The Flower Blooming Out Of Season

Episode 18

It was quiet as Oz glared hard at the two outfits in his hand. To the left was a snow white attire.  The neck of the shirt was laced with a thick bow that bore a bright blue gem in the middle. To the right was almost the exact opposite, a dark red outfit that consisted of a black ruffled shirt and a dark red blazer. 

"This one? No, this one! Gil, which one do you think I should wear?" Oz asked, lifting up both for his servant to see. 

Gilbert frowned and seemed to go into deep thought as he looked from one to the other. "I think you should wear that one," he answered pointing to the white outfit. 

"I agree! Thanks Gil!" 

When Oz was dressed he smiled at himself and stepped out of his room. While he was satisfied with his attire, the screaming that came from Alice's changing room suggested she was not. 

"Gah! I hate this!" Alice screamed, bursting out of the room. She attempted to tear down her hair that was tied into a high ponytail, the bright red ribbon dangling from her hair almost getting yanked out.  

"Wow, you're so cute!" Oz exclaimed beaming at her. This earned a blush from Alice as she huffed and crossed her arms. 

"I don't see why we have to go to a stupid dance anyway," She grumbled.

"Don't worry Alice, there will be plenty of food for you to eat once we get there."

"Meat?" She asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Yep, lots!" 

Alice seemed content with the answer and Oz used the opportunity to lead her to the carriage that was outside waiting for them. Getting inside, Oz twisted his hands and tried to go over the plan that Ciel had discussed earlier. They were to keep an eye on all the guests and focus in on any suspicious individuals, but more importantly, they were to try not to stand out as much as possible. 

"Are you okay?" Gilbert questioned beside Oz. He wore a worried expression and seemed concerned. 

"I'm fine! It's just been a while since I last went to a ball," Oz smiled in the hopes of making Gilbert less worried, and to his relief it seemed to work. 

The rest of the carriage ride was silent, and Oz grew nervous with each passing moment. It wasn't the ball itself that made him nervous but rather the idea that the killer could be among the guests. What would he do if he actually spoke to him at some point, and how would he react? Oz had no answer for those questions and that made him nervous. 

When the carriage pulled up to the manor hosting the ball, Gilbert climbed out and helped Alice and Oz climb out. 

Oz smoothed down his attire as he stared up at the front where various other individuals stepped inside. "Well, let's go," Oz said, holding out his arm for Alice to take. 

"I want meat," Alice grumbled, looping her arm with his. 

Oz forced a smile and a laugh, "Yeah, there'll be all the meat you can eat!"