#askblackbutler

[askblackbutler]

Hello again! I’m glad you all enjoyed the gifts! Alois and Ciel, what are your thoughts on masquerades? The mystery of the person behind the mask, being able to speak with people you normally wouldn’t, learn about them in ways you wouldn’t.

Dear purple-chaos-buttonmaster,

Alois - You're back! Oh, how I've enjoyed your Ciel plush! I've brought him all around the Trancy estate. He's my precious little thing!

Ciel - As have I enjoyed your sweets. They go very well with my afternoon tea.

Alois - As for your question, hmm... Masquerades are quite interesting! You can get affection from someone who wouldn't love you otherwise... unlike... Claude.

Ciel - It's an intricate game of politics even then. If you say too much, you can reveal yourself, but if you're adept, the game is very interesting. Uncovering possible dirt is a very valuable skill Sebastian and I make use of for the Queen, and for my own pursuits, as well.

Alois - Oh, but the most fun part is the dancing! A mystery partner, that holds you so tenderly as you glide across the floor... And I suppose the conversation can be quite romantic as I said earlier! It's nice to be playful behind a mask so that people won't know it's me. Ciel, didn't you disguise yourself once?

Ciel - Yes, but that was far different from a masquerade... now everyone thinks I'm a girl...

Alois - I think you'd be cute as a girl, Ciel!

Ciel - I'm not a girl, and will NEVER BE a girl!

Alois - Oh, you're glaring at me... Thanks for the question, Chaos, but I think I'm about to be kicked out of the manor for a while! Please write me! My estate is much lovelier.

Ciel - Alois!!

~ Ciel Phantomhive and Alois Trancy

[isblackbutlerstorical]

FAQ

Here is a quick FAQ about this blog

Why did you make this blog?

Because I’m a history nerd! I love history, and Black Butler is a beautiful series set primarily during an existing, real-time period with some real, existing characters and events. So I thought it might be fun to see how historically accurate the series as a whole is! 

But you know it’s a fantasy show, right? It doesn’t have to be historically accurate.

I know. I just think it’s fun to explore the ‘what if’. That being said, I do make allowances for characters or things that are explicitly fantasy, or when fantasy characters like Sebastian do or use things that aren't possible in that time. I’m mostly focusing on the human characters and the events and technologies referenced that would suggest the history of the overall world. 

So are there rules to how you do this?

Yup. I will record here everything that I find which suggests a link to the real world history, but if it is something done/said/referenced by a supernatural character or force, I will acknowledge that and not consider it to be something which breaks the shows history. E.g. if Sebastian were to use a cellphone, he’s a demon so that’s not such a big deal. However, if Elizabeth used a cellphone, she’s a human and should only have access to existing things within this time, so that would be a contradiction. 

That being said, I also record things which support the show's history, such as Queen Victoria’s reign and real events and people like Jack the Ripper. I also account for things that take creative licence, such as character’s outfits and altering of events to suit the show’s narrative. 

Wherever possible, I will try to research to confirm that the thing being referenced was a) a real thing, and b) either supports or contradicts the show’s historical link to the real world. 

What kinds of things can we expect to be given as examples of the show’s history?

Anything that suggests a link to real world history, events, technologies, people, or otherwise links the Black Butler world to the real Victorian England. So for example, in the first episode Ciel mentions the Pharmacutical Act of 1868, thereby linking the show to a real act of historical legislation, and suggesting a timeline for the show which lines up with the real world. 

Can we submit things to you that we think reference the real-world history?

Absolutely! You can message me with ‘His Butler, Questioning’ to let me know what you’ve found and I’ll check it out. 

Is this including the manga, or just the tv show? What about season 2, or the side series like Book of Circus?

I’m focusing my attention on the show at the moment, but I do intend to eventually explore the full show. Even if they arn’t necessarily canon in their show’s timeline, they could be potentially canon in history. 

I’d like to add in some things from the manga, but I intend to focus on the show since the two do diverge quite a bit. But, I’m not trying to make an overal history of the show’s timeline and canon, just how the show links to real world canon. And that can be explored in both the manga and the show! 

[wildfire317]

Dear wildfire317,

Hello. Going through the mailing list of the 'blog' askblackbutler, I see you are still following the Phantomhive Manor and aren't a deceased address. I am sending out this letter through the post as an apology for the Manor's silence, as duties called the young master and I away from answering the fan mail and questions in our mailbox, leaving some to rot away for years. Well, as of today, the Phantomhive Manor's mailbox is open yet again, and we swear to dutifully answer any new asks, as that is the Phantomhive way! All of this to say, if you are still interested in the affairs of the manor, we invite you to once again write down the desires of your heart, and the questions in your mind, to have the residents of the Manor (and otherwise) answer them. We are always one letter away! Thank you for your continued interest in the Phantomhive Manor. ~ Sebastian Michaelis, butler to Ciel Phantomhive, of the Phantomhive Manor

(Admin Ciel: Hi! I noticed you were still following the blog, and have been active, so I thought this ask would be nice to send in case you're still interested in Black Butler and ask blogs. Feel free to post this publicly, answer it privately, or just delete it! I wanted to try to drive engagement from people as the ask box is relatively low on quality asks.)

Evening, terribly sorry but I am more active on my other blog these days: @wildfire317s-oc-box . I will however be sure to follow you on there and if I have any questions for you I will be sure to ask. But for now feel free to enjoy some earl grey tea and cookies.

[shit-posts-and-others]

Dear shit-posts-and-others,

Hello. Going through the mailing list of the 'blog' askblackbutler, I see you are still following the Phantomhive Manor and aren't a deceased address. I am sending out this letter through the post as an apology for the Manor's silence, as duties called the young master and I away from answering the fan mail and questions in our mailbox, leaving some to rot away for years. Well, as of today, the Phantomhive Manor's mailbox is open yet again, and we swear to dutifully answer any new asks, as that is the Phantomhive way! All of this to say, if you are still interested in the affairs of the manor, we invite you to once again write down the desires of your heart, and the questions in your mind, to have the residents of the Manor (and otherwise) answer them. We are always one letter away! Thank you for your continued interest in the Phantomhive Manor. ~ Sebastian Michaelis, butler to Ciel Phantomhive, of the Phantomhive Manor

(Admin Ciel: Hi! I noticed you were still following the blog, and have been active, so I thought this ask would be nice to send in case you're still interested in Black Butler and askblogs. Feel free to post this publicly, answer it privately, or just delete it! I wanted to try to drive engagement from people as the ask box is relatively low on quality asks.)

hey np! your, ask blog was and still is one of my favorites! and I never got out of the black butler community.

[askblackbutler]

Hello again Sebastian, I was wondering what are you up to when not in a contract. How do you pass the time? Any hobbies besides the violin?

Dear cafeguaba-blog,

My apologies for the misunderstanding. It has been quite some time since I've been able to think of free time, I assumed you meant while I was still serving. When I'm not in a contract, I roam the world freely, looking to tempt, cause some stir, or perhaps just exist. I am fluent in many languages, so I have no issue traveling to find cuisine or other contracts. As for my hobbies... The violin is one I like, but looking for cats to pet and peruse is... technically enough of a hobby, yes? And I've come to like cooking since I learned it. When Ciel's contract is over, that is what I'll do, roam the world in search of cats, debauchery, and another succulent soul, while learning to cook more of the world's delicacies for the next master I come across.

~ Sebastian Michaelis

[askblackbutler]

Hello Sebastian, what do you like to do during your free time?

Dear cafeguaba-blog,

I suppose if Ciel allowed me some free time, I might play the violin for a little. I find its sound to be quite beautiful. Otherwise, I would likely default to my other butler duties, such as cleaning utensils and making sure the kitchen and gardens are in order, due to Mey-Rin, Baldroy, and Finnian sometimes finding it hard to do their assigned duties. I can never truly have 'free time', if I think of it that way... I am always working to keep my young master alive and as well as he can be.

~ Sebastian Michaelis

[askblackbutler]

Alois, would you ever try to take Ciel for yourself? By using magic or hypnosis or plain old mind control? Cause if so… I have some suggestions.

Dear Chaos,

Oh, that's an interesting question... Part of me wants to, really, but then it's not Ciel's free will! Besides, I think my 'revenge' is really over at this point. It's much more exciting to get Ciel to come willingly, though I suppose I'd try magic or hypnosis if I were desperate. I've heard that it's a more recent discovery, hypnosis, but maybe that means it's more based on science? Either way, Chaos, if you really want to give me suggestions or see that happen, I think Grell came by the other day to propose Truth or Dare shenanigans again, though she was looking for approval from manor-goers as well. I'm sure Ciel would let me hypnotize him then!

~ Alois Trancy

[askblackbutler]

Claude, why do you still serve Alois? I thought he died and you were all in a really good place, from what Hannah I think said. He clearly remembers what you said.

Dear Anon,

It's very simple. The way this... 'blog''s magic works, it seems to have revived everyone with the memories of what has happened in the past, while keeping them bound by anything from the past, as well. Thus, my contract with... Alois Trancy is still ongoing. It is annoying... but I suppose one cannot have rest until this 'blog''s magics are broken. While Alois may not be as fond as he was of me, that is why I still serve him.

...I do wonder if it will unmake me, Hannah, and Alois when it ends. I would assume so, putting our souls and otherwise back into where they belong. I'm sure the Reapers had a field day with the anomaly this blog presented.

~ Claude Faustus

[askblackbutler]

Hi! Are you open for rp?

Dear Anon,

We are always open to chance encounters. Now, forgive me for the terminology, but you should submit the starter to our Submissions box if you wish to have more long-form conversations than can be held in one letter. The manor and residents otherwise not in the manor await your questions and submissions for 'roleplaying', as it were. If you can't submit on your desired blog, simply link or tag your side blog which you will be 'roleplaying' on.

~ Sebastian Michaelis

[askblackbutler]

Good afternoon Sebastian! How is the weekend going at the Phantomhive manor? Have you been too busy?

Dear cafeguaba-blog,

Good afternoon. The weekend has been going splendidly. So far, nothing too pressing has come up, just letters and the usual rabble. I procured my young master some more tea, and of course made it for afternoon tea, in which he enjoyed some of the chocolate gifted earlier. I don't like his affinity for sweets, but I can't do much. Grell's supposedly planning something, so I fear that this period of calm won't be for long...

~ Sebastian Michaelis

[askblackbutler]

*says with a bow* Hello, Lord Phantomhive. i Have brought some gift for you from across the pond, some black tea and chicory , and a copy of Edger Allan Poe's poems. I do have two questions: Sebastian, have you read Edger Allan Poe's the raven? And lord Phantomhive, what is your favorite tea?

Dear shit-posts-and-others,

Ciel - *puts the black tea and chicory on his desk, as well as the copy of Edgar’s poems* Thank you for these wonderful American gifts. It’s hard to believe almost 100 years ago, they were throwing the very tea you have graced us with over into their harbor. My favorite tea is Earl Grey, though there are others that almost reach its pedestal I’ve been known by Sebastian and the others to drink, such as Harrod’s White Darjeeling.

Sebastian - Ah, I should order more of that for you, my lord.

Ciel - Yes, you should. But onto your part of the question, Sebastian.

Sebastian - Of course, my lord. Before I was contracted by my young master, I did indeed read The Raven when it was first published back in New York in the New York Evening Mirror. It’s a rather fine work of art. His works strike a chord with me, with how dark they can be. We’ll be sure to take care of your copies in the manor’s library.

~ Sebastian Michaelis and Ciel Phantomhive

[askblackbutler]

Sebastian, on a scale of one to ten, how much do you hate Grell? Grell, your reaction?

Dear hoshiloser-blog,

Grell - Ooh! Bassy, I'm really interested in how you'll answer~

Sebastian - Please don't get your hopes up.

Grell - My body is ready!

Sebastian - On a scale of one to ten... I would have to say... seven.

Grell - *dramatic gasp* Sebastian, how could you say that to a woman's face?!

Sebastian - It's the honest answer. While I do find you valuable, your annoyance to demons in general as a reaper, and the disruptions to me and the young master lands you there.

Grell - So you do still have admiration for me!

Sebastian - If you want to take it that way.

Grell - Oh, Bassy!

Sebastian - *sigh*

[askblackbutler]

Truth or Dare? 2!

It’s everyone’s favorite reaper~! I really want to surprise Bassy and the rest of the Manor and cast by organizing another Truth or Dare event. However, the times have changed (without us...) and I know that maybe, people like different things now! I really want to make this place welcoming for all the new people who send in letters, and finally... maybe be kissed by Bassy again..! Sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself~! A woman’s passion has no bounds. I guess, what I’m saying, is to reply or send us asks approving of this or not, and then I’ll hopefully be able to negotiate it again with everyone! Hopefully some of you remember the first time we ran this event as well~ Please send the Phantomhive Manor your best regards!

~ Grelle Sutcliff <3

[askblackbutler]

Um... What do I even ask...? Alois, here. *hands him a Ciel plushie and chocolate* Here you go, Ciel. *hands him candy/chocolate* Sebastian... *hands him a cat plushie* And Claude. *hands him a ticket for a spa get away* Have fun, I guess? Might come back. Also, Ciel and Alois. You tie for my fav. character. TTFN!~

Dear purple-chaos-buttonmaster,

Alois - Ooh! Thank you so much! *excitedly grabs the Ciel plushie, as well as the chocolate* Claude, will you put this chocolate somewhere safe for later? 

Claude - Of course.

Alois - Oh, his hair is so soft! Thank you so much, Chaos! I’ll never forget this!

Ciel - *takes the candy/chocolate* Thank you for your gift, Chaos. I’m sure I’ll enjoy them the next time Sebastian makes me tea.

Sebastian - Young master...

Ciel - You know my stance, Sebastian. I doubt it is to change. Besides, I think you’ll be much more happy with Chaos’ gift.

Sebastian - Oh... Oh! I... I thank you for this gift, Chaos. *pets the plushie’s fur* My, this is high quality. So soft... *smiles* It will be nice to have, though it won’t be as warm and living as a real cat. The young master may have you to thank for less allergies.

Alois - Huh? Oh, right, Claude! The nice person gave you a gift, as well! *cuddling the Ciel plush against cheek*

Claude - I see... An all expenses paid spa getaway. I’m unsure I will ever have time away from my master to attend, but I will make a mental note of your kindness towards my master and I.

Alois - So Ciel and I tie for your favorite character? Honestly, I would say Ciel is my favorite character, too, if we were all in a storybook! Though you know that already, you even gave me a plush-

Ciel - Yes, yes, Alois, thank you. If we linger on this ask for too long, it’ll take longer than we have in a day.

Alois - Oh, right! Time is a thing. Thanks so muuuch Chaos! As I said, I’ll never forget this! Isn’t he so cute?

Ciel - I do admit that the plush has a certain... quality to it.

Alois - Byeeee~! Come back soon, alright? I’ll tell you all about what I’ve done with him!

[askblackbutler]

Ciel, did you ever catch Grell cutting your garden bushes into skulls? .-.

Ciel - If she did it before, well, I caught her during the business deals... I don’t even know why the reaper even came back. Sebastian had to chase her off, and the poor bushes were very macabre. I’m sure the servants and Sebastian have been doing nothing less than their best to fix the mistake, but I greatly apologize if you saw them coming in.

Sebastian - That reaper is an incessant trouble to us... Calling me ‘Bassy’ and continuing to imagine things that aren’t there. No matter, Grell won’t be bothering us for now until someone asks after her.

Grell - *hears her name* What? Did someone ask after me, Bassy?! Or was it you who asked for me?! I wasn’t told you were answering questions again!

Sebastian - No, I did not ask for you, but it’s quite enough that you’ve already come back. I have a feeling I’m about to have a headache that won’t leave.

Grell - Oh my! We should brew you something to make you feel better! I wouldn’t want you to suffer around me~

Ciel - *sigh*

[askblackbutler]

Where have all the lovely people gone..? Our mailbox is actually quite empty of serviceable questions and comments, and the young master and I are about to have tea. It would be a perfect time to answer your inquiries... provided Mey-Rin doesn’t break something, or another mouse shows up. Remember, we at the Phantomhive Manor will do our best to answer every inquiry that comes our way, as that is the Phantomhive way!

...But maybe don’t ask Grell anything, if you want the peace to be kept.

~ Sebastian Michaelis