Chapter 12
Once the commissioner, Baron and Vanell had left, Madam Red, Lau, Ran-Mao, and Ciel moved to one of the other rooms. Lily joined them, standing against the wall to the right of the door, arms crossed, openly watching the master and remaining guests, while also trying to keep her distance from Grell, Madam Red's butler. Something about this runt of a man didn't sit well with her, though for the life of her she couldn't think what it was.
"Your tea," Sebastian said as he poured for the four nobles. "We have a special Darjeeling blend to offer, from Fortnum and Mason today."
"Smells lovely," Lau said, Ran-Mao sitting on his lap again. "Tea can be excellent when made well." Lily rolled her eyes at this comment, hidden slightly by her fringe. She turned her attention to Sebastian, a small smile on her lips as she watched him pour. Her eyes wandered to Grell, who was practically in awe of him, hands folded together, making her sneer slightly.
"Grell," Madam Red said, pulling her butler from his thoughts, he stood straight, arms at his side.
"Ah, yes my lady?"
"Learn something from Sebastian,"
"Uh, yes…"
"Just look at him! I mean, this physique!" She continued, as she ran her hand repeatedly over Sebastian's behind, catching the other guests off guard, not to mention Sebastian himself, "you should quit this country job, and come work for me in the city." Lily ducked her head, suppressing a snigger. She had no intention of letting the butler live this down any time soon. Ciel cleared his throat.
"Madam Red…" She stopped, looking "embarrassed", though it was clear this was hardly the case.
"Oh, sorry. I couldn't help it, he looked like he needed a physical. Just a doctors habit." Lily's eyes flashed open, as she slowly made her way to Sebastian's side, looking away slightly.
"I was thinking you looked rather peaky Seb," she whispered, before continuing to their lord's side, the butler's eyes on her. She leaned down slightly, cupping her hand she said softly, while also trying to ensure Sebastian heard, "actually sir, I do believe Sebastian was starting to look rather unwell. If I may suggest, sir, you may wish to arrange for an appointment, or two, with Madam Red?" Ciel smirked at her, Lily nodded, "I shall arrange it as soon as possible then sir," she said, bowing her head before standing fully once again, walking back to where she'd been leaning, winking at Sebastian as she passed, sniggering.
"So," Lau began, "do you believe the drug trafficker was one of your guests today?" He asked, as her rose to his feet.
"Perhaps," he replied, as Lau walked to his side, leaning over the top of his chair, lounging slightly.
"Why not leave the extermination to Lau? A rat knows best where a rats nest is, doesn't he." Madam Red said.
"I'm but a tamed guinea pig, dedicated to my lord." He leaned down, a hand on Ciel's head, fingers flexing slightly, "if he instructs me not to act, I'm bound to do nothing." Suddenly Madam Red had pulled Ciel away, holding him close, Lau's hand still were it was, clearly surprised.
"Watch it!" She hissed, "you'd better keep your filthy paws off my darling nephew!"
"You wound me." He said, standing fully again, "I would never paw at him in his own home, dear madam." At this she let go of her nephew, her attention squarely on Lau.
"Are you saying you would if you were elsewhere?! Careful, you're on thin ice now sir!" He laughed this off.
"Sorry, I'm joking of course." Neither guest noticing that Ciel had exited the room, bar his butler and housekeeper.
"Master?" Sebastian asked softly, watching him leave.
"The rats are here." He said softly, before walking on. Lily looked after their lord, before turning to the butler, brow creased. He nodded slightly, she sighed, bowing her head as he left the room, leaving her to tend to the guests.
"Yay…" She muttered, though her head perked up.