The Devil Slayer & The Steam Prince Volume1

Chapter 4 The Bartell Gala

Time skip to the day of the gala.———————————————————————
Seth's POV: I had just finished breakfast and had gotten dressed for my first guild job Erza asked me to join her on a job that only needs 2 wizards to complete though her being S-class could most likely handle it on her own. So now that I'm dressed we set out for our client and learn the details of the job. "So we basically need to find a group of thieves who stole some things special to you might I inquire as to what the items are I asked?" ———————————————————————
The client nodded and told me it was a family tapestry, a pair of cufflinks, and a matching necklace. The client also stated that all items have been passed down through the ages of the family. "You have my word, not only as a guild wizard but a member of a family that passed down things through the ages we will bring these crooks to justice and retrieve your prized property." I said as I placed a hand over my chest.———————————————————————
Before leaving the client gave us a sketch of the thieves emblem I recognized it right away it was Hexa-Viper they usually attack in pairs of 6. While walking out of the client's house Erza who was Quiet due to her letting me do the talking with the client finally opened her mouth to speak. "Seth you did a good job gathering information, you also seemed to know the emblem sketch right away, do you who the robbers are by any chance because I've never seen that symbol before." Erza stated.
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"Thanks Erza and yes that symbol belongs Hexa-Viper they usually strike in groups of 6 hence their name, they dress in snake printed clothes, normally they strike bread shops and other small places, I've tussled with some of them while I was on my travels, I always won because I attacked from afar if u get to close they use a two pointed dagger to look like snake fangs that has poison on the tips to puncture the skin and poison you, that's all I know of them." I replied. "That's a lot of useful information, thanks for that your really helpful Erza stated as she looked over at me, I have a question for you Seth said Erza as she stopped walking."
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"What is it Erza whatever you want to ask me you can do so while walking." I said as I turned to her and tapped my foot. "I wanted to know if you didn't have that breakthrough attack in the spirit world what you would've said to Loké when Gray put you on the spot as the potion maker." Erza stated. I suddenly froze up on the spot and sighed before replying. "I would of told him that I was indeed the one that made the tonic that healed both ill spirits and that I'm glad they are recovering quickly." I said before continuing to walk.
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Eventually we gather enough intel from locals and decide to go back to the client, we ask him if we can use the abandoned house next door to his to trick the thieves into coming and robbing us in order to capture them. We end up borrowing some fancy silverware, a few elegant paintings, and a pair of golden candelabra's. Sure enough the crooks came, as they approached the paintings I slipped out of my shadow and grabbed their ankles and set them ablaze, Erza made quick work of the ones that went for the kitchen silverware, Erza and I then pinned the guys that went for the candelabra's and I even set my daggers ablaze.
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Eventually we recovered the pieces that were stolen and returned the borrowed items and collected our reward, by this time it was 1:30 and so we grabbed a bite at a local sweets cafe. We both got sodas and slices of cheesecake, we both got classic, I get mango on top of mine for a slight twist and Erza stayed traditional with strawberries on top of hers.
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Once we got back to the guild around 2:30 I saw Lisanna talking to someone before hearing her say "oh looks like Seth just returned safe and sound." I then see that she is talking to Aaron so I knew he came here to get me dressed for the Gala and transport me there as well, I exchange a quick hello with him before I excuse us both up to my room, after was dressed I practiced my elegant bow and silverware placing. "Splendid sir absolutely splendid you still have her ladyship's grace and poise." Aaron said before walking us out to the carriage.
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After a carriage ride to the train and a train ride to another carriage we finally pull up to the Bartell family's estate at 5 o'clock on the dot. I rang the buzzer and waited for an answer. "Can I help you?" asked a voice? "I'm Seth Whitman the son of Lord Richard Whitman and the late Lady Sylvia Whitman who was good friends with Lady Marianne Bartell and I'm here in my father's place we sent a reply to the invitation a week ago." I answered. "Sir Seth please come in sorry for keeping you." came the response. The gates then opened and Aaron drove the carriage up to the steps and then opened the door for me to step out. "Thank you Aaron for bringing me." I said as I gave him a kind hug of friendship before walking up the stairs into the estate.
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Once in the Main hallway I stopped before the grand ballroom and looked back to ask one of the staff something. "Excuse me but is Lady Marianne around as the son of her deceased friend Sylvia I would like to continue our strong friendship." I asked one of the doormen with a soft smile. "Yes Lady Bartell is in her upstairs office I'm sure she would be more than happy to see you after many years young sir replied the doorman, Jessica could you please bring young Lord Whitman up to Lady Bartell's upstairs study the doorman said to a nearby maid." "Of course Gregory this way kind sir said Jessica as she walked up the nearby staircase." At the end of one of the upper halls Jessica knocked on a door and a voice called out that I remember so clearly.
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"Pardon the interruption my ladyship but you have a special visitor here who would like to see you." Jessica replied. "I will welcome all the guests soon Jessica but right now I have some forms to finish." came the reply from inside. "Very well then Lady Marianne I will see you then apologies for disturbing you my mother's dearest friend." I said before turning to leave back down the hall, yet just as I was about to walk down the stairs I hear the door open and her cry out "Wait! please...is it truly you?" I turn around walk up to her calmly and give her my same old soft smile and gently nod before bowing to her "It is good to see you again Lady Marianne after many years." I said as I rose back up.
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"Oh Seth please you are a family friend you don't need to bow to me I'm so happy to see you when I heard the voice say my first name and their mother was my dearest friend I knew it had to be you, Before I steal you away for a long while of talk I would imagine Antonio would like to see you Lady Marianne said before hugging me tightly with joy." I nodded in glee because it has been ages since I have seen my old friend. As she led me to his room I was getting all nostalgic and memories were flooding back to me of all the sleepovers, parties and other times Antonio and I would hang in his room.
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Lady Marianne knocked on her son's door "Honey I have an old friend of ours who I thought you would be happy to see again after so many years Lady Marianne said." I heard the door unlock and open and even though physically he has grown up I can see through his eyes the kid I shared many memories with I simply smiled and tilted my head. "Can I help you Antonio said." I stepped back in shock before softly chuckling and saying aloud our special handshake. "Left pound, right pound, double pound, high 10 I said as I recited our handshake." "I...I'm sorry who are you exactly Antonio asked again?" "Nevermind I guess you have forgotten me but that's ok sorry for bothering you Toni I replied before walking away to return to the lower floor.
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"How can you be so cold to your childhood friend and the son of Lady Sylvia after all the memories you both have shared Lady Marianne said harshly to her son." "My lady it's quite alright if young lord Bartell has forgotten me I hold no ill will against him because of this I said as I looked back at her, Now my lady and my young lord I will bid you farewell for the moment and meet you again before the night has ended." I said before turning back around to continue my walk to the ballroom.
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As soon as I reach the bottom steps Jessica tells me that back when my mother passed away Lady Bartell had a private section of the estate gardens reserved for a memorial to my mother and asked if I'd like to see it. I agreed to it and followed Jessica out the back of the ballroom and to the gardens she then stopped in front of an arch that said (Sylvia Whitman friend to Bartells and ally to wizards.) I then crossed through the arch and sat on a bench that read (Share your feelings with me to set your mind and heart at ease.) "Hi momma Lady Marianne was happy to see me after so many years but Antonio didn't remember me at all and yet walking to his room i got all these nostalgic memories of the times him and I would hang together I hope the night gets better I miss you still and will love you always please rest happily and free." I said to the memorial just barely above a whisper and my eyes started to blur from wanting to cry.
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I then rose up off the bench and followed Jess back inside it was now 6 and Lady Marianne decided she wanted some alone time with me in order to catch up so I kindly nodded and followed her. Once in her office she saw how defeated I looked and told Jess to bring me a spare batch of the cookies the kitchen had made and what flavors I preferred and a tall glass of coffee milk extra coffee syrup, Jess nodded and walked out the room closing the door softly behind her. "So tell me how things are going for you is life in Whitman manor still dull and is your father still trying to force you to marry ladies Lady Bartell asked?" "No he isn't and I don't live in the manor anymore I said as i took off my jacket and let my left sleeve of my dress shirt fall past my elbow." "Oh so you joined the FairyTail guild how wonderful so I assume you live in the guild dorms then and how is that Lady Bartell said with a twinkle of joy in her eyes."
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Just as I was about to answer there was a knock at the door. "Pardon me it's Jess with your refreshments said the voice." "Come in I said sweetly," Jess then opened the door and set the tray down on the desk and then before leaving picked something off the floor. "Excuse me sir but does this belong to you Jess said." I looked at the item and saw it was a bracelet with different charms on it one of the charms was a four pointed diamond and missing it's second half and that's because the second half is in Antonio's care the other charms were our family crests and the colors of our houses. I nodded to her and thanked her for noticing that it fell out my pocket when I forgot I had it in my coat pocket. Jess then slipped out quietly.———————————————————————
"Yes I stay in the boys dorms and I'm quite happy there everyone is so welcoming I even helped the celestial spirits because 2 of their kind were ill, I had a tonic that ended up helping to cure them yet sadly I had a breakthrough attack all on my first day a week ago it was caused due to sleep deprivation and forgotten med doses due to how excited i was on the final parts of my journey around Fiore to join the guild." I said plainly as I reached for one of the cookies. "Oh you poor thing to have a breakthrough seizure after so many years but i'm glad you are enjoying guild life I have heard of a wandering wizard I have heard he looks similar in size and age to you and he calls himself the steam prince." Lady Marianne said as she also reached for a cookie.
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"Very fascinating and thank you for the snack and taking time to chat with me but I do believe it's almost time that you and the young lord welcomed all your guests." I said as we finished our drinks and snack as it was now 6:40. "Very well but I have one thing more to ask you Lady Bartell said as we rose from our seats to head to the door." "Yes Lady Marianne what is it I asked?" "When Antonio comes to make his rounds of meeting our guests please have on your charm bracelet and stand nearby the chocolate fountain, I'm sure those 2 things together will jog his memories of you came her reply." I nodded and clasped my charm bracelet around my left arm before walking down the hall, flashing her a big sweet smile with a thumbs up as I approached the stairs.
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7PM comes round and every guest gathers in the center of the ball room. "Ladies & Gentlemen welcome to the Bartell's gala please put your hands together in welcoming our hosts Lady Bartell and her son the young Lord Bartell said Gregory the doorman from earlier." Everyone in the crowd myself included clapped with thunderous applause as Lady Marianne and Antonio descended separate staircases. "Thank you everyone for joining us this fine night, it truly is a pleasure to see so many faces of friends through the ages please enjoy your time here tonight." Lady Bartell said from a nearby doorway. "My mother is correct to see this many people in one place is very heartwarming on a night as clear and cool as this one, we are truly grateful you have joined us please have fun everyone." said Antonio from another doorway.———————————————————————
Antonio eventually made his rounds of the guests I had just dipped a wedge of mango and a strawberry on a skewer into the chocolate fountain and grabbed a glass of sparkling cider. Antonio eventually started walking to me and so I lifted the glass to my mouth with my left hand and my charm bracelet shimmered in the light. He stopped right in front of me and looked at the charm that was split in half and pulled out a matching bracelet with the other half of the charm on his and then he actually joined the two halves together, When he saw that they fit perfectly he was convinced it was me and gave me a bro hug before he walked me out to the porch.———————————————————————
"Seth I'm so sorry I didn't realize it was you at my door earlier but when I saw the charm bracelet I knew it had to be you cause you would never let anyone touch it other then my family and yours." Antonio said. "You're the one who came up with that secret handshake your lordship yet you didn't remember me for it or the nickname I gave you, and though now we have grown up I was still able to see the young kid I shared so many happy memories was inside you as I could see through your eyes to your soul." I said as I looked away from him.———————————————————————
"Seth please don't turn away from me I truly am sorry for not recognizing you, but I haven't seen you in ages and you know I can't see into people like you do." Antonio said to me placing a hand on my shoulder. "Your lordship should return inside and talk with your other guests I thank you for taking time to see me." I answered Antonio before turning to face him and bowed to him. "Alright then but if you ever see any of FairyTail's famous members or the wandering wizard known as the steam prince can you get me autographs." Antonio stated. "If that will please your lordship I will do my best to do so." I answered as I rose back up. Antonio grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the party though I told him to leave me alone and that I would join eventually.———————————————————————
Soon enough music filled the hall and he let go of my arm to go dance with ladies that attended and shortly after he had left me I felt someone tap my shoulder, it was Lady Marianne she asked me if I'd honor her by joining her for the first dance. "Very well then my ladyship the honor to dance with my mother's friend is all mine I replied to her." As we danced Lady Marianne asked me if I still can use water magic I simply nodded and so she asked if I could make the Bartell badger out of water to signal the start of the fireworks later tonight from the outdoor fountain in the backyard. I nodded in reply and said I would be honored to do so but I would need the fountains lights on so I could see what I was doing.———————————————————————
After the dance there was a very elegant dinner Lady Marianne asked me to be at the chair on her left and had Antonio on her right. I quietly nodded and eventually everyone helped themselves to food I grabbed one of the honey bbq glazed chicken and piled on the mash potatoes and corn and a refill on my sparkling cider. "Pardon me everyone if I could have your attention for a moment before we eat Lady Marianne said as she stood for a moment tapping a butter knife to her glass, I am sure you have been wondering who the young man who sits across from my son is and his relation to the Bartell family, his name is Seth Whitman the son of my dearest friend who watches us from above in the golden city of the clouds Lady Sylvia Whitman and as she was my dearest friend I hope everyone here makes him feel welcome, the Whitmans and Bartells have had a long friendship through the ages so young lord Whitman I raise a glass to you in friendship." said Lady Bartell as she held her glass high and looked over to me. "May our families continue this glorious friendship for generations my lady." I replied standing up and clinking glasses with her. ———————————————————————
Everyone then ate and I felt slightly confused sitting across from Antonio after what happened between me and him tonight, mid meal I slide a piece of paper to Lady Marianne who looked at it first with shock but then her eyes softened and nodded in acceptance, I quietly filled myself with dinner and dessert before rising from my seat and excusing myself to get some air. I then found Jessica and she told me Lady Bartell filled her in on what I wrote on that slip of paper and brought me to a balcony overlooking the yard near the fountain. I stepped onto the balcony and practiced my steps before stopping myself short in time enough that Lady Marianne and Antonio had escorted the other guests outside.———————————————————————
"Dear guests I have asked Seth to provide us a few tricks with water magic to signal the start of the fireworks, however during the dessert portion of the meal he slipped me a piece of paper asking my permission for a dramatic entrance, so I present you Seth Whitman the Steam Prince of the FairyTail guild." Lady Bartell said as she addressed the crowd and then motioned her arm up to the balcony where I was.———————————————————————
I gracefully and happily leapt from the balcony and landed on a cloud of steam and danced my way elegantly from steam cloud to steam cloud till I was above the guests, then I spiral danced down to the ground next to Lady Marianne as I used my water magic to turn the water in the fountain into a badger in order to start the fireworks, Lady Marianne and I turned around to join in viewing the fireworks after the last of the finale had disappeared everyone was applauding, not for the fireworks but for me I simply smiled crossed my legs and bowed kindly.
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After the fireworks were over and everyone started to leave I decided to visit mom one last time and this time I was accompanied by Lady Bartell. "Hello my friend your son made this party very magical and special you should be very proud of his magic prowess you raised him beautifully." Lady Marianne said as she placed a few of mom's favorite flowers onto the memorial.———————————————————————
"Mom it felt good to see the Bartell estate again but I'm sure you would of not approved what I did at the fireworks rest peacefully and I promise I will see you in my dreams tonight." I said as crossed my hands over my heart. "I see someone else wishes some time with you as it was only brief earlier." Lady Bartell said as she elbowed me. "Very well then thank you for a wonderful night Lady Marianne it was truly magical and I'm overjoyed to have seen you again." I said as I nodded to her. ———————————————————————
"So you're leaving shortly I assume." said the voice while they walked to me. "Yes your lordship I must return to Magnolia to FairyTail it's my new home." came my reply. "Drop the fancy act for five blasted minutes would you!" Antonio shouted at me. I was spun round by him gripping my shoulder and spinning me till I was facing him. "Here just take it now that you know my secret identity and just leave me alone for the rest of the night, you now know where I live just ask either Mira or Lisanna for directions to my room." I said as I shoved my autograph on lavender colored paper at him and tried to walk away.———————————————————————
"Seth Thomas Whitman don't you dare walk away from me!" barked Antonio. "Since when did you turn into my father." I hissed as the corners of my eyes turned red and orange and my eyes went white, my hair turned from black to burnt crimson, my skin turned to lava and I had blood red flames in my hands. "S...Seth what's happening to you." Antonio said quite puzzled at what was happening. "I will repeat myself when did you decide to turn into my father." I hissed louder still with my back to him.———————————————————————
As soon as I turned to face him he backpedaled so fast and ran calling out for his mother I followed after him throwing fireballs in his direction, eventually Lady Marianne was in front of me asking her son what he said or did to cause this to me. "Well I said his full name cause he was just avoiding me, after that he said since when did you turn into my father but I don't know what that means." Antonio said. ———————————————————————
"No wonder he is enraged like wildfire he hates people who bark his full name especially his middle name it makes him feel like when his dad would yell at him back when he was still living at Whitman manor after Lady Sylvia had passed on. Lady Bartell said to her son scornfully, How about we all call it a night Seth go home to FairyTail and rest, this much anger is not good for you dear." said Lady Bartell as she looked at me. With her soft sweet voice ringing in my head the flames, lava skin and crimson hair all vanished, Aaron escorted me out and drove out quickly. I reached FairyTail by 11 took an hour bath and was asleep by ten past midnight.