Chapter Thirty Six
"Well, now that Mr. Wordsmith has left also, I will be starting preparations for lunch." Sebastian announced as though he didn't scare him away.
"Wait." Ciel ordered. "I assumed that you didn't mention it on purpose so I didn't say anything… But you haven't explained Phelps' murder yet."
"Ah! That's right." Sebastian remembered. "Actually, there was another uninvited guest."
What did you say?!" Ciel exclaimed.
"Since it was a bit sudden, I had him taken to this luxury suite." Sebastian told us as he pulled out a wooden crate from under the table.
"So the killer is in there?" I asked, ignoring Ciel's exclamations.
"Indeed, Miss Luna."
"…Show me what's inside." Ciel ordered.
"Are you sure about that?" Sebastian asked. He rarely ever asks that…
"Don't act so high and mighty, open it up!" Ciel ordered. Seriously, one day, his arrogance is going to get him killed…
I stood beside Ciel as Sebastian opened the crate. Suddenly, two snakes flew out of the crate. If it weren't for Sebastian's speed, I would have killed the snakes right there. I always have a blade with me, just in case there is an attack or anything of the sort.
Ciel almost stumbled on the floor out of shock too, but I helped keep him steady. Sebastian really should explain why it might be dangerous to do certain things…
"They seem to be extremely resentful towards the young master you see." The butler explained as he held the snakes. "That's why I asked you "Are you sure about that?"…"
I sighed and looked towards the crate. "Y-You're… Snake!"
"Master Phelps' true murderer… The 14th person really did exist, you know." Sebastian told us. "I had been cutting vegetables when I heard a snake slithering in the mansion. I went to your room immediately, young master, to find Master Phelps already bitten and dying. Following the sound of the snake, I arrived here, where several snakes attacked me. It was quite easy to restrain him though."
"Why is he here?" Ciel asked.
"The day after Black and Smile snuck into Joker and everyone's tent, they all disappeared." Snake said, no longer gagged. "It's definitely your fault! Says Wilde. That's why I followed Smile's scent, says Oscar."
To summarize his story, Snake went to the Phantomhive townhouse in London where he met Soma and Agni. The foolish prince then sent Snake here with gifts on the fastest horse carriage available. Snake then sneaked into the indoor garden to wait there until night.
"Those idiots!" Ciel swore. "What are they doing, escorting an assassin to me?"
"Not even we could have predicted this…" Sebastian tried to calm him down.
"Snake, you mentioned that their disappearance was Ciel and Sebastian's fault?" I asked.
Snake seemed to have finally realized that I was there. "Fighter? What are you doing here…?"
"Ciel here has granted me long term hospitality in his mansion which is why I am staying here. My real name is Luna."
"So… You're helping them… You helped them take my friends… My family away from me!"
I sighed. Ciel, Sebastian, please let me handle this."
"Luna, are you sure that…"
"About Joker and the others, they're safe." That stopped Snake immediately. "However, they have been capturing children and the three of us were sent to investigate that case."
"No way… Says Keats."
"Thankfully, they are now on probation period and are now working in my mansion." I continued. "But because only they are supposed to be there, though I can bring you to visit them from time to time, you'll have to stay here if you wish to see them again."
"Really? Says Oscar."
"Really. I entrust you to Sebastian and Ciel's care however, but since the Owen and Phantomhive families are now tied by bonds thicker than blood, my servants are Ciel's servants and Ciel's servants are my servants. In other words, you will be working together again. Speaking of which," I turned towards Ciel. "The Queen has given me permission to bring all of them here. May I?"
"As long as they don't cause more trouble. If they do, send them back," Ciel sighed before exiting the building with Sebastian. "We'll be waiting for you in the drawing room."
I turned back towards Snake and untied him. "I'm guessing that you'll probably be Ciel's footman… He doesn't have one yet." I told him. "Joker and the others will arrive in a few days, is that alright with you? They'll also be able to help you out with work since they already passed Sebastian's lessons with flying colors."
"Thank you… Fighter."
"You're welcome, Snake. But for now, since you're still not a member of the household…" I saw Koruru walking in the building. "Koruru! Come here please!"
She happily meowed and ran into my arms.
"Did you lie about not being able to speak? Says Wilde."
I blinked. "I regained my voice two weeks ago. It feels great to be able to talk again… Writing all the time was a bit annoying, especially when I couldn't write fast enough." I put Koruru down. "Snake, Koruru is bringing you to Sebastian, okay? And please listen to everything Sebastian says."
"I understand, says Oswald."
A few days later, the rest of the former circus members arrived. The reunion between them and Snake was quite tearful, and I was happy that I had been responsible for their present happiness. Joker seemed to have become more kind towards Beast and they all seem more free, in a way.
It was also the day of Sebastian's funeral. We went to the same church where Madame Red's funeral was held and had him buried in the same cemetery as well. Soma and Agni, as well as Elizabeth, had joined us on this very sad day.
On his gravestone was written: "Butler Sebastian Michaelis rests here."
We stood before the grave in silence, not knowing what to say. However, Elizabeth just pounced on Ciel just like she always did. "Ciel!"
"Wha-What?!"
"Sebastian is a liar! He's so cruel, promising that he would never leave Ciel by himself…"
Soma also joined in. "Don't cry Ciel! We'll be with you forever!"
"Forever and ever!" Elizabeth added as everyone else except for the former circus crew, Bardroy and I cry.
"For you to care so deeply makes both him and me happy." Ciel said sincerely, though I wonder how sincere he was. "Well, let's go back to the mansion."
Everyone began to leave, but I stood in front of his grave. I could feel a tear rolling on my cheek as well as loneliness and sadness. I know very well that he cannot die and that this is fake… So why? Why am I so sad at the thought of him dying, of losing him even though this is just a fiasco?
The bell beside the gravestone began to chime, bringing me back to reality. I felt my tear dry and a bit of warmth coming from my chest. I watched numbly as the others hurriedly dug out Sebastian. When he rose from the "dead", I only had eyes for him. More tears began to pour as the others rejoice so I stayed away from them. I watched Tanaka return the pin to Sebastian and looked on as the demon pledged himself to Ciel again.
As people began to leave after witnessing the "miracle", Sebastian came in front of me.
"Why are you crying, Qingzhu?" He asked me as he wiped away my tears.
"I don't know, but… I… I'm glad that you didn't die back then… That you really aren't going to stay six foot under forever. I don't know what's gotten over me, really…"
"Your feelings have always been sincere, Qingzhu. For that, I am glad." Sebastian told me. "Now, it is not becoming of a lady to cry in a happy time like this." He handed me a tissue. "You will receive your title in two days after all."
"Thank you, Sebastian."
Those two days came and went quite fast and before I knew it, I was getting ready for the ceremony that is to take place that later that morning. Madame Hopkins had come prepared and made me a beautiful gown. It was dark violet, much like the stones on the Owen family ring. However, it also had royal blue hems and ribbons.
Beast/Bertha and Doll (we have never been able to call her Dolly) braided my hair and let some strands remain while the others were gathered in a bun. Blue roses and violets were put in my hair. Finally, I wore a necklace bearing the family crest and the family ring. It was time to depart.
Only Bertha, Jo, Snake and Sebastian accompanied Ciel and I. The servants remained in a different carriage however, as to not taint our names.
"Are you nervous about the ceremony?" Ciel asked me.
"Somewhat, I guess. The Owen family has never dwelled long in the underworld, yet I am your ward, the Queen's watchdog's ward." I looked out the window. "With me as the Countess, my family will have a place in the underworld next to yours. I am uncertain of the consequences that may bring on my descendants. Speaking of which, since I am your ward, does it mean that all of my suitors must have your permission, even after I am decorated?"
"Until you are of age, which is twenty one years old. However, I do not doubt that many men will come after you for your lands and riches. As long as I am able to, I will protect you from them. By the way, what about Edward Middleford?"
"We still exchange letters, but I don't think that he will still try to win my hand. We are good friends now though." I smiled.
"I am glad that we have become friends." I told him truthfully. "You have become like a younger brother to me and I do not know how I will handle not being by your side everyday like that. No offense, but I have come to see myself more as a Phantomhive than an Owen."
"Have you spoken of that with the Queen?" Ciel asked curiously. "I know that she seems to have taken a liking to you."
"I have hinted towards it and the Queen has told me that I cannot become a member of your family since both of us are the only remaining members unless…" I took a deep breath. "We combine our titles and lands by marriage. Since you are already engaged and like a younger sibling, that cannot be done."
"Perhaps we should think about it more then." Ciel suggested. "However, know that to I, the Head of the Phantomhive family, you are a Phantomhive. Our families have now been tied by bonds thicker than blood. No matter how you look at it, you are a Phantomhive."
"Thank you, brother."
Ciel smiled.
"But there is something else that is bothering me, to be truthful." I admitted.
"What is it?"
"My mo… No, Angela. She didn't appear this time, but until we can find her and assure ourselves that she is no longer a threat… Pluto was her pet too. What if she did something to you because of your contract and how close we are?"
"That would bring trouble for sure." Ciel told me. "I doubt that Sebastian would be unable to deal with it, but it's true that we haven't been very careful lately. I'll inform Sebastian later."
And so, the carriage door was opened and Sebastian helped Ciel and I down the steps before we entered Buckingham Palace. Bertha wore a dress that I lent her, making her quite presentable. Jo and Sebastian just wore their normal clothes. As for Ciel, he wore the outfit and sabre prepared specially for audiences with the Queen.
The servants stayed behind, in the hallway, whereas Ciel joined the Middlefords inside. I myself stood in the back of the room, waiting for my name to be called.
"Luna Owen Phantomhive!"
Murmurs rose inside the crowd as I numbly walked towards Her Majesty Queen Victoria. I curtsied deeply so that Ciel, my guardian, could put the cape Charles Phipps held on me. Then, Queen Victoria rose from her seat and put around my neck a heavy golden chained necklace.
"Welcome back, Countess Owen Phantomhive." She told me, smiling. "We warmly welcome your return."
Everyone in the room roared in applause and a good number of greetings later, only the servants, Ciel, the Queen, her butlers and I remained.
"As the first ward of the Phantomhive family, I have deemed it preferable that you take on the Phantomhive name as well as your own." The Queen told me. "You have become the hawk that helps the watchdog keep the underworld in check. I await great things from you, Luna."
"Your Majesty." I bowed. "It is an honor."
"Now, go on." She waved us away. "I am quite certain that there are many who wish to rejoice with you later on."
We left London a bit later and were greeted warmly upon our arrival in the mansion. The servants had prepared a feast that the Middlefords (whom Sebastian had contacted) and we have greatly enjoyed. As I have told Ciel, Edward and I are simply friends and I am glad to say that I have been able to make him acknowledge Ciel more.
After they left in late afternoon, most of the servants went to clean whereas Ciel returned to work. As for me, I changed from my clothes for the ceremony into another midnight blue Chinese robe. I took out the violets from my hair as well as the family ring and necklace. No matter how I look at it, I am a Phantomhive first and an Owen second, even though I knew myself as "Owen" for over fifteen years…
Koruru greeted me in the rose garden happily, but instead of staying with me, she walked away, trying to lead me somewhere. Curious (curiosity killed the cat, I know), I followed her but I lost her once I reached the gazebo. Someone else was waiting for me there though.
"Sebastian, I thought that you were cleaning with the others."
"I was, but I finished my part early." The demon butler told me. "Congratulations on becoming a Phantomhive."
"Thank you. To be truthful, I don't think that I ever wanted to become a Countess."
"Your case is quite unique, and your prestigious family is one that many nobles wish to see survive." He told me as I went beside him. "That is not what I came to see you for, however."
I blinked. "Oh? What is it? Is it about Angela?"
He took out something from a pocket. "No, but there is something that I would like to give you. No, I believe that "return to you" would be more suitable." He opened his hand, revealing a pure white jade ring and a black jade ring. The same rings as the ones from my past life…
"这是父亲给我的全家之宝。一个是给新娘，另一个是给新郎。我带着这戒指也已经有十年了。请你把着些给黑魔。告诉他我就先走了。"
I took the white ring and put it on the middle finger of my right hand, leaving the other ring untouched. "Thank you for taking care of these. They are very important to me."
"So I gathered, but don't you want this one as well?" Sebastian took the ring in his hand.
I shook my head fervently. "No, you can keep it. Thank you for returning this, and I'll go on a ride so… Bye!"
After I deemed it far enough, I ran towards the stables with all my might. Luckily for me, Peter and Wendy weren't there, so no one could question me why I was blushing so hard. I took a stallion and we were soon in the forest surrounding the manor.
After a good twenty minutes, I got off my horse and lied on the ground of the clearing. I was such an idiot… Why didn't I take back that ring?! That could have saved me this embarrassment… Not that Sebastian knew the meaning of the rings. The other one who knew was Father and I doubt that he would be visiting anytime soon.
But still… He kept those rings, even after all these years… He kept them and made sure that their condition didn't change from the day he received them… And now, knowing that he is probably holding on the other ring, I felt strangely happy and at peace…