I had awaken to find that it was the afternoon of the next day. It was strange; I had been unable to recall much of yesterday or actually going to bed. My clothes had been put out for me and I was forced to change myself without the usual assistance from Sebastian. I had exited my room and was instantly greeted by the resonating sound of the piano. Following the sound, I walked through the hall and down the grand stairs, pausing a moment before actually stepping into the room where the piano was. The song was different from yesterday, giving off a much happier vibe. With a sigh, I entered the room. The piano stopped almost instantly, "Oh!" Hydria exclaimed, standing up, "I'm sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, but someone should have," I responded, sitting in my seat from yesterday, "Now I won't be able to get much done." She looked down at the black and white keys, "I don't know your usual routine," she said slowly, "That's why, when you weren't awake at 9 o'clock, I did my best at picking out your clothes and prepared them for you."
"That wasn't Sebastian?"
"No... Sorry... I feel like I should've asked you yesterday if I had permission to enter your room."
I waved my hand, "It's perfectly fine. Sebastian didn't complete his usual task so you stepped in." She looked up at me for a second, "So he's still not here?" I glanced at her, "What are you talking about?" Hydria closed the piano lid before walking around it to stand closer to me, "He left late last night. I expected him to be here this morning but he wasn't. Mey-Rin and Finny haven't seen him either." After a moment of silence, I sunk back into my chair, putting a hand on my forehead, "This is strange... He's always here..." I suddenly surprised myself by breaking into a violent coughing fit that forced me to tightly grip the arm of the chair with my hand as I covered my mouth with my other arm. Hydria was suddenly at my side, a hand on my shaking back, "Ciel?!" I couldn't respond, each breath interrupted with a storm of coughs. Somewhere in the distance, I heard doors open and a panicked voice, "Was' happening?!" Mey-Rin cried, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. "Get some water!" Hydria barked, "And call a doctor or something!" I found myself grabbing onto Hydria's arm as I slumped into the chair, panting for breath, "N-no doctor..." I hissed. Mey-Rin quickly returned, a glass of water in her hands. She handed it to Hydria shakily, "Thank you." Once I regained my breath, I quickly wiped the tears from my eye before anyone could notice. Hydria offered me the glass, "Drink some once you've calmed down." I nodded and took it from her, gulping it down quickly. She glanced at Mey-Rin, handing her the empty glass, "More water!" she announced, running for the kitchen. Hydria called after her, "No running."
"Yes Hydra!"
I covered my eyes with my arm, feeling exhausted. There was a weight on the arm of the chair, "Better?" Hydria asked. I simply nodded, sighing. "Good. Are you sick or something?"
"Don't worry," I said, "It doesn't happen all the time but it's not rare. Sometimes my asthma is terrible and sometimes it's like it doesn't even exist."
"Asthma? Wow."
There was silence for a moment, "Ciel, move your arm," she said. I raised an eyebrow but lowered my arm as the doors opened again and in came Mey-Rin with a filled glass of water in her hands. Hydria put her cool hand on my forehead, "I'd imagine one's asthma might start up when you're sick." My eyes widened but Mey-Rin spoke for me, "Master's sick?" Hydria nodded, studying my face, "He's burning up..." I felt my face burning up as I brushed her hand off with my arm, "I'm fine," I assured, taking the water from Mey-Rin. Hydria crossed her arms, "You say that but..."
"Are you doubting me?"
"Yup."
Mey-Rin squeaked at her response since none of my servants have ever talked back or openly told me I was wrong. Then again, Hydria wasn't exactly my servant. She glanced at Mey-Rin, "Tell Baldroy to make some soup. And, if he asks why, tell him because Ciel wanted it."
"But I don't," I argued, gulping down my water. Mey-Rin looked between us both then said, "B-but soup might be good if Master is unwell..."
"I'm not sick."
She squeaked, "A-and he missed breakfast... So stew would be b-better..." Hydria looked at me and I looked at Hydria. Then, I said with a sigh, "Fine. I'll deal with soup. But not because you think I'm sick!" Hydria smirked and turned to Mey-Rin, "That's a great idea, Mey-Rin. Please inform Baldroy."
"Aye..!"
She briskly walked off, lifting her uniform slightly. As soon as she was gone, Hydria stood up and walked towards the piano, humming a soft tune. I crossed my arms and watched her, feeling slightly annoyed by her persistent attitude but amused at the same time. It was kind of strange for some random stranger to walk in and figure out how everything works just to order me and my servants around. Then again, she wasn't exactly "ordering" anyone around. In fact, she was kind of acting like Sebastian when things needed to be done and she had said she could fill in when the others were busy. But what could Sebastian possibly be busy with? My thoughts melted away as soon as she started playing. Nothing seemed to be important within that moment and time seemed to stand still, everything flowing with the music instead. I completely forgot about the things bugging me and closed my eyes, listening to Hydria play such a peaceful melody. Everything was calm. That is, until Sebastian stepped into the room, clearing his throat.

Hydria stopped playing and I opened my eyes. He bowed, "Forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt." My eyes narrowed. That had seemed intentional but perhaps I was just imagining it. Hydra smiled, "Oh, it's fine, Sebastian. Welcome back." He smiled slightly at her and turned to me, "I'm sorry I didn't wake you, my lord." I glared at him, "Where were you?" He blinked, looking surprised by my question, "Where was I? Why, in town."
"For?"
"Nothing special," he said, "Taking a look at everything and thinking of things that might be needed in the future."
"Window shopping?" Hydria asked, still sitting at the piano with her hands in her lap. Sebastian nodded, not taking his eyes off of me. I frowned, "Well, do not waste time like that. There are always things that need to be done and you know that." He bowed, "Yes, of course." Hydria stood up, "With that being said, excuse me. I'm going to go see if Finny needs help." She started for the door and was about to leave when Sebastian suddenly said, "One moment." She paused and looked back at him, "Yes?" He was by her within three strides. Then, he suddenly picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder and walking back to me. I uncrossed my arms and rose from my seat, "Sebastian, what are you doing?!" I demanded. "Something that would have been wise to do yesterday," he responded, dropping her in the chair across from me before standing in between us both, "Firstly," he began, "please forgive my sudden action, Miss Hydria. I did it without thinking."
"It's okay?"
"Secondly, I came to this realization while I was out, but it was unwise of me to allow my lord to hire a total stranger to work within his inner circle."
I wanted to speak out against this but I couldn't. After all, he was right. Sebastian cleared his throat, "Even though I could very easily acquire your personal information, I thought you would've preferred it if you answered yourself." Hydria stared up at him, somewhat surprised by this but, after a moment, she shifted in her chair and said, "Alright."
"Real name? And I am referring to your full name."
"Hydria Lynn Azurin."
I tapped my chin. Her first and last name was unique but her middle name was so ordinary.
"Gender?"
"Female."
"Age?"
"13, nearing 14."
She doesn't act like someone that age. Then again, neither do I.
"I guess it only makes sense to ask when your birthday is."
"May 13."
"Ah, so in a month or so."
I found myself glancing out the window. We haven't had very many spring showers...
"Race?"
"Are you asking about my ethnicity?"
"Not exactly... Are you human?"
My blood ran cold as I stared at Sebastian. Did he seriously just ask that question? People don't really believe in demons and angels unless they are big with the Church. Most don't really believe in Grim Reapers either. Hydria raised an eyebrow, "Human, why? What else would I be?" Sebastian's eyes were cold, "A human wouldn't act so calm around a demented tree. How can you be human?"
"I've seen weirder. And, besides, it's not like you aren't human. Right?"
"Not so much."
"Idiot!" I hissed, leaning forward, "Stop talking, that's an order!" There was no way Sebastian would reveal himself as a demon. It was impossible! Hydria stood up slowly, "What do you mean by that?"
"I'm not exactly human."
"Did you not hear me?!" I demanded. Sebastian glanced back at me, "I promise I will make it up to you, my lord." He was kidding! He had to be! She crossed her arms, "Then what are you?" He smirked coldly, "A demon. And a very powerful one at that."
He just..!