The world of Black Butler / Kuroshitsuji

A Day at Court

The next morning, some of the guests were invited to have breakfast with the Queen, the Prince, and maybe some other royal family members that were presented in the palace.

As soon as I was dressed properly, I went to find Irene, and we arrived the the breakfast room together. It was thoroughly lit by the sunlight shining through the big windows. Some has already taken their seats, chatting with one another. I stifled laugh when I saw Charles being surrounded by ladies, all trying to get his attention.

I and Irene took a seat at a table without anyone yet. Soon all the seats were filled. Our table mainly consisted of male guests, no doubt drawn by Irene's dazzling beauty. I took note that the amount of guests invited to this meal was significantly less than the total number of guests. Seems like this was quite the exclusive meal.

The other door that leads into the room was opened by a servant. Queen Victoria unhurriedly walkthrough the door. All the guests immediately raised and curtsy or bow. She went to the front table for Royal, followed by the long-time-no-see Ash, and took her seat in the middle with his help. Ash then went to stand on one side of the royal table.

Closely following them, was a pair of middle-aged man and woman, whom I don't recognize. They took a seat at the Queen' right hand side. Then Prince George came through.

Once again, I could see some of the female guests' faces lit up as they saw the prince. He went and sat down on the remaining seat of the royal table, which was to the Queen's left.

Once all the royals were seated, all the guests also sat. From a service door, a stream of servants holding trays of food came out and first severed the royals individually, then laid out a variety of food in the middle of each of the guests' tables.

The gentlemen on our table served the two ladies first before serving themselves. I had some porridge, some toasted, and some fruits.  Next to me Irene only helped herself to a few pieces of fruits, no wonder how she keep her shape so well.

"Who are the two royals to the right of Her Majesty?" I asked Irene as the gentlemen were busy serving themselves.

"Them? Oh he is  the Prince of Wales - Prince Edward, son of the Queen and father of Prince George. Next to him is his wive, Princess Alexandra." Irene answered. I was slightly surprised by her knowledge on such things. But if I remember correctly from my history lessons, both Edward and George will become king in the future. So in front of me is three generations of monarchs on one table.

Throughout breakfast we chatted to the young lords and gentlemen on our table. Occasionally I would catch the eyes of Prince George looking at me. And when I do, not only does he not look away, he sometimes even winks at me. Every time it would result in me looking away awkwardly.

After the meal, the ladies were scheduled to attend a salon session with the Queen in her solar.  We walked in a line softly chatting amongst ourselves. When we reached the solar the ladies all scattered to find a seat. As I walked around looking for one, I caught the Queen looking at me through her veil. She nodded to the empty seat beside her gesturing for me to sit there, and I of course complied. I found  the seat on the other side of the Queen was already occupied by another woman, I think she was the daughter of a duke.

Ash behind Queen Victoria leaned down and she whispered something into his ear. Ash then said in a quiet voice to me, "Her Majesty wishes to say that: 'It's a please to see you again, Clarette, and I hoped that you have enjoyed yourself so far'."

I nodded, "Thank you, and of course, last evening has been the most enjoyable."

I saw that most the lady was already engaged in some form of pastime - reading, embroidering, quietly playing fun a game of cards... I picked up some embroidering kit and decided to practice a complicated way of embroidery that I had recently learned from Miss Abney.

We chatted quietly for the morning with Ash as the medium.

For the afternoon, we had free time to do whatever we want as there was no scheduled event. Some went out to town, and some went to library etc. I was't the mood to do anything so I just went to Irene's room to chat.

"How was your salon experience?" I asked as I plopped down on her love seat in an unladylike manner.

"It was good," She said, "Made some acquaintances. What about you? Being included in the Queen's inner circle?"

"Inner circle?"

"Yes. You were called to sit beside the Queen right?  Those who were are considered part of her 'inner circle', a colloquial name for her favorite ladies of the Season."

"Oh. I have been well acquainted with the Queen and her butlers for a while now, I think that's why. 

"I want to be in the inner circle too!" She laughed.

"Who are you aiming for?" I asked.

"Everyone this season is aiming for the prince," She said, "But of course, there is only one prince so there are also many very eligible bachelor this Season. Earl Grey is a prime example. He is from a famous family, he is very well-off, and also good friend of the royals.You could say he is the second most desirable bachelor here."

"What about the others?" I asked, "Like the lords on our table this morning."

"Oh let me tell you..." Irene went on for ages about who is who. Apparently this Season is quite a good one with many big catches.

There was a knock on the door, and Irene went to answer the door. She came back with a cream-coloured envelope in hand.

"What is this?" I asked.

She opened the letter, and there was a card. She read it over, "It's an invitation from Lord Montgomery to the midseason ball."

I recognized that name to be one of the 'big catch' that she told me about. "Already? Gosh Irene, you are doing well!"

"Thanks. Well, the midseason ball is the biggest event of the Season, so many gentlemen send their invitation very early on so that the lady he has in mind isn't taken away by others. But there are also often ladies that don't receive any invitations, subsequently unable to attend."

I wonder if I'll be invited.