AloisXReaderXCiel: The Suitors (Request!) Part 2

"Welcome honored guests. The (l/n) family is very pleased that you could make it here tonight."

The two butlers who kept their positions at the main entryway repeated themselves over and over again to each arriving noble. You easily recognized most of them to be business associates of your father, and it seems that many had brought their sons in hopes of linking the two families and shall we say... Earning a bit more inheritance. One thing was for certain: the female heir to (l/n) lineage was not pleased with their presence.

But naturally you acted as was fitting of your position, smiling and curtseying to your father's guests  only to look away in disgust seconds later. You were forced to endure this monotonous cycle for a good long while until all but a few stragglers have arrived. You braced yourself for these last few, but was interrupted by your father as he brought over someone to introduce to you. You expected to see an older male, possible someone through business; which is why you were very surprised to see someone your own age. He stood only a little shorter than you, and was blatantly a noble, but still you found yourself intrigued. Who was he?

"Darling, this the Earl Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive, this my lovely daughter (f/n) (l/n)."

You curtseyed as was protocol, but you looked up at him from your position. This child who was your own age, an earl? It must have been an inherited title. But that would make him.... an orphan? Without a father at least. His single blue eye met your two (e/c) ones and held them fast. His calm but slightly amused expression said that he knew you were scrutinizing him, causing you to blush lightly at your lack of discretion. One thing you concluded, was that he was certainly interesting. Suddenly, a dark shadow of butler appeared behind him, drawing your attention. He smiled politely, but his burgundy eyes were unsettling.

"It is a great pleasure to have you here tonight, Earl Phantomhive."

You said, and for once it was without sarcasm or satire. He honestly interested you, and being the fan of mystery novels you were, eagerly wished to learn more about him. So when he returned his appreciation at the invitation and offered his arm to escort you inside, you accepted; much to the immediate surprise of your father. You and the young earl spoke to each other easily and for good length before being interrupted by the orchestra staring up the first waltz. Turning back to him from examining the instruments, you noticed that... He looked as if he was about to be martyred. Smirking slightly, you asked:

"Not much of a dancer, Lord Phantomhive?"
"No, I..."

He reddened slightly and would have started protesting if you didn't cut him off beforehand.

"It's quite alright. Would you accompany me to the balcony, Lord Earl?"

He looked surprised but readily accepted. The rest of the first dance was spent once again chatting idly and comfortably. You learned that he had already been betrothed to his cousin before, but due to 'unfortunate circumstances' that he refused to go into detail about, the arrangement was canceled. You surprised yourself when you found that this didn't bother you in the slightest. You also discovered that he was the head of his family and operated the Funtom Toy Company, a familiar name to all. He didn't say it, and actually seemed to be avoiding the subject, but you understood that he was indeed an orphan. You felt a little empathy.

The music ended with a lingering note and before you could engage the Earl in another conversation, his butler appeared.

"Pardon the intrusion milady, but I'm afraid there is a rather urgent matter I must discuss with my master."
"Please excuse me Miss (f/n). I'll return soon."

You watched him leave with his shadow reluctantly. You turned, observing the now dark sky with the stars just beginning to peek out. You thought about the young Earl, and jumped when a mischievous voice startled you.

"Did you enjoy your time with Earl Phantomhive, Miss? I find him rather boring."

You turned and were met with... A very colorful boy who joined you at the railing. His bright blue eyes and blond hair contrasted sharply to your former companion, and the same could be said with the overall attitude and mood. Again, interest tugged at you. Before you could say anything however, another shadow stole your attention. This child of nobility also had an unusual butler, who was in fact you noticed, very similar to the other. A smile tugged at your lips and formality dropped briefly.

"So, tell me, did you base yourself off him or did he base himself off you?"

The boy let out a bright burst of laughter, his eyes sparkling. You yourself gave into that smile and felt yourself relax a bit.

"I like you! You actually have a sense of humor."
"Indeed?"
"Yes! So the name's Alois Trancy. And I already know that your name is (f/n) (l/n)."
"Not surprising since this is my betrothal event."

Another round of laughter. He easily enjoyed himself it seemed, and you found it as easy to talk to him as you did with the Earl. Even if their butlers bothered you for some reason. He told you of his manor, his servants, how he inherited his position, and whatnot. His story shocked you, and you felt sympathy for him and wondered just how he could be so cheerful after a life like that. He was certainly interesting.

After another dance had come and gone, you began to wonder why your father hadn't sent for you. You turned your head and saw him smiling at you fondly. You returned the smile a little hesitantly before returning your attention to Alois, only to find that both he and his butler had run off somewhere. How baffling. Before you could decide what to do next though, the music ended completely and your eldest two brothers James and Christopher approached you. Being twins, they looked identically handsome in their formal attire.

"Father sent us to retrieve you, sister."
"That is if you're done hiding from most of the suitors."

You smirked at them, having missed them while they were in London. They both extended their arms to you, and after taking them both, walked with them to where your father waited at the top of the staircase. All the guests stood in a large crowd, and you noticed that most of them seemed very disappointed to have not received any of your attention tonight. When you left your brothers to go to your father, he uncertainly asked:

"Have you chosen a suitor, darling?"

At first you were unsure, but now you smiled and nodded. His relieved look settled it all, and you beckoned him to your level and whispered your decision into his ear. He smiled widely and gave his approval immediately. Turning to his audience, he began his speech:

"Esteemed guests! My daughter (f/n) (l/n) has chosen who she shall take as a future husband."

Your gaze migrated from the guests, to your three brothers standing together against the wall, to Ciel Phantomhive with all his mystery and intelligence, to Alois Trancy with all his spirit and laughter, and finally to your mother's portrait, who observed everything with her silent beauty. You let out a deep breath, knowing you made the right choice.

"And without further ado, my daughter has chosen....!"

THE END.