"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." -Khalil Gibran
I do not own the Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler story or characters who belongs to Yana Toboso.
I only own my OC, Celia Phantomhive and my other OCs that appear in the story.
Enjoy
The Earl's Sister
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Origins
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Act 3
Celia was playing with Elizabeth and her two best friends; Rosemary and Isobel.
The Phantomhive girl wore a cyan blue frock dress that had a dark green ribbon, a white collar and white cuffs at the end of her sleeves. On her feet were white knee-high socks and cyan blue flat shoes. Her bluish grey hair was straight and had a matching blue ribbon on her head.
Isobel Dalimar was a girl with curly, short black hair cut in a tomboy style and deep grey eyes. She wore a silver grey dress with pearl buttons that had layers with a built in petticoat. There were white socks and on her feet were matching silver flat shoes.
Rosemary Von Montgelas was a girl with with short curly peach orange hair and dark brown eyes. She wore a pale-yellowish dress with a frilly collar, white tights and yellow flat shoes. There was a pale yellow bow on the left side of her bangs.
They were in Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham, where nobles and their families were spending time together.
Celia was an intelligent, kind and generous girl. She was so caring and compassionate that she cannot bear to see someone suffering near her. The bluenette gained a significant amount of intelligence over the years due to her love of books, which provided her with an elevated vocabulary, an active imagination, and an open mind. Even confident and outspoken in her opinions.
Elizabeth was a sweet and sensible girl. She was a year older than her cousin and their friends, but they all get along just fine. She had a fondness for anything cute, such as small animals and flowers. She was also 'stubbornly fixed' on her hobbies, being both extravagant and somewhat fastidious about her clothes and shoes.
Isobel was the tomboy of the group due to taking part in games that were mostly for boys and had a headstrong personality. She mostly enjoyed playing hopscotch and marble playing, but was quite intelligent. She even had a sensitive side, but tried to hide it whenever possible.
Rosemary was an ebullient, precocious and boy-crazy girl. She drew people towards her, weaving a web of funny stories, whispered asides and the suggestion that she was just a little bit more knowing than the rest of them. Most of the times there were a gaggle of girls around her, laughing and giggling at her latest observations and experiences.
The girls were sitting down around a circle, listening to Rosemary read a love poem called 'The Lake' by a French poet known as Alphonse de Lamartine.
"O lake, mute rocks, thick rushes, hidden caves, dark forest, You whom time spares or can rejuvenate. Beautiful nature, keep forevermore at least. The memory of that night. Let it be in your slumber, and in your fierce storm. And in the features of your laughing banks. And in those dense black firs, and in that wild scarp That above your shoreline hangs."Rosemary read while holding the book. "Let it be in the sounds that echo from your borders. In the fine spray your waves throw to the wind. And in the silver star that shines upon your waters. And in their depths is twinned. Oh, may the plangent breeze, the softly sighing reeds. The balmy fragrance of the air above. May everything one sees, one hears, one feels, one breathes. May all proclaim: they loved."
Elizabeth and Celia were touched by the poet while Isobel looked utterly bored.
"That was a lovey poem, Rosemary."Elizabeth remarked.
Celia smiled. "Beautiful."
Rosemary smiled as she held the book to her chest.
"Thank you, Lizzy and Cellie."Rosemary remarked."It was one of the gifts my grandmother gave me from Paris. The city of love."
A groan escaped from Isobel's mouth.
"Why do you always have to read mushy stuff?"Isobel questioned with a frown."It's a waste of time."
"Isobel, how can you say that?"Rosemary asked and sighed dreamily."Being in love is something precious and beautiful. My dad said if I ever met someone very special, he said it will make him the happiest father in the world."
"I'm trying to say is 'why rush to get in love'?"Isobel questioned."We are just children. We should focus more on having fun and just being kids."
"You mean your parents haven't found a fiancé for you yet, Isobel?"Elizabeth suggested.
Isobel shook her head.
"Nah. They're busy trying to find suitable wives for my three annoying older brothers."Isobel scoffed."Anyway, that isn't even a problem for me. I'm just enjoying myself being free."
"That's nice to hear."Celia responded."Then again, we should in the mean time take our time enjoying our lives and focus on becoming great extraordinary ladies in noble society. That is what my mother said."
Elizabeth giggled as her cheeks turned a bit pink.
"I want to become a cute and lovely lady when I grow up before Ciel and I get married."Elizabeth admitted with a hint of excitement."I'll make sure to be a great wife of the future Watchdog of Queen Victoria."
"I want to become a great lady, but a smart and strong one too like a detective."Celia commented and smiled nervously."Though Aunt Francis is training me harshly that I become a suitable lady to hold the title future Marchioness of Midford."
"Ooh, scary."Isobel chuckled before telling her friends what she wanted to become in the future."I want to become a physician. A person who studies medicine and heals those who are ill."
Elizabeth looked at Rosemary.
"What about you, Rosemary?"Elizabeth asked.
"A novelist."Rosemary answered."Mostly, the one who writes stories that help lonely people find their true love."
"Seriously?"Isobel retorted in disbelief."That's what you want to write about?"
"It's okay if you don't understand, Isobel."Rosemary assured and smiled brightly. "Perhaps, you will be able to find someone remarkable, when you remove your grumpy attitude and become more lady-like."
Isobel frowned and sweat dropped at Rosemary's reply while Elizabeth and Celia laughed lightly.
"Right."Isobel grumbled.
In a nearby park chair, Rachel watched the four girls with her old school friend, Fritzi Dalimar.
Fritzi Dalimar was a woman in her late 20s with dark brown hair that was styled in a updo chignon style and hazel eyes. She wore a long-sleeved light orange dress with slight puffed sleeves. Her shoes were short dark brown boots.
"Your daughter and niece are such well-mannered girls, Rachel."Fritzi remarked and let out a sigh."I can't even hire the right governess to teach Isobel the proper education of a young lady."
Rachel let out a light laugh at her friend's respond.
"Don't feel disheartened, Fritzi."Rachel remarked."Our daughters are still young. They'll understand the importance of those things when they're older."
"Older? They are soon going to turn nine years old."Fritzi informed."They'll have to eventually conform to society's expectations before they even reach the age of courting. No gentleman of any means will wed such an independent young woman, who doesn't have etiquette and a formal education. My only daughter's future is really at stake here."
In her mind, the Countess of Phantomhive was saddened of hearing her friend having very little confidence on her daughter.
It was probably due to Fritzi being fiercely dedicated to the well-being of her family and wished the best for her children.
When Celia was born after Ciel and Astre, she and Vincent were entirely happy since they both wanted a girl and her presence had become a blessing.
They had two males; Ciel, the future Earl of Phantomhive and Astre, the spare and the one to become the next head, in case something happened to Ciel.
Celia; their third child and only daughter was betrothed to her cousin, Edward Midford, the future Marquess of Midford.
Though the Lady of Phantomhive and future Marchioness of Midford, both Vincent and Rachel hoped their daughter would continue being her unique self as well as look after her brothers always as they continued growing up.
A Week Later…
Celia, Astre, Elizabeth and Tanaka watched a sword training match between Francis and Ciel.
"Just flitting it about randomly will get you nothing in return!"Francis snapped.
Ciel flinched at his aunt's strict tone as he tried his best to fence properly against her.
While Ciel struggled to fence with his aunt, Celia and Elizabeth brought their attention on Astre.
"Are you all better now, Astre?"Elizabeth asked."Ciel and Cellie told me that you weren't able to go on the boat trip."
"Yes. I'm all better now."Astre said with a smile."No coughs or anything."
"Are you sure, Astre?"Celia asked.
Astre nodded. "Yes."
"Wargh!"
Ciel groaned as he hit the ground and dropped his fencing sword.
"Ciel! You are not stepping through with enough force!"Francis retorted and sighed. "Oh, well. I suppose that will be enough for now."
Celia gave a nervous smile as Francis' strict gaze went onto her.
"Celia, you're training will come next after you studies."Francis declared."I hope your skills have improved far better than last time."
"Yes, Aunt Francis."Celia answered with a bright grin and thought desperately in her mind."Help me somebody."
"Ciel!"Elizabeth called out.
Elizabeth runs up to her fiancé to help him stand up and give him the small towel for him to use.
"I think I need to change my underwear."Ciel said shyly.
"Yes."Elizabeth remarked."Mother tends to be very harsh."
Astre watched Ciel and Elizabeth quietly as Tanaka came to announce that the triplets' teacher in kingcraft, Professor Hugues, had arrived.
"Pardon the interruption."Tanaka responded with a bow."Professor Hugues had arrived for your lessons in sovereignty."
Astre and Celia walked over to Ciel and Elizabeth.
"Are you coming, Ciel?"Astre asked.
"You and Cellie go on right ahead."Ciel insisted."I'll head over as soon as I've changed. No need to wait for me."
"Alright, big brother."Celia chuckled.
"But I've wanted to play with you and Cellie more."Elizabeth pouted sadly.
"I know, Lizzie."Ciel replied with a smile."But what can I do?"
Astre and Celia began walking to the hallway together to head to the room where Professor Hugues was.
"Race you to Professor Hugues, Astre!"Celia remarked.
Celia tapped Astre's shoulder and started running away.
"Celia! No fair!"Astre argued."I wasn't ready!"
Astre was about to follow his sister, but stopped on his way when he overhears a conversation between his father and aunt in the study room.
"They're talking about something."Astre thought.
"Brother, I know that it is not my place to speak on this matter. Especially, since I was married to another family."Francis declared."But would it not be more beneficial to give it more serious thought and consideration."
Vincent stared out in the window of his study while listening to his sister.
"If anything were to happen to Ciel, the heir, then the next son, his spare, would have to inherit the title."Francis exclaimed."But placing such a heavy burden as the duty of the Watchdog on a sickly child's shoulders is far too cruel."
Vincent glanced at Francis with a smirk on his face.
"If that were to happen, then we would likely have no choice, but to relinquish the lot of it back to Her Majesty the domain, duty and all."Vincent sneered.
Francis became angry and pointed her sword close to her brother's neck.
"You irresponsible twat! Take this more serious!"Francis snapped angrily."You've always been like this since we were young!"
Vincent chuckled nervously as he raised up his hands to calm his sister down.
"Frannie, breathe. How about we sheathe that sword."Vincent remarked and cleared his throat when Francis placed her sword away from him."Anyway, I have no worry about Ciel and Astre since Celia will make sure to look after them, if a squabble was to happen between them."
"In case you've forgotten, Celia is promised to my son and therefore she will become the Marchioness of Midford after she reaches the age of marriage."Francis informed. "Therefore, she'll have her own duties to take care of. The Marquessate of Midford is a house of knights that has protected England for generations. To ignore the plight of her people would go against the code of chivalry. In the mean time, I'll make her understand the importance of being the Lady of Phantomhive. I certainly don't want to have a soft and fragile heartened girl for a daughter-in-law."
"Then I guess you wouldn't have trouble sharpening her thorns to bloom her strong-willed spirit."Vincent joked.
Unaware to Vincent and Francis, Astre remained outside the study and had listened to everything that his father and aunt had said.
They both had high spirits for his siblings, but not much for him due to his sick condition.
However, Astre did still want to be seen as someone worthy in the Phantomhive family.
Overall, a person that would make his parents and siblings proud.
He didn't want to be seen as useless.
In a Different Day…
Celia opened her eyes and stood up to stretch a bit, revealing her soft white nightgown with a dark blue ribbon around her neck.
Her bedroom was quite a large room, at least as large as her brothers own, but decorated very differently.
The room was exceedingly colourful and frilly; pink curtains, lavender drapes on the bed, periwinkle sheets and many cyan coloured pillows. There was a toy chest filled with dolls, fairies and other various toys. As well as a book shelf with books from 'A Child's Garden of Verses' to the entire 'Encyclopaedia Britannica' and a big wardrobe which contained all the clothes of the young lady.
The whole bedroom smelt of flowers.
There was suddenly a knock on the door causing Celia to glance at it.
"Come in."Celine insisted.
The door opened and a maid known as Nelly came inside.
"Good morning, Lady Celia."Nelly greeted with a bow."Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning, Nelly."Celia remarked kindly."Yes, I slept wonderfully. Thank you."
Nelly walked into the bluenette's bedroom and went to open her wardrobe to pick out clothes for the young lady to wear for today.
Vincent and Rachel wanted their little girl to have everything she admired, so they collected a wardrobe that was much too grand for a child of almost ten.
Inside the wardrobe there were velvet dresses trimmed with costly sashes and lace dresses and embroidered ones, and hats with soft ostrich feathers, and ermine coats and muffs, and boxes of tiny gloves and handkerchiefs and silk stockings in such abundant supplies that the polite young women outside whispered to each other that the odd little girl with the big peacock blue eyes must be at least some foreign princess or perhaps a little great-niece of Queen Victoria.
Nelly picked out a dress and it's matching accessories that were the right clothes for Celia to wear and placed it on the bed before helping the young lady get dressed to start the day.
Celia now wore a light blue ruffled dress with white sleeves which was styled with lace accents, a delicate ruffled hem and had a big bow at the back. She had on a stylish royal blue coat and white stockings with royal blue round shoes. There was a royal blue headband on her head while her bluish black hair was styled in a straight style.
"You look lovely, Lady Celia."Nelly declared.
"Thank you, Nelly."Celia thanked.
After having breakfast, Nelly escorted Celia out of the manor to join her father and older brothers.
The Lady of Phantomhive began telling her maid about the book she was recently reading and titled 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins.
"It was a chilling and gripping story of a young woman in increasing danger, and her friends' attempts to save her."Celia explained with a hint of excitement. "It was radical and influential in style, with the story being picked up by different character narrators in turn, suggesting witness statements at an inquest or trial. But I've got to say it's one of the first great mystery novels and proto-detective stories that I have ever read."
Nelly gives Celia a gentle smile.
"It seems that you enjoyed the book a lot, young mistress."Nelly commented.
Celia smiled. "I did, indeed."
Unlike Ciel and Astre, Celia was the only who enjoyed reading books the most in their family library and eager to learn new things.
Celia headed out of the manor with Nelly, where she saw Tanaka talking to Ciel and Astre.
Vincent was waiting for them inside the carriage.
Rachel was out of the mansion for the day to go to her sister's house today.
Both Ciel and Astre wore royal blue coats with white ruffled blouses with big baby blue ribbons attached on their chests, grey buttons and white cuffs on them. They were short royal blue pants with grey legs wears attached on their black stockings and matching boots. On their heads were royal blue vintage hats with baby blue ribbons dangling behind them.
"Inspections of the domain are a crucial duty of the reigning lord."Tanaka exclaimed. "Make sure to learn everything you can at your father's side today, alright?"
"Alright!"Ciel and Astre answered in unison.
Celia rushed over to Ciel and Astre.
"Hi, Ciel! Hi, Astre!"Celine greeted. "I'm ready!"
"Great, Cellie."Ciel replied.
"Let's go."Astre insisted.
Ciel, Astre and Celia joined their father on the carriage before they rode off together.
The maids saw them off as they were getting further and further from the mansion.
The weather was bright and sunny as the Phantomhive triplets stared at the view before them in amazement.
"Father, what exactly does an Earl do?"Ciel asked.
Vincent puts his knuckle up to his lips, wondering how to answer.
"Good question."Vincent responded."The Phantomhive Domain approximately 20,000 acres wide. A lot of people live on this property and it is the Earl's duty to protect and manage this entire area."
"Manage?"Astre said.
A shepherd with a bunch of sheep greeted the Phantomhives as their carriage came past him.
"Yes. That's right."Vincent agreed with a nod."For instance, you know that there are sheep and cow farmers. Farmers that till the land and stores like pubs and bakeries. All of the people running those establishments live here in our domain. And it is because of those very people that our land is able to flourish as it does. So that is why it is our duty and responsibility to make sure that everyone can live peacefully without worry or inconvenience."
Ciel, Astre and Celia glanced at each other.
"Listening to all the wishes of all the people in the land sounds tough."Astre said."I wonder how many people are there?"
"But we have to care for them properly, so that they can do their work."Ciel stated."Otherwise, they'll be just like the sheep. If you don't feed them, they'll leave for somewhere else."
"There are so many poor people in the world. Not just in London."Celia complemented."They don't have enough food to eat or even have money to buy stuff that they need to survive. Guess all we can do is give them some money to help them out like everyone else, right Papa?"
Vincent smiled at his daughter.
"Yes, Celia."Vincent replied."But remember money may help people, but it doesn't buy happiness."
"Oh…"Ciel, Astre and Celia said in unison.
A chuckle then escaped Vincent's mouth.
"Not to worry."Vincent remarked."The Vicar Rathbone is the one that handles the day to day business."
The Earl of Phantomhive and his children came out of their carriage, after stopping in front of the local church.
At the local church, they meet with Vicar Rathbone who greets them.
"Lord Phantomhive!"Vicar Rathbone greeted joyfully."Thank you very much for taking the time to visit today!"
"Pastor Rathbone, how has the village been doing?"Vincent asked while taking his hat off in respect."Have there been any problems as of late?"
Ciel, Astre and Celia continued walking down the aisle slowly as their father spoke with the vicar.
"We've found more nurses for the cottage hospital."Vicar Rathbone commented."However, funds are beginning to become an issue."
"Then perhaps I shall hold a ball for a fundraiser?"Vincent suggested with a thoughtful expression."I shall consult Rachel about it."
The vicar continued telling the Earl of Phantomhive with the list of problems.
"And, also, Sam the shepherd says that his grandchild is to be born next month, he would love it if the Earl were to christen the baby."Vicar Rathbone declared.
Ciel, Astre and Celia went over to a tree that was a bit sparkly while Vincent spoke with Vicar Rathbone.
"Christen the child? Hmm...that's a tall order."Vincent declared intensely."My wife is the one who named our children."
"Come to think of it, your children have unusual names, don't they?"Vicar Rathbone stated."For the region of England, I mean."
A light chuckle escaped from Vincent's mouth.
"Yes, my relatives all had sour faces when they'd heard! They kept telling me to give them more traditional names. However..."Vincent started before a smirk sprung on his face."England's traditional names are just too old-fashioned. For a new age that may not be too far off in the future from now."
"Oh yes, yes, yes."Vicar Rathbone remarked."Changing the topic?"
"Well then, about this year's-"Vincent continued.
Ciel, Astre and Celia stood together as they watched their father talk to the vicar.
"The duty of an Earl sounds rather tough."Astre commented.
Ciel nodded. "Yeah."
"Yep."Celia agreed and looked at Ciel."Ciel, do you think you can become a great gentleman like Papa when you grow up? I bet you can."
"I think so too."Astre remarked.
Ciel blushed bashfully at his younger siblings's sentences and scratched his cheek.
"Really?"Ciel giggled in an anxious tone.
"I want to become a great adult-like father, too."Astre declared with a determined look."I will become a brother you and Celia can be proud of, Ciel."
Both Ciel and Celia smiled at their brother as the three of them walked inside the church together.
"I'm proud of you already!"Ciel assured.
"So am I!"Celia remarked kindly."Since Ciel is going to be the next Earl after Papa and I will be the next Marchioness of Midford, I guess we need to find out what you want to be when you grow up, Astre."
"That's right."Ciel responded and looked at Astre."What do you want to be when you grow up? A pastor? Or perhaps a doctor?"
A shy expression appeared on Astre's adorable face.
"No, actually...I want to leave London and run a toy store!"Astre declared enthusiastically with a happy grin.
Surprised expressions grew on Ciel and Celia's faces.
"Huh?!"Celia said in disbelief."You want to be a toy maker?!"
"But, that's not a job fitting of nobility!"Ciel protested."You should just become a pastor or doctor and then live in the neighbourhood!"
"Well, you see, I was thinking that it'd be nice if we had even more toys in our room to play with."Astre stated cheerfully.
Celia looked down, not sure if this career would totally fit her second brother's character.
"A toy store, huh? It sounds like a lot of fun."Celia commented with a soft smile. "But…"
Astre gives with Celia a smile.
"I may not be able to measure up to you, Ciel or father, but I need to be able to walk on my own two legs without any help."Astre exclaimed."Uncle Diedrich said it, too."
"How can you say that?"Ciel asked with a hint of sadness.
Astre and Celia turned around to look at Ciel.
"Huh?"Astre said.
Ciel continued to stare at the floor, his face down stricken and his hands were fisted by his sides.
"If you become the pastor or priest within the domain, then we can be together forever. The three of us."Ciel explained."But why are you talking about leaving me and Celia alone?"
"Alone?"Astre repeated and smiled brightly."Don't be silly! You have Elizabeth to be your wife, don't you? You two can live together forever just like father and mother."
"That's right."Celia replied and smiled at her older brothers."I may go to live with Edward in Midford Manor just like Aunt Francis and Uncle Alexis. But we will have the moments to spend time and have more fun together."
Both Astre and Celia held Ciel's hands to reassure him and in promise.
Ciel doesn't look up, appearing lost in thought.
"Ciel?"Astre asked.
"Don't you like our ideas?"Celia questioned.
Vincent's voice suddenly cuts through the thick air, earning the attention of the triplets.
"Hey-ho! You three!"Vincent called out as he nears the doors to leave. "It's time to leave for the next place!"
"Oh!"Celine gasped happily. "We are coming, Papa!"
Astre smiled at Ciel, who looked down with a troubled expression.
"Let's go, Ciel!"Astre insisted. "Come on!"
Both Astre and Celia each grabbed Ciel's hands in a hurry and dragged him towards the door to join their father.
Next is the Phantomhive triplets' tenth birthday. See you all in the next chapter and have a lovely day:)