Chichester Mansion

Real Contract

"You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not."

- Jodi Picoult

Éclair's P.O.V

Ruthford Academy is an elite school that caters echelons.

We don't only have a welcome ceremony to start another school year but we also have a social get together.

And I,

Being the top student, has to make a speech to welcome everyone as the representative of my year level.

"Lady Éclair. Are you ready for your speech?"

A middle aged man in his brown tuxedo approached me.

"Huh. Of course I am. I have prepared it even before I enrolled since I know I was going to be the top student."

Liem

I'm so nervous I could pass out any moment.

I even forgot that there's a social gathering today.

"Oh uh..."
He cleared his throat.

"That's just to be expected from the Lascelles Heir,i-if you please e-excuse me"

And...off he go.

Who am I kidding?

I was wandering around so that I can prevent a nervous breakdown.

"Hey look at that. She's so nervous she's sulking"

I heard boys from my year level gossiping about me.

"What a pathetic rich girl"

That's right. I'm pathetic.

"Yeah she really didn't have what it takes to be the top student. She probably did illicit stuff to ace the exams"

I...may be pathetic but, I could never do such thing. My legs won't move, can't seem to face them.

"What the hell!"
The other boy wearing a blue suit shrieked.

He certainly created a scene and earned attention.

But,

What earned my attention wasn't him but my familiar.

"You think you can get away after doing something like this?! Do you know who I am?!"

He was soaking wet.
My familiar threw a glass of shampagne right at his face.

"I apologize for my rude behavior Sir. I just....lost my temper."

Oh no...not your slaybersque.

"With all due respect, please take back what you said about Lady Éclair"

They laughed at him.

"Are you serious? You're a lunatic man!"

"You bet he is!"

Still, they talked mean things about him, I couldn't even say anything to make him feel better.

"Lady Éclair can't express herself clearly with other people because she was kept locked up inside her mansion. She is thoughtful, kind and she works hard on her own. She doesn't deserve any words you threw at her."

He...

Has always been there for me
and yet I...

...said those things to him.

"Ahahahahahaha!! What are you talking about man?!"

"Alright then! We're going to take back what we said! But you have to kneel down in front of us, kiss our shoes and say you're sorry!"

There goes another loud laughter from the crowd.

He was starting to kneel in front of them...

What can I do?...

My legs were shaking...

but at least,
It has moved for him.

"That's enough. Stand up Raven"

He looked surprised.

Who wouldn't?...

I myself, was surprised. I called him by his name for the first time.

"Lady Éclair."

"He is my body guard. I will take full responsibility for what he has done. Here."

I took a glass of champagne and poured it on my head.

All people who were watching in that part of the square were shocked.

"Now we're even."

"Calling the attention of Her grace, Lady Éclair Ashleigh Lascelles, please proceed to the back stage. You are to give your speech."

The Master of the ceremony said that twice.

I had no choice but to go.

With that, I left them to go to the backstage.

"Lady Éclair!"

He's kind.

"... Master!..."

Thoughtful.

"My mistress! Please..."

And he takes care of me from the bottom of his heart.

"Please wait, you can't face them when you're looking like that. I called for a change of clothes please wait for it."

I kept walking and didn't listen to him.

He caught me. And held my hand but I let it go.

"Of course I can. There is no time to change my dress."

"But-"

"Thank you... Raven"

I entered the stage

And gave the best speech I could.
I'm thankful for Raven.God gave him to me, to be my strength.

He was not only the familiar, who protected me.

He was also the friend who stood up for me.

Which no one has ever done before.

-

"You look stunning Lady Éclair"

I changed into a black dress with designed with golden spade and silver laces.

"Huh.Th-thank you...Raven"

I was sitting on a couch while waiting for Ead and the others.

Suddenly, he poured water on his head

"Why did you do that? You think it would change anything?"

"No my mistress. But I felt like I had to do it too."

"Huh. You really are an idiot."
He knelt down in front of me and kissed the back of my palm.

"I'm sorry my master, I know I am not worthy, but if I could, I would... Will you allow me to be your familiar again?"

I did the most childish thing ever! Motioning to grab his tux,
"L-lady Éclair. What-"

I kissed him.

"Contract sealed"