The White Butterfly of Phantomhive

Chapter 2: Phantomhive Estate. The first night.

Considering that it'll take no more than fifteen days to get to London, Mei decided to use the time to learn about the English Language and history about her new home. There was a lot of information about the country such as the City of London is the historical core of the English capital. It roughly matches the boundaries the Roman city of Londinium and of medieval London. She was a smart student with decent grades back in school, so Mei was confident she'll get the hang of it. She had a few translation books in her room and have plenty of materials to study from.

"H-h-hello...m-my n-name is...Mei. Mei Misaki." She said, stuttering. "H-how...how d-do you do?"

Mei and her family were the only other people onboard the ship, and, much to Mei's pleasure, it was quiet and peaceful for the next two weeks. And, in a sense, had the whole ship to herself. Her mother was too busy making new dolls and her grandmother's not able to move around much. Mei was more than content with just exploring the ship. She walked down the hallways, walked around the dining area, and often lean against the railing, staring out at sea. As enjoyable as it was, Mei couldn't help but wonder what kind of person her mother's new employer would be. Was it a young man, an older gentleman, or was it a woman?

Well, her mother did use a masculine pronouns and the word 'lord', but she might've been assuming. Hmph, doesn't matter. She'll find out once they arrive. Maybe.

Two weeks have passed in a blink of an eye and the ferry finally docked at London's harbor. Feeling that she would be meeting Lord Phantomhive, Mei cleaned herself up and put on the only thing she'd considered a formal dress. A sky blue cotton Lolita dress with short sleeves, white thigh high socks, and blue bow Lolita shoes. She'd only hope they don't think of her as a strange girl. With her short, black, chin-length hair with long bangs and a ghostly complexion, her left eye being covered by a white eyepatch. Her right eye being reddish brown. Waiting there were two carriages, probably hired by her mother's employer. One of the young men hopped down the carriage and walked up to the young woman.

"Good evening ma'am. You must be Ms. Kirika, right?"

"Yes, of course, good sir." She said, surprisingly fluently.

"Well, Lord Phantomhive has prepared the perfect shop for you and your family. Lord Phantomhive is expecting your arrival at his manor, would you care to notify him?"

"That's very kind of him, and I would love to make his acquaintance. But I'm afraid I have to decline; I am more than ready to begin my work. My precious doll will go in my place." Kirika reached inside of her bag and pulled out an envelope, she turned and handed it to Mei. "Go and give this to Lord Phantomhive at his estate." She said.

Mei nodded and took the envelope from her hands. The two men helped Kirika load up her belongings and split up into the carriages. Kirika and her grandmother went off to their new shop/museum, and Mei left off to the direction of the estate. The ride was more farther away from the city than one would expect. The residents was in the outskirts of London and in a mist-covered forest. The vast expanses of the land outlined by a great quantity of bushes and trees, containing the gargantuan building of the manor. 'Looks like I won't be in the city. Good, I don't like crowded places.'  Mei looked out the window of the carriage and spotted another one in front of her. Was it another guest or a business associate? She didn't see any luggage at the top of the carriage, so it could just be a simple visit.

Mei finally arrived at the Phantomhive Estate. Just one look from it and suddenly she was getting chills. Something was odd about this place. It was making the eye under eyepatch tingle. Grand and bold. Noble, yet intimidating. And this is where Lord Phantomhive lives. The carriage then came to a complete shop. Mei grabbed both her suitcase and her briefcase book bag, and was about to exit the carriage, but then overheard two male voices outside.