Chapter 6: Sebastian POV
It was two days after the funeral for Tanaka that I drove the Wolseley, a smart new invention I have been enjoying driving for several years. Of course my Master had paid the extra shillings to upgrade the wonderful contraption, making the drive smooth. We were on the way to the Palace, to talk to a highly recommended tutor my Mistress had heard about from her inquiries. She had telephone the local school who had several tutors, and had eliminated a few of them, until the King himself had directed his secretaries to our door. Naturally they also came with several files and a request for my Master as well. There had been a quick trip into London after the funeral to take care of the small rumble the King had asked the Watchdog to smash.
"I do hope this tutor can take care of Vincent," my Mistress said to the Master. I heard him chuckle. "I'm serious, Ciel, I'm worried. It is not normal for a boy to be setting papers alight in a bathroom, is it?"
"I certainly wasn't doing such things when I was his age," the Master replied. I heard him lean forward. "What says you, Sebastian? Is it normal to do such things as Vincent has done?"
"I can't recall, no," I said simply. I was facing ahead and freely was able to smirk, allowing my extra thoughts on the matter play out. Only one who is wishing to tempt a Demon or others of ill intentions, would act like he did. Or, more accurately, a child who was indeed given to basking in the glorious dottings of his mother. Perhaps that was the same thing.
"The King said Mr. Hyde was a wonderful tutor. Took care of his own children when their other tutor got ill for a while. He did warn that Mr. Hyde was a bit unconventional in his methods."
"Sounds like we may have a man who can handle our boy," my Master said.
We wound our way into the Palace and a pair of Guards met the Phantomhives. I opened the door and out stepped my Master and he helped the Mistress out. He turned to the Guards and told them I would be accompanying them into the Palace, they were to look after the car. Even so my Humanistic capacity is the Butler, my Master has treated me not as a mere servant, for not only would that be very foolish on his part, but my Master has grown to rely on me and my insight. Demons can see more than simply the Souls of Humans, we can feel the emotions, which are delicious toppings to the meal. The Earl Ciel Phantomhive had made his mark on all parts of Society, but I was also his weapon and his shield when needed. Above all, his safety was paramount. I could do without the pretty shell surrounding the Soul, although it did heighten the appeal when hunting. I found myself passing by a few Humans and their bright Souls were momentarily distracting, but my hunger, my need, was curbed.
"Earl and Lady Phantomhive," a Guard announced as we walked into one of the many ornate rooms of the Palace. They walked in and I trailed after them, standing behind my Master, at his ready service, and constant protector. We waited for a moment and a side door opened and the King entered, prompting my Master and Mistress to bow and curtsy. I bowed as well, out of respect. The fact that the King was the highest authority and had bestowed the tools to rule over his people to my Master, earned my respect. I felt another person enter and looked up.
Behind the King stood a smartly dressed man. His vest was elegantly embroidered, the chain of a pocket watch was seen as he walked, and he buttoned his jacket up as he paused beside the King. He pushed up his glasses and looked over us as if he was assessing us as much as my Master and Mistress would be assessing him. Finally, the King motioned them all to the couches and I stood behind the couch as they sat. I watched as the tutor - Mr. Hyde - looked me over, with a gaze that reminded me of a half interested Human who was looking over the population of lesser Humans. I dared not smile, because I wasn't trusting myself to not snap and show who was the truly lesser in the room. I heard my Master turn and I looked down, meeting his small flash of recognition. The mighty house of Phantomhive had hardly missed a thing that passed before him, despite the use of one eye.
"Mr. Hyde come highly recommended by the National Training School of Cookery," the King said. "Very well versed in classical knowledge and has worked with some of the top houses in Wales. I begged Mr. Hyde to come back to England to perhaps be an excellent fit for your son."
"Oh, Your Majesty, that is wonderful. Honestly, you didn't have to go through all that trouble," my Mistress said.
"Nothing is too good for one of the most respected households," the King said. "Now, please, don't rise, I must leave. Important work. Mr. Hyde," she said, and smiled at the couple. "I hope to help you with the next generation."
And we were left to face Mr. Hyde. No, Mr. Hyde was left with us.