CE:18
A/N: This chapter is mostly following the manga-verse and it's getting pretty long so it may be divided into two chapters. Enter Elizabeth. Gr.
Disclaimer: I own Kurt and Felix. Own them. But not Sebastian. Or Ciel. Gr.
Warning: Elizabeth Phantomhive. Need I say more?
Chapter 18: The Reason Why
"It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Felix Nhell and I am here to become your supervisor and serve my master as well. It seems that my arrival was not explained to you, and for that I apologize. I hope we can all work well together despite our slightly heinous meeting."Felix stated with his voice cordial and proper.
"W-We're so sorry Mr. Felix! We thought you were here to steal our jobs yes we did."Mayrene apologized to the man whom she'd served in London.
"I-It was just a misunderstanding."Finny whimpered and wiped his eyes.
Bard grinned, "Well, we didn't expect our attempts at thwartin ya to make you lip lock with-"
"Please don't bring that incident up. But I completely understand your previous concerns, and assure you that I hold no ill intentions towards you. Let us all do our best shall we?"Felix quickly cut Bard off, not wanting to hear what he already knew.
"Yes sir!"They all stated with a salute. Felix grinned and clapped his hands together to get their attention.
"Very good. Now it has been merely three days since my arrival at your manor, so I am a bit unaccustomed to the chores of your manor, however I must do my best. I'm sure as you're all aware today is a special day-"Felix began to state his orders when Finny gasped and ripped the calendar from the wall.
"Oh my goodness! Had we all forgotten?"
"Forgotten what Finny?"Bard asked in confusion, moving to peek over the blonde's shoulder.
"Oh my! It is a special day it is!"Mayrene gasped.
"Exactly. This is why we must do our best to make the manor extra special and beautiful today. Sebastian has informed me of what to tell you all to accomplish as I complete the tasks appointed to me by my master. Finny is to tend to the gardens, Mayrene as usual should prepare tea for our guests this afternoon, and Bard you can handle cutting up those Spanish tangerines that should greatly compliment Sebastian's Ceylon tea. Keep in mind that there is a small celebration to be had for him in the late afternoon and if you want try to find something creative to accompany the feast. I'm counting on all of you."Felix smiled; though inside he was having a mild panic attack with wondering what on earth the three stooges would destroy before then; leaving him responsible.
He sighed and stepped away to leave the three to their chores, he would have to check on them as soon as possible but he was supposed to be with Kurt when greeting the Marchioness Middleford and her daughter.
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"It has been quite a while, welcome Marchioness and Lady Elizabeth." Sebastian greeted them with his signature smile meant to woo people into hell, "Thank you for taking the trouble of traveling all the way here…?"
Felix blinked as he saw the faces of two polar opposite blonds. Elizabeth's mother's face was upturned in a scowl, reminding Felix of why he had told Kurt she was the 'bad witch' in his childhood stories. Her lips were in a thin line and beneath her slender dress Felix could see a rather large build of muscles, suggesting she was far more dangerous than she seemed. Elizabeth's smile was wide and immediately brightened the room; she was relatively small and cute in every way, though as with her mother Felix could tell that she too was stronger than she looked, despite her innocent aura; though he could tell that her overwhelming innocence irritated Sebastian to no end because of the way the butler's eye twitched. Kurt hid slightly behind Felix, his bandana folded in his pocket instead of on his head like he normally would. The Marchioness looked irritated as Sebastian gave his greeting, though Felix could hardly guess why.
Felix sweated nervously as the intimidating Marchioness approached Felix and Sebastian with a determined frown; the grimace of a predatory cat. She resembled a graceful mountain lion as she finally stopped a few inches from their faces. Felix's hair let loose a few strands and fell embarrassingly in front of his eyes, deterring him from looking the woman straight in the eye. Like Kurt he shifted slightly so that his left side was hidden behind Sebastian.
"May I ask…Is there something on my face…?"Sebastian asked almost warily. She growled.
"That face of yours, it's still the same as ever! What indecent looks you possess!"She accused angrily.
"I-I believe he was born looking that way madam-"Felix sweated as he tried to intervene. He flinched in surprise when the woman took hold of Sebastian's hair and tugged it back, forcing the demon to bend backwards slightly into Felix, the butler's face resembled that of a deer caught in headlights, something he hadn't expected to see on the face of Sebastian Michaelis.
"AND ALSO!"she cut off Felix as she tried to smooth back the butler's hair, "Both his master and the butler are alike! The two of you are obviously men, yet both of you keep your fringe long! Seeing it IRKS ME! Kindly learn from Tanaka!"
The old man in question sipped his tea a bit behind them, waiting patiently as he laughed at the Marchioness's actions. Felix remembered how nice he had seen Tanaka, like a grandfather he never had. His thoughts were ripped from him as Ciel tried to intervene as Sebastian was mauled by the beast of a woman.
"Aunt…Aunt? Please wait…WAIT A MINUTE! AHHH!"Ciel felt himself get dragged in and Kurt winced, grasping Felix's sleeve as he hid underneath his arm. Elizabeth sweatdropped, and gave a weak smile that somehow managed to brighten the situation. In a matter of seconds the ordeal had already passed.
In Felix's opinion, Sebastian and Ciel looked like drenched weasels, though he wondered how the Marchioness had gotten their hair to shine like a freshly cleaned bowl.
"I-I am really sorry that I have to trouble you for this… Aunt Frances…"Ciel stated as he shook a bit in shock, he was probably wondering why all of his relatives seemed to abuse him like a rag doll.
"Really now."she sighed.
Elizabeth pouted, "It's too cute…"
With that Kurt's head snapped up curiously. He'd forgotten that this almost sickly cute person was Ciel's fiancée. For some reason this irritated him slightly and he felt no need to hide behind Felix anymore as he took his place by Ciel with his butler behind him, preparing to play the part of a dignified business partner to the Phantomhives.
Ciel's aunt blinked as she noticed the two extra people, it seemed to be that she hadn't known they were even there.
"And who may you be?"She asked with a scowl.
"I'm Lord Alexander Kurt Bellingham of Greenland. I'm residing with the Earl Phantomhive for the time being because my mansion is currently under repairs. Our factories in the north are quite luxurious, but it can get tiring to handle the tedious task of keeping the merchandise safe from the harsh weather conditions. I am honored to make your acquaintance Marchioness Middleford."Kurt stated a bit nervously, but nevertheless spoke the speech he'd practiced with Ciel earlier. He gestured to Felix who bowed politely.
"And this is my butler Felix Nhell."
"It is a pleasure madam."Felix stated with a charming smile that could rival Sebastian's own.
She looked between the two of them, her senses capable enough to tell that not all was as it was told. She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes once more, yet said nothing. She silently judged them like they were on trial and could be sentenced to the guillotine if she so chose, perhaps she could. The eerie silence was broken as she raised an eyebrow and stated her judgment.
"I was unaware that Jack Bellingham had taken an interest in the toy industry, seeing that their company was involved with ships rather than manufacturing, or that he had decided to move to Greenland. Prior to now I was under the impression that the Bellingham's had acquired a rather hefty amount of debt from the young mistress Marie and was unable to pay it off, falling into ruin. I believe to be correct that the Bellingham's were in a small condo in London living off the remaining savings, and nowhere had I heard of a butler being hired. Am I wrong?"She asked snappily
Kurt paled as he heard the name of his father before looking up with a rather eerie smile that was supposed to contain happiness, but rather it was condescending and malicious as it was curved by his lips. He looked down and Felix stepped in, his face was that of an angry father that had been insulted.
"I believe you have my master's family correct Marchioness; however his father is definitely not Jack Bellingham, at least not any more. His dear sister does currently reside in our London home with her own family while my lord fixes our land that he currently had purchased in Greenland. Young master became a partnership with the Funtom Company so his debt is being paid off almost completely with each monthly revenue, despite his age I believe my master to have the same capabilities as your dear nephew to run a branch of a fine business. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does it matter not the past, but the present and future Bellingham family?"
The Marchioness glared at Felix maliciously. She didn't want to stand for being talked back to by a mere butler, but he was half-right at least. Though her fiery eyes burned him terribly, the red-haired butler stood his ground; he wouldn't stand for Kurt being ridiculed by some blond witch who only thought she knew everything.
"No. Indeed you are correct in that aspect Butler Felix." She scoffed before looking back to Ciel and Sebastian, arms crossed and even more irritated than before.
"I came to hold a surprise check up and it seems you are lazing around as usual. On top of that your butler is still indecent as ever!"She hissed, "Keep in mind that you are the man that my very own daughter will marry in the future…"
By my father's word. Not mine auntie…Ciel thought irritatingly.
His eyes darted to the bright and almost never serious Elizabeth and he held back shivers of revulsion at the thought of him bringing her to the alter when he reached the age correct for proposal. It wasn't that he hated Elizabeth, or that she had a terrible attitude that didn't match his own. It was that he only could ever see her as a younger sister. Someone he had to protect and care about despite her flaws, and though he shouldn't feel weird about it since many people did the same thing the thought of marrying his own cousin wasn't that appealing.
Sebastian darted a glance towards his master and noticed the obvious irritation and perhaps even offence. There was an angry spark in his blue eyes and the demon watched as Ciel pointedly darted a glance towards his new green-eyed counterpart and Sebastian became intrigued by the fact that his master's eyes turned soft before calming down. He smirked knowingly and Felix's breath picked up nervously as he saw the butler's changed expression. What was he thinking?
"Retraining shall take place today! It's going to be a thorough check up!"She pointed accusingly at them, "I shall begin with the inside of your mansion! Unruliness in the home environment is the first thing that will lead to the heart being unruly!"
Sebastian gave a quick look to Felix, and wondered what damage the trio could've possibly caused in their supervisor's absence. He sighed and had to hope that his previous preparations were still perfection. He smiled a melting grin again placed a hand over his chest, making Felix briefly wonder what lied beneath his hand and what the heartless man could possibly be swearing over silently. The demon caught where his gaze drifted and offered an almost threatening glance as his eyes glowed for only a moment, making the red head snap his gaze away in fear.
"If it must be, then allow me to lead the way."Sebastian stated.
"Oi, Hey!" Ciel whispered his concern.
Sebastian grinned and put a finger to his lips to gesture that his young master should remain quiet without worry as to the butler's decisions, "Stay calm my lord, I made sure that all was ready and in order yesterday."
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Felix was getting nervous as they walked down the hall towards the gardens. He didn't know why he kept getting shivers with every step he took towards the door, but he had a feeling that it had something to do with the three stooges and the special day today. They were bound to do something terrible. Sebastian was rambling on about how the winter roses were blooming or something that didn't concern him at the moment.
He gulped as Sebastian opened the door slowly, wisely looking inside first before allowing the Marchioness in. Felix froze as Sebastian's skin paled further if that were even possible and his hand clenched tightly, so much so that he was surprised the door handle didn't break. He didn't know how the demon butler was able to quietly and quickly close the door with such a grip either. Then he turned back towards them and Felix felt his heart jump into his throat at the malevolent smirk that was aimed at him, though must've seemed apologetic to others. If he was worried about his safety before entering the manor, that was nothing compared to the threat being offered to him at this moment.
"Oops. I have made a mistake." Sebastian grinned with a slight lilt to his voice, "It was actually the main hall I wanted you to visit."
It was probably meant to be reassuring but Felix noticed Ciel's shiver in revulsion. He couldn't help but agree that such a tone coming from Sebastian of all people was a bit sickening.
"Why? We're already here so we might as well look at the garden-" The Marchioness began to argue with her logic backing her up.
"No. Please come to the main hall. It's just this way please."Sebastian stated in his creepy tone, "Currently it is the season that the Christmas roses bloom as well as the ones sent from Germany. As we can see the garden from the main hall the view will be better from there. Today we would like to provide you with the best view possible."
As they walked Kurt reached up to whisper into Felix's ear.
"Something went wrong…?" he asked quickly.
Felix cleared his throat, but tried to enjoy the fact that Sebastian was making a fool out of himself, "Oh, well that was something I overlooked…"
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"The main hall was refurbished just a few days ago; I took the liberty of ordering lovely wallpaper from France."Sebastian said with a recovered smile as he slid open the door.
"Ah!"Mayrene's voice came from within and Felix heard the small sound of crashing tea cups onto the carpet. He grimaced again as he heard the plates fall as well, though he was lucky the cupboard hadn't gone with it. Once again the door was shut, though a bit more harshly this time as Sebastian grinned once again, his bizarre tone of voice returning.
"Oops. I have made a mistake." He stated, "I actually think that it's best if we proceed to the greenhouse for tea."
"But didn't we just come to see the hall?"Kurt piped up and Ciel's aunt raised an eyebrow to emphasis the question.
"No. We are going to have tea first." Sebastian stated with such finality that Kurt quickly shut his mouth, "The ladies were in that cramped carriage for so long. I should've realized sooner, but you must be so tired! I already prepared a corner for resting in the greenhouse. Please proceed there and enjoy the finest tea we have to offer."
"I know someone who is getting exhausted…"Ciel muttered in annoyance.
"Um, it's a bit of a coincidence, but I believe Sebastian has purchased some tangerines from Spain and plans to serve them with the Ceylon tea from Dimbulla. So you can have orange flavored black tea-"Felix tried to help the situation somehow when he was cut off by an explosion that was rather quiet considering Bard's usually outbursts.
It was the first time that Felix had seen Sebastian in such a murderous state outside of his nightmares. At that moment he kissed his life goodbye, along with the plans for returning to the factory and escaping this wacky manor. He could see it in Sebastian's eyes as he pointedly glared at him.
"Let me guess…you made another mistake?" the Marchioness sighed in obvious dissatisfaction, "Such an indecisive man!"
"W-we apologize for the way we are handling things it's too-"Felix apologized, or tried to.
"Oh! Actually, I just remembered a place I've been meaning the Marchioness to explore. It may not be appropriate for the ladies however, let us proceed to the stables." Sebastian stated after figuring out a good safe haven from the mayhem of the manor.
Ciel sighed in exhaustion and moved behind to lean against Kurt. He was tired with the obligations he had to his Aunt Frances, to his revenge, to his parents, to everyone; he was sick of it. He looked up at Kurt and his worried eyes narrowed naturally by his almost permanent smile. This green-eyed person came without obligations since he didn't expect much out of Ciel besides Ciel himself.
"Something wrong Master Ciel?"Felix inquired as they began to lag behind Sebastian and the two guests. Ciel straightened himself out and walked towards Sebastian.
"Nothing. Don't be absurd and keep up…"Ciel murmured and adjusted his hat.
"…Felix, why does Ciel have a fiancée?"Kurt asked, confusing Felix further. His mind drifted automatically back to when he found his charge curled up beneath the sheets of Ciel's master bed.
"…He is a noble Kurt, nobles are expected to marry other nobles; it's always been that way."Felix sighed and gently pressed Kurt's shoulder forward to keep them moving.
"…I hate that things never change here. It's boring, sickening, rules should change."Kurt growled to himself more than to Felix then walked forward, leaving his guardian worried about Kurt's emotional baggage and what could be troubling him.
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"1-0"Sebastian's voice echoed through the clearing like an explosion.
Felix was confused as to how and why a friendly visitation to the manor's finest horses had turned into a hunting match between the Marchioness Frances and her own nephew, but he was sure of one thing…
He turned to see Kurt practically breathing angry flames, his face deceivably calm, but his green eyes practically burned holes into Ciel and his fiancée. He was sure that whatever Kurt was upset about had to do particularly with Elizabeth's arrival and Ciel's division of attention. That's when it clicked in Felix's head and he smiled kindly. It was a completely natural feeling for a boy Kurt's age to be irritated when his best friend wasn't paying attention to him.
He tried not to jump as he heard a gunshot, this time from Ciel, the cobalt haired boy had a devilish grin spread across his face like a mask of amusement and challenge.
"I know it might be bad since it's Aunt Frances, but I'm not going to lose anything you can call a competition."Ciel smirked and lowered Elizabeth to the ground off of his horse, "Lizzie, please stay here with Sebastian, it's too dangerous. I hope you understand."
Elizabeth looked forlorn for a moment, but then smiled as Ciel started off with his horse, a competitive grin set with the air about him much brighter than before. Kurt found himself happy for Ciel, but still slightly irritated with his friend. Why was he just leaving him to his own devices, was he just supposed to sit here waiting like some dame?
His green eyes moved towards Elizabeth who had turned towards Sebastian.
"It's a relief." She smiled and Kurt's ears perked, "Ciel is acting like his old self again. Since he was so close to Madame Red, I was so worried. I don't want Ciel to have any more bad memories. That's why I do what I can to cheer him up. It hardly ever works though. I kind of overdo it and end up making him mad instead…"
Kurt looked down, his body taut with irritation and a growing hatred for the blond brat. Not for trying to make Ciel happy or anything, because that was obviously a nice thing that he had no right to dislike, but the fact that she thought Ciel should act like his 'old self' was enough to tick him off a little bit.
What did she know of Ciel Phantomhive? Only what he had been, not what he was. Ciel was probably beyond change now. He probably would never smile his usual smile again, Kurt knew that and Elizabeth should just accept that because it probably wouldn't change. Ciel was far older than people thought of him to be, he had watched his parents die in front of his very eyes, made a contract with a demon, watched his aunt be killed by death god-
Kurt jolted as the word entered his mind like a feeling of ice on fire. He looked up and saw Felix smiling down at him comfortingly, as if he heard everything Kurt was thinking and was telling him that it was alright. That Elizabeth was just doing what was expected of the fiancée of Ciel Phantomhive, and he remembered once more why he needed to be by Felix.
"I'm certain that the young master always considers your concern for him."Sebastian stated as he kneeled in front of Elizabeth.
Felix saw the gentle smile that he never imagined could grace a demon's face like a sun coming out on a cloudy day. It brightened the clearing like Sebastian was the complete opposite of what a demon was supposed to be, comforting, kind, patient, and not dangerous to anyone in the slightest. For a moment the publisher believed those descriptive thoughts to be true.
"Thanks. You're so nice Sebastian."Elizabeth grinned and giggled.
With that one false statement, the gentle aura around Sebastian immediately disappeared and two gunshots sounded in the distant, reaching everyone's ears. The game was picking up, growing more and more intense with each sound. Felix looked down at Kurt and noted that he should probably do something to cheer up his charge.
"Hey kid, let's do something later. We can go on a walk or something, alright?"He stated with his familiar grin and slight country accent, "But not a long one, my legs might give out. You got to remember that I'm old."
Kurt looked up at his guardian, realizing that he'd forgotten Felix wasn't really his butler, he was his best friend, older brother, and even father-like. The bright golden eyes burned with understanding and mysterious dreams that were being relived in front of him. He saw those eyes and the red hair and remembered why they were here in the first place; to keep information about the Choppy Enquirer and Felix's dreams a secret until the entire thing was settled, not to mention the fact that this was Felix's real dream outside of the newspaper; to be a butler again, even if just for a little while.
"Yeah. I'd like that a lot." Kurt grinned childishly, "And you're not that old."
"Respect your elders kid."
A/N: I wasn't going to end it there, but it was dragging on really long. 4,000+ words. 0.o sorry if this took a little longer than my last chappie! ^.^ I hope you like it and your reviews are greatly appreciated, I was ecstatic to find that this story had reached 30 reviews. I really almost cried, so thanks everybody! For sticking around with me (and SubMe) for this long already! XD