Chapter Two
Madam Red, otherwise known as Angelina Durless, arrived in the townhouse with her butler and Lau early next morning. They were soon introduced to Luna whom Madam Red took an instant liking to, claiming that she would have loved to adopt her. Thankfully for the poor girl, Sebastian explained that she was mute, making her mostly exempt from responding to the others. Then again, first, one Ciel Phantomhive wanted information…
"So," he said after sipping his tea. "You are a lady of noble birth, Miss Luna Owen?"
The dark-haired girl nodded before writing rapidly on the parchment and showing her reply to everyone. The Owen family isn't as rich as the Phantomhive's and there has been a few incidents which led to my parents' death when I was a child. The estate has been taken over and I have no relatives to speak of. Until recently, I was put in the care of an orphanage.
"I see. I guess that you'll be enjoying the Phantomhive hospitality for a while longer then." Ciel replied.
Just then, Sebastian gave the newspaper to his master. The earl's eyes widened considerably as he read the title of the main article. Within seconds, he slammed the paper on the table for all to see.
"What is the meaning of this?!" He exclaimed. "The viscount didn't go anywhere last night!" He sighed heavily. "I have to come up with something again…. We have to narrow it down. Sebastian, organize the list."
"Your humble servant understands. The butler left the drawing room to get the list.
"If the suspect could not carry out the murders…" The Chinese man said. "It's an impersonator… no, it's possible that there were others from the beginning." That made Luna think as Madam Red spoke. "Meaning the viscount wasn't involved?" Her expression was doubtful yet thoughtful at the same time.
I don't know much about the viscount, but it's doubtful that he was involved. It's not his style to just kill someone, especially in such a grotesque way. All he does is flirt with them, sell them and play with them at best. This is way beyond his capabilities.
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Shortly after lunch, Lau left. This place seems so much calmer now that he's gone. While they discussed about the famous, or rather infamous, Jack the Ripper, Koruru and I went to the library to read. Madam Red was undoubtedly a nice woman, as passionate as her nickname and just as loving. Sebastian explained that she was Earl Phantomhive's aunt from his mother's side and is currently a doctor working in London's royal hospital.
Since she is a doctor, no offense, but does that also make her a suspect? And that other man, Lau… He's good at acupuncture, right?
Sebastian just put a finger on his lips, as if beckoning me to keep a secret. It was a question of pure curiosity and I was more surprised of the fact that he didn't retaliate to this insult, however indirect, towards his master. Yet, since he responded that way, even though he was the one who told me that she was a doctor (not to mention his inability to lie), did that mean…?
On the other hand, Lau was an interesting fellow who was, as I wrote to Sebastian, an expert at acupuncture. It was a branch of Chinese medicine, so it would make sense. Despite the suspicion (and a stupid one at that), I daresay that we got along quite well. He invited me to come visit his opium den sometime, though I do wonder if he had a hidden agenda. Either way, he was a good ally to have and, if he wanted to be, a good friend aswell. Or at least, a friend with whom life is certain to be never boring. After all, he was a Mafia leader and the head of Kunlun's British branch.
Koruru, for some reason, preferred him, Ciel and Sebastian to Madam Red and Grell Sutcliff. She always had good instincts, that was something I know without a doubt. She always had good reasons, whether it was to trust or distrust a person, and I believed in her. Sometimes though, I wish that we can communicate freely so that I can understand her instead of just the other way around.
When evening came along, I helped Sebastian with the list of possible suspects, having nothing better to do. Meanwhile, the earl and his aunt were playing chess for a break from work. Grell prepared some *cough* digusting *cough* tea. It made me wonder, not for the first time, why she kept such an incompetent butler and didn't replace him. Surely it wouldn't be that hard to find someone better that Grell, right? Even the baroness herself complains about Grell and admitted that having someone like Sebastian working for her would be better.
"That butler of yours, whether he's capable or just workaholic… Isn't that much?" She asked.
"This is nothing," Ciel (he let me call him by his first name) responded, ignoring the fact that the subject of their conversation can hear their every word.
"Since he's so capable, you should just make him investigate the Viscount instead."
"He is my "power" and my "arms and legs". Sebastian is merely one of my chess pieces," Ciel replied coldly. "It is not possible to move the chess pieces without me, the person behind it. If I win using a free moving piece, that work would not be to my credit." He took away one of the baronness' pawns. "The one who gives orders will always be the master. Without my command, he will not make a move. But the difference bet ween Sebastian and that chess piece is that… Sebastian can singlehandedly take down all of the other "knights"." He demonstrated by knocking down his opponent's king.
"Doing that is against the rules!" Madam Red exclaim as she put her chess piece back on the board.
"That's right. If this world was an international game of chess…" Ciel conceded. "Unfortunately, in reality, there is no situation in which one can win by simply following the rules. There will be knights who break the rules, knights who betray their master. In order to maintain the balance in the game, I too must break the rules in order to win, no?" He asked his aunt calmly. "If we in England were to be less attentive, we would… be finished." His knight slammed on the board.
"You should… Apart from being the watchdog of the darker side of society, have another way of living." Madam Red told her nephew. "But you insist on returning to this darker side of society… Sister, your mother wouldn't have wanted that…. Do you… want to take revenge for my murdered sister?" She asked sadly. "Sister would definitely have not… We would not have wanted you to be like this…" Luna listened carefully, slowly gaining insight on their family affairs.
"I…. never thought of taking revenge." Ciel finally answered. "Even if I did take revenge, the dead would not come back. And I would not gain any satisfaction. Whether it be to avenge or to take revenge on someone's behalf, these are just petty words, and merely a show of selfishness."
"So… is it just a matter of comfort?" Madam Red asked her nephew, feeling emotionally drained.
"I… I did not come back for the Phantomhive family. I came back for myself!" He said with conviction. "I want those who betrayed the Phantomhive family experience, as I did, the same humiliation and suffering. Checkmate."
For someone who claimed to not have any desire for vengeance, he did quite a good job of contradicting himself…
"Humph… This makes a consecutive 46 losses! You were always good at chess. I'd always lose when I play with you…" Her face became nostalgic. "I still remember the day you were born. At the time, I was still a new nurse, and I was panicking back then… You were so small and cute… I felt like I had to protect you. Although I've never had children, I think of you as my son. And I want you to leave this kind of society."
Ciel shook away his aunt's comforting hand. "I came here because it is what I wish and it is what I chose. And so, I won't regret anything. And neither will I rely on anyone." Luna and Sebastian finished the list and put it in order. Ciel stood up and kissed Madam Red on the cheek. "It is time for me to retire. I had a happy time playing with you, Madam Red. Goodnight."
He left without another word, but I was quite sure that he expected to see Sebastian as soon as Madam Red leaves with Grell. Sure enough, Sebastian prepared to escort them outside with me following behind them.
"You don't have to escort me, Sebastian, Luna." Madam Red said as she tucked her coat. She turned towards us with a sad expression. "Please don't leave that boy's side. I know that it may seem strange for me to ask this from strangers, but don't let him stray from his path and get lost."
I nodded, accepting this responsibility she gave me. Sebastian went on one knee and put his hand on his heart. "Fear not. I shall stay by his side and protect him until the end."
Madam Red and Grell left shortly afterwards in a carriage. Koruru hissed at them before Sebastian closed the door. Finally, I asked him the question that was in my head for a long time.
You keep mentioning that you would remain by Ciel's side forever, even into the depths of hell. Then, you also say that you are just one hell of a butler. Does that mean that you come from hell, Sebastian?
"My, how observant you are. As I've said, watashi wa akuma de shitsuji desu kara." He replied with a smile of sorts.
You're a demon? Is that why you knew that Koruru wasn't a normal cat?
"You are correct, Lady Luna."
Please don't call me Lady. Miss is enough. I wrote. But still, Madam Red seems really caring towards Ciel, but I had a bad feeling when she was leaving. Grell also doesn't feel right and I've been wondering why she kept him as a butler… She's the culprit, isn't she?
"I would like it very much if you didn't tell Bocchan, Miss Luna." There was a dangerous glow in his eyes. "It is late; you should retire as well for tonight. Please don't leave this house for any reason whatsoever tonight."
I challenged him, frowning and looking him right in the eye. Finally, after a minute, I relented. I was only a guest after all. It was my responsibility to not cause more trouble than I have already. But that didn't mean that I couldn't wish them luck on their job tonight…
Take Koruru with you. If you are unable to protect Ciel, Koruru will do so in your stead. I assume that you are aware of her abilities, correct?
"Yes, nekomata are able to turn into a bigger form for battle and their natural powers range from fire, lightning, wind to shadow. They are extremely fierce when protecting their protégé and highly skilled." Sebastian bowed his head. "I do believe that Koruru's assistance as a kage nekomata will be useful."
And Grell… He's the inhuman, right? Do you know what he is?
"A neutral being between gods and humans. A Shinigami, or, as you might know of his kind, a Grim Reaper." The butler clad in black replied. "I do wonder why such a being would help Madam Red commit these crimes…"
Be safe. Both of you. I'll be in my room for the rest of the night. Oyasumi nasai.
After showing that last message, I left my companion in his care and went upstairs to my temporary room. It was spacious. Sebastian must have had quite some time on his hand after I arrived here for the closet was now filled with various dresses fit for a young lady. There was a dresser, a vanity, two chairs and a big bed. I haven't slept in such a bed for years so it felt strange. Knowing that the Queen's watchdog and his faithful butler will be leaving to catch Jack the Ripper tonight, I wasn't able to fall asleep until much later, but even then, my dreams were filled with bloodshed, death scythes, demons and shinigami…
