It had been two days since they had returned to the manor. Things were finally starting to fall into a pattern, and Lucienne was beginning to get used to the drastic changes in her life. Still, she often wondered about the strangeness of it all. The servants were cordial, especially Finny and Mey-Rin, but that didn't keep them from being odd.
She lost count of how many times the gardener had messed something up because he didn't think about his actions. Or how often Mey-Rin fell or broke things. It was a wonder there were any dishes left in the house. Bard was just as strange. His obsession with flames was the reason she often avoided the kitchen unless she didn't have an option. Tanaka was the closest to normal, but he rarely spoke unless there was great need. The more she learned about them all, the more she realized the Earl had not exaggerated when he told her she would fit in.
That morning, she was thankfully up early. Her transformations had gone back to a stable schedule that she was able to easily maintain. She found that Sebastian had several strays that he tried to keep, but when one of them attempted to attack her, she put her foot down. The last thing she needed was to be hassled by arrogant males in both her forms.
When she made her way downstairs, she was shocked to see both the demon butler and the Earl rushing toward the door. It was then that she heard a loud knock and paused. She hadn't realized they would be expecting company. She thought to turn back, but Sebastian had noticed her by then and gestured for her to join them.
Ciel stood back while his butler answered the door. He gave Lucienne a hard look when she stepped to his side, though he kept his voice to a whisper. "This is my aunt and my fiancé. Do try to keep your mouth shut. The last thing I need is trouble."
Lucienne had to fight back a scowl at his unwarranted words as the door was open, and two females walked in. Though it was not long before she understood why he had spoken thusly. He had barely greeted the matron before she snapped back. "With that barely-out-of-bed look, I can only assume that you have just woken."
Before she could say more, the young girl shot forward to give the Earl a hug. Her voice was pitched high, and very nearly made Lucienne want to leave on the spot. "Ciel with bed-hair is so cute!"
She was called back to her senses when the older woman called her name. She then stepped back with an apology that was mostly ignored as the woman stepped past Ciel to then nearly get in Sebastian's face. The butler tried to greet her as was proper, but she ignored it as she got closer. For the first time, Lucienne got to see what it was like for him to be uncomfortable.
His voice barely betrayed that fact as he finally spoke again. "May I ask if there is something on my face?"
Lucienne could barely hold in her laughter at what happened next. The Marchioness spoke to him quite harshly. "That face of yours. What indecent looks you have."
She only paused long enough to grab the front of his hair and pull it up as he tried to brush off her worry. He barely got his words out before she was in his face again. "And this! Both servant and master are alike. You are both obviously men, yet you wear your fringe long. Seeing it irks me."
Lucienne had to step back at that point, as she could not keep a giggle down as she watched the Marchioness proceed to slick down both men's hair. She couldn't believe either man put up with it and wondered why. Especially with Ciel's response. "I am sorry to have to bother you with this, Aunt Francis."
The woman sounded exasperated as she answered. "Really, now!" However, before she could say more, her eyes had finally fallen on Lucienne. They widened slightly before they narrowed. "And who are you? Why do you stand here like one of the family?"
Lucienne lost all expression. She barely heard the girl speak near them as the woman had stormed her way. "Oh, pretty."
Thankfully, Ciel was right on her heels. "Aunt Francis, please meet Miss Lucienne Allard. She is a governess that has recently become employed with my household."
The woman glared down at him. "A governess? Why do you need a governess?"
Neither male looked to know quite what to say. Lucienne suddenly understood why they had both been intimidated as the woman glared back at her. Thankfully, she knew how to keep calm in rough situations, and spoke before it could escalate further. She curtsied as she answered the unspoken question. "Marchioness, if you would allow me to explain. I believe there are still many things that I could teach the young Earl, though he is past the usual age."
The woman cut her off. "Nonsense. The Earl has his butler for anything of that nature. Why are you really here?"
Thankfully, Ciel stepped forward. "Aunt Francis, though it may seem strange, she is not incorrect. Despite how she may look, she is quite well educated. She speaks French, Latin, German, and Italian. Those are just a few of the skills she will be teaching me."
The Marchioness looked back at the girl with a frown. "You are incredibly young to have such an education. Where are you from?"
Lucienne managed to hold onto her polite expression. "I am originally from France. My father arranged for me to foster with a family here, though I have been provided with the finest tutors from a young age. It is my pleasure to pass that knowledge on to those that could use it."
The Marchioness leaned in closer to her face with a frown. "You do speak with the diction of nobility."
Lucienne nodded in return. "Yes, ma'am. My family was once part of the peerage, though those years are long past. We have still been blessed with plenty, and my father was more than happy to help provide me with a decent future."
The woman finally stepped back with a huff. "You say the right things, yet a girl like you should have been married already. Your presence here is indecent."
Lucienne's back stiffened under the oblique accusation. "Pardon me, ma'am, but you must understand. Despite how you may perceive me, I am significantly older than the Earl. To even entertain such possibilities is repugnant. No station would be worth what such a trespass would do to my eternal soul."
The silence between them all was absolute for several seconds. Finally, the Marchioness spun as though to grab her, or possibly strike her, it was unclear which. Lucienne moved on instinct to block the hand before it could reach her face. Both women froze for a moment before Lucienne stepped back. "Pardon me. I did not mean to offend, but I felt I had done nothing to deserve a physical reprimand."
After a moment, the Marchioness stepped back with a blank face, though it almost looked like she wore a smirk for a split second. "I will accept your apology, though I am still unsure of your presence. For now, we shall proceed with why I have come."
She then turned to Sebastian and Ciel. "I have decided it is time for a surprise spot check. You know that unruliness in the home leads to unruliness in the heart. If you are to marry my daughter, I must ensure everything is in order."
Ciel almost looked like he was about to pass out. Thankfully, Sebastian stepped forward with a smile. "In that case, allow me to lead the way."
The rest fell into line behind the Butler, with the Lady Elizabeth taking up position beside Ciel. When they made it to the garden doors, Sebastian paused with his hands on the doors. "First, I will guide you through the gardens. The winter roses bought from Germany are exceptionally beautiful."
Before he could do more than open the door a crack, he shut them again. "I have made a mistake. I wanted you to explore the main hall first."
The Marchioness frowned. "Why? We are already here."
Sebastian waved off her concern as he led them away. "No, please come to the main hall. There is a lovely view from there of the winter gardens. I only want you to be able to see the best the manor has to offer."
When they reached the main hall, he paused once again. "I have recently had the main hall redone. I ordered a particularly lovely wallpaper from France that I am sure you will appreciate."
He then opened the door a crack, and once again nearly slammed it shut. "I have made a mistake. We should proceed to the greenhouse instead."
Lady Francis frowned once more. "Why? I thought we were here to view the main hall. Was that not the best view of the winter gardens?"
"No, we shall have tea first. It slipped my mind that the two of you have been in a cramped carriage for hours. Surely refreshments would be welcome. I beg your forgiveness for not thinking of it sooner."
The group followed him back down to the greenhouse, but before they could reach it, an explosion sounded in the distance. Sebastian turned to the Marchioness once more with a smile. She didn't allow him to speak. "Have you made a mistake once more?"
When Sebastian bowed apologetically, the woman frowned down at him. "You are such an indecisive man!"
Sebastian stood, and even Lucienne could tell he was at hits wit's end. She had no doubt the issues had to have something to do with the other servants, but she had only caught glimpses before they moved on. She wondered what he planned to do now and almost smirked. However, she was caught off guard with the rest when his usual smile returned.
"Oh, I have just remembered there is a place that I thought you would like to explore. It may not usually be suitable for such a refined lady, but I still felt you would appreciate the sights. Let us head to the stables."
The Marchioness gave him a questioning look but followed him out nonetheless. When they arrived, he went straight to the farthest occupied stall. "What do you think of this Marchioness? I have specially purchased this stallion for the young master. I felt its blue-black coat and disposition were well suited to him, and have always wanted to share this with you."
For the first time, the Marchioness had on something other than a frown. She stepped forward and looked over the horse for a moment before she nodded to Sebastian. "It is indeed a good horse. It boasts good breeding, and has an excellent look."
She then shocked them all further when she turned to Ciel. "Do you want to go hunting with me right now? This is an excellent opportunity to see what kind of man my daughter will be marrying. Unless, of course, you feel unfit. You do have the small, skinny frame of a girl, after all."
Ciel's shoulders stiffened. "I accept." He didn't even look back at his butler as he addressed him. "Sebastian, go make preparations."
The Marchioness smiled down at her nephew. "Wonderful. Let's make this a competition." The Earl's only response was to nod stiffly before he turned to wait for the horses to be prepared.
Lucienne had been shocked by how quickly everyone was ready. The Marchioness had followed Sebastian back to the house so she could change into appropriate clothing while Lucienne stayed with Ciel and Lady Elizabeth. The girl looked like she had something she wanted to say to her, but instead, went to stand next to Ciel. Her tone was bright as she reassured him she believed he could accomplish anything.
When Lady Francis and Sebastion returned, he made short work of preparing the horses. Lucienne was more than thankful when she was dismissed, though she was asked to remain nearby in case there was a need for any aid. She wasn't sure what kind of support they anticipated she could provide, but she curtsied nonetheless and stood while they walked away.
Though they had asked her to stay, she knew it was likely to be several hours at the least, so she went to retrieve a book. She had little else to do while she waited. It did not shock her to hear many gunshots over the next three hours, though she was shocked when they no longer rang out after such a short amount of time.
When she was sure the competition was over, she stood and placed the tiny book in a hidden pocket in her skirts before she turned to wait patiently for them to return. She was not as shocked as she should have been to see the Marchioness smirking down at the demon butler. He had a way of turning people around when he wished it. Nor was she shocked that he was carrying a bear on his own. She briefly wondered if they all knew of his origin, though she discarded the idea. She doubted the woman on the horse would put up with such knowledge. Though that did beg the question of how could they not know? He was carrying a bear. By himself. Over one shoulder as though it was nothing more than a rucksack.
Lucienne managed to bury her frustration and curtsied as they approached. As they all dismounted and headed back to the house, it was plain to see that something had changed while they were out there. The Marchioness no longer looked as though she wished to do bodily harm to Ciel and Sebastian. The latter was unfortunate, but there was no point in pondering it.
The whole group stopped in shock as soon as they entered the front door. The other four servants were standing around with smiles before three of them jumped forward and yelled out 'surprise' in unison. They then all three brought forward what might have been a cake, though it was difficult to tell.
Finny was the first to speak. "We all made this for you. I even decorated with roses!"
Then Bard stepped up. "I made a donburi with your favorite foods!"
Mey-Rin curtsied before she added her own contribution as well. "The table setting was done by me. I used Mr. Sebastian's style."
Both Ciel and Sebastion stood with dumbfounded looks. It was only a moment later that they both looked back to the Marchioness with horrified expressions. She stepped forward while eyeing the servants. "Hmm, they are actually one step ahead of me."
She then shocked them all when she stopped by Ciel and put a hand on his head with a smile. "I came here today, specifically for the sake of saying this. Happy 13th birthday, Ciel."
She then turned to the rest of the group. "Also, I'll be counting on all of you to take care of my daughter and her husband in the future."
Lucienne curtsied with a nod when all the rest did. She was just glad the woman had no longer singled her out. Though right after, she had to hide a smirk at what the woman said next.
The Marchioness had focused on Sebastian. "Thank you for all the trouble today. However, there are a few things which I need to remind you of. Such as the dinner that was burnt to charcoal, the broken tea set, and the ridiculously bare garden. I do hope that you will do better in the future."
Sebastian chuckled weakly. "Yes, of course."
Directly after that, the other servants gathered around the Earl, the Marchioness, and Lady Elizabeth. It was not long until the room was filled with the sound of their congratulations and merriment.
Lucienne stayed back, despite what she had previously been told. She still did not feel that she was part of this group. Though, that did allow her to note when Sebastion stepped away with a pensive look. It was unusual for the demon, and despite her better judgment, she followed him.
She was surprised he went into the kitchen and even further shocked when he pulled a beautiful confection from cold storage. She wondered that he had not noticed her presence as he spoke to himself. "It looks like the cake I made will go to waste."
She stayed silent and continued to watch as he rumpled his hair back into his usual style and took off one glove. He then dipped a finger into the chocolate and brought it to his lips. After he tasted it, he looked down at the remaining chocolate with a bewildered expression. "It's hard to comprehend what creatures like humans are thinking. They actually find this kind of stuff delicious."
Lucienne could not believe what she was seeing. Was the demon actually miffed that his efforts were wasted, or that he would go unappreciated? It was hard to tell, but she could no longer keep silent. "Some do, though not all. I personally only tolerate chocolate."
He turned to face her with a raised brow. She had hoped her unexpected voice would have made him jump at least, but wasn't shocked when he continued in an even tone. "Perhaps, but it is still difficult to understand them."
Lucienne raised her brow at his use of 'them.' As though she were not also human. Still, she didn't bring it up. Instead, she shook her head. "You speak as though we are all the same. Humans are as varied as the stars in the sky, if not as populous. You only need to look to see."
He chuckled at her analogy. "And yet, though there are many stars, they all look identical as well. Nothing more than points of light in the darkness that will eventually dwindle."
She took a step closer with a smirk. "Perhaps if you are blind. Or unwilling to pay attention. Even those points of light differ. There are many sizes, many colors, and each burns with varied brightness. Have you never noticed?"
The silence lasted for several seconds before Sebastian closed the distance between them. He then leaned until he was on eye level with Lucienne. It took all she had not to step away before he answered. "Perhaps you are correct. Some stars flare far brighter than others. They are particularly beautiful, though they do tend to burn out faster than the rest."
Lucienne almost felt transfixed by the strange glow in his eyes when he said that. She could no longer force her feet to move away as they stared at each other. The tense silence was only broken when they heard a loud exclamation from the front hall. Apparently, it had started to snow.
When Sebastian stood, Lucienne took a quick breath and turned back to the door. "We should return. It would not be wise to leave the others alone. We have already seen what can happen." She didn't wait for a response before she headed out.
A/N: Hello, I live! :) Sorry for the long wait, but I have had a lot going on in the past months. I hope this is worth the wait. This was a transition chapter, as the Indian Butler arc will be starting in the next chapter. I hope you are all looking forward to it. Especially as things are finally beginning to change. We shall see how that goes. Thanks for reading and cheers!