Silence

Chapter 1

As far as where the story takes place in the timeline, it takes place several months after Book of Circus, but kind of just ignores everything that happened after that and assumes that Ciel and Sebastian were taking care of other things during that time that aren't important.
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"Good morning, my lord," Sebastian said as he opened the curtains in Ciel's bedroom. The young earl stirred, displeased with having to be woken up. "This morning, I have prepared poached eggs with some biscuits and jam. Today, you have a violin lesson and a History lesson. Then later this evening, you have a meeting with the head of the Funtom Company branch stationed in France, a Mr. Antoine Dumont."

"How positively boring," Ciel grumbled.

The young boy sat up and Sebastian began to dress him. "Nevertheless, we shall offer the full Phantomhive hospitality."

"Do whatever you please. Let's just make this meeting as quick as possible. I don't particularly enjoy business talk. It's so dreadfully dull."

"Yes, my lord."

Ciel headed down to the dining room where Sebastian began serving him his prepared breakfast.

"I shall begin the preparations for our guest, young master. In the meantime, I believe your tutor for your violin lesson has arrived."

"Send him to my study."

"Yes, my lord."

Sebastian exited the dining room and directed Ciel's tutor up to the study where his young master would go once his breakfast was finished.

"Adalina!"

The young head maid turned at the sound of the butler's voice calling her name.

"We have an important guest coming to the manor in a few hours. I would like your help with the preparations."

Adalina curtseyed and followed Sebastian to begin preparing for the French businessman to visit.

Sebastian briefly glanced back at the young woman walking behind him through the hallways. Since he had hired her to work at the manor, she never said a single word nor did she ever truly smile. When she did smile, it was such a small one that it was barely noticeable. He was rather curious to know what had happened to make her this way as he knew that her mutism was elective, but he couldn't get it out of her. All he knew of her was that he and his young master had found her alone on the streets of London while working a case. Ciel had initially dismissed her as just another beggar, but Sebastian saw otherwise. His first priority was his master's safety, and he knew right away that for that reason, she had to become a servant at Phantomhive Manor.

After she had worked under him for about a year, he had asked if she would write down what had happened to her in the past to see if he could understand why she never spoke. But in response, she had made no movements and looked down at the floor. He could take the hint.

Nevertheless, Adalina was a valuable asset to Phantomhive manor. She was quick on her feet, incredibly obedient, and she was able to use whatever she had on hand to get out of a tough situation. Ciel was happy to trust her with his life.

She was a shy girl, but she had a devious side as well when necessary. On more than one occasion, she had helped Sebastian intimidate the other servants and/or visiting guests. She would admit that she did get a kick out of scaring those who meant Ciel harm.

Adalina clearly cared for the boy. She would gladly give her life to protect him. It wasn't a motherly kind of affection nor even a sisterly one. Adalina knew her place and that meant she was nothing more than a servant in his eyes. A highly respected one, but a servant all the same.