Chapter 21

There were few times in Viola's life that she honestly regretted things she did. Being the free spirit she was, she did what she wanted without thinking about the consequences. There was the time when she was eleven, the time she realized how far she took her fights (and ultimately learned to draw the line), etc. In the Victorian era she hadn't thought she'd regret something so simple as being herself.

Viola marched into the main kitchen one late March morning, fuming. She slammed the door behind her in her rage. Her fellow servants took one glance at her and knew.

"The prince annoyin' you again?" Baldroy guessed, chewing at his cigarette. He sat on a stool, peeling potatoes.

She gave a sharp nod. Grabbing a mop, she decided to help Mey-Rin clean the kitchen floor. It was organization day where Sebastian got all of them to clean the kitchen to see what supplies they were low on. They had it every two weeks to stay on top of their organization skills. Viola thought it was to keep them out of trouble. At the same time it appeared they were also preparing dinner for that night.

Bastian clicked his tongue from where he was sorting through fresh vegetables. "Why not tell him you do not wish to marry? Then, this bet will end."

"You don't think I want to? You know how guys are. You're one yourself. All you can think about is your pride."

She rolled her eyes. This bet wasn't just about marrying her. The men involved refused to lose at capturing a woman's heart. The belief that they could have any woman was at stake. That didn't mean she hated it.

Since Madame Red suggested that damned bet, Viola lost whatever invisibility she had as a servant. Edward and Soma insisted on having her join them for tea whenever they visited. They refused to let her do her work. They kept getting in her way, leading to a very unhappy Sebastian.

Speaking of the demon, he was helpful to her for once. Each time they asked her to neglect her work he would swoop in and say she had a chore that needed her immediate attention. When they asked her to tea Sebastian also stayed as a chaperone, which the boys hated but could not deny.

That very day it was also thanks to her superior she avoided babysitting the excitable Soma, who stayed at the manor for a few nights. Viola was thankful and sick of the constant attention.

Mey-Rin frowned. "That's not fair to you, it's not. Them doing this to marry you. They're forcing themselves to make you love them."

"Exactly! You know how you get that spark when you meet someone you like? And you can't bare to be away from them?" She nodded. "I don't feel that way around Edward or Soma. They're friends, not suitors to me."

"Really? But you act like you like them."

"I'm just being nice. Besides, getting together with people I see as a friend never ends well." Viola gripped the handle of her mop tightly. Though it had been months, she hadn't gotten over how she broke a friend's heart. And all because she didn't want romance. She wasn't ready for a serious relationship.

That kind of thing could break a person. She wasn't ready for that yet. She heaved a sigh. Chancing a glance out at the gloomy weather outside a window, she said, "At least the weather matches my mood. It could get any worse than how tired I feel."

"I can't relax with this kind of weather, no, I can't," Mey-Rin commented, staring out as well. The light hit her lenses, hiding her pretty eyes from scrutiny. "It'd be better if it waited until the washing dried."

"Jeez, this country has stormy weather," Baldroy mentioned, casual. He handed Bastian a filled bucket of peeled potatoes to be washed. "If it's always this kind of heavy weather, I'd agree with Viola."

Viola nodded. She stopped short when there was a peculiar noise coming from behind her. She furrowed her eyebrows, trying to place the noise. It sounded like…wood being cut?

A might crash blasted from the side door. Viola and Mey-Rin whirled around to see the door was cut to pieces, the remains on the floor they were cleaning. Someone stepped through the threshold and Viola couldn't stop a growl from passing her lips.

"I'm coming in!" sang one Charles Grey. He stepped into the kitchen like he owned the place. Behind him was another man, who was taller than Grey. He had light platinum hair that was shaggy compared to his impeccable appearance. His clothes were the same as Charles Grey, though he was stoic unlike Grey. Charles Grey grinned. "Is Earl Phantomhive home?"

"Oh, Lord," Bastian groaned. "What are they doing here? Grey, you insufferable fool!"

Viola would have laughed at how Bastian acted if she hadn't thought the same. She dropped her mop to face them. Baldroy recovered to place himself in front of Mey-Rin and Viola.

"Who the hell are you?" he demanded, hostile. Viola shivered, reminded of the night the first-tier members-

"What? You'll play with me?" Grey lunged forward. Viola almost couldn't believe how fast he was as he swiped at them with his blade.

Mey-Rin and Viola dove to the floor as Baldroy stepped out of the swing range. But Grey followed after the chef where he was wide open. Viola picked herself up to see Grey reeled back away from Bard just as a barrage of bullets shot from the side.

The wall of porcelain shattered like hail. Viola glanced to the side to see Mey-Rin was the one who did that. She wasn't wearing her glasses, two handguns in her grasp.

"Wow! Double guns are so cool!" Grey chirped, mocking. "But…"

Her fellow maid continued to fire. Bullets and cracks were hand-in-hand in a deadly combination to eliminate the intruder. However, Grey managed to speed away before a single one hit. Keeping low, he managed to get in close to Mey-Rin. He sliced through her guns, rendering them useless.

"I win at close combat." The man, now behind him, lunged at her open back.

Viola could watch no more. Grabbing the nearest kitchen utensil (a frying pan, of all things), she raised it like she would at blade at Grey's back. She was certain he couldn't dodge it that close.

Yet again, Grey was too fast. He stopped his sword from hitting Mey-Rin and, instead, kicked her in the torso. She cried out, hitting the ground. Then, he back flipped into the air before the frying pan hit him. Viola's jaw dropped. How the hell…? He smiled pleasantly as he thrust the tip of his sword at her.

Oh, crap! Viola swore she saw her life flash before her eyes. The blade closed in to hit her between the eyes. In a split second she tilted her head so it wouldn't stab her in the face.

Then, it happened.

A silver pastry tower was thrust between them. The blade slid through one of the pastries before he hit her in the cheek. All she felt was a soft, squishy thing.

Viola gaped openly at Sebastian. She reached a hand up to touch her face. Half-expecting to find blood, she found it to be sticky. She pulled back her hand and found white cream on her fingertips.

"It's a custard chaux cream made from the eggs of our own Phantomhive territory's poultry. Please take a bite," Sebastian offered to Grey. Grey did as he was asked and took a bite of the stabbed pastry skewered on his blade like a shishkabob.

"Viola!" Bastian hurried over to her, worry etched on his face. He examined her closely for any injuries. He took in where Grey almost stabbed her face. "Are you well? Did he hit you?"

"No. I'm fine," she said. Was that her voice that was shaky? It shook her up more than she expected. Nearly getting stabbed did that to a person. She was glad it was cream that came out. She was sick of blood.

Bastian's jaw locked. He whirled to Grey, who was happily munching on Sebastian's pastries.

"Grey, are you out of your mind? That is not how people enter other homes!" he scolded. Viola winced. She had been on that receiving end for far too many times. "Phipps, you should have discouraged him from such a trick! He listens to you!"

"I have tried, Emrys, but as you know Grey does not always listen," the man, Phipps, sighed, resigned.

"It is a terrible habit of mine," Grey shrugged. He finished off his treat and smile innocently at Viola and Bastian. "Good day, Sebastian, Ms. Viola. How are you?"

"I was better before a stab happy prick interrupted my day," Viola snarled. As if her day couldn't get any worse!

"Viola, who the hell are these guys?" Baldroy yelled, red in the face.

"These two are-" Sebastian began.

"Oh, yeah. We haven't met you guys before," Grey interjected like the annoying bastard he was. "My name is Charles Grey. This is my colleague, Charles Phipps. We are her Majesty, the Queen's private secretarial officers and butlers. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

"Charles and Charles?" Viola snorted.

"We used to call them the 'Double Charles' back in school," Bastian muttered. He was unimpressed by their fantastical titles.

"Must be confusing when people call your names."

"It's to be expected," Phipps said. Why did she get the feeling he was the sensible one of the duo? At least he was more tolerable than his partner.

"Must be as confusing when people mistake you two," Grey mocked. He tapped a finger on his lip, mischievous. "Though, I admit Ms. Viola is more masculine than Sebastian."

"Did you just call me a guy?" Viola growled, indignant. What was it with men calling her ugly and boyish lately?

"Hm, possibly. Although…" Grey reached a hand towards her. She flinched, expecting a slap. All he did was swipe a finger to wipe most of the cream off her cheek. Then, he stuck it in his mouth. "I find you much more sweet when you're angry."

Viola's jaw dropped. Against her will, her face went hot. That irritating, selfish little…! She tried to yell obscenities at Grey except nothing came out. It was the first time she was so shocked she could say nothing.

Grey's demeanor went from sweet to smug. "That's better. You're bearable when you do not say a word."

"Is there a reason you are here other than to belittle my cousin?" asked Bastian, becoming a blank slate. He handed a rag to Viola to wipe off the cream.

He reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope. The paper looked expensive. He waved the letter to Sebastian.

"Today, we are the messengers delivering a letter to the Earl."

"If you are messengers, was it really necessary to break down the door?" Viola jabbed an affronted finger at the broken service door.

"We were checking on this manor's security."

This son of a- Viola let out a long, slow breath. She had the sudden urge to hit him with his damn sword. Grey had the power to piss her off faster than a boy hitting on Melissa or Rebecca. He got under her skin and she hated him for it.

To stop herself from getting arrested for killing Queen Victoria's butler, she whirled around to grab a broom. She began to sweep up the new mess she had to clean. It was another reason for her to kill Grey.

"Ah. If that is the case, I shall bring you to the young master," Sebastian informed them. He placed down his tower of pastries. "If you would follow me?"

Grey and Phipps followed Sebastian out the room. Just as he left Grey shot her a wide smile. Viola's hand pinched where she gripped her broom too tightly.

"The hell is wrong with that guy?" Baldroy complained once they were out of earshot. He grabbed his potato pile and began to fish out the pieces of porcelain inside. "Bargin' in here and attackin' us? Some o' these nobles are strange."

"Charles Grey has done what he always wanted," Bastian explained. He grabbed a dustpan to help Viola sweep up the mess. Mey-Rin helped her as well. Remarkably, she didn't mess up that simple task. Though that could have been attributed to the sudden attack. "He is impulsive and reckless to the point he cares for his amusement. Unfortunately, that is the only thing he has not changed throughout all the years I've known him."

"That's right! You're a noble," Mey-Rin reminded herself. "How do you know him?"

"They were schoolmates," Viola answered before he could. "I'd hate to know that guy. I'd probably strangle him in two weeks."

"Same," Baldroy muttered.

Bastian sighed. "I have gotten used to his behavior. Even more so when I had to take care of someone with a similar nature."

He glanced at Viola briefly.

"Hey! The difference between me and him is that I'm not a psycho!" Viola hated the thought of being compared to that guy. They were nothing alike! She may have done things on an impulse and, sure, she was a tad reckless. But there was a fine line between being fun and being mean. She always stopped before crossing that line. "Charles Grey is a horrid person. I am nothing like him and I'm a bit offended you'd say so."

Bastian was taken back. He should have. One thing she was annoyed about when it came to her incarnate was how he jumped to conclusions about her. He was her! Why couldn't he see that?

Viola swallowed back the urge to run to her mother for advice. Being around Bastian for so long was fraying the edges of her patience. She wanted to talk to her mother about boy troubles, not some sheltered teenage boy.

Yet, her mother wasn't there. No one except Patchy could possibly understand her yearning to seek out her mother for comfort. Still, Patchy would just tease her for being childish.

To stop it from showing on her face Viola leaned her boom against a wall.

"Mey-Rin, I'm going to fetch the washing You keep cleaning here," she said.

Her colleague smiled. "Okay. Thank you."

"No problem."

She headed out the broken service entrance. Hopefully, she could drown out the small voice inside of her crying for mummy with work. Then again, maybe not.

She'd have to try anyway.

xxx

The arrival of spring had caused the snow to completely disappear with Father Winter to allow the earth to awaken from its long hibernation. While the animals and plants were awakening themselves for the newest season humankind carried on with their lives as busy as ever. Spring was a joyous time as all the cold began to slowly disappear.

Viola loved Spring solely for the fact the snow was gone. No more waking in her own bed freezing her butt off and no more feeling like a wet dog each time she stepped outside! Of course in place of the snow there was the rain to allow the earth to drink in from the harsh winter. That didn't stop her from being so cheerful.

Even on a cold rainy day with a dinner party going on, that didn't stop her mood from being dampened by the rain.

She hummed a small song in her head as she stood beside Mey-Rin in the dining hall. The room was filled with some guests Ciel had invited over for a dinner party. She guessed he was just meeting new people that could be potential business partners as her mother used to do the same. She would have parties to invite people who she might see as new clients. Viola was humming because as she found out years ago (or years in the future?) dinner parties were boring. All they did was talk, talk, talk! Not fun at all. She wasn't even a child and yet they were so boring. How did Ciel do this? She was getting bored just listening to them talk!

She resisted the urge to yawn. Bastian got to stay in the kitchen while she was out here getting bored to death. Actually, she thought it was for the best.

Right before the guests arrived, Sebastian swooped in on Bastian out of nowhere and forced him to change into Viola's spare uniform. On his head he shoved on a long, straight, and plain brown wig. Bastian objected through it all. He was forced to keep them on under threat of Sebastian.

It was only until the guests arrive did his sudden costume change make sense.

Viola glanced across the room to where three men were talking. The group consisted of an older gentleman with slicked back black hair and a goatee, a younger man of late twenties that had more of an anxious disposition, and the familiar face of Lucinda's brother-a man introduced as William Walters.

It turned out he was invited as a guest in place of his father, Lord Reginald Walters. The Walters family owned a very successful import business that spanned from the depths of Africa to the farthest reaches of the Pacific Ocean. Lord Reginald Walters was conducting business with Lord Emrys in Africa, so as heir William was the one to come to the party. Thankfully, Bastian was spared any contact of being around Lord William Walters. After all the servants were forced to welcome the guests, Bastian was allowed to flee to the safety of the kitchen. Viola herself had to deal with the scrutiny upon is escape.

The moment William entered the manor he took one long look at her. He didn't even spare a glance at Bastian next to her since the fringe of the wig covered a good part of his face. It amused her as he stared at her in incredulity and confusion. Eyeing her up and down, he came to some odd conclusion and did not confront her. But, through the party she always found him glancing her way.

Viola wasn't sure why William Walters was invited, nor why any of these people were there. There weren't as many people invited to this little dinner party. Of course, since it was the anti-social Ciel that was understandable. But the people he invited had no connections whatsoever. He invited a stage producer and opera singer, a man who had a diamond business, three shipping heads (one of which was Lau), a man from Germany, Earl Grey and some random writer! What the hell kind of business was Ciel trying to make?

Although the writer's kinda cute, Viola observed. The writer was sitting by the windows. He looked out of place with his tweed tuxedo and slightly missed hair. He looked about in his early twenties but he was rather cute just sitting there nervously and awkwardly. Viola could relate. At a fancy party like this it was hard being the only one not high classed enough. She took pity on the guy and approached him.

"Would you care for a glass, sir?" Viola asked, holding out the tray of wine glasses to him.

The man started, glancing up at her. His eyes seemed to widen at her bright smile. "Y-Yes. Thank you," he stuttered, taking a glass.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked in a friendly tone.

"Yes, I am." To Viola it sounded like he didn't.

"It's okay if you're not. I know how you must be feeling right now. These sort of parties don't seem to be the usual for you." She leaned down towards him as if expressing a great secret. "Between you and me, I can't stand parties like this. I always feel like I'm going to fall asleep standing."

"Then, perhaps you should be getting back to work," said Ciel, approaching them. He scowled at Viola. As usual she ignored it.

"E-Earl Phantomhive!" the man yelped, shooting up to his feet.

"You really want me to get back to work when Mr. Perfect's already got everything handled?" Viola jerked her free thumb towards Sebastian where he stood behind the food table serving dishes to people.

"That doesn't mean you should slack off." Ciel took a seat beside where the man was previously sitting. He waved a hand at him, smiling. "Please, sit down, Mr. Wordsmith."

He did so if not more nervous than before. "I'm really not at a level worthy of being called 'wordsmith' yet. Please just call me Arthur."

Well, hello, Arthur, Viola thought. Hm...She always did love that English name. It suited the man.

"I want to call you this so isn't it okay?" Ciel said. "Do you dislike it? Wordsmith, that is."

"Ah, no. That is, um..." Viola smiled at his flustered face. It really was cute. "Maybe it's rude to ask this but why did you invite me here today?"

"Because I read your work the other day."

"Oh?"

"It was a novel that appeared in Beeton's Christmas annual."

"What? You read such a minor magazine?"

"I'm sorry, but what was the name of the novel? Maybe I can read it later," Viola asked. Since there were a lot of new writers coming out, she wanted to know if any of her favorites was out yet so she could them first edition. If there was anything Viola loved, it was books in their first edition.

"A Study in Scarlet," Ciel answered plainly.

Viola's eyes widened. No way. She couldn't believe it.

"You said your name is Arthur, right? Your last name wouldn't happen to be Doyle, would it?" she asked the wordsmith, her heart beginning to beat excitedly.

He nodded. "Yes, that is my last name. Arthur Doyle."

She squealed in her head. No wonder his occupation and name sounded familiar! She was meeting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! One of the greatest Victorian authors who ever lived!

"Oh, wow! You're the one who wrote A Study in Scarlet! I love that novel!"

"Y-You do?" he asked, astonished.

"Of course! I love how you created a man capable of solving any mystery as long as it interests him. When I read it I had no idea who the murderer was until Sherlock Holmes revealed it and stated the facts like it was nothing! It's an incredible piece of work, Mr. Wordsmith."

"You really liked it?"

"As do I," Ciel agreed. "The main character is full of wit and quite charming. He is a new kind of character that's never been seen before."

Arthur (as Viola began to call him in her head) was speechless and awed. He smiled, face flushing from the praise, yet also despondent. "That means a lot, but it seems it really wasn't popular. I have no intention of writing again."

"You'd think that the people of such an advanced country would acknowledge the freshness of writing."

"On the contrary, it's just a pretentious bit of writing outside of my own specialty. I'm swept aside by specialists in the field of writing who sag that my content is too light or the way I use their tools is wrong."

"But that's not really fair. Your writing is fine the way it is as long as people like me and the young master are reading it. Aren't you writing for the audience rather than the critics?" Viola didn't think it was fair how such a great writer like Arthur was being put down by people who didn't like a bit of fiction. As long as the people enjoyed it, it didn't matter if critics didn't like it. Considering this was the author and the creator of an iconic fictional character, he should have the right to keep writing!

"I really want to write a historical novel, but I've been turned down by countless companies stating it wouldn't sell," Arthur said, upset.

"Isn't it best to do those kinds of things after you make a name for yourself?" Ciel suggested. "Since increasing your returns basically involves having lots of money, reputation and contacts."

Viola could see this conversation turn towards business related matters. She excused herself to escape from it and began walking around the room, bored. It was official. She hated parties like this. Let her go to school lectures any day. This was so much worse. She wandered over to where Mr. Siemens waved her over. One look at him to see his tie around his forehead and his red face told her he was drunk. Reluctantly, she went over to him as he was taking to the opera singer Irene.

"You're prettier up close," Siemens slurred, his eyes roaming up and down the beautiful singer's figure. "Bein' a singer must be th' life fer a lass like you."

Irene didn't seem to like the attention at all and folded her arms to block his view of her cleavage. "Please don't say such crude things."

"'Is a compliment! Betcha get them all the time." He reached over for her arm to move it so he could see her chest.

Viola, being the defender of the weak she was, quickly placed the tray she held onto the table and placed herself between the two. Irene was shocked, but did nothing as Viola pulled her behind her.

"Master Siemens, please refrain yourself from harassing the other guests," Viola said in her most calm threatening voice.

"What? Her fault for wearing those clothes." He paused, squinting at Viola and roaming her figure as well. They lingered on where Viola's own cleavage peeked out from her uniform. He came closer to her. Viola wrinkled her nose at the scent of alcohol on his breath. "You too. You must tease a lota people with clothes like tha'. Probably helps bring men to yer bed."

"Have you no shame?" Irene shocked Viola when she came out from behind her to smack him across the face. She was sure her jaw dropped like Siemens did to the floor. She huffed indignantly. "Insolent jerk!"

"Why you-" He got up by his forearms with his red face twisted in fury. "Like I'll let you say that to me!" Then, he flung his drink towards the two women.

Viola flinched on reflex. She used to get into food fights back in her time so all she could think was how she had to take a bath. The spill never came. Gasps sounded all around her. She peeked open her eyes to see Ciel in front of her and Irene with his face dripping wet. Her mind put two and two together.

"This is a dining hall," Ciel said, calm and stony faced. It was ruined by the dripping champagne on his porcelain skin. "In any case that will be enough from you three today."

Irene and Siemens had the decency to be embarrassed over their actions. That should have been the last of the drama.

"You old pervert!" Grimsby Keane, the theater producer and Irene's escort, shouted, outraged. Though less intoxicated by alcohol than Siemens, he was still under its effects. He grabbed the bottle of white wine resting in a nearby ice bucket. "Don't touch my woman so easily!"

Then, he threw the bottle straight at Siemens' face.

The bottle sailed through the air, spinning from its throw. Before it could shatter on the flabbergasted Siemens, a black blur flipped through the air and caught the bottle. A bottle cork was popped open.

On top of a ladder Sebastian landed smoothly. He poured the wine on a wine glass perched on a tower of similar glasses. The wine sparkled, overflowing on the top glass to pour in delicate rivulets to fill its base. All stared amazed as a divine scent filled the air.

"It's a fantastic wine from the village of Purcari in Southeastern Moldova," Sebastian charmingly informed the guests. "Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy it."

"Beautiful! It looks like a Christmas tree!"

"When did it…?"

Siemens inhaled the aroma wafting among them. "Moreover, this smell. It's like being in a flower garden."

"Magnifique!" William remarked, equally taken by the scent. "I 'ave never encountered such a lovely fragrance before!"

"That smells good! Give me one, won't you?" Grey asked.

"Me, too!"

"Me as well!"

The guests clamored for a taste of the magnificent wine. Viola and Mey-Rin filled their trays from the glass tower to pass to the guests. The mood became much lighter now that the alcohol was flowing regularly and freely.

Viola was enchanted by the sight of people sipping their wine and becoming more carefree. She grinned down at the wine.

No matter what century she was in parties weren't fun until the alcohol was brought out.

xxx

"Doing the dishes sucks!" Viola vehemently cursed as she dried what was probably the thirtieth dish plate for the past three hours. She made sure to get ever single drop with a fresh rag. "Damn that Gray! He just kept eating like a pig!"

"Viola, you mustn't speak of our guests in such a manner," Sebastian lightly scolded from where he was elbow deep in the water sink. "We must treat them with respect whether they are in our presence or not."

Her anger drained quickly. "Sorry. I'm starting to get fatigued."

Most of the guests had retreated to the Billiards room and the lounge. Despite it being one in the morning, they had stayed there were they only called the servants for refreshments. That had happened only once.

Viola had a long day of preparing for the part, being at the party and its useless drama, and now cleaning up the mess. Having never served at a party, all her limbs screamed for rest. She had thought her chores were tiring enough. Doing the party on top of that was exhausting.

Although, she didn't have it as bad as Bastian.

She glanced over at her ancestor. He was putting away the dishes on the wall rack beside Baldroy. The soft brown wig Sebastian shoved on his head as well as the maid dress were still on him. Because of that William Walters, he was forced to act as someone else in the one place he was free from that. He may have made a beautiful girl, but he hated it. It didn't help Grey would chuckled anytime their eyes met.

Another reason to hate the likes of Lord Charles Grey.

And I thought I had it rough, Viola thought as she handed a dried plate to Mey-Rin. Bastian already had his hands full hiding from the police and taking care of her. Now he had the added load of William Reginald and Charles Grey. It made her guilty why he was so stressed.

Their fight over a month ago was still fresh on her mind. Bastian was really upset, causing it to stick out every time he voiced his disapproval. They acted like how most siblings would. They fought ever now and then over stupid things (not speaking of the fact said stupid thing nearly resulted in her death).

Viola was used to such fights. Both her and Kenichi were stubborn mules when their opinions clashed. Anytime they found they'd verbally hurt one another. Her parents would ground her if she so much as touched one hair on his head. With words they were on even grounds. Normally, they'd make up after a few hours.

But, fights with Bastian were different. When they tried to hurt each other it was like getting stabbed. She figured it was because they were literally the same person. It was self-harm in a way when they fought. That explained why saying a terrible word behind his back made her physically ill.

No matter how much of a prude Bastian was it wasn't his fault. He was just as stressed as she was if not more so.

Mey-Rin's moan brought Viola out from her thoughts.

"This is the worst," she said. "This is no good for a young woman."

"Stop whinging about it and get to work!" Baldroy barked, just as sick of it as they were.

The sound of a bell brought all production of work to a halt. Viola, being the closest to the hallway door, peered out. By the wall of bells connected to each of the bedrooms, one was the source. She frowned at the knowledge of who it was.

"Great. It's the one from Master Siemens' room," she said. She disliked that man more than anyone at the party. At least Grey had the decency to not act like a pervert when they interacted.

"Maybe he wasn't some water splashed on his face to wake up?" Bard suggested, stifling a yawn.

"I'm not doing it. I'd probably strangle him in his sleep."

Mey-Rin startled awake. "I don't want to go!"

"Sorry, Mey0Rin, but I'll really kill him if he so much as touches me while still drunk."

"But Viola!"

Sebastian sighed. "I'll accompany you."

The older maid swooned, all fear gone. Viola rolled her eyes. It was no secret Mey-Rin fancied Sebastian. What decent woman wouldn't? He was the perfect man in all essence of the word! He was charming, attractive, and was the perfect butler. However, only Viola knew what he was.

Perfect or not, she'd never fall for the demon.

Mey-Rin was innocently clueless and had every right to be attracted to him. Viola understood why. That didn't mean she thought she had no absolute chance with him for so many reasons.

"Mr. Sebastian, are you worried about me, are you?" she asked a tad too hopeful.

"I'm more concerned about Master Siemens," said Sebastian, crushing all her dreams in one fell swoop. "He appeared intoxicated beyond comprehension."

"The man drank more than his weight in alcohol," Bastian commented. Because he spoke in a high pitched voice all day to mask it from William Reginald, it was hoarse. Now he couldn't talk above a whisper. "I'm surprised he had enough coherency to ring the bell for assistance."

"Yes. Though, he did lose that quickly after a few drinks." Sebastian slipped off his apron and rolled down his sleeves. While Mey-Rin fetched a pitcher of water, he put on his tailcoat.

Together, the two of them left the room to go see what Siemens wanted. Baldroy watched them go and shook his head.

"That Mey-Rin. She always acts like an innocent fool around Mr. Sebastian," he muttered, continuing on in his task.

"Isn't that 'cause she likes him?" Finny wondered aloud.

"Yeah. She messes up more whenever he's around. Love, I tell ya, can make people do the stupidest things. Makes me glad I never fell in love."

Bastian snorted back a laugh. "Would anyone be attracted to a gruff smoker like you?"

Baldroy smacked his chef assistant upside the head. "Quiet, you! Just 'cause you're dressed like a girl don't mean I won't hit ya!"

"What do ye mean love makes people do stupid things?" Finny questioned, not understanding what was going on.

"He means that when people only have love on their mind they don't think clearly," Viola explained. Finny was a child when it came to matters of the heart. It was best he learned before going through that kind of thing himself. "You know how Prince Soma and Lord Edward go out of their way to do stuff for me? They do it without thinking of anything else. Kind of like an impulse."

"So they just do things without really thinkin'? Why?"

"'Cause they're idiots! They can't stop thinkin' about love and its what gets ya killed!" Baldroy scoffed. "They lose all logic and still they'll do things like murder and killin' themselves. It's ridiculous."

"Love's not all that bad," Viola defended. "If it's the pure, innocent kind, it's sweet. Holding hands, doing little things to make the other person happy. That kind is nice."

Finny hummed thoughtfully. "You mean like how Mr. Sebastian treats you?"

The plate in Viola's hand nearly dropped from her grasp. Did she hear that right?

"Finny, what are you talking about?"

"Mr. Sebastian does things that make ya happy. Anytime there's leftovers of the young master's cake you'll get the biggest piece. And when you were sick in December he made you soup and tea while doin' your chores."

Baldroy rubbed his stubbled chin. Viola had to wonder if he ever shaved. "Finny's got a point. Mr. Sebastian's always doin' stuff for ya an' Bastian here. I thought he was playin' favorites til that bed showed up. That got me thinkin'."

"Oh, dear. That's never a good sign," Bastian half joked.

"He's only bein' nice to Bastian so he could get his blessin' when he asks Viola to marry 'im," he finished as if he hadn't heard his assistant.

"Bard, he's just doing this bet to be annoying. He doesn't actually like me." As if that demon could love anyone! From what she knew of Sebastian in the months she was forced near him, the demon did things for his own entertainment. As a butler forced to serve a brat of an Earl, he'd take any means of enjoyment. If it involved messing with her love life, she wasn't surprised he was involved.

"Nah, he ain't. He really does like ya. If he doesn't, I'll eat my own hand!"

"My, you do have confidence you are right," Bastian hummed.

"'Course I do! You three are ids. Ya don't know what love is."

Viola rolled her eyes. "Sure, but I say you're still wrong. Sebastian would never-"

A faint guttarl scream echoed from the depths of the manor. The four of them halted their work, unsure of the dying scream in the distance.

Baldroy was the first to respond. Dropping his rag, he ran out of the room. Finny was close behind. Seeing the two move, Viola and Bastian hurried out as well. At the end of the hall they saw them leave towards the second floor. They ran after them.

Together, the four hurried upstairs where the scream originated. Up the grand staircase and through the Eastern wing they went to find the vicitim.

It was hard to miss when they saw one of the guest bedroom doors open. They entered the room and found all the guests gathered inside. There was only the fireplace that gave light, so Viola could see. Arthur knelt by the chair in front of the fireplace.

Viola's breath was knocked out as she recognized Lord Siemens in the chair, a deep red pained on his chest and lips. Dull orbs stared vacantly at the corner of the ceiling.

"Is this person dead?" Finny gasped. He walked up to the body and paled.

"Yes," Arthur confirmed, gravely. "Most likely the blood loss from the chest wound was fatal. I can't be certain due to the lighting."

Blood? Viola thought. What blood? She knew the scent of blood all too well. To her it smelled of pennies left in her pocket on a humid day. Any time she put her hand in there the scent always came off strongly.

The room had none of that. If there was blood in a humid, poorly ventilated room like the one she stood in, it would be there. Considering the size of the stain on Lord Siemens' front, there should have been one.

"What in the commotion about?" Ciel entered the room. A robe was thrown over his nightclothes. Tanaka was behind him, calm and alert. Ciel rubbed his sleepy eye and raked it across the room until it landed on the body. Sleep escaped him. "Lord Siemens!"

Viola found it odd how he and Sebastian glanced at one another. They most likely knew what was going on as usual.

"Now that the master of the house is here, perhaps we should leave the room?" Lord Reginald suggested. His accent thickened in his panic. "We must leave everything undisturbed for the Yard to investigate."

"No, it'd be better if we moved the body now," said Baldroy. His face hardened, making it unreadable. "I can't say this any other way since there are women in the room. But meat rots faster than ya think. Even if we doused the fire now, the heat'll still get to 'im the longer he stays by the hearth."

"Rot…you say?" Irene echoed, whiter than a ghost. Poor woman. She wasn't expecting this to happen.

Arthur nodded. "It's as he says. It would be best to lay him in a cool, dark place until an expert examines him."

"Very well, then. Let's move him to the cellar until the Yard arrives," Sebastian decided. "Finny, bring a stretcher."

Finny ran off to do as he was told. He soon returned with on.

Viola watched them place the body on the stretcher. She stared at the body, bothered by the stain on his front. Everyone was quick to write him off as dead. Shock value often made people jump to conclusion. There was no way he was dead. But, he did look it.

Something's not right here. Call her paranoid, but she had a feeling there was something wrong with the evidence before her. She trusted this feeling of her's. More than once it saved her life. I'll have to wait until Scotland Yard gets here to learn more.

"I don't think the Yard will be showing up for awhile," Lau said. He brushed away the curtain to peer out the window into the dark. They all heard the harsh pelting of the rain against the glass. "Seeing as there is quite the storm outside."

"You mean we can't leave here either?" Woodley yelled, uneasy.

Lau did not lose his composure. "Why ask that now? We were all meant to stay over anyway."

"As if you can call this fine! I refuse to stay where a murder took place!"

"Indeed. We are surely on the shores of a deserted island right now. It also means that there is a good chance the killer is still inside the manor."

Thunder clapped overhead the manor. An ominous silence filled the room. A cold sweat broke out on the back of Viola's neck.

"Now that you mention it," said Grey, thoughtful. He swept his eyes to take in the people within, including the returned Baldroy and Finny. "If you think about logically, wouldn't the killer be one of us then?"

A collective gasp broke the silence. Viola knew this was coming, but she couldn't stop the cold spike of fear in her heart.

A stormy night, a house full of strangers, a dead body…

There was a killer on the loose and there was no one to cry to for help.

They were alone.

XXX

Aw, yeah! My favorite arc in Black Butler! I love this arc for so many reasons. One of them being that we get to see Sebastian in a less perfect way than usual. I find it weird how I always get to the arc that's just been animated. I'm doing this now that Book of Murder is up online and subbed. Same thing happened with Book of Circus. Not that I'm complaining! It helps me see what happens in the arc again so I can put my own spin on it. A very fun spin on it.

Please review!