After speaking with her father, Aurelia decided that she wanted to take a break that day. She didn't want to spend time with William, nor did she want to stay alone inside the house. She needed to go out. To walk among people, to feel life flowing around her.
Her father, of course, wouldn't deny her that. He always allowed her to go out alone, as long as she didn't return too late. Otherwise, he would go out and find her himself. And the truth was, no matter how well she hid, he would always find her.
However, Aurelia didn't leave immediately.
First, she enjoyed her breakfast, accompanied by a warm cup of tea.
Ever since she was a child, her father would always tell her:
"You must eat your breakfast. If you want to be strong, you have to take care of your body."
And even though she never told him, that rule had been engraved in her.
When she finished, she dressed carefully, took one last glance in the mirror, and just before leaving, she approached William and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
Aurelia: "I'll be back soon, I promise."
He simply looked at her for a moment, clearly aware that "soon" was a relative term.
He didn't say anything—just patted her head and let her go.
The air was cool, carrying the scent of spring flowers through the atmosphere.
Aurelia walked slowly through the streets, glancing at the shops, the merchants calling out their wares, and the children running around, laughing.
Everything felt so... different.
Even though she knew she belonged to this world, she always felt a subtle distance between herself and other people.
She was human... and yet, something inside her told her she wasn't entirely human.
Perhaps it was because she had been raised among the Shinigami.
Perhaps...
As she continued walking, lost in thought, a sudden, high-pitched voice made her stop abruptly.
???: "AAAH! I KNOW YOU! YOU'RE THE GIRL WITH THE BEAUTIFUL DRESS!"
Aurelia sighed softly, even before turning around.
There was no way she wouldn't recognize that voice.
Turning, she came face to face with Elizabeth, whose eyes sparkled with excitement, her blonde hair bouncing from side to side as she ran toward her.
"All I wanted was some peace and quiet..." Aurelia thought.
But she knew very well that Elizabeth was not the kind of person who would allow that.
She knew it all too well.
Elizabeth lunged at her and hugged her tightly, nearly making her lose her balance.
Elizabeth: "I'm so happy to see you again!! Yesterday, you didn't tell me where you live, and I was sad because I was afraid I might never find you again... but look! Fate has brought us together once more!"
Aurelia blinked, trying to process the wave of enthusiasm that had just hit her in the face.
Aurelia: "Agh... Aaah... I-I'm glad you're happy, Elizabeth..."
She hesitantly returned the hug, much softer and more reserved. Elizabeth let go, but her bright smile remained.
Elizabeth: "You can call me Lizzy! All my friends do!"
There was something so innocent and radiant about her that Aurelia couldn't help but offer a small smile.
Lizzy: "So, where are you headed? Are you out shopping? Are you alone?"
Aurelia: "Uhh... Y-yes, I came alone. I just wanted to take a walk, to relax... I needed some fresh air."
Lizzy's eyes sparkled.
Lizzy: "Perfect! I'm out shopping with my maid! Do you want to come with us? I promise we'll have a wonderful time!"
Aurelia hesitated. She didn't want to be rude and refuse, especially when Lizzy seemed so excited. And, to be fair, she did find her quite likable—although at times... a bit overwhelming.
Aurelia: "Alright... why not?"
Lizzy: "Great! You'll see, we'll have so much fun!"
And she was right.
The two of them spent the rest of the day trying on almost every dress they could find in the shops, laughing and teasing each other about their tastes. Though Aurelia usually preferred quieter activities, she had more fun than she expected.
As they walked down the street, tired but happy, Lizzy turned to her.
Lizzy: "So, now I'm heading to my cousin's for tea! Do you want to come too?"
Aurelia opened her mouth to answer, but Lizzy wasn't finished.
Lizzy: "I bet he'll be very happy to see you!"
Aurelia let out a soft sigh.
Aurelia: "Uhh... I don't know... I don't want to intrude. I imagine you have personal things to talk about..."
Lizzy's eyes widened.
Lizzy: "Nonsense!"
Before Aurelia could react, she felt her hand being grabbed by Lizzy's warm, small one.
Lizzy: "Come with us!"
Aurelia had no choice. Within minutes, she found herself inside a carriage with Lizzy and her maid, heading towards the Phantomhive manor.
As the carriage approached the grand estate, a knot formed in Aurelia's stomach.
She knew her father wouldn't approve of her being there.
But... why not?
She wasn't doing anything wrong.
It was just a friendly invitation for tea.
When the carriage stopped and the door opened, Lizzy practically jumped out with her usual enthusiasm.
Lizzy: "Ciel!!"
Her voice echoed through the courtyard, startling the birds into flight from the trees.
Aurelia sighed.
A familiar man in an elegant black suit approached the carriage and bowed slightly, looking at her.
His crimson-red eyes held that familiar glint.
Sebastian: "Ah, I see you are here as well, my lady~ It is a pleasure to see you again."
Without waiting for a response, he courteously offered his hand.
Aurelia took it gently, allowing him to help her out of the carriage.
Her gaze immediately landed on Ciel, who had just managed to free himself from his cousin's suffocating hug.
After straightening his jacket, he looked at Aurelia with his usual neutral expression.
Ciel: "Lizzy, enough! You didn't tell me you were bringing company."
Lizzy placed her hands on her hips, pouting.
Lizzy: "You would have said no if I had! That's why I didn't tell you!"
Ciel sighed but didn't argue.
Instead, he stepped toward Aurelia, gently took her hand, and brought it close to his lips—though he didn't actually touch it.
Ciel: "It is a great pleasure to see you again, my lady~"
Aurelia smiled.
There was something charming about the way he carried himself—like a little nobleman, despite his age.
Ciel led them inside the manor to a beautifully set table where they would enjoy their tea.
Once everyone was seated, Sebastian served tea along with a delicious-looking dessert, clearly made by his own hand.
Aurelia glanced down at the elegant teacup, letting the faint aroma of the tea soothe her.
Perhaps... today was turning out to be more interesting than she had expected.
Aurelia stole quick glances at the tall, dark-haired young man sitting across from her, but she noticed that he was doing the same. His blue eyes always held that mysterious, unreadable expression—a mix of indifference and interest at the same time.
Ciel leaned slightly toward her, resting his elbow on the table, and with an almost playful tone, he broke the silence:
Ciel: "How was your day, Miss Aurelia?"
She raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised by his formal tone.
Aurelia: "Please, let's speak informally... It feels a bit strange otherwise."
Ciel allowed a faint smile to form on his lips.
Ciel: "As you wish. So... how was your day today, my dear?"
Aurelia placed her fingers on her teacup, feeling its warmth.
Aurelia: "It was quite good. I spent some time with my father and then went out for a walk alone. But on the way, I ran into Lizzy and... well, you know how she is. My day suddenly filled with dress fittings and endless chatter."
Ciel nodded slowly, lowering his gaze slightly.
Ciel: "Ah, that is very good. I'm glad my cousin is making new friends~"
He wanted to throw in a teasing remark, as he often did with Lizzy, but he held back in front of their guest.
Aurelia, on the other hand, had become absorbed in admiring the massive mansion around her. The towering ceilings, the luxurious chandeliers, and the heavy furniture gave the place an air of grandeur—almost otherworldly.
"How does one not get lost in a place like this?" she wondered.
Ciel observed her and, without saying a word, gave Sebastian a subtle nod. The loyal butler immediately understood the unspoken request and approached with his usual eerily calm demeanor.
With a smooth motion, he gently pulled back Aurelia's chair, prompting her to look up at him.
Sebastian: "What about a little tour, my lady~?"
His smile was sweet, yet his crimson eyes always held a faint glimmer... almost as if he was enjoying himself more than he let on.
Aurelia tilted her head slightly and returned his smile.
Aurelia: "I would love that."
She rose from her seat and followed Sebastian, leaving Ciel behind.