Looking from the outside, a person wouldn't be able to completely see how vast the yard around inside the gate was. Walking by the garden that was on either side of the walk way was a sight in itself. A fountain in the middle just ahead of them, the garden was well trimmed and a bright green. The grass was symmetrical to one another and both patterned a beautiful swirly, circular design with slim trees and round fluffy bushes bordering the yard up to the front door.
"Our Lord has been looking to speak with you. I assume that you have brought suitable attire, yes?"
"Um…" Looking at each other, all of them sweat dropped, giving Frederick a "we didn't know" kind of smile.
"I see…" The butler said, continuing his lead. "Then I shall have a maid come by to take your measurements in but a moment. First, let me introduce you to the Lord of this estate."
Opening a pair of large kingwood doors, Fredrick extended his arm in the direction of an office desk and chair in the middle of a fairly large study, but still smaller than the one Lucy grew up with.
"May I present, Master Vincent Ezekiel Hunter Gran Harrison the Third."
Before them, leaning against the desk with a novel in his hand, was a fair built young man with semi long, cerulean and black, spiked hair. Looking up from his reading, he had deep onyx eyes and a well suited face that could make a number of girls fall head over heels.
Placing the book on the desk, the young Lord walked to the group and gave a polite bow before extending his hand for a handshake. "It's a pleasure. You may call me Vince. There is no need to be so formal." He sported a very genuine and sweet smile, and it seemed to only be directed at Lucy.
"We are here on regards to your request," Lucy said in her usual sweet voice and smile, shaking his hand with a firm grip, "My name is Lucy Heartfilia, and these are my friends; Levy McGarden, Gajeel Redfox, and Laxus Dreyar."
"I must say that I was not expecting your team to be here so early. It is barely 10."
"An early start to get everything in order." She said in a matter of fact, being as professional as she could without breaking character.
"Excellent. Then shall I go over the details?" He asked walking to his chair. The others followed, looking at each other in wonder as they let Lucy take charge of speaking.
"As was mentioned; this is a guard job. There have been three previous attempts to keep me from the title that has been handed down through my family. Someone is determined to strip me of my power here in Oshibana. You are here to keep that from happening." There was a serious look in his eye as he mentioned the situation.
"May I ask why this is happening?" Levy questioned, stepping up beside Lucy.
"I don't know and I don't care. Tonight is the night that I marry and receive the title inherited from my father. Stop all interferences at whatever means necessary."
"Understood." Just as they turned to leave, Lucy was stopped.
"Since you are here early; might you consider joining me for lunch?" Confidence radiated off the man that held her hand. Though she was shocked, she was determined to keep this a completely professional matter, in her politest and sweetest tone that didn't falter in assert-ness, she answered, "Thank you for the offer, but we are here on business matters." Retrieving her hand from his, "I shall see you again tonight, when our job officially starts."
Watching his butler lead them out, Vincent was shocked by what had just happened. In all his years, no girl had rejected him. Even his maids blushed at his presence, yet this girl didn't even fluster in the slightest.
"Lucy Heartfilia…" he thought as the name echoed in his mind, "I know I heard that name before."
This young blonde wizard will be no exception to his charms, and by the end of the day, he is determined to make her fall.
The group was taken to a room on the second floor.
"I do beg your pardon, Fairy Tail; we were not expecting you so soon. I do hope this room is to your liking."
The room was large for sure. Two beds on either side of the room and a bathroom, the only thing that was missing was the kitchen.
"This is wonderful, thank you Frederick." Levy said sweetly.
"Then make yourselves comfortable. Call if you have any questions or requests." With that the butler left.
In unison, -Sigh…-
Collapsing on the bed together, Levy and Lucy stared at the ceiling.
"That was the worse way to part a greeting." Levy said to Lucy in a teasing tone.
"Oh don't even go there Levy, this is a mission, not a dating experience. The last thing I need is to get involved with the lord of this place."
"I'm sure that's not going to be the end of it though." She laughed sitting up. "He seemed to have really taken a liking to you Lu-chan."
Upon hearing this, a small tinge hit Laxus in his chest and anger ran through his body. But before he could turn to say anything there was a knock on the door.
Being the closest, Gajeel got up and opened it to see who it was.
"Eep!"
"Hm?" Gajeel looked down to see four house keepers, two girls and two boys. The girl that had knocked looked at the Dragon slayer in horror as he towered over her person.
"What do you want?" He said in a not so polite tone.
"W-we we-we w-w-we…"Being glared at by his over baring red eyes wasn't helping the poor girl speak; she was terrified at the sight of the man and the tears welling up in her eyes couldn't hide it. She and the others as well, they feared for their lives in the presence of the raven haired man.
"Stop scaring them." Levy scolded, pushing him away from the door and the frightened servants. "Can we help you with something?" The sweet tone that the Solid Script mage gave was a huge relief to the girl. Quickly trying to recover herself, she spoke in a low soft voice. "We were sent here to take your measurements miss."
"Oh right, Frederick mentioned that earlier." Lucy said walking up next to Levy.
"Will you guys be able to finish them before tonight? We don't mind going into town to pick something out you know." Levy asked concerned, she felt bad that they had to do that just because they were the ones unprepared.
"Don't worry miss," One of the young men spoke, "our seamstresses are the best in the town, and they will have you guys ready to go well before the event."
"If you say so." Laxus said in a "yeah right" tone, slightly glaring at the young male that came up to him, measuring tape in hand.
The two boys were having a hard time with Laxus and Gajeel. The two wizards were frightening beyond what they seen, even the guards weren't nearly as intimidating as these two. It hardly helped that they towered over the boys as if they were children.
Lucy and Levy had little trouble letting the girls' measure them, the girl that measured Lucy though couldn't help the deep blush that crept on her face as she tried to measure Lucy's chest.
Looking over, Laxus couldn't help the smile that came from watching the girl's reaction, being slightly envious that the maid got to grab Lucy's chest and not him.
As they finished up, turning to leave, so did the butler come to replace their presence to inform the group that lunch would be ready in 5 minutes, ushering them to consider gathering in the dining room before everything was out and set.
Quickly changing into a more casual outfit, both Lucy and Levy followed Frederick to dining hall with Laxus and Gajeel standing behind them like two tall, ominous shadows. Servants of the manor scurried away from the path of the two males, though normally not an issue, the looks they were receiving began to annoy the two.
"Please be seated." Frederick asked, as four maids pulled out chairs for the wizards to sit. "I do so hope you enjoy the meal prepared for you today."
The dining table was a good ten feet, though it looked as if only the young lord ate there, the extra chairs seemed out of place on the same end.
"Looks like your "bo" is going to be joining us." Levy joked to Lucy as the two sat on opposite sides of the table, furthest from the head seat.
"Oh, ha-ha," Lucy retorted sarcastically, "The last thing I need is to be wooed in by some up-kept pretty boy that has never worked a day in his life." She laughed as Laxus sat next to her, Gajeel sitting next to Levy.
"Seeing as we are going to be playing the part, why not brief us on how to act for tonight." Levy asked, admiring the tableware.
"Well it should be easy for you to pick up on Levy, for these two it would be a different story." Laughing as she singled out Laxus and Gajeel, Levy joining in her giggle fit.
"Hey!" Gajeel's face was getting a little extra color to it.
"Not cool." Same for Laxus but he tried to keep his composure.
"In any case," Lucy continued, bringing her laughs to a soft giggle, "there won't be much to teach because this is going to be a social event. Levy and I will be playing as if we are there to win over the Lord, Gajeel being Levy's escort, leaving Laxus as my own." A slight blush grazed Lucy's cheeks as she said that last bit. "Keeping in mind that we need to look for our target, Gajeel, Laxus," she said to the two, "so long as you two stay quiet, don't say anything, and stand tall everything should go smoothly."
"They aren't supposed to do anything?" Levy asked with a blank stare.
"The main reason for the escort is to be a personal servant."
"Hold on." Gajeel snapped. "I am no one's servant!"
"Which is why you are with Levy," Lucy retorted quickly in a dominate voice, "If you were paired up with me you wouldn't be able to walk in any direction without barking out."
This side of Lucy was very different from the fun loving celestial mage that they had come to expect.
"All you have to do is stay at Levy's side no matter what and not speak, sound easy enough?"
"Alright easy," Laxus cut in before Gajeel could counter, "What exactly is it that we will be doing?"
"Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious and keep other guys away from us."
"What do you mean?" Pantherlily asked as the food was being placed.
"I've been to these events before," holding her hand up to stop Levy from making a comment, "I know enough that when there are winners, there are more losers. That is when some are smart enough to try and be a rebound."
"Makes sense," Levy stated as she and the others began to eat, "if we can convers with the other women, maybe we can narrow down the suspect."
"If these women are anything like the ones I grew up around, not many will be so kind."
"I can set up a barrier to try and nullify anyone that attempts an attack. It will take a bit of time but I can specify it so that no one in the area can harm the Lord."
"Vince, please." The group looked up to see the Lord approach the table, taking the seat at the end. "That sounds like an excellent plan, Miss McGarden, how soon can you apply the spell?"
"As soon as we are done eating I can get right on it."
"Very well, Frederick will lead you to the ballroom and the ceremony parlor room and any others that may be used for tonight."
"Can you brief us on what you have planned for tonight?" Laxus asked in a not-so-friendly tone.
"Certainly," clearing his throat and looking Laxus in the eyes, "as guests start arriving, a number will be presented to the ones that are here to offer their hand in marriage, now because this is also for entertainment, I purpose that each woman sing." Briefly glancing at Lucy, he continued, "This night needs to go on as quickly and as smoothly as possible, after all have presented themselves, I will announce my choice."
"Lucy," Levy quietly panicked to get her attention.
Looking over at her friend, both sat back to hide from Vince's line of sight, Lucy mouthed 'What's wrong?'
'I can't sing!' Levy panicked. 'How am I going to this?'
'Calm down,' Lucy smiled, trying not to laugh, 'we aren't here to win, just read a poem if you have to.'
Thinking it over, Levy nodded her head in agreement. Breathing a sigh of relief, she caught everyone's attention.
"Did you enjoy the meal?" Frederick asked, appearing out of nowhere.
Looking down at her plate, not remembering when she finished, Levy smiled, "Yes I did, it was very good, thank you."
"Then please follow me so you can set up the spell."
"I'll go with, see what I can do to help." Gajeel said following Levy and Frederick, leaving just Lucy, Vince, and Laxus. It was a little awkward with nothing else to discuss, that and the fact that Laxus didn't like the guy.
"If there is nothing else," Lucy began, getting out of her chair, "we will take our leave and begin preparations for your evening."
"Just because this is a job, doesn't mean that we can't exchange pleasantries." Vince stated finishing his meal and standing to face Lucy. "I would really like to know who it is that is working for me."
"We already introduced ourselves in your study." Lucy said in her same sweet tone but not giving in to his gesture.
"In any case," Laxus spoke to get the attention off Lucy, "do try to keep a professional image, what would people say if they knew that their new Lord acquainted himself with the help?"
Lucy was a little shocked to hear that retort from Laxus, but before she or Vince could say anything, Laxus placed his arm on her shoulder and lead her away to their room. Leaving our young lord, once again, dumb founded and feeling like a fool.
-SLAM!- This was not taken lightly, slamming his fist on the table, he made the maids standing against the wall jump.
"Who does that brute think he is?" He hissed through clenched teeth. "There is no way that she could reject me for a brainless caveman like that." Storming back to his study, "And I'm going to prove it."
"Frederick!"
"Yes Sir?"
"Find me all the information you can on Lucy Heartfilia, I know I heard that name somewhere before, I just can't remember."
"Right away Sir."
The event had maids and servants chattering amongst themselves. It was short time before the entire building was buzzing with what had aspired moments ago.
"Did you hear how the Master reacted?" A young seamstress queued to her superior, in the design room where the attire for our young wizards were being finished. "I don't believe our Lord is used to being on the receiving end of a rejection."
"Hold your tongue, Rita," Said the older woman, cutting the thread to her finished gown, "remember that we are not here to criticize what happens in the life of our Lord, we are merely servants and should hold no ill to what has, or will happen. We are here to do our jobs, nothing more, nothing less."
She was a tall and fair woman, no older than Cana, with long auburn hair and deep sapphire eyes. She rose to match the height of Laxus's chin, should she ever be compared.
"With that said, run these up to our guests and have them try them on." She said, removing the last gown from the manikin and handing it to the young seamstress."
"Right away, ma'am." And off she went with the clothes.
Back at the room with our wizards, "What's this I hear you're in a love triangle!?" Levy squeaked, bouncing in her spot as she held Lucy's hands and looked at her with big hopeful and sparkly eyes.
"Where did you hear that?" Lucy questioned, following her friend's movements with her eyes. "After you left we finished our conversation with the Lord and then left, that's it."
"That's not what I heard," the smile on her face was becoming wider as the glint in her eyes became more mischievous, "there's talk going around that our client has his sights set on you and that he's none too happy about Laxus steeling you away."
"You have got to be kidding me." Laxus sneered, looking out the window where he was seated at.
"I heard it too," Pantherlily spoke as he flew in behind Gajeel walking into the room, "apparently he believes that he is a better choice than Laxus."
"Oh please," Laxus growled walking over to the group, "that print up pretty boy wishes that he could out-man me. I mean, come on, he couldn't hold a candle to Natsu, let alone a wizard like me."
"I'm pretty sure even Romeo would have a better chance with Lucy than that guy." Gajeel laughed as he took a bite out of a piece of metal that he had asked to be brought up to the room earlier.
"Since when did we start discussing my love life?" Lucy barked as everyone turned to look at her. "Either way it doesn't matter, we're here on a job. Levy, how did the barrier set up go?"
"As good as it can get, the ball room and the main halls are set. If there are any thoughts of attacking our client then the barrier will go off and trap the assailant."
"Good enough for me."
"I took perimeter surveillance around the mansion, even if this guy could get in, I don't see how he would get around without being noticed. There are guards around every corner, inside and out." Gajeel commented as he took a seat on the bed. "Our assassin would have to be posing as a guess in order not to draw suspicion."
"Noted," Lucy said as the others nodded their heads in agreement, "so then we keep a look out for any questionable guests. Try to talk or listen to the people, see if we can find some that could have motive for these attempts."
"Good idea." Pantherlily smiled to the girls just as a knock was heard at the door.
"I'll get it," Levy stood, giggling at Gajeel who grimaced away from her.
Opening the door to let in a young woman with short black hair carrying four wide boxes, the servant was hesitant to take a step, as Levy and the others turned their attention to the door.
"It's alright to come in," Levy said sweetly "I promise that we don't bite."
"Ah!" The girl panicked, "N-no, I mean that is, uh…" she was having trouble finding her words. "These are your outfits for tonight's event; I need final fittings to confirm they are of correct proportions."
"Oh, no problem, here let me help you with those." Lucy grabbed the two boxes on top and led the girl in, placing all four on the bed.
"These two are for you girls," she said, giving a box to Lucy and Levy, "and these are for you two…" She was hesitant to approach the men, with a little smile and nod from Levy, she mustered up her courage and handed them a box.
"We'll go change in the bathroom." Lucy and Levy made a B-Line to the bathroom with the servant on their heels, closing the door behind them.
"Something about this is pissing me off." Laxus spat at the box in his hands.
"Come off it," Gajeel said apathetically "just try the damn thing on and see how it fits."
"That's not what I mean."
Looking back at the Lighting mage, he continued.
"I have a bad feeling that tonight is going to go to shits before it gets better."
"Then let's try to make it through."
"Agreed."
With that all three males proceeded to get changed.
Sorry for the delay but here it is, I hope you enjoy. Please R&R