to more shock, concern for her well-being, and guilt that they had gone through all of this effort and trouble, only for him to potentially be at fault for putting her in potential turmoil. He felt confident that none of his students would disgrace her outright, but he believed she could naively get over her head and agree to things without fully understanding them. That, he could not allow.

"What? I-?" was all he managed to get out, unsure of where to begin broaching all of this to the woman. Yet she stared at him expectantly, silently demanding that he justify himself with her gaze.

"Lord Phantomhive!" another voice called out, tearing their attention away from each other and violently shifting the conversation at hand. As they turned their heads, they were met with an unusual sight—one that Ciel was used to by now, of course, but Renee's brows raised at the sight of Mister Grey. Falchion stood out with his strange hair and his bright, phone box-red skin, so it was clear that it was he who called out to them. Extending a hand, he offered to shake with Ciel, who thoughtlessly took him up on it, still reeling from the absurdity that had just rattled his brain. "This an incredible party, you've put together. It's truly an honour to be here."

"Falchion, it's good to see you." instinctively answered the Watchdog before shaking his head. "Credit goes to my husband, actually. He's a fantastic party planner."

"Oh, then I'll have to compliment him later!" Falchion said, spurring a sense of deja vu on top of Ciel's current state of mind. "I'm terribly sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear. Eavesdropping is an ugly trait, I know. Professional habit."

"Uhm, Renee, this is Falchion Grey," the bluenette informed, realising that he ought to introduce him to the woman next to him. Letting go of the incubus' hand, he allowed Mister Grey to reach out and shake Renee's in a charming fashion, smiling like they were immediately friends. "He's a sexual therapist in Gehenna."

"A… what?" was the vampiress' immediate action, followed by an arched eyebrow, but Falchion was fortunately—or rather, unfortunately—accustomed to such a reaction.

"I understand how that must sound, but it's nothing scandalous, I assure you." the incubus explained, releasing her and showing her his palms, as if demonstrating he was unarmed. "I educate people on healthy sexual practises and attitudes. Occasionally, people develop problems in that department that embarrass them or are actively harmful to their ability to form relationships, so I help them through them. Mostly, though, I provide relationship counseling."

"I see…" Renee understood a bit better than she did mere moments ago, but she still didn't feel like she was entirely up to speed. Falchion didn't expect her to be. He understood that this meeting probably wouldn't work out for them in the way initially intended. "Is that a very common problem?"

"Some problems are, but in general? Many people have problems or concerns in this department. It's not unusual in the slightest."

"He is a man of great repute, Mademoiselle." Ciel insisted. "He's famed for his discipline and strict professionalism."

"One has to be in this business! I'm being trusted with intimate details about people and have a responsibility to never abuse or betray that trust. There's no room for any sort of ambiguity." True to what the Phantomhive said, the incubus' face shifted as he spoke on the matter. His jovial smile faltered slightly, and his face became more sincere. It was more serious, even. Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a business card and presented it to the woman, his smile returning slightly as he did so.

"I hope this doesn't come across as crass, but here's my card. I hope there's never a day when you may need to use it." he said. "But if you do, please don't hesitate to call. I must say, however, I have a strict policy about not forming certain relationships with my patients, so I'm afraid I may have to take myself out of the running, if that's a possibility."

With a light blush on her face, Renee accepted the small card from his hand and read it. It was neat, professional, and succinct. She looked to the card and then looked back at him.

"Thank you, Mister Grey." she said, still somewhat unsure of her precise impression of him. But she did have one thought about him in mind. "You're very kind."

It was still difficult for her to figure him out, even as they continued to converse. His occupation was still a bit scandalous by her standards. She couldn't imagine why anyone would want such a job, let alone go out of their way to start a business around it. Yet, he seemed kind, and very intelligent. He knew a lot about psychology and she was able to have a very interesting conversation with him about knitting, of all things. It seemed he had taken to the hobby as well and had even asked her for advice! It felt good, having her knowledge about things appreciated and even deferred to. Overall, he was incredibly respectful and pleasant, but she still couldn't tell if she should be offended by his occupation or not. Ciel found him reputable, but she wasn't so sure. He made no advances toward her, and didn't ever delve into intentionally trying to woo her, so he had already made his decision. Falchion found himself disinterested in Renee in a romantic sense, although he did feel that perhaps it would nice to be acquaintances.

That left one man out of the running. That was one less man trying to win her hand. There was still hope yet for the others, unless they found themselves feeling the same way, but they wouldn't know until they spoke to her, as she wouldn't until she did the same with them.

A/N: I feel like this chapter isn't very interesting, despite the wait lmao. It's a lot of setup. I wanted to have enough pieces to do things that I would LIKE to do, even if I don't actually end up getting to them. Either way, here's a lore dump! There you go!

lmao tbh I feel like this is the sort of thing where you could write about your OC being there and it would be valid because I don't even know if that's all of the people who are there! I tried to keep track of everyone, but I don't think I actually did. We'll see~!

Thank you for being so patient with me. I didn't get to write at all last week, so I've been making up for it with this here ice storm, I guess? It's been a lot of fun, though, even if it's a bit cold. It feels GREAT to write for hours again.

Until the next chapter, my duckies~!