Chapter 7: Danny POV

Finally I could put names and faces to the knowledge I had been pouring over. I had to acknowledge that whatever faults Grell Sutcliff had besides wearing flashy red coats and openly acted in a manner most unbecoming for a man, he was a great researcher. I had often asked William if I could snag him for my own needs, yet William always was reluctant to let the man go with me, yet also seemed to be wholly indifferent to him as well. I pushed it all to the side and split my attention to both the assessing of the family before me and their questions.

"Mr. Hyde, His Majesty said you came from the National Training School," Lady Phantomhive started after a moment. I nodded. "What is your philosophy on teaching?"

I smiled and looked at her. "It is quite simple, really. A well-educated man or woman, such as yourselves, have not only vastly more opportunities in life than those who have no or some education. My view is shared by many tutors and as such, I'd classify my teaching as more classical. Reading, writing, elegant speech, and of course knowing how to conduct oneself in public, and in private, is all needed. A rich appreciation for art, literature, and knowing how to both play and deconstruct instruments by merely listening to them, are all what makes a family such as yourself, not only seeking tutors such as I, but deserve tutors such as I," I finally said. I smiled thinly. Oh that was not so bad, and it seemed to impress the Lady of the House very much. Her smile was wide and her eyes bright. She nodded her head as I finished and turned to her husband.

Ah, Ciel Phantomhive, Earl to the Phantomhive Manor, the King's Watchdog. The man was now in his 30s, but he exhibited both the youthful glow of a man whose life was organized and rather carefree, and the small signs that he was indeed a child no longer. His bright blue eye caught me as I came in and he lifted his head. It was large and round, and danced with some unknown laughter or pride behind it. Something internal was amusing him of the whole situation. And his right eye was covered, giving me a moment of sadness. To sacrifice such a beautiful hue of colour to a Demon contract! It was one of the more obvious scars of Demon and Human contracts, and when I saw it, I knew that the Butler, standing so tall and rigid, was not here merely because he wished to be, but because he was bound to be. It made the task both easy and difficult. A contract would never be broken voluntarily by the Demon, for the contract was binding - both by the Demon and the Human. The files said that they had been Sealed when Ciel Phantomhive was only 10 years old - so young! And to have lived with a Demon for so long. The Contract must have meant something deeply to have sacrificed something so great.

"I suppose before we proceed with too many more questions, we should present you why we are seeking your employment," Earl Phantomhive said, looking at his wife and then at me. "We have a child, and he has become, well, rather a handful."

The Lady chuckled, "Ciel, we know that we should present Vincent in a positive light, but Mr. Hyde should also know what is going on." She turned to me and added, "I do love my son. He was a much wanted child. However, there are a few issues that have come to our attention."

My mind snapped to the Butler, the Demon, the reason I was finishing this File. "Such as?"

"Vincent - that's our son - has been rather destructive when he is sent away to school. This last time he was at the school since the beginning of the term in September, and has recently been sent home," the Earl said. "It seems he took a bunch of papers off his teacher's desk and took them into the teacher's bathroom, and set it on fire."

I looked knew I looked appropriately shocked; the files Grell had put together were not too extensive on the child past that he had been kicked out of several Grammar and Boarding schools. "Oh, dear, that is rather excessive for a child so young to be so forward." I leaned forward a bit and looked at the two. "And since he has been home? Has he caused any troubles?"

I saw the Butler give a small smile and relaxed back into the stoic, unemotional, facial features he seemed to display while in the company of his Master. So the Demon was in charge of the child it seemed while he was home. I eyes him for a moment. No, one Soul was enough, if he was after the child - was perhaps even teaming up with another to guide the boys misconduct - that was a Soul he would not take.

"There has been some distractions when it comes to his studies. Elizabeth and Sebastian do a wonderful job at keeping him in the library and studying, but we think someone from the outside could help us now," the Earl finally said.

"Well certainly setting papers on fire will not be tolerated, even under your watch," I replied. "It is slightly disturbing, if you pardon me for saying so, that his behavior has continued once he is home. One would seem to think he would prefer to be at home and would find the atmosphere much better. I assume you both had tutors growing up?" They nodded. "So what prompted you to send your child to school instead of continuing the same education you received?"

The Lady Phantomhive looked like she was close to tears. "We wanted him to experience the world with other children. We have desperately wanted another child, but, well…" she trailed off and then bit her lip, straightened her back and set her green eyes on mine. "We love Vincent with all our hearts, we want the best for him. His behaviour has caused us to miss some social engagements that my husband and I are expected to attend. We need a firm hand to the child, but I know I can not do it, and my husband and Sebastian are extremely busy." She reached over and placed her hands over the Earl's clasped hands and leaned into him. "One day Vincent will be taking over the companies that my husband works so hard to expand. And I admit I spoil the child, just as I spoil my husband. I just love them so much and want nothing but the best."

I nodded. "Well, if you wish to have a firm hand in getting your son to focus and become the head of the Phantomhive family, I do believe I can deliver that," I said, standing smoothly. The Earl and Lady stood as well and I looked at the pair. Lady Phantomhive's curly blonde hair and curves set a bright contrast to the Earl's dark hair, a shade darker than my own, and defined masculine figure. They looked like an Earl and a Lady. "May I offer my services for the next three months? I know the Holiday's are coming soon, but I wish to start as soon as possible, if you are open to my employment."

The pair looked at each other and finally Lady Phantomhive nodded. The Earl would give anything to see his wife happy and his son a well mannered young boy. Finally they turned to me and the Earl stuck out his hand. "Welcome Mr. Hyde to the Phantomhive household. My Butler will give you further details and the key so you can move in. We will provide food and lodging, and a monthly salary of £20. Is that acceptable?"

I nodded, shaking his hand. "It is my pleasure to be of service."

As the pair walked away, I was left with the Demon. I looked at him sideways and then turned to him. "How long have you worked for the Phantomhives?"

"A long time, Mr. Hyde," he simply replied. I was glad to see he was trying to figure me out as I stood there. His eyes took me in and I saw him assessing me. Our accidental meeting the other night, at the pub, was surprising, but not unusual. Demons were charming creatures and had pulled many Humans, and lesser Beings, into their snare. "Here is the key, and the address. Will you be coming by car or on foot?"

"I have a horse," I replied. "I ride in my spare time. I assume with such a great name as Phantomhive, they have a stable?"

"Yes, and Vincent has been riding for a long time."

"Ah, good, one less thing to teach from scratch it seems. Do pardon me, but it seems as if the house has fallen to this child's whims and cries. I will not be so affected, not because I am cruel, but because it is necessary."

"I am sure you will do what is best, Mr. Hyde. If you do excuse me, my Master and Lady are waiting. I shall see you in a day's time?"

I nodded. "Yes, yes. All my belongings are packed, so I can be there in the morning if that is acceptable."

"Very good, Mr. Hyde."

And with that last sweep of a black tailcoat, I was left standing in the King's Palace, employed by the Phantomhive's. I pulled my notebook from my waist pocket and turned to the door I had came from. "Your Majesty?"

"Yes dear?" she replied as she stroked her dog's fur.

"Thank you," I said. "Now, if you would," I gestured to her pet. He looked up and had tears in his eyes.

"You have shown me such kindness to have a few more moments with Harry," he whispered, standing. "Thank you." And he left the small room.

I looked down at the dog and sighed.

"We don't Reap animals," William said, stepping into the Human side. He frowned. "Manipulating the King to get into the Phantomhive Manor."

I shot him a look. "Is that not what the plan was? I am holding the key to the Manor now. I have a contract for three months, and the Earl's boy may be in danger of having his Soul marked. So, an animal to 'Reap' is the least of my manipulations, I figure."

William huffed and turned, going back to the Society. I leaned over the dog and twirled my pen, extending my Scythe and gently placed it onto the animal. No extensive Record came out, and it soon fluttered up and out into the air. I straightened and turned, smiling as I pulled the door open and also stepped back into the Society.