Chapter Text
After countless calls and what felt like an eternal wait, a letter finally arrives at my door. I dig through old newspapers and bills screaming "you’re broke" until one envelope stands out—fine paper, elegant, almost offensively fancy.
I rip it open without ceremony. I need to know what it says.
As expected, it’s from the Phantomhive Manor.
They’ve hired me as a maid.
My scream of joy probably echoed three blocks over. I’m finally getting out of this financial hell—even if it means cleaning a mansion with more secrets than furniture. Entrusting myself to fate (and hoping no debt collectors chase me), I pack only the essentials. The rest can be swallowed by misfortune.
A few days later, the carriage arrives. I settle into the seat as it begins to move. I watch through the window as my old life disappears, swallowed by horse dust and the rattling of wheels.
The ride is long and silent—so calm, I almost fall asleep. Suddenly, everything stops being gray. The scenery turns green, natural, almost... alive. That can only mean one thing: I’m close.
Without warning, the driver slams on the brakes, and I smash my forehead against the cabin.
I’ll take that as a sign from the universe. Good or bad? Still undecided.
I climb out, sore, dragging my suitcases. I glance back... the coachman is gone. Literally vanished in a cloud of dust. I mutter a soft curse, holding back a louder one, and turn toward the mansion.
There it is.
The Phantomhive Manor.
Impressive. I didn’t expect it to be in such good shape, considering it burned down not long ago. A chill runs down my spine. Should I turn back...?
Nah. Poverty is way scarier.
I walk up to the enormous front door and knock. Knock knock. The echo rings out ominously. Seconds later, the door swings open.
Standing before me is a tall, absurdly handsome man with pale skin and jet-black hair. He’s dressed like a butler, and from the mysterious aura and the way his eyes scan me, I know it's him—the Earl’s famous butler.
"Ah, hello there… You must be the new maid. We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival," he says in a deep, smooth voice.
His reddish-brown eyes pierce through me like he’s reading my thoughts. Something in his gaze whispers "I hope you leave soon,", even if his words say otherwise. He takes my luggage with ease.
"I’ll show you to your room. Then, you'll have the honor of touring the manor to familiarize yourself."
He pauses.
"I’m quite intrigued to see your performance."
That catches me off guard. Intrigued? I was expecting a walking iceberg, not someone curious.
I snap out of it and give a polite bow.
"It’s an honor. My name is _____."
I take a step behind him and get a glimpse of the sheer size of the place. Cleaning all this is going to be a nightmare.
"So your name is _____. Charming."
Charming? Well, he’s not wrong. It is me, after all.
Suddenly, he steps closer. Way too close.
"I need to ask you something," he says, with a slight smirk.
"Do you have a suitor?"
My brain short-circuits. I’m not sure whether to blush or scream what does that have to do with scrubbing floors?!
"P-Pardon me...?" I stammer, my face red as a tomato.
What am I even supposed to call him? Sir? My lord? Your majesty?
He chuckles lightly.
"You may call me 'sir'. I am the head butler here. No answer? Have I embarrassed you?"
"Well... sir, I’ve never had a suitor... not yet." I say, scratching the back of my neck, still red.
"I figured as much," he replies bluntly.
"Follow me, miss."
He figured? What’s that supposed to mean? Do I have resting spinster face?
As we walk, I glance around the manor. Dark, elegant, intimidating.
“I must say, you’re rather odd for a maid,” he adds out of nowhere.
“...Huh?”
This man is a riddle. I improvise a reply.
“In what sense, sir…?”
“Forgive my lack of manners. I’m Sebastian Michaelis. And well…”
He gives me that well-trained demon smile.
“You’re one of the few who haven’t tried to flirt with me yet.”
What? He’s hot, sure... but what kind of welcome is this?
“We’ve avoided hiring more female maids because of that. But you seem like an exception.”
...
No comment.
We arrive at a door. He pulls out some keys, his movements so elegant it’s like a dance, and unlocks it.
"This will be your room."
It’s large, clean—way better than expected.
Something about the way he treats me feels... odd. Passive-aggressive? Sardonic? Elegantly condescending?
"Thank you for the room. It’s very nice."
"If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me."
He leaves and shuts the door softly behind him. Not locked.
I stare at the door for a moment. Then collapse onto the bed and sigh.
"Oh God… please let me not screw this up."
I take a quick glance at my outfit, trying to find anything suspicious to fix. "Alright, nothing weird. No stains, no dirt, I look presentable." I spot a mirror and, as if I were about to face the judgment of life itself, I examine my face and fix my hair a little.
I look... normal? That should be enough. I can finally meet with Mr. Michaelis. I leave the room and hurry toward his office, knocking on the door with a dramatic “knock knock.”
From inside, his deep and controlled voice answers with a calm, “Come in,” while he arranges some things on his desk. I open the door, and his dark eyes lock onto me with an almost scientific intensity, as if he's analyzing the quality of my soul.
"Have you settled in?"
"Yes, sir. What will my job be from now on?"
"Your first big task will be..."
...Is...?
"...Not being a burden." He clears his throat briefly. "Since you're new, you'll start with the basic duties: cleaning, helping in the kitchen, running errands. If everything goes well, maybe I'll promote you to handle my morning tea." He speaks without breaking eye contact, clearly mocking my apparent cluelessness.
Did he just call me a burden? At this rate, my life is going to be a parade of humiliations. I nod automatically at every word. Though… greater responsibilities? Existing is already a big responsibility for me.
"Alright, sir. I understand what you said."
"You catch on quickly. I hope it stays that way."
He stands up and adjusts his suit with such care I almost feel the pressure of his perfection…
"Of course. Now, I'll give you a brief tour so you can get to know the main rooms."
He leaves the office and gestures for me to follow. Did he just see me as a dog? Well, I’ll forgive him just because he’s hot… But if he asks me to fetch the newspaper, I swear I’ll go hide.
I carefully follow behind him, trying not to trip or do anything embarrassing.
I follow his back with the attentiveness of someone trying not to trip over her own life. We walk through long, shiny corridors. This place screams “be perfect or die trying,” but, of course, it's too elegant to say it out loud.
"Here is the dining room, the sitting room, the library..." He points at each place as we walk through the endless hallway. Suddenly, he stops, turns toward me, and looks me over from head to toe.
"...I wonder if you'll actually be useful. You look... fragile." He clears his throat. "It’s important for you to know that this mansion has certain rules." His voice becomes more serious, though he maintains a calm posture.
"To start, you mustn’t touch anything valuable you find in the private rooms..."
Was that a hint that I’m poor? Yes, I’m poor—but not a thief. I keep listening, trying not to lose my cool with his recurring snide remarks.
"There is a specific room that is off-limits to the staff." His tone drops slightly lower. "Never, under any circumstances, are you to enter it." His dark eyes fix on mine with such intensity I can’t help but think... I’m definitely going to open that room someday.
"Understood, sir." I reply, trying to hide my growing obsession.
Sebastian nods slightly, seemingly satisfied with my answer. Then, we continue the tour, and he shows me the kitchen, the laundry room, and the staff quarters. Finally, we reach a door on the upper floor.
"And this is my room."
I couldn’t help but wonder why he’s showing me his bedroom... Is he expecting me to sneak in and surprise him?
"Alright, I’ll keep everything in mind."
Sebastian opens the door and lets me go in first. The room is spacious and luxurious, with a large window that looks out onto the back garden. A desk, a king-size bed, and a wardrobe.
...A king-size bed? Apparently, he does sneak women into his room, because I can't think of any other reason for such a huge bed.
He notices my silence, and his gaze lands on the bed, as if somehow he knows exactly what I'm thinking.
"Oh, dear, don’t expect to be in there."
...
Well, then. Is he challenging me?
"This is my private room."
You already said that.
Not surprising… He’s a butler of an important family, keeps everything under lock and key, and his job is serious enough to make sure no one touches his things. I wonder if he really spends that much time here or if he’s just bored of being perfect. Or maybe… yeah, maybe he does sneak women in. After all, he is a man.
Suddenly, he turns to me again, as if he can sense my inner monologue about how disturbingly attractive he is.
"It’s late." His voice drops to a deep whisper that could easily be mistaken for a double meaning I won’t dare interpret.
"You should retire to your room."
Should I? I feel threatened.
"Yes, sir. If you’ll allow me..."
He gives a small nod. Sebastian fully turns and stares at me, a slight smile on his lips. His dark eyes lock onto mine, observing me closely, like he’s trying to kill me with his gaze.
"Sleep well, we'll need you tomorrow" he says, bidding me goodnight.
"Ah, well...And please, go to your room. It wouldn't be good for you to wander around the mansion this late."
"..."
As I walk away through the hallways, my mind spins. A secret room hiding who-knows-what? That king-size bed? I can’t help but wonder just how peculiar this butler is, and what kind of secrets he’s hiding.
Downstairs, the servants are chatting among themselves as they finish cleaning the dining room. One of them—a young man with blond hair and green eyes—sees me passing by and smiles with a friendliness that borders on suspicious.
"Hey, newbie. What’s your name?"
I look at him in surprise.
"My name..." I hesitate, unsure if I should even say it.
The blond guy chuckles softly, finding my shyness adorably confusing.
"Young miss, it’s a pleasure to see you! I hope you meet everyone soon. I’m Finnian. Nice to meet you!" He gives me a handshake so firm I nearly feel my wrist crack.
"Nice to meet you too..." I try to hide the pain while Finn’s smile stays as radiant as the sun.
Suddenly, he goes quiet, staring at the stairs with fearful eyes. We both hear the wood creaking... it's...