Claude has been keeping secrets again, however this time when he comes clean with Sebastian, he realizes why he had. Sebastian begins to wonder what will become of their life together and what will occur when the Campbell House learns of Alex's true identity.

William is furious with Grell and stroms into the Trancy Manor to be faced with a massive Spider. He manages to free Ronald however something odd happens… William actually carried Ronald!

Alex finally tells Jodi about her party planning and Allen over hears them. He looks over her designs only to get jealous. Claude has given her the number of a party coordinator only this woman is the exact opposite of what you would expect.

What's Sterling after?

If Alex has to choose who will she live with?

Since when does William use Ronald Knox's first name?

What's with this Party Coordinator?

Who is the man who's stalking Alex?

What is Max's real role?

I hope you enjoy,

~The Dark Ringmaster

I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

Chapter 28: The Struggle of the Knights in Shinning Armor

Sebastian looked at Claude who was standing before him, "I planned on tell you the night we returned, however," his voice trailed off. Sebastian's face slowly changed into an upset one. "What do you know?" he asked softly as he sat on his desk. His red eyes looked into Claude's clear golden ones as he replied, "The Earl knows of her existence, however, he doesn't know who she is. Damian contacted me to tell me that the results of my investigation had managed to touch the Earl's ears." Sebastian picked up the letter and held it loosely in his fingertips. The paper was smooth however cold and rough to the touch, "What is Sterling thinking?" he muttered after a moment. Claude noticed the look of concern in Sebastian's eyes, he had only seen this in two other places, when Jasper had fallen from a tall Spruce when he was little and when Ciel had pasted out from an asthma attack the first time while he was at Noah's Circus.

He slowly placed a hand on Sebastian's; it was warmer and a little softer than the paper. "We won't loose her," said Claude and Sebastian placed the letter back on the desk. "What if they want her to live with them?" asked Sebastian after a moment, his red eyes were locked on his hands. Alex had been in and out of the mansion to the point Sebastian didn't even understand why she lived in her own apartment, which was somehow soothing. "Sterling is up to something, however I know one thing, if she had to choose," he slowly tipped Sebastian's chin up, "She would choose us." Sebastian smiled with relief as he asked, "What would Sterling have to gain though?" This move didn't make any sense, and it brought to question whether or not Sterling knew who she was.

William sprinted to the Trancy manor, it was as desolate as it had been for the past few years however he was well aware that Claude had fortified to the manor with something which time wouldn't kill. He tightened one of his black leather gloves and was quick to kick the front door in. He glared as he entered the house; Claude's broach was on his tie. He heard a crunch under his shoes and realized he had just stepped on Ronald's glasses. Yet he couldn't see Ronald anywhere until he looked up, hanging over his head was a cocoon the size of Ronald's body. William grit his teeth and said, "He's a Shinigami, believe me he won't taste very good." The largest of the spiders which was clearly the queen descended from the ceiling. She clicked her pincers together and said, "He was trespassing." William's eyes narrowed and he snapped his book closed, "He's shinigami trespassing laws do not apply, there was a soul in this house to be collected," he said. The Queen looked confused for a moment, "No one has lived in this house for centuries," she replied coldly. William shook his head and opened the book once more, he honestly needed a Smartphone application for this thing. The spider was patient as he read allowed the address and the number of souls. "It would appear that there was a soul in this house," William said as he adjusted his glasses.

The Queen grunted and replied, "Why do I have to obey you?" William adjusted his tie and the spider stared at the broach. "That's Claude's," said the spider. William simply nodded and replied, "He leant it to me." The Queen slowly backed away, if Claude had given him permission William could do what ever he saw fit to them. "Cut the webs," said the queen after a moment before returning to the ceiling. William held his arms out and effortlessly caught Ronald. He cradled the unconscious shinigami in his arms and sighed, "Let's go home." William's red hedge trimmer was in his arms and he noticed the lawnmower had been smashed to pieces by the spiders. This meant a ton of paperwork, which in turn was going to be a pain in the neck. However filling paperwork out because a shinigami had been killed was worse. "My, my, Ronald, you really know how to scare me," whispered William as he carried the slender blond out of the mansion.

Claude paused, Sebastian was right this move made very little sense, from what Claude knew of the eccentric man was that he simply wanted to redefine English fashion. By throwing Alex in with the Cambell House as a party planner he could risk his status as well as his reputation. However if she succeeded his status would be elevated, the question was why the Earl of Essex. Sterling could have had Alex plan any other party but he chose the Earl of Essex, the Campbell house. "This is far too convenient, a party in which their lost heir would attend is too," Claude paused and Sebastian shook his head. "Convenient I'm aware, that's why I'm concerned," said Sebastian. Claude finally began understanding what Sebastian was worried about, it wasn't Alex failing but what would happen if she were to succeed and the Campbell family learned of her true identity. "If she were to fail on purpose she could destroy Artistry's image, but at the same time if she were to succeed, she could possibly be in more danger than we could ever want," said Claude. Sebastian picked up the letter and looked Claude in the eye, "She will not fail, nor will the Campbell family learn of her identity until the right time," he said with an air of confidence. Claude was confused for a moment, "What are you going to do?" he asked softly. Sebastian simply smiled and said, "I'm going to make a suggestion."

Claude was still confused as he shuffled behind Sebastian to catch up to him, "Suggestion?" he asked. Sebastian smirked and nodded, "Remember that wonderful night in Versailles?" he asked. Claude paused and realized what Sebastian was up to, "That's brilliant," he commented. Sebastian rounded the corner and walked toward Alex's cubical. "Alex I have a suggestion, which I think you'll like," said Sebastian. Alex was working on a series of sketches and she said, "Ah well I have an idea too." She turned around, they noticed the pair of thick black readers on her nose and she smiled. "It may be a little old fashioned but I thought it would be fun," she said before holding up the sketches of women and men in Venetian masks. "A Masque," she said happily, "From what I heard there hasn't been one in a while and I thought it might be fun to incorporate an old tradition." Claude and Sebastian looked at one another; once again she had thought a step ahead. Sebastian smiled and laughed, it was a sweet sound which made Claude blush and shake his head.

"What's so funny?" Alex asked, her eyes narrowed and Claude could tell she thought they were insulting her. He placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, "We were thinking along the same lines," said Claude as Sebastian ceased his laughter. Sebastian nodded and shrugged, "I guess my suggestion didn't have to be mentioned," he sighed. Claude snickered; Alex and himself seemed to be the only ones who could manage to beat Sebastian to the punch. It was a rare occasion however it did happen, he noticed how nervous Sebastian looked and wrapped an arm around his waist. "So we will put together the wine list and cover finances however you're going to need someone else to help you as well, since we both have other occupations," said Claude. Alex took her readers off and leaned back in her chair, "Hm, who would you suggest?" she asked after a moment and Claude paused. He usually didn't need a coordinator; Hannah had always done it in the past. He paused and remembered the party he had asked for Hannah to plan for Saint Charles Pediatrics, Hannah wasn't available and he had hired a coordinator to cover the event. "Himitsu Rin, she's wonderful and very attentive," said Claude as he pulled out his phone. Sebastian leaned on Claude's shoulder and watched as Claude scrolled through his contacts, "Ah!" he said as he clicked her name. "Okay here," he said as Alex pulled her phone out and the pair bumped their phones, "That's her business number and information, her cell is also there," said Claude. Alex nodded as she pressed the number, "Thanks," she chimed. Claude nodded and looked at Sebastian who was simply standing beside him smiling, "I'm going to lunch," he said and he noticed Sebastian pout a little. Claude sighed, it was the sweetest thing he had seen Sebastian do and he asked, "Do you want to come along?" his voice was soft and sweet. Sebastian grinned and nodded, Claude smiled and replied, "Alright then, good luck with catching her," called Claude as he began to walk away, Sebastian was right beside him.

"They really are quite the pair," commented Jodi, Alex looked up to find a smiling Jodi looking over the top of her cubical wall. Alex snickered and replied, "Yeah, they're perfect for each other though." Jodi nodded and hummed, "So who did Claude tell you to call?" she asked. Alex looked down at the phone and replied, "Himitsu Rin." Jodi's eyes widened and she fell backward, there was a thud and Alex looked around the cubical to find Jodi on the floor rubbing her head, "How the hell does he know Himitsu Rin?" she asked with a hint of disbelief. Alex shrugged and replied casually, "He's a lawyer why?" Jodi stood up and dusted herself off, "She's only one of the best party planners in Japan, and she can do just about anything, why are you calling her?" Alex paused, she hadn't told Jodi about the Gala project yet, "I'm supposed to plan a gala for the Earl and Lady of Essex," she said nonchalantly and Jodi's mouth hung agape. "No way!" she cried and Allen came over.

"What happened now?" he asked with annoyed tone. Jodi looked at him and said, "Alex gets to plan the Earl and Lady of Essex's Gala, their 45th anniversary, unbelievable." Alex could tell how excited Jodi was; she designed advertisements for lingerie while Allen did the ones for children's clothing. Alex always thought this was a little backward until she had seen their work, Allen's advertisements were the exact opposite of his stern personality; they were bright and playful. While Jodi's advertisements made Alex wonder what on earth she and her husband did at night. "Whoa," said Allen as he looked at the sketches, "A Masque, there hasn't been one in a while." Alex nodded as Allen pushed his glasses further up his nose, his green eyes seemed to look so ordinary behind them. "Hmm… I think it's a good idea, so who are you asking for help?" he asked as he looked over the sketch. Alex sighed and replied, "Himitsu Rin, Claude and Sebastian." Allen handed the sketches back to her and said softly, "You really are the favorite." Alex and Jodi began to chat about the theme, "I wanted to do something wonderfully romantic I was thinking like a Venetian carnival thrown in with traditional French," said Alex. Jodi smiled as she said, "Corsets, those are going to be hot." Alex laughed and nodded, Allen sighed, she was getting all the jobs he could only dream of. "Pathetic," he muttered before walking away.

Alex grinned and said, "Oh I should give Himitsu a call." Jodi nodded and went right back to work, and Alex pressed call on her phone. She slipped off her readers and sighed as she leaned back in the chair. "Mosi Mosi, this is Himitsu," a sweet and rapid voice crack through the phone. "Hello this is Alexandra Stark, I'm a designer with Artistry, I was asked to for assistance," said Alex as professionally. She sat there waiting for a response only to hear laughter ringing in her ear. "Oh my Claude must have given you my number, I'm no where near as serious as he is," she chimed. Alex was confused for a moment and replied, "Um." Himitsu ceased her laughter and said, "Oh that's good, honestly when I think that stick in the mud doesn't have a sense of humor it turns out he does." Alex was slightly offended and was prepared to defend herself when Himitsu continued, "No offence dear, so you have a party to plan? For who?"

Alex sighed and realized she did have a point; Claude always seemed so serious it was ridiculous. "I was asked to plan a party for the Earl and Lady of Essex," she replied. She could hear the pages of a planner flickering the in back ground and Himitsu chimed, "Oh you were asked to plan their anniversary gala! I was wondering who was asked to plan it since I wasn't." Alex scratched her head and responded nervously, "Yeah it was kind of dropped on my desk by my boss." Himitsu sighed and replied teasingly, "Did you think it would annoy me, shesh you really are too serious." Alex snickered and realized Claude was rubbing off on her, "So when do you have time, I know it's difficult to do these things with such a short notice," she asked. Himitsu paused and replied, "I can start today," Alex was even more confused. Himitsu was a Japanese party consultant what was she doing in England. "Huh?" she mumbled and she heard Himitsu chuckle again, "I was already in England, I don't have another job for a month, plenty of time to plan the Campbell's 45th anniversary gala," she replied. Alex smiled and shook her head it was impressive how Claude knew this woman would be in England. "Okay so when should we meet?" asked Alex and she hear Himitsu click her tongue. "Ah I know! Meet me in that little bistro about twenty minutes from your work! There's this cute barrista there I would love to sink my teeth into," she said quickly. Alex paused she didn't remember anything that impressed her and then realized she was talking about Max. She snickered and said, "Alright." Himitsu said bye and Alex hung up, she literally had twenty minutes to get there since she could hear Max in the background yelling at Mina to move faster.

She was quick to grab her sketchbook and her bag as she slipped into her jacket and sprinted out of the office. She walked down the street and noticed something eye catching, LEDs stuffed into a glass jar. She pulled out her phone and snapped a picture suddenly she had a very clever idea, something she didn't even realize she could do. They looked just like fireflies, "Cute," she said happily as she ran to the bistro. She looked around for a stout Japanese woman to find a rather tall and thin woman sitting alone. She had a planner on the table and a pen tucked between her fingers. Her long hair was tied back and she wore a pair of heels which showed her long legs. "Wow, she's beautiful," she commented and realized that the woman's gaze hadn't left Max. She snickered and realized she was Himitsu, she slowly walked over with a business card in hand and said, "Hi I'm Alex we spoke on the phone." Himitsue looked up, she had honey colored eyes and ink black hair. She paused and then grinned, "You're the one! I'm Himitsu call me Rin," she said brightly. She was in a black suite yet her personality was so bright, it was almost blinding. "Here take a seat, so you've been thinking about design idea ne?" she asked and Alex nodded as she pulled her sketch book out. "These are a few sketches of what I thought the even would look like," she said. Rin picked up the book and looked through the pages, she smiled and whispered, "You really are a diamond in the rough." Alex was confused and asked, "A what?" Rin smirked and looked up, "I can see why you've gained such a demand, you're really talented." Alex blushed and Rin paused, she didn't expect to make her blush. "Okay you're concept is excellent however we need to refine it a little more, I mean 45 years is a long time, I think we should present what we have to the Campbell Family and then continue to work with them," said Rin. Alex was about to say something when she heard a clink, she looked over to find Max had made her usual order. "Oh thanks," she said and Max smirked. "It's rare to see you working in here, usually you come here to escape your boss," he said teasingly, he added a playful glare and Alex grumbled. "Here I was thinking you were being nice," she muttered. Max smirked and said, "Eh me being nice? Must be a blue moon." Alex began laughing and said, "So true, so what's on the menu?" Rin stared at the pair and watched as they exchanged their playful banter.

"Well I can make a pannini for you, we have some excellent Roast beef in the back," said Max. Alex tapped her pen to her chin for a moment and said, "Okay then." Max scratched the order down and looked at Rin, "And you?" he asked. Rin shifted in her seat and responded, "Soup and the same." Max nodded as he scratched the order down and said, "Alright then." Rin was about to say something when she noticed the wedding band around his finger, she bit her lower lip and Max asked, "Is something wrong?" Rin shook her head and sighed, "No nothing, don't worry about it." Max nodded and walked back into the kitchen, "You could have told me he was taken on the phone," said Rin a light pink blush had swept across her cheeks. Alex snickered and was about to say something when she felt a shiver run down her spine, she glanced over her shoulder to see a familiar head of silver hair dressed in black sitting in the corner. "What's wrong?" asked Rin. Alex smiled nervously and shook her head, "Nothing I just got a chill." Rin grimaced and placed a hand on her forehead, "You don't have a fever, watch your health this project is huge," she said. Alex nodded as she watched Rin look through her phone. "Alright the only suggestion I have to you is lighten up on the theme, it's a great idea however you tend to get a little dark when it comes to your art. So my suggestion is to liven it up a bit," she said. Alex nodded and scratched the note down. She felt the man's gaze pierce through her back and looked up again to find he had left and all that remained on the table was a single pure white rose. She shivered again; she honestly thought they had left her alone. Max walked over with their food and Rin said, "Could you turn the heat up a little?" Max looked inquisitively at her and then looked at Alex, she looked pail and unsettled. He placed a hand on her shoulder and asked, "Al?" Alex snapped out of it and said, "It's nothing." She wore a smile yet Max noticed the disturbance in her once placid blue eyes.

"You're right it's rather cold, I can turn it up just a little," he said and Alex nodded. Max was still a little concerned and he looked over at the table to find the white rose. He walked over to it and noticed the note attached to it's stem, he tore it off and shoved it in his pocket before picking up the flower and walking over to the thermostat. He turned it up a few degrees and said, "Okay then tell me if you need anything else." The rose was still between his fingers and Rin watched as Max carried it into the back, he made it look as though it was a normal thing for him to do. "So let's set up a time when we can meet with the Earl and Lady," said Rin as she opened her planner again. Alex nodded and opened the calendar application on her phone.

Max pulled the note out of his pocket and looked at the green ink. It was emerald in color, the signature of one of the Sterling's. "For luck," he read allowed and then stuffed the note back in his pocket. He could still remember the evening Sebastian had entered his bistro. He was clad in black, his blood red eyes were locked on him and he noticed a taller man with golden ones walk in behind him. At first he was unsure of what to do with the pair until he noticed that they simply wanted to talk. He could remember their conversation as though it had been that day. "She's in danger; someone is playing a game and unfortunately she's been dragged into it. We are certain it's a member of the Sterling house however we're uncertain," said Sebastian. He had responded quickly, "I've known Alex for years I think she'll be okay." All he could remember was how the taller man pushed up his glasses and snorted, "You have only known her for the past six years, she appeared before you shop soaked and you offered her a place to wait for the rain to stop. Ever since she's been your customer." Max could remember Claude's piercing gaze it made him regret ever challenging him, he sighed, the pair had told him to call if he had seen anything unusual going on. He looked down at the rose, it was pure white however it wasn't normal for a customer to leave it behind. It was far too expensive to be forgotten, he sighed as he picked up his cell phone and called Sebastian's number. "There's no way I can't tell him," he muttered as he remembered how fast Sebastian had picked him up by the throat and slammed him against the wall for refusing. Claude had to pry Sebastian's fingers from around Max's neck.