Chapter Eleven
After the young master's birthday, there hadn't been much going on. Riding lessons were canceled due to the amount of snow, and visitors were limited to Lady Elizabeth and her maid, Paula, who came not only to see Bocchan, but Miss Luna as well, for the Christmas surprise. Overall, things have been coming along smoothly. Even that demon hound wasn't being unreasonable, and Koruru had been spending much time with her mistress.
This day, Bocchan and Miss Luna were going to see the frost Fair that takes place on Thames River. Miss Luna had been very excited at the prospect of seeing a fair as she had never been to one in the past. She was not only able to convince Bocchan to let her go to the fair, but also made him join her. Bocchan might not admit it, but he appreciated Miss Luna's presence and was at peace when she was near. Miss Luna even managed to sooth the devil to an extent…
"I'm told that this is the first fair of this scale to be held on the frozen Thames at the foot of London Bridge since the year 1814." Bocchan told Miss Luna as they passed through the different stalls.
Really? It seems that we are in luck, then. This is much more animated that I had first imagined. Miss Luna smiled happily. It was unfortunate, but Koruru usually didn't do well with the cold, not with large crowds so she stayed at the manor.
"Come here! Come here!" A merchant called out. "I'm sellin' these cheap enough to blow even Jack Frost away! Why not buy one for Christmas?"
Bocchan and Miss Luna came to a halt, looking over the merchandise. Bocchan smirked at the stall as Miss Luna tried to judge how much value the goods actually had.
"What is it, my Lord?" I asked my master curiously.
"Those are all inferior goods," he answered. "If the river freezes again next year, Funtom could set up shop. For example, that's-" He used his cane to point at a wooden boat, making Miss Luna nod in understanding.
"Oh, hello there, my noble lad! You have a good eye." The merchant exclaimed enthusiastically. "That's a fine piece from Funtom Workshop. In other words, from when the popular Funtom Company was still a craft studio!"
"A blatant fake of one you mean." Bocchan said unemotionally, making Miss Luna chuckle before she quickly wrote why Bocchan could say that so certainly. The young master, seeing that she had her charcoal and notebook out, chose to let her explain.
It's true that the Funtom Arks were created a long time ago, but there were only three sets that were made. I read through some of the company's earliest files and notes which said that the artist whom deceased Lord Vincent patronized had passed on before his techniques could have been passed on. The Phantomhive manor used to have one as well, but with the fire and all… A real Ark would be shown in an auction, not here.
"Noah's Ark… it's like this nation itself," I declared, getting their attention. "A boat led by a single skipper. The only ones saved are a select few. It's an arrogant idea." I smirked at them.
Just then, we were reunited with one of those officers that are supposed to keep London safe. I believe that he was the one we met during the Jack the Ripper case. Miss Luna looked at him uncertainly, not understanding what was so important about him. Bocchan is going to have fun.
"If a Scotland Yard inspector has time to frivol about here," he began, making Miss Luna's blue eyes shine with realization. "I suppose there must be peace in London… for today."
"I'm not frivolling!" The inspector, Fred Aberline, if I recall, protested. "I'm on duty!"
Doesn't that man know that Ciel is just trying to find out what the Yard is up to? Miss Luna's eyes asked me. I simply smirked down at her, making her sigh at the inspector and Bocchan with exasperation.
"Oh, my. Well then, Inspector, earn your wages in faithful service to the Queen and country." Bocchan told him before turning and leave.
"Wait!" The inspector called out to us. "I have some questions for you, Ciel!" His hand reached out to grab Bocchan's shoulder, so I, as a butler, slapped his hand away. After all…
"Pardon me, but as you can see, my master is fragile-" Bocchan glared at me with irritation as Miss Luna put her own hand on his shoulder. "-I mean, sensitive, so I'll have to ask you not to be so rough."
And so, it was decided that we go in one of the tents to discuss over some food. Miss Luna looked at our surroundings meaningfully before sipping her own cup of tea. I must say, I much preferred European tea sets since, unlike Asian tea sets, ours are easier to use.
"Well, what's a detective from the Yard doing here, Inspector Aberline?" Bocchan asked as he prepared to eat his mooncake.
"This morning, a man's corpse was discovered underneath this ice," Aberline told us. "He was a member of a certain criminal organization. We're looking for his killer and the ring he stole. There's a blue diamond set in the ring that's supposedly worth 2,000 quid."
His words seemed to have caught Miss Luna's interest and she began to look quite thoughtful, frowning, as if trying to remember something. She may be mute, but her expressions were easy to read, making it easier for the both of us to communicate as Bocchan isn't that capable of reading her emotions.
"The diamond… the gemstone that gleams in eternal radiance." Lau, Bocchan's Chinese associate, said as he stood by our table. "Legend has it that those bewitched by its sparkle are compelled to pursue it even when they know only destruction awaits."
"Why do you know about the Hope piece?!" The inspector exclaimed as he got up from his seat. Bocchan turned towards the inspector with renewed interest as Miss Luna smiled at the Chinese man, greeting him.
"Hmm? What's this? So there really is such a jewel?" Lau asked as he embraced the Chinese woman Ran Mano. "Oh my…"
"What?! But you just said—" The inspector protested.
"He was just blathering. Don't give him any attention." Bocchan told him though he himself was a bit sickened by that act. "Never mind that, Lau, what are you doing here?"
You haven't noticed, Ciel? This is his shop. Who else would use a Chinese tea set and serve mooncakes? Miss Luna looked at the young master with amusement.
"Say, this "Hope" thing sounds interesting, my lord." Lau said. "Will you tell me more?"
"You've never heard of the blue diamond that we call the Hope piece because it was a part of Henry Philip Hope's collection?"
Ciel, Lau is no nobleman. And he is Chinese. I doubt that such legends would usually interest a businessman like him. Miss Luna explained for Lau.
"Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette… It's known as a diabolical stone that's passed through the hands of many and driven all to ruin. Then, after being stolen yet again, the diamond was cut to disguise it, producing smaller pieces." Bocchan turned towards Aberline. "They say two pieces of the Hope diamond exist. Is one of them what you're searching for, Aberline?"
"Explosives were used on a carriage transporting evidence, and it was stolen." He admitted.
That made Bocchan smile even more. "Interesting. Give me details. I'll lend you a hand in this." How I love Bocchan's scheming mind. "Naturally, I won't force you. But if you refuse, your superior Sir Arthur might find himself in a very awkward position."
Thus, we were led to another shop by the inspector. I must say that I didn't expect to see that person here of all places, but I was not very surprised unlike Bocchan and Miss Luna. Though Miss Luna had never met that person, so…
"Miss Luna would like to know if this is really the place, Inspector." I spoke in her stead.
"Yes. He says he set up shop because lots of people freeze to death during the frost fair." The inspector shrugged.
"My lord," Lau said in that most irritating tone, "don't tell me this shop is…"
"You lot wait outside. You're lucky I let you accompany me at all." Aberline told us. Miss Luna rolled her eyes. Her message was clear: the informant will probably give us the information as well, since Bocchan was familiar with this shop. I smiled at her intelligence as we waited outside.
"So, what is this place?" Lau asked.
"The Undertaker's funeral parlor!" Bocchan exclaimed angrily. "You met him during the Jack the Ripper case! Aberline should come crying for help any minute. Sebastian, prepare yourself."
Yet, just as Bocchan spoke those words, we heard Undertaker's howling laughter from inside the shop. The laughter was so loud that the sign "Undertaker" had fallen off. We entered inside after the young master. No human has ever been able to make him laugh like this. I silently fumed. Who did that inspector think he was?
The Undertaker got up as we entered. "You're amazing! I tell you, you're in the wrong business!" He told the inspector. "You could rule the world of comedy!"
"What did you do?" Bocchan asked that human in amazement.
"I-I was just conversing normally. But out of nowhere he…" Aberline pointed to the still chuckling Undertaker.
"Aberline, you're a man to be feared," Bocchan told him with great irritation in his voice.
I myself couldn't help but (how did humans say it again?) add my two sterling in. "It appears you are rather skilled, Inspector." My face must have shown my anger, for the man cowered in fear.
Miss Luna grabbed my arm towards her, directing my gaze the same way and she shook her head. Then, she bowed apologetically towards the inspector, her hand still on my arm. It felt quite comfortable…
Bocchan suddenly smashed his hands on a coffin. "Tell me about the ring, Undertaker! We'Re told that a frozen corpse you took care of this morning had it."
"It might be buried near where the body was found," the inspector supplied, making me glare at him. "As an upstanding citizen of London, I call on you to cooperate with us."
"I'm profoundly impressed, Inspector." Undertaker declared. "I'll tell you all about it. The ring is…"
The Undertaker led us all outside, through the crowd. Miss Luna looked up at me expectantly, requesting some answers.
"Undertaker is one of our most trusted informants. His information is always accurate and he has helped us on the Jack the Ripper case." Miss Luna nodded, urging me to continue. "Of course, his information isn't free. We must give him, as he called it, "prime laughter". Until today, I was the only one who has been able to pay the toll."
Miss Luna brought her hand to her mouth, smiling. Her eyes told me what she wanted to say. I turned away from her when I understood.
"Miss Luna, I am not jealous of a mere human." I told her, but her mirth wasn't so easily dissuaded.
We finally stopped in front of a statue made out of snow. The Undertaker pointed at its finger. "…right there, you see?" The blue diamond was sparkling.
"It looks like the artisan happened to find the frozen ring and designed a sculpture to compliment it." Lau said as he looked at the sculpture.
"Collect it!" Aberline ordered in that annoying voice of his. "Right now!"
Two officers from Scotland Yard came to take the ring, but were stopped by a protest.
"What are you doing, you fiend?!" An old man yelled at them. Next to him stood two women with undelightful appearances and crossed expressions as well as a thin man with a big moustache.
"That is the sacred lady bestowed on the victor." The viscount of Druitt, dressed in white, told us as he fingered a white rose. "You mustn't touch her."
"Lord Druitt?!" Bocchan exclaimed, shuddering. It seems that he still hasn't gotten over that incident… "Judging a contest? Why him?"
"Wasn't he arrested by the Yard for human trafficking?" Lau asked, making Miss Luna recoil at the memory of what happened that night. I frowned. She shouldn't be afraid anymore…
"He was released the other day." Aberline told us, his tone indicating that he was against it as much as us.
"Money, huh?" Bocchan's expression didn't improve.
"Excuse me, but Scotland Yard will be taking charge of this sculpture," Aberline told the judges.
"Absolutely not!" The burly old man exclaimed. "This frost fair is a festival for the citizens. Even Scotland Yard can't ride roughshod over it!"
"Beauty is something to be admired," Lord Druitt stood next to the sculpture. "You mean to violate this noble lady? If you insist on having her, offer something of suitable beauty."
"Just what I would expect from Lord Druitt, lover of art, beauty and food!" The old man said. "He's right! If you want this sculpture, win it in the contest!"
"I see," Bocchan said. "There's merit in that. The ring belongs to the winner. I like the simplicity of that." So he will be calling on my skills again. "I'll get that ring."
"That ring is stolen property!" Aberline exclaimed. Could he not act so much like… a dog? "And key evidence in the serial kidnapping of young girls!" He cursed as he realized that he told us an important piece of information pertaining that ring.
"Aha, I can see why the Yard would be searching frantically for it," Bocchan said.
"But it's the truth that each owner of the ring disappears!" The inspector protested. Did that human not know the term "privacy"? Those people behind him could be listening in. "It really is a cursed stone, but you're—"
"Cursed, huh?" Bocchan looked at his own ring. "Then it suits me all the more."
"Come to think of it, I seem to recall your ring had a pretty blue stone." Undertaker said. "You should take care. Diamonds are hard, but because they are hard, they are brittle. If you go too far, you may be shattered as well."
"What of it?" Bocchan looked at his ring fondly. "This body and this ring…" He kissed the blue stone. "…have already been shattered then reborn. I'm far past being afraid of shattering." I smirked at his words. Spoken like a true master of a demon…
Miss Luna just looked at the young master sadly before crossing her arms. She knew most of what happened to Bocchan back then, so she knew what he meant.
"Win this contest, Sebastian." Bocchan gave his order.
As always, I bowed, smirking. "Yes, my lord."
A bit later, before the contest began, I went to speak with Miss Luna. Ever since the Hope piece was mentioned, she began to keep to herself more. Lord Druitt's presence was not helping her neither.
"What is it, Miss Luna? I thought that you were excited to be able to come to the frost fair today."
I've been having a bad feeling since I saw that ring… It's an ominous feeling, like something terrible may happen in the near future… I've learned to always trust that feeling.
I frowned. I knew that humans would have a bad feeling about some things, but none had been accurate all the time. Perhaps it was her nekomata's energy that was rubbing off of her. Now that I think about it, Miss Luna's energy had always seemed bright and calming… I will have to investigate further.
"Don't worry about it right now. You're at a fair, enjoy yourself. Bocchan has given you an allowance, has he not? Buy a few things and come back when the judging begins."
After she left, we, the contestants, were called on stage. A middle-aged man announced the opening of the snow and ice sculpture contest with enthusiasm. Before long, it was already three o'clock, and Miss Luna now stood beside Bocchan with a bag in her arms. She looked better, but the shadow above her has not dissipated.
"We'll now begin the judging! First, we have team Scotland Yard and Its Merry Men, with "The Guardian of London"!" The sculpture was a poorly done reproduction of Sir Arthur Randall, their superior. "One point, two points, one point, zero points! That makes a total of five points!" The head of the sculpture fell off.
"Next, we have an entry from team All China Dresses Should Be Minis…" He announced, embarrassed. "But I'm afraid that for various reasons I'm disqualifying it."
Miss Luna blushed heavily at the sculpture, or should I say, sculptures. They were a nude Ran Mao (which I did not care for) posing with a nude Miss Luna (I felt greatly insulted at that). I knew that Miss Luna spent much time with Lau when we meet, and that they seem to have become friends… but this went past the line.
"Why?" Lau asked as Ran Mao copied the sculpture's pose.
"How could you think it was all right to exhibit that here?!" Bocchan exclaimed angrily. "And don't bring Luna into this!"
"I think hiding the bits like that makes it even more erotic…" Lau replied.
"You can why, can't you, Sebastian?"
"Of course." I replied. "You have ordered me to do it. I will not fail."
"And next, from team Queen's Puppy, "Noah's Ark"!" I had done a replica of the ark that was in that shop we passed earlier today. Miss Luna was quite taken with the sculpture, forgetting her worries. The judges heaped my work with compliments, as expected. "Most amazing! Let's see how many points—"
"One moment please." I stopped them. "You haven't seen it all yet." I snapped my fingers, breaking the roof of the ark to reveal sculptures of several animals. Miss Luna looked at me, amazed and curious as to how I could have succeeded.
"I see!" The burly judge said. "He deliberatedly made the seam of the roof weak so that it would melt over time and slip apart!"
"The man who stood bravely against the relentless storm of God's wrath!" Lord Druitt exclaimed. "His name: Noah! And the pairs of beasts he led rocked on the waves, waiting for their rebirth." I do hope that he is not speaking of me, though I do stand against God's wrath, being what I am…
"Bravo, young man! I mark you as a skilled ice sculptor…"
"No, Sir, I am merely one hell of a butler." I answered as I have many times before.
"Stop it right there!" A man exclaimed. "Sorry, but this ring belongs to us. We're taking it back." He stood beside the sculpture with a gun in his hand.
"What?" Aberline exclaimed in realization. "Don't tell me you're—"
"That's right! We're the team of bomber thieves that all London is talking about." They must be a minor issue if Bocchan hasn't received orders to get rid of them. "I'll count from ten." He revealed all of the dynamites and opened a lighter. "If you don't want to die, get the hell out of here. Ten! Nine!..."
"Bocchan."
"My orders remain the same. Do it, Sebastian." The young master ordered.
"Yes, my Lord." I bowed.
"What are you waiting for?! Hurry and run, Ciel, Luna!" The inspector told them.
"Seven!"
"You can run if you want, Forget about me." Bocchan replied. Miss Luna nodded in agreement.
"Six!"
"I can't do that!" The inspector said, surprising the young master. "I joined the police to protect the citizens! To protect everyone!" He ran towards them, but was stopped by a gunshot.
"Only three left. You sure you don't want to run, little nobleman, little noblewoman?" The thief asked.
"There's no need to. Because, you see…" I appeared from beside them, skating, and I kicked away that pistol in the thief's hand. His accomplices tried to shoot me, but they were sorely mistaken if they think that they could do someone like me any harm. I immediately put Bocchan out of harm's way, near the bridge, before heading for Miss Luna.
Somehow, I could hear Lord Druitt's compliments through the racket. Then again, we demons have better hearing, and his words caught my interest. "A noble black swan flying through a silver-white world! Lured by that devilish smile, the maiden is embraced by his wings in a flurry of ecstasy."
I smirked. If they wanted a show, they would get one. I disarmed the other two ruffians easily and headed towards Miss Luna just as she was going to be blown up by a bomb. I took her arms and led the way as we skated on the ice. Having gotten over that moment of panic, Miss Luna had begun to blush, even more than she had at the sight of Lau's sculpture.
The thieves' leader was too engrossed by his anger, destroying the ice we were on, yet never succeeding in harming us. The ice began to crack and I spun Miss Luna around before throwing her away. Instead of being surprised at my actions, she looked serene at the events happening around her. I caught her in mid-air as the ice cracked completely and we landed safely on my sculpture.
"The ship sails on, leaving human despair behind! The ship sails on, with the future of the world! Carrying the chosen pair's hope, the ship sails on towards a rapturous dream!"
Once we descended from the Ark and reunited with the young master, he did not waste time in criticizing me. "Your methods were very violent."
"I apologize, my lord, Miss Luna." I bowed. "When baggage drags one down, it's best to toss it. Of course, that does not excuse my treatment of Miss Luna as she is a lady."
Bocchan huffed before looking down at the river. "The Hope piece will sleep at the bottom of the Thames… I suppose that end has its own charm."
"London, be cursed?" I asked.
"If that's all it takes to destroy this city or this nation, they were never meant to survive. After all, the Phantomhives have always…" He quickly changed the subject. "Sebastian, you said Noah was arrogant, but don't you think it's more arrogant and foolish to think you can save everyone—to want to do that?"
"So it would seem."
"But an idiot of that sort every now and then might not be so bad." Bocchan smiled calmly. Miss Luna looked towards Aberline as well.
There is a reason why there are all kinds of people. Finding people you could appreciate amongst those you usually don't… That's how life works, I guess. It's always full of surprises, good and bad.