Hello, hello! I've been procrastinating again, I swear it's becoming a problem for me, geez! Anyway, I hope you haven't given up on me yet! I do not own Black Butler, only my OCS. So here's chapter 19, almost to 20! Yay!
A hooded figure scurried to the back entrance of the Avaline manor. The morning clouds drifting slowly to make way for the sun. It was about this time that the Avaline servants began to wake from their slumber and ready themselves for their work. The hooded woman looked back for any sign of followers before carefully pulling down on the handle of the back door. She eased the door open trying to prevent an sound as she snuck into the kitchen. After successfully closing the wooden door without a peep she let out a sigh of relief pulling down her hood and letting her red hair drape down her back loosely.
"Returning from a morning stroll?"
The voice smooth voice spooked her causing her to jump in her place and turn to the voice. She held back a gasp as she was met with a pair of vibrant blue eyes belonging to the Avaline head butler. With a semi-kind smile Fransisco set down the small ceramic pot on a breakfast cart, waiting for the red head's answer.
The young woman was then brought out of her frightened state by the butler clearing his throat, "Uhm...yes, I was just enjoying a morning stroll before starting another day of rehearsing. I apologize if I caused any problems." She answered rigidly with a practiced smile.
Fransisco nodded, "Not at all, a guest at the Avaline manor should enjoy every aspect of their stay." He responded calmly, "Well, then I suggest you head back to your room miss, the day is just about to begin. You wouldn't want to be late for rehearsal now, would you? My mistress has high hopes for this upcoming performance."
"Yes, well then, I'm off...enjoy the rest of your day." She excuaed herself and hurriedly exited the kitchen. Her heart pounded nervously against her chest as she hurried to her room.
Fransisco watched as she left, his eyes narrowed once she was gone. With a quick sniff of the air he picked up a peculiar scent, "The scent of burnt coal. Interesting." He thought to himself with a slight smirk, "Let's see how my mentor works this one out. Good luck, señor Sebastián."
"Mi princesa, ya es tiempo de amanecer. The sun has risen and the birds are singing in honor of your awakening, mi princesa." Fransisco's smooth voice lulled the young Cecilia out of her dream state. He drew the curtains back even more than they were, letting in the sun's rays to dance upon the young girl's waking face. Her eyes fluttered open upon the the light's contact.
"Buenas días, Francisco." she yawned softly rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Fransisco smiled and handed her her cup of coffee, "Buenas días, mi princesa." he greeted softly with a kind and warm smile only she could receive.
Cecilia took the ceramic cup inhaling the sweet aroma of the brewed coffee beans before taking a small sip. She smiled softly at the warm sensation down her throat as Fransisco began setting out her attiar for the day. Taking a look outside Cecilia saw the servants already on duty much to her pleasure.
"What do we have planned for today, Fransisco?" She asked taking another sip of the coffee.
"Well, in the morning we have scheduled to once again cover the plans for the recital that is a few days away and make any last minute changes. After that we will be discussing plans for the new line of restaurants you want to start with a few of the sponsors. If I'm not mistaken, the Earl Trancy is to be expected this aftenoon, hopefully he will not stay long, so that you may focus on your academics for the rest of the day." He reported with a forced smile at the mention of the Earl. Of course this went noticed by the young girl, but she did not question it.
"Also if I might add, mi princesa, earlier while preparing your coffee, I caught one of the dancer sneaking into the manor through kitchen entrance." He commented as Cecilia read the newspaper.
She looked up at the demon with a questioning look, "Which one?"
"The woman with the red hair. We had questioned her before about the murdered women not long ago. I believe her name was Ophelia Valentine." He recited. The mood in the room had morphed from a sunny gleeful morning to a more serious and stoic one.
Placing down the fragile cup on her night stand, Cecilia thought about the woman she was suspicious of the day they questioned those two, for the girl showed no sign of comforting the friend, "What could you get from her appearance?" She asked.
"She was in a hood, and smelled of burnt coal and smoke. My guess was that she returned from visiting the train station. She seemed a bit stressed as well, guilty even." He reported as the young Spaniard began to get out of bed.
With an understanding nod, Cecilia let out a sigh, "I had feeling she was involved. Well, we can't do anything for now. No es nuestro trabajó. Fransisco, please help with rehearsals today, I want you to watch her like a hawk, but don't be to obvious. If she as so much leaves the manor pursuit her discreetly."
"Mi princesa, what will you do in my absence?" Fransisco asked with concern in his vibrant blue eyes.
"I will be fine, Fransisco. Do not forget that the other servants are just as loyal and capable." She reassured with a smile.
Fransisco returned the smile reluctantly as he thought of the Earl Trancy and the warning his former mentor gave of the Trancy demon. However, he could not go against his mistress's orders.
Staring into his mistress's hazel orbs, he bowed with his hand over his heart, "Very well, mi princesa."
As the day progressed, Fransisco remained obedient to his mistress and watched the red haired ballet dancer during rehearsals and throughout the day. While Cecilia discussed future plans with the sponsors and directors of the recital, she was accompanied by Juno, the second maid of the Avaline manor. Of course Juno was good at compromises and planning, much to Cecilia's advantage. For she would usually run her plans with Juno and Fransisco at least once before following through.
All had went smoothly and with the meetings and planning accomplished, Cecilia was content to take a break. As the afternoon hours began, a carriage rode up to the front of the Avaline manor.
"Señorita Cecilia, there is a carriage up front. An Earl Trancy is here to visit you." Junee, the youngest of the maids, claimed once she found Cecilia in the library. Cecilia stood from her chair abruptly.
"Good! I nearly forgotten about his visit!" Cecilia chirped as she followed Junee to the main entrance.
There Cecilia saw the young blonde boy admiring her manor and by his side stood what seemed to be a very stoic butler. Cecilia smiled at her guest once he saw her at the top of the stairs.
"My, my, Lady Avaline what a marvelous manor you have. Very beautiful, but of course not as beautiful as you!" The blonde Earl complimented. Cecilia smiled with a soft blush as she made her way down the curling stairs.
"Buenas tardes!" Cecilia greeted in her native tongue. This brought a confused look to the blue eyed boy, much to the Spaniard's amusment. "Good afternoon! It's is great to see you again, Earl Trancy. How are you?" She asked happily. Alois nodded, now understanding.
"Ah, what have I told you? You can call me Alois, and I've been doing just well even more so now that I get to see you again." Alois teased as he took her hand. With a smirk at the brunette's blushing reaction, he kissed the back of her hand. Junee smiled softly at her mistress's reaction as well, seeing her act her age was always relieving to young maid.
"Would you like to join my mistress for tea in the library?" Junee asked kindly with a bow.
"I would love to join the gorgeous maiden for tea." He smiled taking the brunette's arm as they began to head to the library.
Fransisco felt a slight jolt in the back of his head as he was observing the possible accomplice as she enjoyed a break with her colleagues. 'Another demonic essence; that must be the Trancy butler,' Fransisco thought with a worried expression. He looked down at his gloved left hand where he beared his contract seal. 'I should be able to at least check on her once in a while. If Mr. Sebastian is cautious about this one, I should heed to his warning at least.'
Translations:
Señor sebastián- Mister Sebastian
Mi princesa, ya es tiempo de amanecer- My princess, it's time to awaken
Mi princesa- My princess
Buenas dias- Good morning
No es nuestro trabajo- It is not our job
Señorita- Miss or Lady
Buenas tardes- Good afternoon
Okay, well that's all the translation. I recently also published an Attack on Titan fanfic. It's a one shot and kind revolves around Armin. It's short and kinda like sad, but if you're interested it's there. Any questions, comments, concerns, don't be shy. Please, favorite, follow, and/or review. Thanks for reading.
~The Phoenix of Halos