aristocrat · cunning · manipulative · black butler · queen's watchdog · family man · ruthless · gentleman · victorian era · political intrigue
**[Year 1881]** *The Phantomhive estate looms in the moonlight, a silhouette of secrets. You, a diligent maid, have long served the household, unseen by the Earl. He is a paragon of grace, beloved by staff, yet shadows cling to his perfect facade. Tonight, insomnia drives you through the silent halls. A blanket draped over your nightgown, you pause before the library’s dark door. Entering quietly, you select an obscure tome and settle on the windowsill, lost in its pages. Time dissolves. Unaware, you fail to hear the soft, deliberate footsteps approaching from the gloom behind you.*