*Ciel's POV*
After a while of going through the crowded hallways, we finally managed to to reach the Mirror Chamber safely. Well safe from no injuries that is, being squished is a whole another thing. I shake my head as we enter through the door only to stare in surprise at what's in front of us. The room was filled with students, who were very eager to leave. Along with there being luggage near each student, some had a lot while others had few. But this was a sight we weren't expecting to come across so quickly.
"Wow, it's already packed with students going home." Deuce says as he looked around.
"They're very excited for the break it seems..." I said with a sweatdrop
"Hah, they all look so antsy. Now then, where's that headmage?" Ace questions.
We began to make our way through the crowd while excusing ourselves as we had to push through each student. We looked around to find Crowley before he heads off somewhere but with no luck on our part as Ace and Grim began to complaining. Then, that was seen a spotted someone near the mirror, when I got closer I saw that the person was wearing shorts, a yellow aloha shirt, white fedora, sandals, and a watch. Though what caught my attention was the black crow mask and yellow eyes, I then realized that I found Crowley. I quickly grabbed my friends' attention by snapping my fingers, they looked at me in confusion.
"I think I found him." I say as I pointed towards him
"All right, everyone. Announce your destination to the Dark Mirror and keep a tight hold on your belongings. If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will get spirited away elsewhere. If you have any possessions you absolutely cannot afford to risk losing, send them by post from the school store." Crowley explained to everyone as they all stared at him with wide eyes.
"He's in total party mode!"
'I guess even Crowley is excited for the break.' I thought to myself with a sweatdrop.
"Wearing an aloha shirt in the middle of winter?! He's obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation!" Ace exclaims in shock.
"He's not even trying to hide it." Deuce states while I sigh
"Let's just go talk with him..." We walked up to him and once we were close enough, Grim called out to him.
"Hey, Headmage! We gotta talk!" Crowley turned around before smiling at us.
"Why, hello. What brings your merry little band here?"
"Have you planned for our food situation over the break?" I asked, which caused him to freeze up a bit.
"Ah... Ahhh! Ahhh, yes! Of course I've planned for it! What kind of headmage would I be otherwise? Why, I was just about to make arrangements online to have food delivered to you!"
'... Guess that answer my question.' I thought with a deadpanned look.
"In other words, you were gonna leave us to starve. I'm guessin' you ain't even tryin' to find a way home for Ciel, either." Grim inquires with disappointment.
"How rude. I most certainly am. In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before. That's how deeply my diligent streak runs." Crowley explains.
"You just digging your grave even deeper, Crowley." I inform him as he looked at me offended.
"You don't look dressed for an investigation to me." Ace states as Grim nods in agreement.
"What he said! You look ready to go soak up the sun!"
"How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do. Escaping winter's frigid bite to kick back in a hammock and sip coconut juice while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves... I have NO such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you." Crowley informs us as I rolled my eye.
'Like I'll believe that bullshit...'
"What an incredible specific denial..." Deuce says
"It ain't fair for you to have all the fun! I wanna go on a tropical vacation too. Take us with you!" Grim exclaims as I raised a brow at him.
"Grim, did you forget we already made plans?"
"What? But that would spoil my delightful getaway from—ah, ahem! This investigation will be dangerous. Yes, very dangerous. Best that I handle it alone. Besides, I'd much prefer if you stayed on campus. I have a critical job for you, as a matter of fact. It's so critical, the very survival of Night Raven College hinges upon it." Crowley states
"The school's survival? Really?" I question as he nods.
"Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years... But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter. You can see how the school's survival would be at stake."
"You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air." Deuce said as Ace nods
"So it was magic. Kinda obvious in hindsight."
"I see... But wait, isn't there someone who already takes care of the fires?" I asked as Crowley nods
"Normally, our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during extended school breaks...
But this year, his daughter had a baby, so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild.
Thus, I would like you two to handle things in his absence. Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday feast. Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head... In fact, I'll throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten—er, salt?—the deal. What do you say?"
"Mrah! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma! H-hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least." Grim states as me, Ace, and Deuce shakes our head in disappointment.
"Dude, you are a born sucker." Ace stated, receiving a glare from Grim.
'He's defiantly bribing us, but I don't want to starve so I guess I don't really have a choice... Wait, ghosts can have grandchildren?' I let out a sigh before looking back at Crowley.
"If that's what it takes to get our meals..."
"Yes in deed. Plus, someone needs to handle fire duty if you want to stay warm over the holidays. Just by throwing firewood into the fireplace every day, you'll stay both warm AND well-fed. That is, as we say, two birds with one stone. Oh, what a generous deal!" Crowley exclaims with a smile
"Y'know, this does sound like kind of a gimme compared to the usual messes you dump in our laps." Grim states
"Don't question it, Grim. Just go with the flow." I say as Crowley looked like he remembered something.
"Doesn't it, though? You would be surprised at just how kind I can be. Oh yes, and since I'll be out for a while, I'd like to give this to you."
He motions for me to hold out my hand, at first I was confused by it but decided to go along with it since it might be something important. As I waited, Crowley puts his hand into his pocket and pulls something out before placing into my hand. I tilted my head in confusion as I looked at the object before realizing it was a phone from what I've seen from the others. From what I can see, it's new and recently charged since Cater told me about phones before. My friends also looks at it in confusion.
"Ooh, a smartphone?" Ace questions
"Why are you giving me this?" I ask in confusion
"You can use this to call me in the event of any emergency. It is to be used ONLY for emergencies, mind you. Do try not to burn through its data cap browsing Magicam or the like. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands. Ah, I'd better make certain to peruse some tourist pamphlets before I set out. Goodness gracious, I'm so very busy..." Crowley explained
Then Crowley walks back towards the mirror as he began to help the students head back home with no trouble. While me and my friends began to discuss about what we were told, mostly what we had expected prior to coming here. Though I wasn't expecting to be given a smartphone, which I don't know how to use, but maybe I can ask Cater before he leaves to help me. However near the end of the conversation, Grim began to cheer and daydream about the feast as we watched. Which I don't know if Crowley is bluffing or not, I hope he's not otherwise he's dealing with an angry Grim when he gets back.
"Myah ha ha! Now I get to chow down on a fancy feast over the holidays!" Grim cheers as I sigh.
"And... We lost him..."
"I still get the feeling you just took a sucker's deal, but hey, whatever floats your boat." Ace said to Grim as we heard a voice behind us.
"Hey, guys! You can stop standing in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic now!"
YOU ARE READING
An Earl in Night Raven College (Book four)
Fanfiction(Black Butler x Twisted Wonderland) A few weeks after the events with Azul and his study guides, winter break is finally here, and everyone's headed home for the holidays! Everyone except for Ciel and Grim due to circumstances, that is. One day, a r...
