Story : A Touch of Color in the Gray

Book 1 : Shading the black .

Date : may 25, 2018, corrected in January 2022

Beta: Axzi (2018) RostosGirl (2022)

Fandom : D Gray Man

Disclaimer: No, I do not own D Gray Man and I am not making any profit from this story.

Plot : After landing in the 19th century, Estelle, quickly realizes that she was hired by the Kamelott family, basically the bad guys of DGM. Taking the name Eve, she then becomes Tricia Kamelott's companion and helps her in her daily tasks. Now that her life is a little less chaotic, Eve reflects on her arrival in this world and makes the decision to make up her own mind about the personages of this new world despite her knowledge of the manga. However, she quickly became aware of the social difference of women at this time and began to have little for her future, especially when Road and the twins arrived ...

Chapter trigger : Nothing Terrifying! Just an overly intense snowball fight and a woman we'd love to smack.

Chapter 8: A time for family

Saturday, February 28, 1885

Breath short, trembling hands and eyes wide open, I hid behind a tree. Jumping at a noise to my left, I looked hastily to the side, clutching the stick in my right hand. Hearing nothing, I slowly slid my head outside my little shelter.

Nobody.

Heart pounding in my chest, legs shaking with fear: I moved forward. One step, a second, nothing. Sighing and calling myself an idiot, I walked a little more sure of myself, until I was trotting towards the end of the forest. There was still no noise and I was starting to worry. When I reached the edge of the trees, I could finally see the back of the mansion and the large snow-covered lawn that surrounded it. There was still nothing. Eyes piercing, I scanned my surroundings, treading carefully so as not to fall.

The remnants of the massacre were still clearly visible, and I swallowed hard when I saw one of Road's dolls protruding from a mound of snow. Approaching the doll, I picked it up with my left hand, my right still firmly holding my stick just in case. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. Terrified, I turned while stepping back, directly into the mound, tripping myself.

I took the fall badly, moreover since immediately three snowballs crashed on my chest, effectively cutting my breath and sending me flying to the ground. Spitting snow, I didn't even have time to move a finger when a small weight fell on my stomach, pulling a grimace out of me.

"Got you~" Road crooned, bringing her head to mine with a psychotic gaze. Behind her, the twins were watching us, their arms still full of snowballs.

Shivering (and not just from the cold) I let out a dramatic sigh as I let my head fall back into the snow. "I give up, you win…" I tell them before pushing Road slightly aside. Excited, she stood up, screaming with joy, jumping around the twins, laughing. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them clapping their hands, smiling as Road helped me up.

Walking them back to the mansion so we could get warm, (although I seemed to be the only one shivering from the cold, damn the Noahs' genes ) I contemplated the last three weeks in my mind. The twins had come a long way since their arrival. At first, they were so shy, not even wanting to leave their rooms. They had gradually become more open. Of course, they still didn't want to be alone with Sheryl, (that's understandable…) but they sought Tricia's company and even played with Road without me constantly being present. Recently, they even ate with the family instead of hiding in their room.

By doing so, I had regained part of my free time in the afternoon, not having to play every day with Road or the twins or even all three. I had been able to start drawing again, leading me to think seriously about more appropriate material. In my… "old life", I didn't have any extraordinary equipment, only a few criteriums and a box of 12 Faber-Castell colored pencils. It must be said, it was not a priority before, I was not that good at drawing. Let's say that I was amply satisfied with my level for the short time I spent on it. But here, I had plenty to spare so it was time to get serious! Now that I was earning money and didn't need to use it for food and lodging, I could afford to spend a bit on hobbies... I had always wanted to try oil painting or watercolours… and there were no more video games (Breath of the wild… nooo…) nor manga or a graphics tablet to postpone their purchase!

Besides, I was determined to return Sheryl's pen.

Anyway.

We had barely passed through the door of the mansion, sighing happily in the warmth, when a voice stopped us in our tracks: "God, children, what happened to you?" Tricia cried as she hurried down the steps of the grand staircase, Sheryl following lazily behind her. It is certain that we should not have made a very beautiful picture: four children, from 8 to 16 years old (or 17?), soaked and sprinkled with snow, the limbs shaking and the nose running.

"We had a snowball fight!" cried Road throwing herself on her father who grabbed her, accustomed to his daughter's impulses. "It was great! And then Eve showed us how they make snowmen in France, with carrots and Uncle Tyki's clothes!" she said, hugging her father, wetting him in the process. At her words, Sheryl glanced at me, one eyebrow elegantly raised. Before I could stammer anything, he smiled amusedly, before scooping Road up in his arms and spinning her around with loud laughter. I was always surprised at how much his demeanor changed when he was with Road. He immediately seemed more joyful and teasing unlike his deep disdain and seriousness when in contact with other people...

Um, anyway, how was I supposed to know they weren't making carrot snowmen in D. Gray Man? No, because I'm almost convinced that I had already seen 19th century sketches where there were… and for the clothes, it wasn't my fault. It was Road who came back with a top hat and vest when I said it was too bad we didn't have a scarf. Well I admit, as the oldest, I should have been the most responsible (although Road…?) but I had always dreamed of making a snowman like in the movies, I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

" …big ! And then afterwards, the three of us allied against Eve and we threw the Snowballs at her when she picked up the doll and we won!" Road continued to say, recounting our entire afternoon at mind-blowing speed. Restraining myself from blushing in embarrassment, I fidgeted awkwardly near the twins as they were inspected from every angle by Tricia.

"I'm glad you had fun darlings, but you're going to catch a cold like this..." Tricia said with a sigh, seeing that she couldn't say much else. At the same time, it wasn't the first time that we had come back soaked after a snowball fight that was a little too intense. "Rosina, could you fill the baths for the children? Put in the oil Madame Trablinsky brought me from India, I think they need it." Tricia asked her maid who was waiting patiently behind her mistress. The latter bowed and hastened to do as said while the four of us were pushed down the stairs leading to the family wing.

"Really, what an idea to play outside for so long, you're going to be sick..." Tricia muttered, taking Road off her Husband before leading her with us. In any case, Tricia was in great shape and there would be no stopping the visit to the church the next morning. And I had successfully avoided it for so long...

Arriving on the master floor, Tricia asked the twins' new butler, Barnabas Quinton, a serious and tight-lipped thirty-something who had arrived only two weeks earlier, to take care of the twins. Unwillingly, the two boys followed the man, but I was going to bet they would flee at the slightest opportunity. Luckily for the serenity of the manor, they seemed to like Barnabas even if they found him a bit boring. Unfortunately for the butler, they still weren't a fan of the baths and tried to get out of it as soon as possible.

"Young Mistress, the bath is ready." Announced Marie, Road's maid and the little girl hopped to her room as Tricia pulled me to hers, not listening to one of my shy refusals. It must be said, I didn't put a lot of effort into it, looking forward to being able to enjoy a good hot bath, an immeasurable luxury at that time! And, wow, amazing, Rosina had it warmed to the perfect temperature. Sighing with relief, I let myself sink into the bath, enjoying it even more than in my own century. I finally understood the adage about happiness coming from the little things in life.

Two hours later, I was sitting on the floor in front of the fire, playing cards with the twins, while Road brushed my hair on the sofa behind me. On the chair to our left, Tricia was reading a book across from Sheryl who was reviewing some paperwork. It wasn't the first time I've been involved in a scene like this, moments as this one had happened several times over the past few weeks, but I still felt a bit uneasy amidst this family so united. Finishing, for the third time, president of our card game, (I had taught the 'asshole' card game to the twins. Hey, it was one of the only games where I had a good success rate!) I let the twins finish to fix my gaze on Sheryl. I wasn't sure how to broach the subject of my leave. On paper, I had never taken a single day off in three months, but in reality, I had a lot more free time than the other employees in the house and I wondered if it would not be rude to ask for more.

Before I could decide on the matter, however, Sheril, who must have felt the weight of my gaze, lifted his head and looked up into mine. "Miss Campbell?" he asked curiously, slightly lowering the sheet he was holding to give me his full attention.

Coughing slightly to clear my throat, I spoke with what I hoped was self-assurance: "Um, I was wondering if I could go to town to buy some…" I started before being cut off by Road .

"Oh yes, I forgot! Mother, we absolutely must go to the tailor!" She said turning to Tricia who seemed surprised at the sudden commotion. "You wouldn't believe the state of her wardrobe, it's critical!" She exclaimed as I let out an outraged look. Critical, critical… My wardrobe was quite okay, thank you very much!

"No, I was thinking more of buying some drawing equipment…" I muttered desperately feeling the situation slipping from my fingers before getting cut off again.

"Yes, I see what you mean, Road, we can't leave poor Eve like this! Ho, I know, we just have to go tomorrow after mass." Tricia said happily without either Sheryl or I being able to speak a word. For my part, I did not know if I should be terribly embarrassed or annoyed. Choosing in exasperation, I slumped in the seat behind me, trying desperately to ignore Sheryl's amused look.

"If you feel well enough tomorrow, I have no objections. I even think it's a wonderful idea. During this time, I will accompany David and Jasper to our friend's home for a visit." Sheryl said, unembarrassed by Devit and me glaring at him.

He was totally doing it on purpose!

Road and Tricia chatted for a few more minutes to iron out the details as Sheryl returned to his paperwork. By the fire, Devit and I were sulking, causing Jasdero to worry about what to do.

"He called me David again..." Devit growled in a low voice, throwing his cards on the floor between us with a sulky childish look.

"At least we'll see the Prince tomorrow," Jasdero said happily, trying to comfort his brother. The latter relaxed a little and proposed a new game.

Shortly after 8 a.m., Tricia announced that she was retiring to her quarters and forced Road to do the same. "It's late enough for you, young miss, especially with all you've done today!" she said as Road had a mini tantrum.

"And why would the twins be allowed to stay? They played just as much as me!" Road complained. Tricia glanced at the twins before sighing and asking them to come to bed. Another round of screaming ensued, with Devit repeating that he didn't have to go to bed and Road saying she wouldn't sleep if they didn't.

"Besides, we're almost the same age as Eve and she doesn't have to go to bed!" Devit finally shouted, pointing at me. Surprised to suddenly find myself in the debate, I looked at them for a moment without saying anything.

"Um, I don't mind going to my room…" I said, standing up in front of the betrayed looks of the twins and Road. "Eve!" moaned the little Noah, tugging on my hand to make me sit back down.

"Eve is already of age unlike you, young men! She is not under my responsibility and can take care of herself," Tricia replied with an exasperated look.

I, however, felt slightly uneasy. Of age? I was almost sure that I was under 18 years old, however… In addition, at that time, the adult age was 21 years old, wasn't it? How could they think I was 21? I hadn't said anything to that effect and I don't think I looked that old…especially not seeing how I behaved with Road and the twins!

"Speaking of age, Ernest reminded me earlier that your employee papers had not been fully completed." Sheryl said suddenly. "Did you remember your age, Miss Campbell?" he asked, putting down his paperwork and lowering his monocle. He who had until now been impervious to the little drama was now giving us his full attention.

Thank you, Sheryl, always there to get me in trouble...what was I to say? That I still don't remember? Or 16, 17? or lie completely and say 21? I wouldn't even lie since I simply had no idea how old I really was! "18 years old," I declared suddenly, the words coming out of my mouth without my being able to consciously decide to say them.

Tricia looked at me in surprise. "18 years old," she said weakly, as if she didn't believe it.

"That's problematic..." Sheryl muttered, staring into space as if considering something. "I assumed you were an adult… I imagine that because of the fire, you don't have your identity papers either?" I stared at him for a second, confused, before remembering that I had been found in a recently burned village and shaking my head negatively. Still, I wondered why he hadn't asked me all this earlier… I had been there almost two months. Of course, Sheryl was very busy, so I shouldn't be his priority. It was a bit odd that Ernest hadn't asked me anything since that first day, though, but it's true that my status as Tricia's "lady-in-waiting" made all my dealings with other employees a bit strange. I no longer fit into the well-oiled hierarchy of the manor and maybe that had caused a problem for the Stewards.

"Never mind." Sheryl said with a sigh. "We'll leave it that way for now, I'll deal with it later." he said as he went back to his paperwork under Tricia's surprised gaze, before comprehension crossed her face. It's true that Sheryl has been particularly busy lately. Road had told me that he was in the good graces of the King of Portugal (and, hey, Portugal still had a King?) and was trying to get himself nominated as prime minister. Which had led me to ask Road why they lived in England, to which she replied, shrugging that her mother couldn't stand the heat.

"Well, that changes things. Up, Road, Devit, Jasdero, Eve, it's high time to go to bed! Tricia said, leaving no more room for discussion.

Sunday, March 1, 1885

The next morning, the little drama of the day before had been largely forgotten in favor of more urgent things. Indeed, my lack of adequate dress was once again sorely felt. Or, at least, I felt it. Because of that, Tricia and Road had a clear path to treating me like a living doll. When I was done suffering (okay, it wasn't that bad…) at their hands, Devit and Jasper had to be convinced to put on their Sunday best and that was no small feat. But finally, finally, everyone was able to board the carriage in the direction of London at 11am sharp.

Road and Tricia were talking animatedly about all the dresses they were going to buy me (which I tried not to listen to, because just hearing Road talk about the pink monstrosity she wanted me to put on, it gave me pimples) and Sheryl was still working on his paperwork. For my part, I had taken it upon myself to teach the twins other games like rock-paper-scissors, Deli-Delo and even Three little cats so that they would stop fidgeting. I think that was when I remembered that, yes, the twins were the Noahs of the bond, because when it came to a game of chance like rock-paper-scissors, they would always do the same thing. And yes, I had no shame in playing Three little cats. Even with Sheryl's strange gaze.

Finally, we arrived at the Church. Luckily, too, because I couldn't remember any other games for now and the twins were starting to fidget again. Calmly following Tricia and Sheryl, who had taken the lead of our group, we painfully arrived at the top of the steps after far too many stops to greet this or that noble who absolutely had to speak with Sheryl. In the rush of the nave, Sheryl stopped us almost a row in front and began to position ourselves so that there would be as little trouble as possible. Road settled in first and Tricia took her place beside her to put a barrier between her and Devit. I slid in next to the scowling twin and Sheryl sat down next to me, Jasdero finishing our group by taking a seat beside him. Getting ready mumbling merrily, I got up when the priest arrived. Before I could begin however, Sheryl squeezed a small book into my hand. Looking at it, I noticed it was a prayer book, like the one Tricia was holding dearly.

"Can you help Devit? He doesn't know the songs." He said pulling out another one which he lowered a bit so Jasdero could look at it too.

I gave him a flat look.

Yeah. Devit couldn't read and Sheryl knew that. The book was clearly more for me than for him. "Of course," I hissed between my teeth, a little embarrassed.

"Thank you," he answered me with a nod before concentrating on the mass. Finally, an hour later the mass was coming to an end, only the host remained and I was wondering how I was going to get out of it this time. Before I could do anything though, Sheril stood up to help his wife. "Miss Campbell, could you stay with Road and the twins? They haven't made their first communion yet," he asked me calmly.

Jumping at the chance he was giving me, I eagerly accepted. "Are you sure Eve? You couldn't go last time either…I can stay if you want." Tricia asked me, worried.

"No, it's fine Tricia, I don't mind." I told her, smiling.

"If you're sure…" she said skeptically before stepping into line with Sheryl. What was happening to Sheryl? He was overly nice today. Not a sarcastic remark, nor a mocking look! Was it the revelation of my age that did this to him, or…? Well, I'm not complaining about it, but you have to admit that it's a bit confusing...

"Lady Campbell?" a voice suddenly asked behind me as I tried to stop Road from slashing the twins after they laughed at her dress. Stiffening somewhat at the familiar voice, I turned to see a man waddling towards us. Sensing my discomfort, Road stopped chasing the twins and stood beside me, quickly followed by the two boys.

"Mr. Drebber?" She said surprised, giving me a quick glance before curtsying.

"Ha, young Lady Kamelott!" Said the man I now knew to be Mr. Drebber, the husband of the ugly woman from my last visit to Mass. Speaking of her… the cow was waddling in our direction, her belly even bigger than last time. She should soon give birth, I noted distractedly, sticking a smile on my lips and straightening up, gaining a few good inches in passing.

"Monsieur Drebber," I say, consciously thickening my French accent. Hesitating for a split second, I finally held out my hand as I had seen Tricia do from afar at the mansion when they had guests over. "What a surprise. How are you doing ?"

"Good, good! The Marquis and Marquise Kamelott are not accompanying you today?" He asked me after a hasty hand kiss before looking curiously at the half-hidden twins behind me.

"Oh yes, they're there, but they seem to have gotten caught up in the crowd..." I tell him, vaguely waving my hand towards the monstrous mass of people who were pressing towards the priest. In my mind, I was praying that Sheryl would come back soon. I saw the ugly Mrs. Drebber open her fetid mouth to speak and I had no desire to deal with her. Desperate for something to say, I saw their half-asleep little boy next to his father's legs.

"Ho, like the young... Maxime has grown up!" I say quickly, barely hesitating on the child's name.

"Yes, he is approaching his three years." his father said proudly. "And I see you have two brave gentlemen with you as well." he said, clearly waiting for clarification as to the identity of the twins.

Damn.

"Ah, yes," I say, glancing panicked at Road. What was I supposed to say? Road shrugged, clearly overwhelmed too. "These are the..." I started to say, not knowing how to continue.

"…my godchildren." Sheryl said suddenly from my right. I hadn't even seen him coming! Heaving a quiet sigh of relief, I took a step back to let him take my place but he placed his hand on my shoulder deftly manipulating me in front of the twins and Tricia. I felt a little taken for a shield this time, but ho, well…

"Your godchildren?" Mrs. Drebber said sweetly, finally managing to place one.

"Yes, Baroness Bell's brothers-in-law." he said casually. Uh… what? I thought they were adopted by the Kamelotts? Well it's true that we only talked about Road and Wisely in the manga but… "I'm sorry to be so rude, but we have reservations at the Palace for one-thirty and we don't want to be late." Sheryl said with a heartbroken sigh before saying his goodbyes and maneuvering our whole little group out of the church.

"What an awful woman." Road and Devit growled in unison when we were all settled into the carriage. Their horrified look at being on the same wavelength made me burst out laughing to the surprise of the other occupants, but they soon joined me in my good mood.

So quickly extinguished when Tricia happily recalled our next visit to the tailor.

But hey, I have to admit, I wouldn't regret it.

Not a very interesting chapter, just a lot of clues for the rest of the story :)

The next one though...

Think about the reviews and see you on the 25th of next month!