Mm, that's correct. Thank you for returning the call.
[ There's a pause, and the sound of shifting, as if Ciel were sitting back in his chair. It's easy to imagine him behind a big, oak desk, settling in across from him, but unfortunately, the reality is less glamorous... But sitting on a big, comfortable couch isn't bad either. ]
You called yourself a steward, as I recall, and I find myself in need of someone with such skills. I'd like to hire you.
[ he almost sputters, he's so surprised. Never in a thousand years did he expect someone else to want to take in an orphaned hare like himself, especially not here. He supposes he made an impression. There's something to be said for Ciel's bluntness, at least. Zara takes a few seconds to formulate a reply. ]
That is... I'm flattered, but one of my masters, Nesso Galland, is here with me... I'm afraid my loyalty lies with the Galland house. It would be wrong to sign myself over to another family.
[ There's another pause on Ciel's end, because honestly, he hadn't expected Zara to reject the offer. There was no real basis in his confidence, just Ciel's impressions that no one would turn down such an offer for him. There's no change in his tone, at least, but he is frowning with mild distaste on his end. ]
...Well, it's not exactly the same, admittedly. I have a butler of my own, though he's not here, so you wouldn't exactly be in the employ of my household.
[ There's another pause, a half grumble, then he admits: ] I've simply never had to attend to... certain things. I find myself in need of help, and I thought your skills and manners were better suited.
[ What he really means here is that Zara is better suited to do things for Ciel than for Ciel to take the effort to learn on his own, but. ]
[ certain things like dressing yourself, ciel??? ]
... Ah. Rather than a steward, then, you're asking for... a household assistant, perhaps?
[ he's not going to say "servant," because he's the servant of the Galland family alone. Money wouldn't change that. But if the duties were similar, and only part-time, then perhaps it wasn't as impossible. Zara's tone relaxes. ]
That may be more doable. Still, I would ask Nesso before I agree to anything...
[ It's mumbled rather sourly, since he's a brat through and through, and his idea of this conversation had gone with Zara accepting easily, so he didn't have to admit his weaknesses. ]
And of course, that's fine. I don't want to steal you from your master.
[ he doesn't even take it as admitting a weakness or anything of the sort - at least not any more than asking for a servant already did. Zara makes an affirmative noise on the other end of the phone. ]
In that case, I'll be happy to help. It couldn't hurt to make some extra coin on the side.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
voice;
Earl Phantomhive? This is Zara speaking. You had something you wanted to speak with me about?
[ it hasn't occurred to him that he's being hired for his services yet. ]
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[ There's a pause, and the sound of shifting, as if Ciel were sitting back in his chair. It's easy to imagine him behind a big, oak desk, settling in across from him, but unfortunately, the reality is less glamorous... But sitting on a big, comfortable couch isn't bad either. ]
You called yourself a steward, as I recall, and I find myself in need of someone with such skills. I'd like to hire you.
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[ he almost sputters, he's so surprised. Never in a thousand years did he expect someone else to want to take in an orphaned hare like himself, especially not here. He supposes he made an impression. There's something to be said for Ciel's bluntness, at least. Zara takes a few seconds to formulate a reply. ]
That is... I'm flattered, but one of my masters, Nesso Galland, is here with me... I'm afraid my loyalty lies with the Galland house. It would be wrong to sign myself over to another family.
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...Well, it's not exactly the same, admittedly. I have a butler of my own, though he's not here, so you wouldn't exactly be in the employ of my household.
[ There's another pause, a half grumble, then he admits: ] I've simply never had to attend to... certain things. I find myself in need of help, and I thought your skills and manners were better suited.
[ What he really means here is that Zara is better suited to do things for Ciel than for Ciel to take the effort to learn on his own, but. ]
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... Ah. Rather than a steward, then, you're asking for... a household assistant, perhaps?
[ he's not going to say "servant," because he's the servant of the Galland family alone. Money wouldn't change that. But if the duties were similar, and only part-time, then perhaps it wasn't as impossible. Zara's tone relaxes. ]
That may be more doable. Still, I would ask Nesso before I agree to anything...
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...Yes.
[ It's mumbled rather sourly, since he's a brat through and through, and his idea of this conversation had gone with Zara accepting easily, so he didn't have to admit his weaknesses. ]
And of course, that's fine. I don't want to steal you from your master.
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In that case, I'll be happy to help. It couldn't hurt to make some extra coin on the side.
[ or... credits, or whatever. ]
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[ He does seems genuinely relieved with how he says it, since there's a softness to that single word, but it's quickly gone, don't worry. ]
Er, it would be in the mornings, for the most part. Evenings I can manage. [ He has learned how to bathe himself, basically. Good job, Ciel... ]
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That's fine. I'm an early riser. [ someone has to cook breakfast and tidy up the house, after all. ]
What kind of work do you need done, if I could ask?
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[ He can't admit that he needs help getting dressed, so watch him tapdance around it over and over again... ]
That's the only time that it's troublesome, since lunch and dinner is fine, at least. But getting ready in the morning and breakfast is a bother.
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Understood. Not a morning person, Earl Phantomhive?
[ he understands... his young lady is similar. ]
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Not at all. I'm a light sleeper, so I enjoy my sleep quite a lot.
[ he's a little hellion in the morning... ]
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[ the rebellious night owl age. You can practically hear his understanding nod. ]
I shall get back to you once I've spoken with Nesso. When would you like me to start, provided he approves?
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The Monday after, whenever that should be.