The world of Black Butler / Kuroshitsuji

The Banquet

"By this rate, I'm sure Germany will be quite the competition for Britain." Georg von Siemens said to Charles during our chat, as him, me, and Charles were making our way to the Phantomhive Manor in a carriage. Charles was sitting next to me with his head propped on his hand; he was bored out of his mind by the blabbering of the man in front of him, on the opposite side of the carriage. Georg von Siemens sat with his back straight, seemingly prime and proper.

He had meant for his statement as an exclamation not to be taken too seriously, but me and Charles exchanged a subtle glance as this arrogance is exactly what is leading to his doom.

"Of course, Lord Siemens." I faked a giggle. "I'm sure your country will prove quite the fierce competitor." I said in echo to his words after seeing that Charles was in no mood to do so.

Siemens had been ignoring me for most of the ride, but this time, he finally casted his eyes on me, "I don't think ladies such as yourself should be intruding in a diplomatic conversation of men."

That statement immediately had me fuming. I took in a deep breath to suppress my boiling anger, and faked another demure smile. I managed to say through my gritted teeth, "I'm terribly sorry, Lord Siemens, for my rude interruption. I will now leave you men to your... diplomatic conversation."

I had to put up with his rudeness and sexism even though I had a higher title than him in this country, only because he was the guest of honour, and that I wanted our plan to unfold smoothly.

Charles held in laughter as he shot me amused glances.

Siemens seemed satisfied enough and removed his gaze from me, returning his attention to their stupid 'diplomatic conversation'. Charles barely had the patience to deal with one more word of the 'diplomatic conversation' when the carriage pulled to a halt.

We exited the carriage and ascended the stairs before the grand doors of the manor. The door were opened by Tanaka, who greeted us with a bow.

We entered the hall, and were greeted by the little Earl Phantomhive. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a young Arthur Conan Doyle shying away at the side.

"Please to make your acquaintance. I am Georg von Siemens. I appreciate the invitation." The guest of honour said.

"Hello! Got everything ready for the party?" Charles asked.

I merely dipped into a small curtsey.

Ciel went straight to the guest of honour, and extended his hand, "You have come so far, I am delighted to meet you. I am Ciel Phantomhive."

They shook hands and Siemens was led to the banquet hall by Ciel. Charles now stayed behind with the rest of the guest since he was the company of a lady.

"Well then," Sebastian produced a card from his pocket, "I will call you each by name. When I do, please enter the dining room." He read from it, "Earl Charles Grey. Baroness Clarette."

Our names were called out first since we were of the highest social status here. Charles offered me his arm, I took it, and we walked into the banquet together. Inside, the numerous candles on the chandelier casted a yellowish light onto the room. And in the middle, a large variety of delicious dishes rest on the clothed tables.

The guests came in one by one, with Arthur being the last. I saw that he looked around like a lost little lamb unsure of how to compose oneself. After a while he decided to go sit down at the side by himself.

Charles, as usual, was chowing down all the delicacies on the tables.

"Hey, Charles, stop eating so fast. We need to go socialize." I tugged on his sleeve.