It seems my story is still alive. But I heard some authors had their stories removed yesterday. Obviously the battle is still not over, but even if they do listen to us, I would like some insurance that they won't do something like this again. I'll keep posting my story up, until either I finish it, or they remove it.
'If you see this, it's because it's a narration ofArthur.'
Chapter 17
~ASC~
A carriage stood before the man, it was a big one with two horses, and it looked very expensive. "I have come to pick you up. Please come along." The coachman said. "O...ok." The young man said as he stepped in, his back stiff and his hands on his knees, It's the first time in my life I've ridden a two-horse carriage with a coachman... He thought.
The carriage started to move and he went through his pockets, "I hope I haven't forgotten the invitation. Looks like things are going to be tense from here on out." He took out an envelope, a wax seal on the back, "I wonder what kind of person it is...?" He looked out the window as the city disappeared from view to only be replaced by hills and forests.
Early spring, 1889. It was around the time of year when winter hasn't quite cleared yet, while working as an inexperienced eye-doctor in London I was also working as an insignificant writer. Even though I say writer, I could only actually devote the times that I had no patients to writing. Up until now my work has only been published once and this was after many submissions, the payment was atomically small; I was considering a move from the clinic to the Scottish Countryside however, during this time a letter of invitation was delivered to me. Yes, that was when it all began.
~2 weeks ago~
"So? How long are you guys planning on staying here?" Ciel asked as he looked at the newspaper.
"What up with that? Even though I went through the trouble of staying here to spend the winter holidays with you!" Soma huffed at Ciel, angry that the boy didn't appreciate his 'generosity.'
"Don't just invent holidays!" Ciel growled, he looked down at the newspaper and his eyes fell on a news article about a diamond in South Africa, and about a man who died.
"Especially since I'm going to beat you at chess today!" Soma shouted, determined to win.
Ciel stood up from his chair, "Sorry, but I've got work today. Let's go Sebastian."
"Yes." The butler said.
Soma puffed out his cheeks, acting like a spoiled child, "You said that yesterday and only played one game with me."
"Why don't you polish your skills by solving some chess problems while I'm working? You have too few countermoves." That made Soma angry as Ciel pointed out his flaw in his game.
"Damn! I'll remember this! Agni, come on, we're doing some intensive training!" The two idiots left off doing so and Ciel just thought of work.
~ASC~
I entered the kitchen, my eyes feeling heavy; I haven't slept for about a week or so, I have literally been sucking out Sebastian's energy to be staying awake. The fear of the nightmares kept all thoughts of peacefulness away after all. Maylene sighed as she looked out the window, Grey clouds hung dangerously over the mansion, promising rain, and a lot of it.
"Sigh, I can't relax with this kind of weather." She muttered, "It'd be better if it waited until the washing has dried." Bard nodded at Maylene, the maid unable to see him as she had her back to him. I grabbed some milk and heard some strange scratching sounds, "If it's always this kind of heavy weather I'll get all gloomy." Bard said.
The door burst opened into cut pieces and I ducked as some flew over my head, my hand automatically holding my blade waiting for any kind of attack.
"I'm coming in!" A cheerful blonde hair man dressed extravagantly showing that he had possible money and power, and a rapier in his hand. "Is Earl Phantomhive in?"
Bard was by Maylene's side, wielding his kitchen knife in case of anything, "Who the hell are you?"
"What? You'll play with..." He suddenly rushed forward, fast for a human. "Me!" He shouted as he almost cut Maylene and Bard down.
Bard slid backwards from his dodge and the man raised his sword to cut him down again.
"Fast!" Bard shouted, the man smirked at this and there were gunshots, destroying the dishes, but the main target had backed away. "Wow!" The man said as he stared at Maylene without her glasses on.
"Double guns are so cool~" He playfully said.
She shot at him several times, but the man speed proved to be too hard for her to keep up, "But..." He started rushing at her. I cut my palm and started making my own sword's symbol.
There was a sound of metal being slashed and Maylene's guns went to pieces as the man passed her, "I win at close combat. It's..."
The man didn't notice Bard behind him as he brought the knife at his neck.
The man suddenly stepped off the ground and with all his strength stomped on Maylene's stomach, giving him the boost he needed to get out of Bard's path. My symbol completed I clutched its blood red handle and slashed the air where the man fell, as he tried to stab Bard.
He flew backwards, not expecting my strength and he smirked. "Oh, another player~" He rushed at me and I barely blocked his attack aimed for my head. My hunting blade fell from my sleeve and I caught it with my unarmed hand and slashed at the man. He backed away and came forward, "No one can beat me at this!" He shouted, completely enjoying this 'game.'
I quickly made the symbol for my shield and the blade uselessly hit the barrier, "Eh that's cheating!"
"All's fair in love and war!" Bard shouted as he once more tried to cut the man, this time his blade almost came near the intruder's neck by mere centimeters. The man dodged and I swung my sword at him, he jumped and landed on my blade, he slashed at my head and I flung him up. He did a back flip and stabbed straight at Bard.
Sebastian! I shouted in my mind.
A black blur came out of now where, carrying a three plate serving tray full of sweets, and the rapier slashed through the second plate, stabbing into a piece of pastry and only smudging Bard's cheek with the frosting.
The man jumped away and Sebastian stood up straight, "It's a custard choux cream made from the eggs of our own Phantomhive territory's poultry. Please take a bite." The man stared at the pastry sliding down his sword and he took a bite.
"Hmm so-so I guess." A larger man that was by the door the whole time helped Maylene up as his partner continued to eat the food, "Kinda like the lowest passing mark?"
My body felt heavy as my sword and shield disappeared. I leaned on the counter and watched the men carefully. "Hey Sebastian! What the hell are these guys?"
"You got anything else?" The jackass said as he finished with one of the cakes.
"These two are..." Sebastian looked to the man as he put away his rapier.
"Oh yea, we haven't met you guys before. My name is Charles Grey."
The other blonde man looked towards us, "My name is Charles Phipps."
The smaller Charles walked up to his partner, "We're codenamed Double Charles. We are her majesty the Queen's private secretarial officers, and butlers. Nice to meet you." I scoffed at them as I pressed my cut palm to my mouth, trying to stop the bleeding. Grey ignored me and held out a letter, "And today we are the messengers delivering a letter to the Earl." I glared at the two men, not trusting them one bit and I rubbed my mouth of my own blood with the back of my black sleeve.
Sebastian looked to them and started walking out, "Come with me." He said, "You as well Matthew." He looked to me and I nodded, pushing passed the two, not caring if it would offend the 'Queen.'
Grey did his speech again, introducing himself to Ciel, and he handed him the letter. Ciel stared at the seal; it was indeed from the Queen. I was behind him, and Sebastian was serving tea to the intruders.
"So...in accordance with the Queen's request we would like you to host a banquet and entertain a guest who is coming for a visit to England in two weeks' time." Phipps said.
"Why me? I don't think the guest will be at ease if he's being entertained by someone like me, who has no acquaintance to him whatsoever." Ciel asked.
"The person we'd like you to entertain is a certain German personage that also happens to be a distant relative of the Queen's. It is to be a sneak visit to England. He is interested in the self-proclaimed factory of the world that is England's industry and popular literature...he also wishes to mingle with persons of profound scholarship." Phipps took in a breath, and continued, "The Funtom Company you manage is one of England's businesses that is boasted about all over the world. With connections like yours you should be able to call forth some guests that will please our visitor."
So the Queen wants Ciel to play show pony to some stranger. Does she have nothing else to do at all?
"Even so. Is it alright that the Queen would let me entertain him?" Ciel placed the letter on the table and slid it back to them.
"Do you think it's alright to say that?" The man Grey smirked at Ciel, "The Queen has been having some doubts about the Earl since the report on 'the incident the other day." My hand tightened into a fist, as if the bloody Queen could dare speak of that incident as she lay on her ass in her damn throne. I looked to Ciel, he was silent, he remembered that he had gone to the Queen and reported the incident, saying that the children were beyond help and that the government should decide what to tell the parents.
Grey smirked and said, "Surely there were no cover-ups in that report?" He leaned forward, his chin propped up on to his hand, "Don't you think there's a chance to restore your image with this mission?" Grey sat back up and just smiled, "Then again...this is really just a request from the Queen to the 'Noble' Earl and not the 'Watchdog."
"Noblesse oblige." Phipps said, "We would like you to think of it as an obligation as one of the ones who have it all." Ciel stayed silent then place a hand to the letter, "I understand I'll take it."
Grey smiled again; it was infuriating really, "By the way, since I'm overseeing officer. It's okay if I get you to let me participate as well right?"
"Yes." Ciel said.
"We just confirmed the safety of the mansion."
"The mansion's protection is flawless." Ciel stated as he tucked the letter into his coat.
"It seems like you don't need an increase in security guards...right?"
Ciel stared at Grey, "It can't be helped that our risk factor will increase due to uninvited people."
Both Charles stood up and started to walk away, "It's settled then. We'll be taking our leave. You don't need to see us out. We look forward to seeing you in two weeks' time." We waited till we heard the door close and the footsteps gone. Ciel sighed as he stood up. "Well then Sebastian...prepare the invitations at once."
"Yes."
Ciel walked over to the mirror, "Matthew, contact Lau and Undertaker as well."
I bowed to him and took my leave to do as he said, not before sneaking a look outside, it is my job after all to make sure the intruders get out of our property. They walked down the steps, Grey laughing and I could slightly hear his voice, "That was lots of fun huh. The servants are really strong." Phipps tapped his chin and said, "Now that you mention it, was it okay not to fix the door..." He stopped and so did Grey as they looked at Finny. Crap, Finny don't do anything rash. They walked passed Finny and Phipps shouted, "But...the side is still too easy!" He was fast, I couldn't see what he was about to do and I almost jumped out the window as I watched Finny turn his head too slowly.
Finny stood still and my heart almost stopped. I couldn't hear them anymore, but when Finny turned around to face them fully, I almost fell to the ground at the sheer stupidity. The guy only sewed a flower on Finny's hat.
Finny confused tried to figure out what happened. All I heard from Finny was a loud, "Thank you!" As the two walked away. I felt myself suddenly falling and Sebastian had caught me. "Using your summonings, while you haven't slept in a week is bad for your health Matthew."
"I'm fine." I pulled away from him and walked down the hall, "Don't you have work to do?" That was a stupid question, and always answering questions, even if stupid, Sebastian said, "All of it is finished, and has even been sent to the proper places."
"Of course." I shook my head, a small smile on my face. He suddenly grabbed my hand and stopped me from walking any farther. "Please sleep. You cannot keep relying on me to keep you sane, sooner or later you will start to hallucinate."
I looked at him in confusion. "You can borrow some of my energy when you need it; unfortunately you've needed it for too long." I looked away and sighed. "Does it make you weak?" He nodded, a little disappointed in it, and I wrapped my arms around his waist, "I'll...try, but no guarantees." He nodded to me and pulled me into a kiss, his hips grinding against me. I pushed him away, blushing, since we were near the windows, "You're like an animal sometimes! Are you still in heat?" My blush increase and he chuckled softly as he hugged me. "I was only playing; I just wanted to see you smile." My blush deepened, but my smile turned into a frown, "Sorry...I'm still-" Sebastian pressed his lips to mine and slowly pulled away, "I know, Matthew. I know." He squeezed my body and released me as he stepped away.
"Sebastian..." I called to him.
He stopped and looked at me, my back was to him and he couldn't see my face, "You were right that I've never said it to you."
"Told me what?" Sebastian asked, the mind link we had would sometimes be blocked by me, not wanting Sebastian to worry about me when I couldn't sleep after all, but at this moment, I didn't want him to hear it in my head, I wanted to say it out loud to him. "I...I love you." I gulped and left. I knew he was happy that I said it to him back, I could feel it by the warmth coming from my seal, and the way the feather seemed to lightly touch my neck softly.
~Present~
Like I said before, when I first went there I was merely an innocent commoner.
He stepped off of the carriage and looked at large mansion in front of him.
However, the incident that happened at the mansion house I was invited to that day turned the life of that common man around by 180 degrees.
As he stared at the mansion, he couldn't help but feel an ominous aura coming from the mansion. He looked up and spotted a blonde-haired man walking the edges of the roof. It shocked him, but an old man that was by the newcomer's side, lead him into the mansion.
Many years have passed since then. I finally decided to put pen to paper. He stopped and looked up; a child and a butler dressed all in black were looking down at him. To write it down here and now. Everything about the incident I encountered at Earl Phantomhive's mansion.
There was loud boom of the thunder as rain pelted the mansion.
The tragedy that occurred that stormy night...
~ASC~
I stood next to Ciel, he was replaying a Final Fantasy game of mine, sometimes he needed help remembering how he passed it all, and I was happy to oblige, anything to prevent me from having to face Sebastian and his demands for me to sleep. Ciel handed me the game as he talked on the phone, picking up one of the papers on his desk and he said, "Hmm. So it's like that. With this the stories come together. Since I don't know much about Germany's domestic affairs." He stayed silent then smirked, "Jeez don't go reminding me of Vincent with all those bad traits of yours will you? It could turn into something annoying you know?" Ciel sighed as he stacked the papers up, "It might. Don't overdo it...now...Well, see you."
Ciel handed me the phone and I hanged it up for him, he clicked away at the small hand held game till he reached a save point. There was a knock on the door and Sebastian peeked his head in to the room, "Young master it's time."
"Yes." Ciel stood up and saved the game. He tossed the Gameboy to me and I pocketed it for him. He looked out the window and frowned, "Looks like there'll be a shower."
"A heavy one at that." I said, having been outside for a better half of the day.
Sebastian ordered me to follow him and we arrived at the kitchen, "The rain came..." Finny said as I stepped into the kitchen.
"Isn't it because the Young master is doing something unusual?" Bard joked as he stirred the food.
"Bard! That's rude!" Maylene shouted as she carried some of the plates.
Sebastian frowned at this and started clapping his hands to get their attention. "The party won't be canceled because of rain! Don't idle! It'll be time to meet the guests soon." He said. I don't know how, but I was next to everyone as we waited for Sebastian's orders. "When you're called into the dining hall, come out in order according to your position; try not to mix things up! Please wait in the entrance hall first. Understood?"
"Yes!" Finny and Maylene shouted, Bard picked his ear, not caring, Tanaka just did a 'ho,' and I yawned a little, not really meaning to. Sebastian grimaced as he looked at me, "What?"
"Come with me." Sebastian said...for some reason I didn't like the sound of that.
~ASC~
In the ballroom, everyone chattered amongst themselves, all but one. The young author, who seems to be antisocial at such events. ...Why am I here again? Why... He thought, very aware that he was by himself. He looked at the few people inside the room, That's the opera singer Irene, right... He looked at a beautiful blonde woman talking to a man with a spotted bowtie. And isn't the guy next to her the producer Grimsby Keane? He looked to the side and saw a teen, being pulled into a conversation, against his will it seems, That guy seems to be the son of the shipbuilding king. I can't see... The man holding the boy's shoulder waved his right arm around, obviously trying to get attention on his jewelry, Each ring worn by the guy with the loud voice is inlaid with diamonds! How much money does he have! He looked down at his own tux; it was plain, mostly brown, compared to the black suits the other men wore. I'm just wearing a tuxedo… Something bumped against him and he looked down, "Ah sor...!" His eyes widen when he saw the large breast in front of him.
On closer...well farther, inspection, he noticed that it was a Chinese woman, wearing a scantily cladded Chinese dress, the hem was short up to her thighs, and the slits went almost all the way up to her waist, she was holding on to the arm of another Chinese man, this one dressed more appropriately in his Chinese garb, "Ah, excuse me. You shouldn't space out where's your apology?" The man said as he looked down at the girl.
"Sorry." She said.
The young author blushed and stammered, "D...don't bother! A...are you also actors?"
What's with that outfit! He thought.
"No, no, I am but a humble branch manager working at a trading company, my name is Lau. This here is my little sister Ran Mao...and who might you be?" Lau asked. The Author twiddled his fingers together and he meekly said, "I'm an eye specialist, and also a bit of a writer..."
"That's amazing! A wordsmith, huh."
The man flinched at the word and shook his hands, "No such thing! I'm nothing special at all!" Lau looked at him in confusion, "I've never met the Earl before, so I really don't know why I've been invited..." Lau chuckled as he poked Ran Mao's cheek, "Who knows? I don't know what that moody guy, is thinking. Right? Ran Mao~"
"Huh!" The Author gulped, "Is he really so moody..."
"But," Lau interrupted, his eyes, usually closed, opened to reveal pitch black eyes, "Without a doubt, something interesting will happen...probably."
"Huh?"
Lau just smiled and patted Ran Mao's head. "Moreover, the Earl hates the staunch social life and is famous for being a rare character that hardly ever shows himself. I think this is the first time that he's invited people into his own house? Aren't you lucky, Mr. Wordsmith?"
The Author gulped and asked, "What kind of person is he!"
"Let's see. Basically he has either a sour or angry look with extremely high pride."
The Author's mouth fell open, "Ehh!" He thought of some old man who looked pissed.
"It's also said that he wears a pirate-like eye patch."
The image grew worse and he started to tremble, "Eh! Eye patch!"
"Why don't you leave your teasing of the guests at that?" They paused and their heads turn to the stairs, The Author blinked in confusion as he stared at the small child next to a butler dressed in black, and another man with blonde hair, dressed all in black, almost looking like a mourner.
"Huh...a...child?"
Lau smirked, "Yep. That tiny little child is Earl Phantomhive. He's cute right?"
"Little was unnecessary!" Ciel shouted.
Lau laughed and shrugged, "See, he's angry."
"Ahem." Ciel cleared his throat, "Thank you for accepting my invitation today. I am the head of house, Ciel Phantomhive." The Author looked at Ciel, still surprised that the owner is a small child. The three descended from the stairs and the one with blonde hair, the mourner, came up to him and bowed, he turned around and faced Ciel.
"After the dinner party starts I'll once again call upon each of you in order to exchange greetings. This includes both my regular clients and the ones that I'm meeting for the first time." Ciel paused and looked around, then he whispered to Sebastian, "But it seems that the guest of honor isn't here yet?"
"With this foul weather, his arrival seems to have been delayed." As if to confirm, the rain smacked the window harder, and thunder boomed outside. "Oh well. It's not like we can keep everyone waiting in the hall like thi-"
Knock knock.
A red haired maid rushed over and announced, as the door was opened by an elder man, "There is a guest arriving!" Two men came in, one with grey hair and a beard bowed to them. "Pleased to meet your acquaintance, I'm Georg Von Siemens. I am grateful for your invitation." The one next to him, a young blonde man, smiled at everyone and simply said, "Thanks. Are preparations for the party complete?" The Author looked at the blonde man; he wondered who he was since he was dressed different from the others, wearing a white coat with a black vest and gold trimming.
The Author felt someone tapping him, and it was the blonde that was next to him, the mourner. "He's Charles Grey. Exaggerator, is the Queen's butler, and is crazy." He whispered. The Author nodded to him, "Thank you."
Georg walked forward and shock Ciel's hand, "I'm deeply sorry to have delayed you."
"Of course not, you have come from afar." He released his hand and started to walk away, "Let's exchange greetings once the party has started. For now please chat freely at the buffet. This way please."
~ASC~
Sebastian made me be by the Author's side, I was to help him 'fit in', answer some of his questions, and be there if he needed something. So technically I've been upgraded to sub-butler, or stalker. "He's just like his grandfather." Georg Von Siemens. Honorary director of the Bamberger bank, I remembered him because Sebastian beated it into my head, along with the others.
"If you're talking about Earl Grey. He's from such a distinguished family that even his name is attached to a flavor of tea. To think there would be a day I'd be able to greet him." The man with the goatee is Carl Woodley. President of the Woodley Company, a diamond polishing business. He carries several of his diamonds on his rings.
Said bastard that they have been parsing smiled at Ciel, "Because it has not been long since I succeeded as an Earl, Earl Phantomhive is more of an expert here." Ciel smirked, "I'm not there by a long-shot. The company wasn't founded until my generation, so if you're talking enterprises I think that master Woodley is the most capable. Don't you agree Matthew?" I nodded as I stood by the Author's side.
"It's still just a humble business...haha." Humble my ass, I bet this prick steals the diamonds from his own family the way he keeps flashing them around with a simple wave of his hand. "The technology used for polishing diamonds will be supporting the heavy industries from now. It will certainly be an important technology."
Georg nodded at him, "It's England's forte to colonize countries with diamond produce. Recently the heavy industries in my country, for example those involved with shipbuilding or the steel factories, have been showing growth. The bank is thinking of lending our strength to these causes. Right now we're no match for England, but we'll definitely show you that we can catch up." The men laughed and Woodley placed his hand on Patrick Phelps's shoulder, "Hahaha! We better be careful Mr. Phelps."
"Eh...R-right." Patrick Phelps. Shipbuilding/Shipping Blue Star Line company supervision executive of the trade division. No relation to Michael Phelps hehe...damn no one will understand that joke.
"Earl...would you mind introducing me as well?" Lau said.
"Sure. This is Mr. Lau. He's the English branch manager for the Shanghai trading company Kunlun." Patrick flinched and his eyes widen, "From Kunlun!" Lau opened his eyes and glared at the man, did he know what Lau actually was? "Nice to meet you, my name is Lau." He bowed to Georg, "To have a branch in England. You certainly have a large network." Georg was impressed, good for business I suppose. Ran Mao rushed over and clung to Georg's arm "Wha..!" He blushed when she pressed her breast to his arm. "Whawhawhawha!"
"Oh my Ran Mao. I'm so sorry she's such a pampered child. Hehe. Even though we do have a wide network, we haven't bothered Germany yet." I see what he's doing; he's trying to get a good deal.
"Wai...wha! Hey!" Georg shouted as Ran Mao continued to rub her breast to his arm.
"Please teach us various things for future reference."
Georg pulled Ran Mao away, a huge blush on his face, "F...fine, so please let go." He cleared his throat and said, "If you've got an interest in Germany, please ask me again tomorrow. I also have some interest in the state of affairs in Asia."
Lau chuckled, "Seems like he doesn't like us." He whispered.
"What are you doing?" Ciel groaned as he glared at the two.
"I'm sorry to disturb your conversation." Grimsby Keane, Theatrical producer walked over with Irene Diaz, opera singer. "Thank you for inviting us today." Everyone stared at them amazed, except for me, the Author, and Ciel who was taking a sip of wine.
"You're the singing princess and producer that shell out theatres across the country? It's an honor to meet you." Georg said.
"I am Irene Diaz." She curtsied.
"I'm Grimsby Keane." He gave a curt nod to all of us.
"The fact that the plays you direct are a splendid fine art has become the topic of conversation even in Germany. I definitely want you to make a public performance with Miss Irene in Germany. If it's a matter of financing, we can discuss that." Georg said.
The Author, by my side, looked like he wanted to join the conversation. "Really? That's reassuring."
"U...um." The Author said, wanting to introduce himself.
"I have an idea for a set I'd like to put together at the Berlin National opera house."
"I...um...I'm..." The author stuttered.
"Ok! Since introductions are over, let's toast!" Grey said, "English beer is pretty good too~"
The Author fell into depression and I patted his back. He gave me a weak smile and he stared at me for quite a while, this is quiet uncomfortable.
Wow, now that I think about it, he is quite beautiful, his soft yellow hair casted a halo to him, he looked like an angel, yet his eyes held so much sorrow. It gives me an idea of a character, but then again now is not the time to be thinking that. The Author thought. I led him to some chairs and called Sebastian over, he probably could use a good drink. "Would you like a glass?" Sebastian held the tray out and he took a glass, "Thanks..." He looked up and again he was staring, this time at Sebastian, is it wrong to hit someone that you are supposed to help. Wow...what beauty and ambiance he has. He could appear in a book by Oscar Wilde. He thought. Sebastian smirked, I'm guessing he could read the man's thoughts, and he walked away smugly as the Author blushed for staring too long, "I see, when you become top class. Your servants are also top class eh."
"I suppose you can say that, we are a unique bunch." He stared at me, maybe I said too much. He looked away, suddenly looking nervous, Really...why am I here again... I really want to go home.
Ciel came over and I stood up, "Is it okay if I sit next to you?" He asked.
"Of course." The Author said, not even looking. Ciel sat on my spot and I waited patiently, in case he needed something of me. The Author turned his head and suddenly jumped up, throwing the wine out of his glass, "Earl!"
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Ciel said calmly.
"Y-y-yes!" He stammered.
Ciel chuckled, "Please sit down, Mr. Wordsmith."
The man sat down, still nervous, "I'm really not at a level of worthy of being called, 'Wordsmith' yet... please just call me 'Arthur."
I chuckled, "Arthur the author." He blushed and Ciel smirked, "I want to call you this, so isn't it okay?" Ciel faced him, a smirk on his face, "Do you dislike it? 'Wordsmith' that is."
"Ah...no...that is..." He blushed from being called 'Wordsmith' obviously liking the name. "Um maybe it's rude to ask... but why did you invite me here today?"
"Because I read your work the other day."
"Oh?"
"It was a novel that appeared in Beaton's Christmas annual."
I smirked and said, "Is that the one with the-"
"Yes, the one we read together." Ciel nodded to me, it was a pretty good story.
"What! You read such a minor magazine!" He exclaimed.
"As an entrepreneur who likes to keep track of the latest fashionables, I see many things...what's wrong?" Ciel stared at Arthur; the man's mouth was hanging open in shock. "So a magazine like that is even read by people with a high social status including the Earl." Ciel and I chuckled at that, "It has nothing to do with social status right? Besides, my business partners are common people. I also read Punch."
I shook my head, a smile on my face as I said, "You must also remember that even minor magazines can get things right, even have more information than the major ones." Ciel nodded to me and he told me to sit next to him. "The main character in your work is full of wit and very charming. A new kind of character that's never been seen before." Ciel complimented.
"Ehh really!"
"I agree with my master. Though I have to say, you're writing way ahead of your time, all in all it was a wonderful novel."
He smiled to us and looked away, "But...it seems it really wasn't popular. I have no intention of writing it again."
Ciel sighed, "You'd think that the people of such an advance country would acknowledge this freshness of writing."
He shook his head, as he sighed once more, "On the contrary. It's just a pretentious bit of writing done outside of my own specialty. I'm swept aside by specialists in the field of writing, saying that my content is too light or that the way I use their tools is wrong."
"It's fine if they're the ones saying it. Your target was the common people right? So as long as the common people enjoy it, it's fine." Ciel reasoned.
I wagged my finger at Ciel, "I'm afraid that talent is wasted on today's society, not many accept new ideas so easily. But, either way, I enjoyed reading it, though I hope you continue writing, it takes practice, but I'm sure you will be a splendid writer worthy to be remember even centuries now, hopefully someday." I said to him. He nodded to me, and sighed again, "I really want to write a historical novel, but I've been turned down by countless companies saying that it wouldn't sell."
"Rubbish, people know nothing of literature." I muttered, shaking my head.
"Isn't it best to do those kinds of things after you make a name for yourself?" I felt someone looking at us and my eyes turned to see Woodley staring at us. "Since increasing your returns basically involves having lots of money, reputation and contacts. If you've got authority, you're praised into the high heavens even though your writing may be rubbish, which is often the case."
"Right exactly!" We looked forward and a drunken Keane was in front of us, "I really can't stand for it!" I shook my head and spotted two people in an argument. I stood up and left them, but I could still hear the drunken ramblings of Keane.
"Even in our line of business the stubborn old people causing problems have taken over! I really can't allow it!" Keane waved his finger at them, "Even an amateur can read a script out loud! Don't you think so too?"
"C...certainly." Ciel stuttered, unsure of how to deal with the situation.
"The backgrounds and costumes used in your stage shows have been exquisitely made." Arthur said.
"Naturally someone like you who is at the leading edge of fashion understands the difference!"
Stop. Sebastian said as I made my way over to the two. Be quiet. I muttered.
"I'd love to work with an understanding entertainer like the Earl just once. How about it? Won't you work with me? If I can find that man, Matthew Ross, the both of you would certainly bring out the greatest of my master pieces." Keane said as he held Ciel's shoulder with his hand. Ciel just stared at the hand and said, "Right, one day-"
"I told you to please stop it!" Irene shouted as I finally reached the two and pulled Ms. Irene away from Georg, "To have you all over me with your disgusting hands...I can't take it anymore!" She glared at Georg and hid behind me.
"Whaat? You're at fault for wearing those clothes!" He came over and pushed me away and grabbed Irene, "Hey!" I shouted, he ignored me as he continued to harass Irene, "You really want to be touched don't you? Don't pretend to be sweet and innocent now."
"Insolent jerk! Have some shame!" She slapped him and he shook in anger, "Why you...like I'll let you say that to me!" He tossed his drink and I grabbed Irene and covered her from the liquor, but, before a drop could even land on us, Ciel stood between Georg and us, getting soaked by the beer.
"Earl!" Everyone shouted.
I frowned and took out my handkerchief as I tried to clean the beer from his face, he stopped me and he looked at Georg, "This is a dining hall. In any case that will be enough from you two for today."
"You old pervert!" Keane shouted and he grabbed the bottle of wine, "Don't touch my woman so-" He flung the bottle, "Easily!"
The bottle came straight at Georg and a black blur flipped over his head, catching the bottle and landing on a ladder, the cork popped off and Sebastian poured the contents on a pyramid of glasses. Everyone looked amazed at Sebastian, "It's a fantastic wine from the village of Purcari in South Eastern Moldova. Ladies and gentleman please enjoy it." The beautiful wine gave off different colors as the light from the chandelier glowed from above.
"Beautiful it looks like a Christmas tree! When did it...moreover, this smell." The drunken Georg sniffed the air and said, "It's like being in a flower garden."
"That's smells good! Give me one won't you?" Grey laughed, perhaps drunk as well.
"Me too!" Georg and Lau shouted.
Everyone was soon pleased and happily drunk as they mingled together, as if the sudden feud did not happen. Sebastian came over with a towel for Ciel, and I tried to wipe off some of the beer from his face.
Irene came over, and tried to talk to Sebastian, "Um...tha-"
He ignored her and went straight to Ciel, "Are you okay Young master?"
"Yeah. Matthew removed most of the beer from my head." I gave a mere glance and saw that Irene was looking at Sebastian still, not noticing her producer behind her. "Even so..." They stopped as they stared at the happily drunk Georg who had Maylene in his grasp, and Ran Mao by his side.
"His true colors come out when he's drunk, eh?" They stared at me surprised I knew French. Ciel chuckled at that and looked to us both, "So once that solemn man gets some alcohol into him this is how he becomes? From the looks of it, he's a repeat offender." Ciel said, trying to keep the humor going.
Talking in French... Arthur looked at us and I wondered if he understood us.
"Even so, showing how little self-constraint one has...I wonder whether he's just an immense fool or whether he knows no shame at all." Ciel shook his head at the drunken man.
"If he had any shame at all, he wouldn't drink like a sailor." I said to him.
"Seems like the incurable type of guy that'd make a doctor hopeless." Sebastian muttered.
"Hahaha." We heard Arthur laugh, and I was right, he understood the language. Ciel smiled at him and placed a finger to his lips, "Sh." He blushed, being caught, and nodded. "Mr. Wordsmith, how forgetful I must be, I understand you will have a hard time being here, and I hope I am not out of line, but my servant Matthew," I bowed to him, "Will be with you, in case you need anything."
"Oh, for me! No, you don't have to go through such troubles!" He shook his hands side to side, surprised that Ciel would do that for him.
I walked over to him and bowed once more, "I am at your service."
He scratched his cheek, and Ciel sat down next to him.
"Matthew~" I turned around and Lau came over to me, Ran Mao by his side. "Yes, Lau?"
He reached into his sleeve and took out a white iris flower and handed it to me. "We're sorry for your loss." He bowed to me and Ran Mao did the same. My throat constricted and I bowed to him, "Thank you..." Arthur looked to me and I turned my head away, I wasn't expecting Lau to do this, and I wondered how he knew. Sebastian took the flower from my hand and whispered, "You stay here and I'll put this with them, ok." I nodded and he gave me a small smile as he walked away.
"It's hard to lose a child, but as they say, time heals all wounds." Lau said as he smiled.
"Time... what if it can't heal every wound?" I told him.
His smile grew bigger and he said, "Then, they become scars, so you can never forget." He patted my shoulder and walked off to continue with the party. I frowned for a bit and looked down; Arthur was staring at me, "Ah...I'm sorry for your loss." I nodded to him and he fidgeted, "Ask or it will never leave your mind." I said. He flinched from my sudden straight-forwardness, and he stuttered, "H-how did...your child die?"
I looked to Ciel and he nodded to me, telling me that I didn't have to answer, "She died of sickness, her two brothers died before her." He stared at me shocked, and I looked out the window, the happy mood in the room was suffocating me, and I longed to be outside, so the rain can wash over me, I missed the moon that was being hidden by the clouds, and I missed Sebastian right now.
Time passed and the grandfather clocked chimed, "Oh? Has Master Siemens fallen asleep?" Ciel said as he stared at the Georg, unconscious on the couch.
"Seems like it..."
Sebastian came back and was by my side, not a drop of water on him, except for a strand of his hair. "Sebastian. Take the lord to his room. I'll retire too. Matthew stay with Arthur and when he feels like it, take him to his room." I nodded to him.
Sebastian went forward and lugged Georg onto his back, "I'm very sorry, but I'll excuse myself as well." Ciel said to Lau.
"Ahh, the Earl is going to sleep already?" Lao said.
He smirked and said, "For a child such as myself it's bedtime already. Please relax yourselves." They left and I watched Grey, whose eyes were on Ciel, till the smaller boy left. I looked down at Arthur and smiled to him, "Would you like to play billiards with the other?" He nodded and I led him to the table, and played with him, so he could at least have someone to talk to.
Arthur yawned and I looked at the time, "Goodness, it's so late already. Would you like to go to sleep?" I asked him. He shook his head and I said, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I want to see if I can try to speak to others. If you need to go somewhere, please do, I won't tell Earl Ciel." He said as he smiled at me. I smiled back and bowed to him, "Then, if you'll please excuse me." I stepped out of the room and headed to the kitchen, I was slightly hungry.
"This is the worst..." I heard Maylene said as I stepped in. Sebastian was washing the dishes, and Bard was drying them up and stacking them. A bell started to ring and Maylene looked out the door, "Gah, it's from Master Siemens' room!"
"Maybe he wants some water splashed over his face to wake up?" Bard said. Either way, Maylene was to go to his room.
"Uhm, I don't want to go..."
"I'll come along." I told her.
"No, I'll go with her." Sebastian said as he removed the apron from his waist, "Mr. Sebastian! Are you worried about me~"
"I'm more worried about Master Siemens." I chuckled at that, "Sebastian why don't you take a break, I'll go help Maylene."
"No, you have your own work to do. Speaking of work, shouldn't you be by the Wordsmith side?"
"He said I could leave to do anything else, which if you remember is wandering the mansion at night." He nodded to me and handed me a lamp, the candle already lit. I sighed and took it, "Who will come in this storm, I doubt we would have to worry about anything." I grabbed my keys and left the kitchen, the storm worsened outside.
I walked down the hall and I ended up passing the Billiard room. Arthur spotted me and I gave him a slight wave as I continued to do my job.
~ASC~
"It sure is a terrible storm." Maylene said as she walked next to Sebastian. "It would be nice if it didn't continue with this kind of force." They stopped at a door and knocked on it, "Master Georg, did you call?"
"Guaaah!" They jumped when they heard the screaming and Maylene smacked the door, "What's wrong Master Siemens! Master Siemens!" Everyone rushed over when they heard the scream, "Master Siemens!"
"What's up? What's all the racket?" Grey shouted.
"Let's break open the door." Sebastian said, ignoring Grey as he handed Maylene the pitcher of water. He kicked the door open and everyone stared inside and gasped. Georg was dead on his chair. Blood coming from his chest, and his mouth opened in horror.
"Kyaaaah!" Irene screamed and Mr. Phelps fainted. "Ah, Mr. Phelps!" Woodley caught the poor man and Arthur rushed into the room. He checked the drunken German and stared at everyone, "He's dead!" He announced, shocked at the sudden situation.
At the time, none of us imagined...no, couldn't possibly have imagined, that his death was just a mere prelude of things to come. The rolling thunder and pouring rain were like a blessing performed by an orchestra of demons.
~ASC~
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