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Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan, it's characters, and it's plot line. Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin is the property of Hajime Isayama. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Beyond Wall Sina

Chapter 1: Her Life

“It’s time to wake up, Young Mistress.” A deep voice said as the dark red-velvet curtains that draped over the tall, arched windows were pulled back. The morning sun shone through the framed glass, its golden rays filling the room with warmth and light that reflected off the walls brilliantly.

The male voice sighed as he saw his mistress making no attempt to wake up from her slumber. The rays of heat shone mercilessly upon the young girl’s face and sweat was beginning to drench her clothes and flood her features. No doubt, she was already awake, she was just unwilling to get up just yet.

“Having some trouble getting up, Young Mistress?” The voice said again as he knelt down beside the bed. “Not waking up on time is unladylike, and we certainly have a full agenda before us today, so it’s time to wake—“

“I’m up,” A groggy voice of a female said irritably, “Don’t you think I know that?”

“Forgive me, my Lady,” The male replied meekly then dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

The girl nodded and waved him off nonchalantly. She slowly sat upright and while doing so, her servant pulled off the nicely embroidered bed sheets covering her small form. She shivered lightly in the room’s cool air, but the smell of freshly brewed tea calmed her senses. She looked in the direction the scent was coming from and her eyes met her butler’s smiling face, pouring tea into a single cup. The aroma of cinnamon made her mouth water.

“Leaving your mouth open is unladylike, Young Mistress.” The butler suddenly mentioned, a small chuckle escaping.

Not wanting to ruin the mild and bland atmosphere of the morning, she ignored her butler’s comment and just watched him prepare her drink. He reluctantly poured rice milk into the tea, giving it a thin opaque quality. He topped it off with a sprinkling of sugar before stirring it all together. Once done, he placed the tea on the cart then gently pushed it beside the king-sized bed.

“The classic, Cinnamon Milk Tea,” He lifted the small white porcelain cup, then handed it to her. “This tea is made with a premium Ceylon Cinnamon Bark which gives it a sweet and spicy flavor. Rice Milk has been added to soften the slightly peppery after taste.”

She took the cup from his hands and raised it to her lips and sipped lightly, checking to make sure the temperature was just right. The water was a little too hot for her liking, so she blew across the rim of the cup before taking another sip. She closed her eyes as she savoured it’s rich, creamy taste.

She was entranced by the smell and taste of her drink and didn’t notice the older gentleman coming toward her with a newspaper folded neatly in his hand. “Here’s your morning paper, Miss.” He handed her the papers, whose headline startled her into a scowl.

“Tell me Fendrel,” The young girl said after a while, “Is it true that I’ve turned down a multitude proposals of marriage over the past year?”

Fendrel looked up from his cleaning. “Why question, Young Mistress?”

She released an annoyed sigh then pointed to a headline in the lower corner of the newspaper. “Countess Visconti turns down twelve marriages in just a single year.”

“I think you could answer that yourself, my Lady.” Said the male, shaking his head significantly with a small teasing smile on his face.

She huffed at his words in an irritated rebuke. “There’s a reason why I’ve turned them all down, and you know that.” The smile only broadened even wider. Oh, how she wanted to wipe that smile off his face.

The girl flipped through the paper, hoping to find something useful, but found none. “Fendrel, what’s on my agenda today?” She handed the paper back to him as she slowly moved her legs off the edge of the bed. Said man slipped her soft camel sandals on her feet, before she stood.

“First, you have French Lessons from Mr. Allard. Next you have lessons in dancing from Ms. Bellerose,” He paused to make sure she was paying attention, and she raised a questioning brow at him.

“Is there something wrong, Fendrel?”

“N-Nothing, Young Mistress—“

“Did you actually think that I wasn't paying any attention to what you were saying?”

He felt the need to ask for forgiveness again, but before he did, she interrupted him. “Stop, I don’t want to hear it the second time this morning.”

Fendrel bowed, and when he was given permission to continue he said, “Then after, we will be heading to Wall Maria where Grisha Yeager will be waiting.”

When he mentioned the latter’s name, it rang a bell to the young girl. At the mention of Yeager, she looked straight up at him with her eyebrows raised, lips pursed, an absorbing look on her face. The chamberlain saw the huge interest in her eyes, and he knew right away what she would do next.

“Fendrel, start a bath for me, we will be finishing this morning’s agenda early.” She ordered, walking past him toward her bathing quarters. “I don’t want to wait too long, so I expect Amelie to be there in just a few moments.”

“How about the afternoon schedule?”

“Inform me during breakfast.” She said, without turning to look behind her. Once the door closed, the male exhaled audibly. He tilted his head sideways to the right and casted a long look at the unkempt bed. He wondered if reminding her of her meeting with Grisha and letting her go to Wall Maria was a good idea.

He bent over and slowly smoothed the bed sheets with a flat hand. Then, carefully, he folded back the blanket and laid it over the sheets. “As long as I’m with her, nothing bad could ever happen.”

Two servants pushed the intricately carved wooden door and drew the young girl inside. The moment the door opened slightly, she caught sight of a female figure dressed in a blue-and-white maid’s uniform, her dark hair flowing around her shoulders. As she came closer, the youngster recognized the servant who had been hired and assigned to serve as her personal maid.

“Amelie? You’re already here?” questioned the girl who was looking at her, a bit surprised. “How?”

The prim-faced maid bowed and smiled courteously before answering. “Good morning Milady, I hope you had a good night’s rest.”

The youngster stared at her with the same look of boredom and weariness she always had when her butler pestered her with her schedule so early in the morning. “You didn’t answer my question.” She shook her head in mock annoyance. “And since when did I ever receive a good night’s rest?”

Amelie curtsied deeply to her, giving her apology, which her mistress waved aside. “So, how did you manage to get here so quickly?” said the young girl as she lifted her arms and let her maid undress her.

“What do you mean, Milady?”

“I just gave Fendrel the order mere minutes ago, so how could you prepare the bath that fast?” She looked behind the brunette Asian woman down to the large wooden bathtub filled with water. Steam rose from the tub and she wanted nothing more than to sink into the warm liquid, rest her back against the bank, and sleep.

The maid managed a chortle as she folded the undersized loosely cut dress and placed them on a chair pulled close to the tub. “Fendrel-san had anticipated your eagerness to meet with the Doctor of Wall Maria, so he had told me to prepare Milady’s bath earlier than usual.”

The young girl made no answer, just walked past her and into the water. She lowered her body into the warmth of the tub and leaned against the back. Her lids grew heavy but suddenly her attention turned as she felt someone pat her head, and rub her shoulders. She opened one eye, reluctantly lifted her head an inch and looked at her maidservant.

“He looks down upon me as if I were a child.” The girl said out of the blue. “I’m no child.”

“May I ask, who this ‘he’ is?” Amelie poured water over the youngster’s hair and worked soap into it with skilled fingers.

“Fendrel”

“I see,” The maid then filled a bowl with warm water from the small water basin that was beside her on her right side and gently washed the pale face, making sure the soapsuds doesn’t get into her eyes. “But Milady, you’re only eight.”

The girl’s brows furrowed before she scoffed. “I may seem like a child, but he will not treat me like one.” After having her face washed, her eyes flew open and her gaze landed on the maid next to her. “The same goes for you. I don’t appreciate your belittling tone and I will not tolerate it.”

“My apologies, my Lady.”

The youngster grunted. “You know, I’ve heard that line thrice this morning now,” She watched the older woman lather her body with soap and then slowly rinse it away. “It’s the last time I ever want to hear that.”

Amelie smiled, and chose not to respond. The least thing she wanted was to upset her mistress. She continued to rinse off the rest of the lather in a sedate manner, and after she was done, she stood her up, grabbed the huge white towel hanging by a nearby rack, and wrapped the small girl in it.

Very soft footsteps could be heard moving across the carpeting in the hallway. The hollow sound of steps continued until a few seconds later it ceased to reverberate. A pair of solemn females stood in front of a large double door carved with birds flying in different directions. Gold trim lined the high doors complimenting the oak-like brown of the frame and the darker shade of its base.

One of the females, the taller of the two, opened the ornate doors and the smaller, went inside first, the other close behind. When the taller had fully entered the room, she closed the door behind her and then turned, took a look at the smaller and walked toward her and spoke.

“Let’s get you dressed up, Milady.” The woman walked over to the large bed where petite clothes lay neatly folded and grabbed the corset at the side. When the woman’s mistress saw what she was holding, she turned pale and sighed. She lazily walked over to where her maid stood, raised her arms above her head, and waited for the agony to come.

“Let’s get this over with.”

After a few tense seconds, the black laces of the corset has finally been tied together. The younger exhaled, relaxed, and stepped back, waiting for the ensuing action. When she saw her maid return with a dress in hand, she lifted her arms again, and eyed the dress as it slid down her body. Once she was all dressed up, she looked back up at the brunette and gave her a questioning gaze.

“Amelie, why are you smiling?”

“You look so adorable.” Amelie smilingly said, but the young girl doesn’t seem to hear. She questioned her with her eyes but the maid only smiled wider. “Oh, it’s nothing, Milady.”

The girl rolled her eyes heavenward. “Well? Hurry up and get me completely dressed.”

“Y-Yes.” With a hand clasped over her chest, she bowed her head and sat the girl down on one of the leather chairs in the room. She started combing her fingers through the blonde hair until it hung in soft, damp curls, then swept it over the girl’s shoulders. Since it looked like it wold be a fairly hot day, Amelie curled her master’s hair into an intricate up-do and used crystal pins to secure it in place. A couple of long, naturally-curly strands hung down, gently framing her face.

The maid took her small hand and led her towards a large mirror that filled one corner of the room. “Milady, I hope you like your outfit for the day.”

The youngster checked her reflection in the mirror. An elaborate vermillion-red dress decorated with ruffled champagne-pink trims adorned her body. Her platinum hair, arranged in a wavy up-do with her bangs hung loose in the front gave her a young and yet powerful look which befits her noble status.

“Do you like it, Milady?”

Facing her servant, she took in the smile of anticipation on Amelie’s face, then turned and sauntered to her bed. Sitting on the soft mattress, she closed her eyes and lifted her foot. “What are you standing there for? Hurry and put my shoes on.”

“Right away, Milady.” Despite having her question left hanging, the Asian curtsied, went over to the large dresser set beside the large cheval mirror and opened a drawer. She pulled out two silk garments and held them up.

“Miss, this one or the black one?”

“Black,” the girl said. “But for you, which would you choose?”

Amelie’s eyes wavered back and forth between the two stockings. “Based on what blends better with the color of your clothing, I’d definitely choose the white one,” She brought the white silk hose up to her eye level. “In terms of personal taste…” She inspected it carefully and held it up by the garter to see better. “I’d still choose the latter.”

“Oh, why is that?”

The maid shrugged. “I only like the color, is all Milady.” She folded the uncolored hosiery and placed them neatly back inside the drawer. Final decisions always remain with her mistress.

“There must be a reason behind your liking.” The youngster suggested as Amelie neared and knelt down before her.

“Well for me, the color white represents purity and innocence,” The brunette lifted the girl’s leg and began to carefully roll it on. “Not only that, but it also represents peacefulness, and cleanliness like the white driven snow.” After she had rolled up the first stocking, she went to the other leg. “Don’t you think so, Milady?”

The girl peered down at her servant. “As for me, it’s quite the contrary,” She slid one foot into the boot Amelie was holding for her. “People always presumed white to be pure, noble, and good. But for me, this whiteness is only a façade of something unutterably evil, and chilling.” They got both boots on, and the maid laced them up. “To put it simply, the color shows the face of an angel, but hides the mind of a demon.”

After lacing, Amelie walked over to the nightstand, picked up a small ivory box and headed back towards her mistress. “I suppose so,” She opened the box and presented it to her.

A single ring lay against the cream muslin lining. It was a ring of pure gold, sculpted in a dome shape and set with an intricate carving. It was a signet ring, heavy and thick; and bore a heraldic symbol in the center. The ring slid up the girl’s third finger of her right hand easily.

“All done Milady.” The maid bowed to the young girl. Moments passed before the girl nodded her consent. Amelie then went to the door and knocked gently, and within seconds, a tall, handsome adult came in.

The youngster scoffed at the sight and rolled her eyes.

“Good morning yet again, Fendrel-san.” The brunette beamed.

Fendrel acknowledged her words with a wave then turned to his overlord. “Good Morning, Young Mistress.”

Said girl didn’t spare him a glance, but hummed under her breath. “Can’t you move any faster?”

The butler gave a low chuckle and moved closer to her. “Young Mistress, its common decency to return a greeting when extended to you.” He knelt down on one knee in front of her and presented a box the same size as the previous one. They looked identical, except for their color. The box, the one he was holding, was made of black leather with an ebony finish.

“You can’t tell me what to do, but fine, I’ll comply.” She huffed. “Good morning, Fendrel.”

“That’s more like it,” His mouth curved into a smile as he opened the box.

Inside the box lay another, bigger ring covered and lined with a scarlet satin. It was a ring of sterling silver with a purple garnet in the center.

“Don’t forget your family heirloom,” Steadily, he placed her delicate fingers of her left hand in his gloved one and gently slipped the ring onto her thumb. It was a little large, but not so much that it wouldn't stay in place. “We don’t want that to happen, right Young Mistress?”

“Whatever,” The girl snatched her hand away. “Have you prepared breakfast?”

“But of course, I’ve prepared your favorite meal and it’s waiting for you downstairs.”

“And so? What do you want me to say?” The youngster made a sound of irritation and stood up. “I have a busy schedule, so let’s eat and go.” With her heels clicking on the floor, she went to her bedroom door and outside.

Amelie watched as Fendrel followed his mistress out of the room. She sighed when he was gone.

“This morning,” The butler lifted the silver cloche and revealed a plate of breakfast food. “Two slices of French toast topped with cream cheese, crispy bacon and cinnamon. For the appetizer, a finely chopped hard-boiled egg.” He set down a highball glass filled with an opaque white fluid. “And to wash it all down, a glass of milk made from organic Soybeans.”

The girl reached for her knife and fork and started eating. She spoke little during the meal and mostly listened. She had been taught impeccable table manners as such, eating while talking was deemed to be impolite and disrespectful.

“Shall I inform you of your schedule now, Miss?”

The mistress raised her hand, drank from the glass then lowered her hand in acknowledgement.

“After your meeting with Mr. Yeager, we will proceed to one of the stores in Wall Rose and decide whether or not they could sell Viscon’s quality products. Then later, paperwork concerning the distribution, redistribution, and restocking of products to tea stores within Sina,” he paused when he heard a short grunt. “Lastly, a visit from another aspiring suitor.”

The girl grimaced and without hesitation, she half shouted, half whined. “Cancel the last on the list Fendrel.”

“Are you sure with that decision, Mistress? it’s—“

“I don’t care who it is!” She gave him her best commanding glare— an angry eight-year-old glare and demanded, “Cancel his visit, that’s an order.”

“As you wish, Young Mistress.” Fendrel said as he took her hand and bowed over it. “How’s the meal?” A brow raised in a questioning manner when he saw the empty plate.

“Do you really have to know?”

“As a butler, I have to make sure that the food my mistress is eating is strongly appealing to her taste,” He quickly removed the empty dishes and handed it to the maid standing behind his Mistress's chair. “I need to know if you found it delicious or not, so I could know if I need to make some changes.”

The girl looked at her butler blankly before standing up. “Delectable as always,” She exhaled. “Can we continue now?”

“Yes Mistress, of course.”

The morning went by quickly. Just as Mr. Allard had arrived for the girl’s French lesson, he left a couple of minutes later. She already had knowledge of the basics of the language and only needs to rework tired phrases and polish her accent. After he’d worked on a few changes to refine her cadence, he left after seeing that she had more important matters on her mind. There’s no point in teaching if the student is not paying attention.

About half an hour after came the dance tutor, Ms. Bellerose. The woman arrived and looked like her usual cheery and bubbly self. The girl even heard her humming while they were walking toward the dance hall. But that smile soon faded after having her toes stepped on for the hundredth time. Let’s just say dancing wasn’t her strong suit. The poor red-head ended up leaving, saying some rather graceless and foolish things but promised to make her a better dancer.

Sooner than expected, noon arrived and it was soon time for the girl and her butler to head off toward their destination.

The girl stood silent and unmoving as she waited. The servants of the household were standing behind her, watching her stomp her foot impatiently against the floor. Her brows were down in a frown and a scowl seemed chiseled onto her face. After a few more minutes of waiting, the girl grunted in distress then looked at the people behind her.

“Fendrel’s taking too long!” She waved her arms for an instant showing her agitation. “Amelie, how long have I been standing here?”

“Five minutes, Milady.”

“Exactly! Where is he?”

Just as the words left her mouth, galloping hooves sounded on the trail in front of her. The neighing became louder as the hoofbeats drew closer. A gust of wind blew over her and her eyes squinted. When it dissipated, she could make out the shape of a carriage and two pairs of horses attached to it.

“Sorry for being late, Young Mistress.” The coachman said while scratching the back of his head. “The horses were misbehaving and if it weren’t for Fendrel, they wouldn’t calm down.”

The girl looked up at the young, grimy face and jeered at him. “Whatever, where’s Fendrel? Let’s hurry up, I want to finish this as soon as possible.” Her voice was monotone, but her eyes revealed excitement.

“I’m here, Milady,” The door of the carriage opened and an all too familiar man stepped out on to the pavement. “Shall we go?”

The youngster didn’t respond but eagerly sat on the soft brown cushions inside the carriage. Fendrel looked at her sitting there; controlled exhilaration visible on her features. His lips curled up in a small smile as he stepped on the first step of the carriage.

“Take care of the manor while the Mistress and I are away. We would be back later at night.”

The servants all agreed and spoke in unison, “You can count on us!”

The butler closed the door behind him then sat opposite his mistress. The carriage shunted forward and started moving slowly. As they moved further from the manor, the shouts of farewell faded until eventually it could hardly be heard.

Fendrel turned his attention to the girl and his expression turned serious. “You know Mistress, you don’t have to go meet Grisha yourself. Wall Maria is a dangerous place, and you know you could just order me to go meet him for you—“

“Don’t you think I’m aware of the danger?” The girl barked. “I want this Fendrel, you can’t stop me from going outside.”

“Why is that?” Intently, he looked into her eyes. Her purple orbs lighted up with a firm determination. “You’re the Countess, you’re meant to stay inside the Wall and not to go beyond—“

“Yes, I am the Countess Visconti, and it’s only natural for me to stay inside the Walls.” She stared out at the passing buildings. “But I want to see something more, something beyond Wall Sina,”

The girl looked back at him, mischievous anticipation filling her garnet-like eyes. “And besides, have you forgotten the reason why we’re meeting him in the first place?”

Fendrel’s eyes widened by a fraction, “Why yes, it seems I have,”

The Countess let a small triumphant grin slip onto her lips and turned back to the window. She puzzled over how the world beyond Wall Sina looked like. Was it just like the books described? Well, she fancied that whatever was beyond her known limits of geography, was a wealth of interest and intrigue.

She was still musing into space when the carriage suddenly came to a halt. She turned to her butler with a question in her eyes; but his only response was a soft smile.

“We’ve just exited Wall Sina! We’re now entering Wall Rose!” shouted the coachman, and boy, was she excited.

(A/N)
This is NOT an Attack on Titan and Black Butler crossover! Since the Original Character lives inside Wall Sina and is a noble, I came up with the idea that her life is like that of the main characters in Black Butler(which, I DO NOT OWN). There would be no demons in this story, so don't expect her butler(Fendrel) to be one. Thank you for reading this story, and see you in the next part!

Description

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan, it's characters, and it's plot line. Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin is the property of Hajime Isayama. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Beyond Wall Sina

Chapter 1: Her Life

“It’s time to wake up, Young Mistress.” A deep voice said as the dark red-velvet curtains that draped over the tall, arched windows were pulled back. The morning sun shone through the framed glass, its golden rays filling the room with warmth and light that reflected off the walls brilliantly.

The male voice sighed as he saw his mistress making no attempt to wake up from her slumber. The rays of heat shone mercilessly upon the young girl’s face and sweat was beginning to drench her clothes and flood her features. No doubt, she was already awake, she was just unwilling to get up just yet.

“Having some trouble getting up, Young Mistress?” The voice said again as he knelt down beside the bed. “Not waking up on time is unladylike, and we certainly have a full agenda before us today, so it’s time to wake—“

“I’m up,” A groggy voice of a female said irritably, “Don’t you think I know that?”

“Forgive me, my Lady,” The male replied meekly then dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

The girl nodded and waved him off nonchalantly. She slowly sat upright and while doing so, her servant pulled off the nicely embroidered bed sheets covering her small form. She shivered lightly in the room’s cool air, but the smell of freshly brewed tea calmed her senses. She looked in the direction the scent was coming from and her eyes met her butler’s smiling face, pouring tea into a single cup. The aroma of cinnamon made her mouth water.

“Leaving your mouth open is unladylike, Young Mistress.” The butler suddenly mentioned, a small chuckle escaping.

Not wanting to ruin the mild and bland atmosphere of the morning, she ignored her butler’s comment and just watched him prepare her drink. He reluctantly poured rice milk into the tea, giving it a thin opaque quality. He topped it off with a sprinkling of sugar before stirring it all together. Once done, he placed the tea on the cart then gently pushed it beside the king-sized bed.

“The classic, Cinnamon Milk Tea,” He lifted the small white porcelain cup, then handed it to her. “This tea is made with a premium Ceylon Cinnamon Bark which gives it a sweet and spicy flavor. Rice Milk has been added to soften the slightly peppery after taste.”

She took the cup from his hands and raised it to her lips and sipped lightly, checking to make sure the temperature was just right. The water was a little too hot for her liking, so she blew across the rim of the cup before taking another sip. She closed her eyes as she savoured it’s rich, creamy taste.

She was entranced by the smell and taste of her drink and didn’t notice the older gentleman coming toward her with a newspaper folded neatly in his hand. “Here’s your morning paper, Miss.” He handed her the papers, whose headline startled her into a scowl.

“Tell me Fendrel,” The young girl said after a while, “Is it true that I’ve turned down a multitude proposals of marriage over the past year?”

Fendrel looked up from his cleaning. “Why question, Young Mistress?”

She released an annoyed sigh then pointed to a headline in the lower corner of the newspaper. “Countess Visconti turns down twelve marriages in just a single year.”

“I think you could answer that yourself, my Lady.” Said the male, shaking his head significantly with a small teasing smile on his face.

She huffed at his words in an irritated rebuke. “There’s a reason why I’ve turned them all down, and you know that.” The smile only broadened even wider. Oh, how she wanted to wipe that smile off his face.

The girl flipped through the paper, hoping to find something useful, but found none. “Fendrel, what’s on my agenda today?” She handed the paper back to him as she slowly moved her legs off the edge of the bed. Said man slipped her soft camel sandals on her feet, before she stood.

“First, you have French Lessons from Mr. Allard. Next you have lessons in dancing from Ms. Bellerose,” He paused to make sure she was paying attention, and she raised a questioning brow at him.

“Is there something wrong, Fendrel?”

“N-Nothing, Young Mistress—“

“Did you actually think that I wasn't paying any attention to what you were saying?”

He felt the need to ask for forgiveness again, but before he did, she interrupted him. “Stop, I don’t want to hear it the second time this morning.”

Fendrel bowed, and when he was given permission to continue he said, “Then after, we will be heading to Wall Maria where Grisha Yeager will be waiting.”

When he mentioned the latter’s name, it rang a bell to the young girl. At the mention of Yeager, she looked straight up at him with her eyebrows raised, lips pursed, an absorbing look on her face. The chamberlain saw the huge interest in her eyes, and he knew right away what she would do next.

“Fendrel, start a bath for me, we will be finishing this morning’s agenda early.” She ordered, walking past him toward her bathing quarters. “I don’t want to wait too long, so I expect Amelie to be there in just a few moments.”

“How about the afternoon schedule?”

“Inform me during breakfast.” She said, without turning to look behind her. Once the door closed, the male exhaled audibly. He tilted his head sideways to the right and casted a long look at the unkempt bed. He wondered if reminding her of her meeting with Grisha and letting her go to Wall Maria was a good idea.

He bent over and slowly smoothed the bed sheets with a flat hand. Then, carefully, he folded back the blanket and laid it over the sheets. “As long as I’m with her, nothing bad could ever happen.”

Two servants pushed the intricately carved wooden door and drew the young girl inside. The moment the door opened slightly, she caught sight of a female figure dressed in a blue-and-white maid’s uniform, her dark hair flowing around her shoulders. As she came closer, the youngster recognized the servant who had been hired and assigned to serve as her personal maid.

“Amelie? You’re already here?” questioned the girl who was looking at her, a bit surprised. “How?”

The prim-faced maid bowed and smiled courteously before answering. “Good morning Milady, I hope you had a good night’s rest.”

The youngster stared at her with the same look of boredom and weariness she always had when her butler pestered her with her schedule so early in the morning. “You didn’t answer my question.” She shook her head in mock annoyance. “And since when did I ever receive a good night’s rest?”

Amelie curtsied deeply to her, giving her apology, which her mistress waved aside. “So, how did you manage to get here so quickly?” said the young girl as she lifted her arms and let her maid undress her.

“What do you mean, Milady?”

“I just gave Fendrel the order mere minutes ago, so how could you prepare the bath that fast?” She looked behind the brunette Asian woman down to the large wooden bathtub filled with water. Steam rose from the tub and she wanted nothing more than to sink into the warm liquid, rest her back against the bank, and sleep.

The maid managed a chortle as she folded the undersized loosely cut dress and placed them on a chair pulled close to the tub. “Fendrel-san had anticipated your eagerness to meet with the Doctor of Wall Maria, so he had told me to prepare Milady’s bath earlier than usual.”

The young girl made no answer, just walked past her and into the water. She lowered her body into the warmth of the tub and leaned against the back. Her lids grew heavy but suddenly her attention turned as she felt someone pat her head, and rub her shoulders. She opened one eye, reluctantly lifted her head an inch and looked at her maidservant.

“He looks down upon me as if I were a child.” The girl said out of the blue. “I’m no child.”

“May I ask, who this ‘he’ is?” Amelie poured water over the youngster’s hair and worked soap into it with skilled fingers.

“Fendrel”

“I see,” The maid then filled a bowl with warm water from the small water basin that was beside her on her right side and gently washed the pale face, making sure the soapsuds doesn’t get into her eyes. “But Milady, you’re only eight.”

The girl’s brows furrowed before she scoffed. “I may seem like a child, but he will not treat me like one.” After having her face washed, her eyes flew open and her gaze landed on the maid next to her. “The same goes for you. I don’t appreciate your belittling tone and I will not tolerate it.”

“My apologies, my Lady.”

The youngster grunted. “You know, I’ve heard that line thrice this morning now,” She watched the older woman lather her body with soap and then slowly rinse it away. “It’s the last time I ever want to hear that.”

Amelie smiled, and chose not to respond. The least thing she wanted was to upset her mistress. She continued to rinse off the rest of the lather in a sedate manner, and after she was done, she stood her up, grabbed the huge white towel hanging by a nearby rack, and wrapped the small girl in it.

Very soft footsteps could be heard moving across the carpeting in the hallway. The hollow sound of steps continued until a few seconds later it ceased to reverberate. A pair of solemn females stood in front of a large double door carved with birds flying in different directions. Gold trim lined the high doors complimenting the oak-like brown of the frame and the darker shade of its base.

One of the females, the taller of the two, opened the ornate doors and the smaller, went inside first, the other close behind. When the taller had fully entered the room, she closed the door behind her and then turned, took a look at the smaller and walked toward her and spoke.

“Let’s get you dressed up, Milady.” The woman walked over to the large bed where petite clothes lay neatly folded and grabbed the corset at the side. When the woman’s mistress saw what she was holding, she turned pale and sighed. She lazily walked over to where her maid stood, raised her arms above her head, and waited for the agony to come.

“Let’s get this over with.”

After a few tense seconds, the black laces of the corset has finally been tied together. The younger exhaled, relaxed, and stepped back, waiting for the ensuing action. When she saw her maid return with a dress in hand, she lifted her arms again, and eyed the dress as it slid down her body. Once she was all dressed up, she looked back up at the brunette and gave her a questioning gaze.

“Amelie, why are you smiling?”

“You look so adorable.” Amelie smilingly said, but the young girl doesn’t seem to hear. She questioned her with her eyes but the maid only smiled wider. “Oh, it’s nothing, Milady.”

The girl rolled her eyes heavenward. “Well? Hurry up and get me completely dressed.”

“Y-Yes.” With a hand clasped over her chest, she bowed her head and sat the girl down on one of the leather chairs in the room. She started combing her fingers through the blonde hair until it hung in soft, damp curls, then swept it over the girl’s shoulders. Since it looked like it wold be a fairly hot day, Amelie curled her master’s hair into an intricate up-do and used crystal pins to secure it in place. A couple of long, naturally-curly strands hung down, gently framing her face.

The maid took her small hand and led her towards a large mirror that filled one corner of the room. “Milady, I hope you like your outfit for the day.”

The youngster checked her reflection in the mirror. An elaborate vermillion-red dress decorated with ruffled champagne-pink trims adorned her body. Her platinum hair, arranged in a wavy up-do with her bangs hung loose in the front gave her a young and yet powerful look which befits her noble status.

“Do you like it, Milady?”

Facing her servant, she took in the smile of anticipation on Amelie’s face, then turned and sauntered to her bed. Sitting on the soft mattress, she closed her eyes and lifted her foot. “What are you standing there for? Hurry and put my shoes on.”

“Right away, Milady.” Despite having her question left hanging, the Asian curtsied, went over to the large dresser set beside the large cheval mirror and opened a drawer. She pulled out two silk garments and held them up.

“Miss, this one or the black one?”

“Black,” the girl said. “But for you, which would you choose?”

Amelie’s eyes wavered back and forth between the two stockings. “Based on what blends better with the color of your clothing, I’d definitely choose the white one,” She brought the white silk hose up to her eye level. “In terms of personal taste…” She inspected it carefully and held it up by the garter to see better. “I’d still choose the latter.”

“Oh, why is that?”

The maid shrugged. “I only like the color, is all Milady.” She folded the uncolored hosiery and placed them neatly back inside the drawer. Final decisions always remain with her mistress.

“There must be a reason behind your liking.” The youngster suggested as Amelie neared and knelt down before her.

“Well for me, the color white represents purity and innocence,” The brunette lifted the girl’s leg and began to carefully roll it on. “Not only that, but it also represents peacefulness, and cleanliness like the white driven snow.” After she had rolled up the first stocking, she went to the other leg. “Don’t you think so, Milady?”

The girl peered down at her servant. “As for me, it’s quite the contrary,” She slid one foot into the boot Amelie was holding for her. “People always presumed white to be pure, noble, and good. But for me, this whiteness is only a façade of something unutterably evil, and chilling.” They got both boots on, and the maid laced them up. “To put it simply, the color shows the face of an angel, but hides the mind of a demon.”

After lacing, Amelie walked over to the nightstand, picked up a small ivory box and headed back towards her mistress. “I suppose so,” She opened the box and presented it to her.

A single ring lay against the cream muslin lining. It was a ring of pure gold, sculpted in a dome shape and set with an intricate carving. It was a signet ring, heavy and thick; and bore a heraldic symbol in the center. The ring slid up the girl’s third finger of her right hand easily.

“All done Milady.” The maid bowed to the young girl. Moments passed before the girl nodded her consent. Amelie then went to the door and knocked gently, and within seconds, a tall, handsome adult came in.

The youngster scoffed at the sight and rolled her eyes.

“Good morning yet again, Fendrel-san.” The brunette beamed.

Fendrel acknowledged her words with a wave then turned to his overlord. “Good Morning, Young Mistress.”

Said girl didn’t spare him a glance, but hummed under her breath. “Can’t you move any faster?”

The butler gave a low chuckle and moved closer to her. “Young Mistress, its common decency to return a greeting when extended to you.” He knelt down on one knee in front of her and presented a box the same size as the previous one. They looked identical, except for their color. The box, the one he was holding, was made of black leather with an ebony finish.

“You can’t tell me what to do, but fine, I’ll comply.” She huffed. “Good morning, Fendrel.”

“That’s more like it,” His mouth curved into a smile as he opened the box.

Inside the box lay another, bigger ring covered and lined with a scarlet satin. It was a ring of sterling silver with a purple garnet in the center.

“Don’t forget your family heirloom,” Steadily, he placed her delicate fingers of her left hand in his gloved one and gently slipped the ring onto her thumb. It was a little large, but not so much that it wouldn't stay in place. “We don’t want that to happen, right Young Mistress?”

“Whatever,” The girl snatched her hand away. “Have you prepared breakfast?”

“But of course, I’ve prepared your favorite meal and it’s waiting for you downstairs.”

“And so? What do you want me to say?” The youngster made a sound of irritation and stood up. “I have a busy schedule, so let’s eat and go.” With her heels clicking on the floor, she went to her bedroom door and outside.

Amelie watched as Fendrel followed his mistress out of the room. She sighed when he was gone.

“This morning,” The butler lifted the silver cloche and revealed a plate of breakfast food. “Two slices of French toast topped with cream cheese, crispy bacon and cinnamon. For the appetizer, a finely chopped hard-boiled egg.” He set down a highball glass filled with an opaque white fluid. “And to wash it all down, a glass of milk made from organic Soybeans.”

The girl reached for her knife and fork and started eating. She spoke little during the meal and mostly listened. She had been taught impeccable table manners as such, eating while talking was deemed to be impolite and disrespectful.

“Shall I inform you of your schedule now, Miss?”

The mistress raised her hand, drank from the glass then lowered her hand in acknowledgement.

“After your meeting with Mr. Yeager, we will proceed to one of the stores in Wall Rose and decide whether or not they could sell Viscon’s quality products. Then later, paperwork concerning the distribution, redistribution, and restocking of products to tea stores within Sina,” he paused when he heard a short grunt. “Lastly, a visit from another aspiring suitor.”

The girl grimaced and without hesitation, she half shouted, half whined. “Cancel the last on the list Fendrel.”

“Are you sure with that decision, Mistress? it’s—“

“I don’t care who it is!” She gave him her best commanding glare— an angry eight-year-old glare and demanded, “Cancel his visit, that’s an order.”

“As you wish, Young Mistress.” Fendrel said as he took her hand and bowed over it. “How’s the meal?” A brow raised in a questioning manner when he saw the empty plate.

“Do you really have to know?”

“As a butler, I have to make sure that the food my mistress is eating is strongly appealing to her taste,” He quickly removed the empty dishes and handed it to the maid standing behind his Mistress's chair. “I need to know if you found it delicious or not, so I could know if I need to make some changes.”

The girl looked at her butler blankly before standing up. “Delectable as always,” She exhaled. “Can we continue now?”

“Yes Mistress, of course.”

The morning went by quickly. Just as Mr. Allard had arrived for the girl’s French lesson, he left a couple of minutes later. She already had knowledge of the basics of the language and only needs to rework tired phrases and polish her accent. After he’d worked on a few changes to refine her cadence, he left after seeing that she had more important matters on her mind. There’s no point in teaching if the student is not paying attention.

About half an hour after came the dance tutor, Ms. Bellerose. The woman arrived and looked like her usual cheery and bubbly self. The girl even heard her humming while they were walking toward the dance hall. But that smile soon faded after having her toes stepped on for the hundredth time. Let’s just say dancing wasn’t her strong suit. The poor red-head ended up leaving, saying some rather graceless and foolish things but promised to make her a better dancer.

Sooner than expected, noon arrived and it was soon time for the girl and her butler to head off toward their destination.

The girl stood silent and unmoving as she waited. The servants of the household were standing behind her, watching her stomp her foot impatiently against the floor. Her brows were down in a frown and a scowl seemed chiseled onto her face. After a few more minutes of waiting, the girl grunted in distress then looked at the people behind her.

“Fendrel’s taking too long!” She waved her arms for an instant showing her agitation. “Amelie, how long have I been standing here?”

“Five minutes, Milady.”

“Exactly! Where is he?”

Just as the words left her mouth, galloping hooves sounded on the trail in front of her. The neighing became louder as the hoofbeats drew closer. A gust of wind blew over her and her eyes squinted. When it dissipated, she could make out the shape of a carriage and two pairs of horses attached to it.

“Sorry for being late, Young Mistress.” The coachman said while scratching the back of his head. “The horses were misbehaving and if it weren’t for Fendrel, they wouldn’t calm down.”

The girl looked up at the young, grimy face and jeered at him. “Whatever, where’s Fendrel? Let’s hurry up, I want to finish this as soon as possible.” Her voice was monotone, but her eyes revealed excitement.

“I’m here, Milady,” The door of the carriage opened and an all too familiar man stepped out on to the pavement. “Shall we go?”

The youngster didn’t respond but eagerly sat on the soft brown cushions inside the carriage. Fendrel looked at her sitting there; controlled exhilaration visible on her features. His lips curled up in a small smile as he stepped on the first step of the carriage.

“Take care of the manor while the Mistress and I are away. We would be back later at night.”

The servants all agreed and spoke in unison, “You can count on us!”

The butler closed the door behind him then sat opposite his mistress. The carriage shunted forward and started moving slowly. As they moved further from the manor, the shouts of farewell faded until eventually it could hardly be heard.

Fendrel turned his attention to the girl and his expression turned serious. “You know Mistress, you don’t have to go meet Grisha yourself. Wall Maria is a dangerous place, and you know you could just order me to go meet him for you—“

“Don’t you think I’m aware of the danger?” The girl barked. “I want this Fendrel, you can’t stop me from going outside.”

“Why is that?” Intently, he looked into her eyes. Her purple orbs lighted up with a firm determination. “You’re the Countess, you’re meant to stay inside the Wall and not to go beyond—“

“Yes, I am the Countess Visconti, and it’s only natural for me to stay inside the Walls.” She stared out at the passing buildings. “But I want to see something more, something beyond Wall Sina,”

The girl looked back at him, mischievous anticipation filling her garnet-like eyes. “And besides, have you forgotten the reason why we’re meeting him in the first place?”

Fendrel’s eyes widened by a fraction, “Why yes, it seems I have,”

The Countess let a small triumphant grin slip onto her lips and turned back to the window. She puzzled over how the world beyond Wall Sina looked like. Was it just like the books described? Well, she fancied that whatever was beyond her known limits of geography, was a wealth of interest and intrigue.

She was still musing into space when the carriage suddenly came to a halt. She turned to her butler with a question in her eyes; but his only response was a soft smile.

“We’ve just exited Wall Sina! We’re now entering Wall Rose!” shouted the coachman, and boy, was she excited.

(A/N)
This is NOT an Attack on Titan and Black Butler crossover! Since the Original Character lives inside Wall Sina and is a noble, I came up with the idea that her life is like that of the main characters in Black Butler(which, I DO NOT OWN). There would be no demons in this story, so don't expect her butler(Fendrel) to be one. Thank you for reading this story, and see you in the next part!