Sebastian's POV
The building was old and neglected. A relic lost in time with no one left to maintain its upkeep. I watched as Claude pushed through the gates of the property effortlessly. The old rusted metal screeched in protest from being forced open after long years of rest. I surveyed our surroundings. Even though we were most certainly walking into a trap, I still wanted to have the best chances of survival. I cut my eyes toward Canterbury. He was quiet but wore a wide smile on his face. He was pleased that Claude and I were about to experience whatever torturous fate his master had prepared for us. We arrived at the entrance of the factory and paused just before entering. Claude looked back at me. We both understood that only danger lay behind those doors. Without a word, Claude pushed through the door and we stepped inside.
It was dark inside and difficult to make out the room's contents. Suddenly the room lit up slightly. Claude and I turned around to face Canterbury to find him holding a lit candle.
"Please continue, master is waiting upstairs. " Canterbury said with a wide smile. His entire demeanor had changed. From an expressionless, mindless robot, he now stood with an almost joyous aura. The closer he got to his "master" the happier he appeared.
"Could you please try to contain your enthusiasm, it's nauseating. " Claude said, narrowing his eyes at Canterbury as he walked in front of us to guide us through the darkness.
"His last supervisor must have been a real tyrant for him to be this grateful to his new master. " I said with a smile.
"Yes, the worthless find me intimidating and difficult to work with. " Claude said dryly.
Canterbury had led us to a room in the back of the factory. He opened the door to a very well-lit room. There were a few wooden boxes lying about, a small meat pressing machine, and old metal work benches.
"Well where is your master-" I turned to face Canterbury but he was gone.
"Well, I suppose now we must wait for our host to appear. " I said.
"After all these games, this bastard dares to be tardy? " Claude said, as he dented one of the workbenches with his grip.
"You've been so sensitive lately, Claude. You must control yourself." I said sitting down on top of a nearby box. I honestly was in no rush to start fighting for my life for the millionth time today. I know I said I was starved for excitement but this was more than I anticipated.
"You don't sound like a butler eager to save his master, Sebastian. Or are you trying to put off fulfilling your end of our arrangement?" Claude asked, turning to face me.
"Of course not, my dear spider. I just don't want to see that perfect face grow wrinkles from so much stress." I said, winking at Claude.
"Wrinkles are the least of my worries these days. " Claude said coming to sit down beside me on another box.
"At this point, I find it hard to believe that things could possibly get any worse. " I said.
"You would be surprised, ." I couldn't believe my ears.
Claude and I both stood up and turned to face the voice.
Behind us stood Hannah Annafellows, who I thought I left bleeding out on the floor at the Trancy Manor.
"I thought you killed her?!" Claude said looking at me in confusion.
"I thought I did. " I said staring intently at Hannah.
I know I saw the life leave this woman's body. I know I killed her. I am not one for leaving loose ends. But there Hannah stood in perfect health. She even has both eyes open and in their original state. She looked better than I had ever seen her. As if she was given a new life.
"Hello, gentlemen. I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting." Hannah said smiling at us. She didn't look like she was brained-washed like the triplets or the Earls. She seemed calmer and in a better head space than the last time, we'd met.
"No apologies needed Ms. Annafellows. If you would just please explain why there is no longer a hole in your throat it would be much appreciated." I said.
"Oh yes, I believe the last time we met you killed me. " Hannah said, with a chuckle.
"Though the blow you dealt me was near critical, my master is incredible. After you left he only needed to give me but a few drops of his blood and I was healed. I suggest you make sure you finish what you start next time, Sebastian." Hannah said winking at me.
"Hannah, you're not as simple-minded and worthless as the triplets so tell me what has driven you to follow this random person?" Claude asked. He seemed to be genuinely curious.
I did not know much about Hannah, our encounters were brief. She did not speak much and stayed to herself. But there is one thing that is unmistakable. She was not in the slightest a weak being. It is hard to measure her powers but even in our small scuffle, she was quite impressive. Claude's confusion was understandable. What could this person have that is so impressive or interesting that it would sway even Hannah, whose motives are so unclear?
"Well, Claude although the Trancy Estate has given me such pleasant memories over the years, and I do care for Alois, I agree with the ideologies of the man that has brought us all together. " Hannah said.
"I have a soft spot for humans and truly desire to see their preservation. However, left to their own devices they will soon be extinct. With my master's plans in motion, they will be saved, and protected from themselves." Hannah said.
"So what is our involvement in all of this? I would have gladly accepted being released from my contract with Alois if only asked. You and your master are free to rein over all of humanity, so long as you leave me alone." Claude said, forever eager to abandon his duties as a butler.
"My master is interested in you, Claude. He feels that you would be an excellent fit for the team." Hannah said, almost joyfully.
"For the trouble this fiend has caused me, I wish him nothing but suffering. You can let him know that I have declined the invitation."Claude said, dismissing Hannah's words.
"I believe after some discussions and seeing what we have already accomplished you might change your mind. You will find that this work is much more fulfilling than our previous duties." Hannah said. Claude's refusal did not seem to deter Hannah in the slightest.
"And what is my place in all of this? Am I expected to join your cause as well?" I said inserting myself into the conversation.
Hannah cut her eyes toward me.
"Unfortunately for you Sebastian, the last encounter you and my master had wasn't very pleasant. He is not very fond of you." Hannah said, losing her cheerful demeanor.
"We've met?" I asked surprised. I truly do try and kill most of my and my master's enemies for this very reason.
"Yes, and you were quite rude. " Hannah said, sounding upset.
"Enough, this conversation is irritating me. Where is this lunatic and where are the earls?" Claude asked growing impatient.
"Oh, my master will reveal himself to you very soon, Claude. But first, he wanted me to offer you a deal." Hannah said, with her smile returning.
"What kind of deal?" Claude asked.
"Place Sebastian's right eye in my hand, and the boys will be released without harm. Then we can all discuss whether or not our organization is right for you." Hannah said, with a smile, her hand outstretched.
I guess she was right, things can always get worse.
Joker11315: Well, well, well who has Sebastian pissed off this time? You know what they say an eye for an eye ? What do you think? Will Claude accept this offer? Tune in next time, and please leave a comment!
