So… definitely the manga version, thought Eleanor.

Her memories weren't perfect of the story, but she knew that much. If a hellhound or white haired lady named Angela showed up before the curry competition, then they were following the events of the anime. As neither had appeared, Eleanor could only conclude that they were following the manga's story.

Which meant the Circus thing was up next.

Urk.

She remembered exactly three things about the Circus: One: Joker was Sam's "husbando" and should not have met such a tragic end. Two: Sebastian slept with someone to get information. Three: "They were tricked."

She did not remember who was tricked or how, only that it made one of her friends cry, and Sam start moaning about his poor Joker.

Therefore, Eleanor could conclude this: Joker was probably one of the people tricked and he had a tragic fate.

Oh, and it was all somehow related to a circus.

This should be fun.

(✹)

"Oh, do come in… pardon the mess, I was making some dolls."

"Dolls? I didn't realize you were into toy-making," Eleanor commented as she stepped into the dimly lit funeral parlor. Snake quietly shut the door behind her, keeping outside to ensure no one would intrude.

The Undertaker only smiled in response. He only used candles as his light source, resulting in ghastly shadows flickering around. Eleanor could certainly see why some would find the funeral—and reaper—creepy.

Eleanor gave the reaper a wary look, a thought occurring to her. "You aren't… you aren't a necrophiliac, right?"

He stared at her in disbelief then started to howl with laughter. "HAHAHAHAHAHA. OH HUMANS. OHOHOHAHAHAHEHEHE."

The Undertaker laughed for a long time, gasping and clutching at his gut. Eleanor peered at the man, uncertain what spurred his reaction. He could have an odd sense of humor at times. When he finally stopped giggling, he wiped the tears away from his vibrant green eyes and said, "Oh, thank you for that."

"You're welcome?"

"It's been a while since I've laughed that hard, so I'll give you a piece of information I'm sure you'd like. The Angel's Sword isn't really meant for cutting—it's a way to engorge."

"What?" she said blandly. "Engorge?"

"Souls are immortal. Even a demon cannot destroy one," he said. "So how do they eat a soul?"

Dubious, Eleanor admitted, "I have no idea."

"It would be more accurate to say they eat the aura given off by a soul," he explained. "A soul's experience and memories define the energy put off by it."

"So… souls are kind of like mini stars?" Eleanor hesitated.

"Mmmmmm if stars were immortal, that would be one analogy," he said.

"Okay…" Eleanor rubbed at her forehead. "So then… when you mean engorge… the sword puts off an aura? A soul's aura?"

He smiled.

Engorge—it means to swell or eat in excess. In this context, I'd be inclined to think the ladder. Hmm… Maybe like the Patronus spell?

Harry Potter was pretty big in all of her lives, so she had seen the movies plenty of times. There were soul-sucking creatures in the movies that could only be repelled by feeding off a spell called the Patronus charm.

Huh.

Something to think about, at least.

(✹)

February, 1889

Ciel

"It's time to wake up, young master," said Sebastian as he pulled the curtains aside in Ciel's bedroom.

Ciel's brow furrowed briefly.

Sebastian carefully poured a cup of warm tea on the cart he had wheeled into the Phantomhive master bedroom as Ciel slowly sat up. The young lord rubbed at his forehead, still groggy. He stretched his arms over his head and yawned.

Sebastian offered Ciel a cup of tea. Ciel accepted the porcelain cup, staring tiredly down at the amber liquid inside. He gave it a sniff it before drinking. "Ceylon?"

"Sharp as ever. I brought you Ringtons today," said Sebastian, handing Ciel the newspaper as well.

Ciel quietly read the paper, sipping the tea as Sebastian prepared his clothes. Once Ciel was done with his cup of tea, Sebastian assisted in dressing him and read him his schedule. "Today you have a dance lesson with Mrs. Mayerl in the morning. After lunch, you'll check over proposals from the Funtom Company's toy and confectionary divisions, as well as what Lady Eleanor has submitted for future investments. At six o'clock, you'll meet with Mr. Cedric Brandel of the Brandel Tea Company and Mr. Laugh of the trading company Kunlun."

"Brandel Tea?" probed Ciel.

"They're planning a tea salon and want to sell toys made from Funtom."

"Mn… I don't like this, Sebastian."

"It would be considered poor taste to cancel a meeting the day of."

"Not that. The dance lesson. Do I really need to—?"

"Ah~ you want Lady Eleanor to lead you around at the Queen's Ball next month, don't you?"

Ciel glared. "Tch. Don't be snide."

Sebastian smiled. "Then the dance lesson will continue as scheduled."

"Hmph."

Sebastian tapped on his chin. "There is one more thing."

Ciel peered at his butler. "Yes?"

"Lady Eleanor requested you take her to a circus."

"What?"

(✹)

Eleanor

Eleanor wiped the sweat from her brow. She had engaged in a light sparring match with Charles Grey when the attendant came to deliver a letter. The chilly courtyard air made ideal weather for a quick match.

"A draw this time, I think," he said.

"Yes," agreed Eleanor. Perhaps if they had more time they could have ascertained a victor, but Charles had other matters to attend to. He couldn't stay for long in the first place.

Charles Phipps, a fellow attendant of the queen, hurriedly offered Charles Grey a handkerchief. He looked over at Eleanor. He stiffly said, "That was an impressive bout."

"Thank you," she said. She cocked her head. She had only ever met with Charles Phipps in passing.

Where Charles Grey was, perhaps, chaotic, Charles Phipps was pristine. Both were excellent attendants, but Grey was more inclined to interpret the rules whereas Phipps was very literal.

Eleanor preferred Grey's company to Phipps, however, because Grey was most comfortable with her. Grey viewed her as a dame first, lady second.

Phipps was the opposite; a traditionalist. He protested heavily when Charles Grey suggested a spar, and appeared to be deeply uncomfortable watching them.

"She's a beast," said Charles Grey appreciatively, pale blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "You should schedule a spar with her, Phipps. You'd learn a lot."

Phipps shifted awkwardly. He cleared his throat. "We should be going now, Grey. We shouldn't be late."

"Yes, yes," said Charles, waving his hand dismissively. "Are you free next weekend, Dame?"

"As far as I'm aware," said Eleanor.

"Would you mind coming down to the academy with your father? I saw the recruits last weekend and I think they'd benefit from your guidance."

Eleanor blushed. "I don't know if I could provide better guidance than my mother—"

"Your mother is a terrifying woman," scoffed Charles. "She'd eat them alive!"

"And I wouldn't?" Eleanor smiled.

"Well," he said pensively, "I think they'd mind it a lot less if it were you."

Phipps turned a bright shade of red while Eleanor guffawed. She lightly scuffed the back of his head. "You cheeky brat. Get on with your errand before I challenge you to a shootout."

Charles Grey grinned in good nature. "As you say, Dame."

"Good day, Dame," demurred Phipps.

"My lady," said Snake, stepping into the courtyard. The three knights turned to look at Snake: Eleanor because she was called, Charles Grey because he was curious, and Charles Phipps because he was distracted by the giant snake casually draped across Snake's shoulders. "Lord Phantomhive is here to escort you."

"Escort me?" Eleanor echoed in surprise. "Wait, Ciel's in London?"

Charles Grey nudged Eleanor with his elbow. "Lucky you! Your reclusive fiancé bothered to come out and see you. Maybe the world's ending."

Eleanor stepped on his foot. "Petulant child."

"How could you treat your friend like this?" playfully complained Charles. "And here I was prepared to offer to be your escort for this Season."

"Ciel could be my escort—"

"He wasn't last year."

Eleanor grabbed Charles' cheeks and pulled them apart.

"Ow, ow, ow," he whined.

"You're going to make the wrong kind of enemy with manners like that," she warned, her lavender eyes bright with teasing. "Behave yourself."

She let him go. Charles Grey rubbed at his cheeks, still smiling. "Where's the fun in that? Come on, Phipps, let's get out of here before the chihuahua tries to piss on the dame."

"Tries to what—?" Phipps' face flushed red as Charles Grey started to pull him away.

Eleanor shook her head while she watched them leave. It was hard to get truly upset with Charles Grey. He was one of her few friends in this world; someone she could comfortably train with and who treated her as a genuine equal. His status made him an ideal partner for her when Ciel and Edward could not attend gatherings that required her presence.

Some might have raised an eyebrow at an engaged lady attending parties with a single man, but any who met Charles Grey would throw that thought out. It was an open secret that the Grey family had repeatedly tried to arrange a marriage for Charles Grey, but the knight chased off every girl within the first meeting or two. He had a way of getting under their skin.

Eleanor was no exception—he knew the quickest way to nettle her was to poke fun at her dearest companion, Ciel.

The difference between Eleanor and the others was that Eleanor was capable—and willing—to punish him when he went too far.

That was also well known among important social circles. Outside his mother and the queen, Eleanor Midford was one of the few who could reign in Charles Grey.

Consequently, when some people saw them together, they did not think Charles Grey was escorting Eleanor Midford.

They thought Eleanor Midford was babysitting Charles Grey on behalf of so and so.

(Which, admittedly, was the case for at least two parties in the past year—requested by Lady Grey herself.)

Snake helped Eleanor pull on a heavier coat—she had taken it off; only wearing her loose long-sleeved blouse during the spar—and tidied up her hair. She and Snake met with Ciel and Sebastian at the front entrance. Ciel was talking quietly with Francis.

"It is already quite late in the day to be going out," said Francis reproachfully, her eyes narrowed.

"The event was not held until evening, my lady," smoothly returned Ciel. "Rest assured, Eleanor will be fine."

Francis sniffed. "I should expect so. Eleanor—"

Eleanor stepped up to her mother, carefully placing a hand on her arm. "Thank you for your concern, Mother."

Francis's brow creased. "Do be careful, dear."

"Yes, Mother," promised Eleanor. Ciel offered his arm to her and she hooked her arm through his.

The two left, Sebastian stepped ahead of them to open the carriage, Snake walked behind them.

"So where are we going?" asked Eleanor once she was seated.

"Noah's Ark Circus," said Ciel.

Eleanor gasped. "Oh my, truly?"

"You're the one who wanted to see the circus," he said. "Why are you surprised?"

"I guess a part of me didn't expect you to follow up on it," she admitted, smiling. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. I'm investigating the circus. I'm using you as part of my cover."

"Investigating?"

"Yes. Many children are missing from the towns they've visited. None have been found."

A chill ran down Eleanor's spine.

Could the circus be related to the cult?

"Any leads?" she asked.

"Only confirmation that they're still alive," he said.

"Then time is of the essence."

"Yes," he agreed. There was a pause. "Are you ready?"

"Always."

"Even if—"

"Always."

(✹)

Eleanor kept her arm hooked through Ciel's left arm so he could continue to use his cane with his right hand. She had grown accustomed to walking on Ciel's left side to accommodate his cane.

She looked around the bustling grounds with wide eyes. There were families, couples, and all sorts mingling with booths and members of the Circus. It was a very lively affair, reminiscent of a festival but on a smaller scale.

Not as grand as some of the balls she had attended, but much more relaxed.

"I've never been to a circus," she whispered to Ciel.

"I had to attend one in Germany with a partner," answered Ciel. "You aren't missing much."

The main tent was as big as a ballroom and a deep shade of blue. Inside there were lanterns and chandeliers. It looked far more extravagant than what Eleanor had expected. She marveled at how well put together it was, wondering if all circuses were like this.

There was an exciting feel to the air, an infectious cheer that Eleanor found difficult to resist. It reminded her of what it felt like to be at a concert minutes before the opening act.

"You're uncharacteristically honest with your feelings today," remarked Ciel.

Eleanor's cheeks warmed from embarrassment. "Am I that obvious?"

"Like a toddler given a candy for the first time," he said.

Eleanor used the back of her spare hand to cover her mouth, glancing away as her face grew hotter.

"Let's sit here," said Ciel, picking a spot down one of the rows with plenty of room to accommodate them. Ciel and Eleanor sat beside each other with Sebastian next to Ciel and Snake on Eleanor's other side.

Eleanor was surprised at how clean the seats were. She would have expected them to be unpleasant—or at least similar to movie seater thoughts—but they were smooth and shiny.

Everything was beautiful. She had only ever seen pictures of circuses in history books, and heard second-hand horror stories about them. She never imagined they could be so… lovely. The performers clearly cared about their work to not only create such a magnificent tent, but to even ensure the seats were well-tended to in between performances.

The lights dimmed a few minutes after the four of them had sat down.

A spotlight abruptly shone down on a young man with long red hair tied in a spiky ponytail. He wore an interesting costume. His outfit consisted of a yellow bow, a purple cape trimmed with gold, a black and white checkered shirt, long black shorts with diamonds on the seam, and black and white boots that reach to the knees and curl at the toes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to Noah's Ark Circus!" he exclaimed. Upon further inspection, Eleanor noticed his right hand appeared to be a skeletal prosthetic.

They have those this early? Interesting.

Eleanor wasn't sure when prosthetics were invented, but she didn't think such an intricately designed one could have been easily replicated in the time period.

Magic, perhaps? Was the man related to some otherworldly being? Or did this world have a genius doctor?

The man began to juggle many small brightly colored balls. "My name is Joker."

Joker?!

The balls fell onto his head as bowed, eliciting laughter from the audience. "Pleased to meet 'ee!"

I didn't expect to see Joker so soon. Eleanor subconsciously leaned forward with sharp interest. She assessed Joker, her gaze lingering on his prosthetic.

Tragic… he's missing a hand. Does that correlate to his tragic downfall? It's definitely a unique hand. How did he lose it? How did he acquire the replacement?

"Tonight," continued Joker, "you'll see performances to stun and amaze 'ee. And now, with a great entrance from our fire-breathing Jumbo, the show of the century begins!"

And so the show began with Ciel, Sebastian, Eleanor, and Snake intently watching.

Ciel quietly murmured, "All standard acts."

"They don't appear to be forcing the children to perform," quietly agreed Sebastian.

"Could it be a coincidence that the disappearances were along the circus's route?" pondered Ciel.

"Could be used as a smuggling cover," Eleanor pointed out, her mind stewing over the bits and pieces of what she knew. "The ones performing may not even know."

"But for what purpose?" asked Ciel. "They aren't in the underworld, nor have their bodies been found by regular society. Smuggling implies a market."

"Our reach is not all-encompassing, there could be a new market that came up," Eleanor reasoned. "They may not even be in England anymore."

"No, the ports are under my control. None of the children went through them."

Eleanor pursed her lips as she thought. There weren't that many uses for abducted children. Most were too young for physical labor. Abducted children were usually used for organ donation, sex, cult, or ransom. None of the children stolen belonged to wealthy families, which eliminated ransom. If Ciel's network hadn't found the children, then they were clearly still alive, which eliminated organ donation.

Which meant sex trafficking or cult.

Eleanor did not want to think it was the former, but she also did not want to think about the ladder.

Either way those children…

Eleanor felt a thread of nausea curl inside her, large hands reaching forward, grabbing her, holding her—

She shuddered, unintentionally leaning into Ciel's side.

If they could find them, and save them, they would be in for a very long recovery.

She found it difficult to enjoy the performance anymore.

(✹)

When a beautiful beast tamer came out with a tiger, Sebastian's eyes sparkled with love—or at least as much love a demon could give. Joker and the tamer asked for a volunteer and Sebastian gleefully accepted the chance to approach the tiger.

Who bit him on the head.

The performance ended shortly after that and Joker invited Sebastian to visit their doctor before leaving.

As that was a good chance for Sebastian to investigate, he accepted while Snake, Ciel, and Eleanor returned to the carriage.

They only had to wait thirty minutes until the demon returned to them, relaying that he did not find the children.

"There's obviously some kind of connection. We might need to go undercover then," murmured Ciel.

"I'm the most sensible option to infiltrate," Eleanor reasonably pointed out.

Snake stiffened beside Eleanor. He was not one to disagree with Eleanor often, careful to remain stoic in many circumstances. The thought of his lady going undercover, however, made him frown. That was the Snake equivalent of vehemently protesting.

Ciel pursed his lips, his face souring. "I—"

"—have asthma," she said flatly. "You also have no training in acrobatics or self-defense outside using a gun."

"The lady is right, young master," Sebastian said.

Ciel let out a slow breath. "I am Lord Phantomhive—"

"And I am part of that family," she argued. "Don't be daft. Use your head and pick the logical choice."

He tapped his cane against the floor in irritation. "Fine."

"Then I'll when I go home I'll let Mother know I'm helping with an investigation—"

"Sebastian, you infiltrate with her," Ciel loudly ordered.

Eleanor and Sebastian both had looks of intense displeasure.

Sebastian was quick to say, "I don't believe that will be necessary—"

"I don't need him—"

"Enough," Ciel snapped. "It's your turn to use your head. You're infiltrating enemy territory. Going in alone is daft."

"Snake—"

"Cannot guarantee your safety," he cut in.

Eleanor's cheeks turned red. "I am not weak."

"I never said you were. You want me to be logical, I return the same demand of you."

She bit hard on her bottom lip, swallowing back her frustration. With great reluctance, she jerked her head to Sebastian and nodded once. "Let's… get… along."

He smiled cordially. "I look forward to working with you, my lady."

(✹)

The following day

Ciel

Eleanor and Sebastian would attend the Circus tryouts that day. Meanwhile, Snake would stay with Ciel while the Earl attended his business.

Snake was an excellent butler. He lacked the demonic advantage of Sebastian, but Ciel found no flaw in how Snake served him. He was punctual, brewed excellent tea, knew how to drive the carriage, and most important of all: was silent.

His silence garnered Ciel's appreciation more than anything. Sebastian could be irritatingly snarky.

Eleanor and Sebastian left before Ciel and Snake. It had been a while since Ciel was able to sleep in—Sebastian would have spitefully woken up Ciel regardless if Ciel needed to be up or not. Snake was kinder in that regard, only waking Ciel an hour and a half before he had to be at his appointment.

That day, Ciel had two appointments. The first was to evaluate one of toy shops he was opening up later that month, the second was with an upcoming merchant.

The first appointment passed by smoothly. Everything was in order, and the inspection was only a cursory obligation.

The second appointment, however…

Arthur Cluseberry was an upcoming British merchant. He had made several successful endeavors and rose to a wealthy status within only a few years. He was known as an ambitious, traditional man.

His keen business savvy had proved well for him. Ciel was interested in acquiring that mind for his own use.

He normally would have sent Eleanor for the initial visit—she had better people skills than he—or at least asked her to accompany him. Given that was not an option anymore, he had to go in person alone.

Arthur Cluseberry had a nice home. Certainly upper middle-class, but not yet at the scale of nobility.

If all things went well that would change for him.

At least he served good tea, thought Ciel. The two were discussing business in the parlor room. Snake stood silently behind Ciel, stiff-backed and promptly pouring Ciel's tea whenever his cup was low.

Things were going well until a girl came in. She looked close to Ciel's age with bright eyes and shiny black hair. She was too well dressed to be a maid, and so Ciel could only conclude she was the Cluseberry's daughter.

The man smiled. "Before I forget, please let me introduce you to my youngest daughter, Ruby."

Ciel glanced at the girl who curtsied before him. He gave her a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Ruby is about your age," he said. "You'll find she's very intelligent for her age."

Boasting parent? Ciel calmly sipped his tea. It wasn't uncommon. Proud parents would look for any excuse to brag about their children. Ciel did not begrudge them of that; it was no different than a huntsman boasting about a particularly difficult kill, or a collector gushing about their prized possessions. It was all part of idle chatter.

Polite conversation.

It was one of the big reasons why Ciel gladly let Eleanor handle the public relations. Making small talk for ten minutes tired him out more than a two-hour trail ride.

Ciel half-listened to the man prattle about his daughter, wondering when he should cut in to leave.

"—and I thought you might consider her a great partner—"

"Sir," Ciel sharply cut in. "I am already engaged. I've no interest in another partner."

Arthur's face morphed into that of pity. "Yes, I've heard about… Lady Eleanor Midford. That's exactly why I'm introducing Ruby to you, my lord."

Ciel's eyebrows rose. "Hooo?"

"While being a dame could be considered an honor, it's not really suitable for one of such noble standing, don't you agree? A good lady shouldn't need to wield a weapon; they should be managing the house. That's why you've never been able to attend many social gatherings, isn't it? Instead, she goes. Meanwhile, you're the one stuck at home doing her job," Arthur fretted. "Ruby's a good girl, she won't ever cause you a fuss. And most importantly—" Arthur gave his daughter a look.

Ruby's lips curled. "Most importantly, I can assure you, my lord, I haven't been tainted—"

Ciel lowered his teacup delicately onto the saucer. His noble upbringing would not allow his stoic poker face to slip so easily. No matter how cruel his thoughts turned. "Pardon me, but are you calling my fiancée impure or something?"

"Oh, beg my daughter's pardon, my lord. Is it possible you didn't know?"

Ciel's only visible eye narrowed. He fought to keep the sharpness out of his voice as he flatly asked, "Know what?"

"One of our maids is sisters with a maid at the Midford family," Ruby hurried to explain. "According to her, the dame is sullied."

"Sullied," Ciel repeated softly. Snake stiffened beside him. Ciel had to applaud the butler for maintaining his composure. It likely helped that half of his face was hidden behind the thick scarf Eleanor had purchased for him that winter. Snake wasn't fond of the cold and Eleanor had a habit of doting on the servants. All of them received scarves, mittens, hats, and new coats every winter.

Ciel wondered if the merchant would have been so bold if he could see Snake's entire face—see his scales that made him stand out in high society as Eleanor's butler.

"I can see why the Midford family would be reluctant to disclose that to you, my lord, but it's a dishonor to you," Arthur said, shaking his head. "A noble such as yourself wouldn't want… well… used goods as a wife."

"I see," said Ciel, expressionless and monotone. "You have left me with much to think about, Mr. Cluseberry. I'll take my leave here."

Arthur Cluseberry beamed. "Of course, my lord. Thank you for your time."

"No," said Ciel. "Thank you. You have helped me make a quick decision."

The merchant looked positively elated as Ciel and Snake left.

As soon as the two reached the carriage, Ciel quietly said, "You are her butler. Were you unaware of the wagging tongues?"

Snake had only barely managed to keep his poker face inside, but as soon as Ciel asked that question he briefly lost control. Dark rage burned in his gaze as he clenched his hands into fists. He mutely shook his head, his jaw clenched tightly.

"Deal with it," ordered Ciel.

"Yes, my lord."

(✹)

Earlier that day

Eleanor

"Well I did say I would be bringing along a boy," said Sebastian with great cheer as he woke Eleanor up before dawn.

"You were going to make Ciel infiltrate?" she whispered, aghast as she easily got out of bed. She was more of a morning person than Ciel and was perfectly comfortable getting up before the sun.

"No," he said, smiling again.

Eleanor closed her eyes. "Did you bring my wig?"

"I did."

"And binders?"

"Yes."

"You're going to have to assist me in putting the binders on. I had Snake do it last time," she muttered reluctantly.

"As you wish, my lord."

"Why do I get the feeling you're dragging this out for your own amusement?"

Sebastian smiled. "You say the funniest things, my lord."

"You're as mischievous as a kitten," she accused.

Sebastian's red eyes sparkled with mirth.

(✹)

Disguised as a pauper boy, Eleanor went to the circus with Sebastian. Her binders were uncomfortable, and her scalp itched under her wig, but she refrained from messing with either of them.

It was a chilly spring in London, giving Eleanor ample excuse to help hide her figure under a patchwork coat.

Sebastian presented Eleanor to Joker. The red-haired showman was flanked by other members of the circus who were interested in the potential new members.

"What a lovely little sprog. A boy, you say?" asked Joker.

"Yes," Eleanor confirmed. "I handled the stables. My name is, er, Nor."

"That's a weird name," said Joker as he approached Eleanor. He leaned in to examine her. Upon closer inspection of the ringleader, Eleanor noticed he had a snaggletooth and deep indigo eyes. "Well, I'll give 'ee a stage name if 'ee passes. Art 'ee a boy, though?"

"Yes," she lied.

Joker frowned. "Just being adorable—"

Eleanor's cheeks tinged red. Adorable? Me? Come now, that's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?

"—won't see thee through. We must do tricks, too. What's your specialty?"

"I've been told I'm good with a sword," she said slyly. "I'm athletic and dexterous, so perhaps a jack of all trades."

"That's a high bar," he said approvingly. "Are 'ee ready for all those tests?"

"Most certainly," she said.

Joker smiled. "'Ee certainly have the confidence. Let's start."

(✹)

Joker only put her through one test: knife throwing. It wasn't something a skill Eleanor often used, but it was still part of her weekly routine training. She wanted to be deadly with any weapon within reach at any range. She preferred rapiers and guns, but she refused to be helpless without them.

She refused to be helpless period.

She sunk each dagger into the target, first aiming for the knees, then the elbows, and finally the neck.

Joker whistled. "Certainly vicious, ain't 'ee?"

"Vicious?" Eleanor repeated.

"Most people just go for the head," he said, nodding to the target. "Quick and easy. Merciful."

Eleanor glanced at the target. She hadn't put much thought behind it, only aiming for the same parts she would in practice. "I see. Have I passed the entrance test?"

Joker smiled. "'Ee look strong and 'ee did well with the knives. Okay, only one thing left."

"One thing?" Eleanor asked, tilting her head.

Joker gestured to his curled lips. "A smile!"

Eleanor forced a polite smile on her face.

"No, no, bigger!"

With a grimace, Eleanor grinned.

"Bravo!"

(✹)

With the testing completed, Joker lead Sebastian and Eleanor to a bulky tent near the back of the circus. Inside were trunks of cloth, accessories, and old costumes. There were two ladies situated at a long table. One was bent over, carefully examining what looked like an extravagant outfit that had been torn apart. The other lady looked up and beamed. "'Ello J!"

"Good morning, Mary," Joker cheerfully greeted. "Need costumes for these two. Newly recruited today."

"Easy enough," said the woman. "Come in, come in."

There wasn't much change to Sebastian's outfit—the woman adored his suit and thought it too rich to swap out—except he got a little face paint and a skull bow tie. Eleanor's pauper attire was entirely replaced with a white and purple showman costume. It felt a little uncomfortable to wear, and it was far too thin for the cold day.

All the more reason Eleanor was grateful she had gone instead of Ciel. He would have had a miserable time.

"All 'ee need now are some stagenames," said Joker. "'Ee be Black." He nodded to Sebastian. "And 'ee should be… Squire."

Eleanor blinked. "Squire?"

"'Ee looks 'ee could be a knight when 'ee grow up," explained Joker with a charming smile.

Eleanor couldn't resist smiling at the irony.

Now dressed for the circus, Joker decided it was time to give them a proper tour and introduce them to the others.

"Now I'll give 'ee a quick backstage tour. Follow me," said Joker, marching confidently through the tents. A cold breeze passed through them, causing an involuntary shiver from Eleanor. Despite the chilly weather and lack of guests, the circus was abuzz with many members moving about and chatting. No one paid the small group any heed as Joker gave them the tour.

"Firs', the tents 'ee'll be sleeping in." Joker opened up one of the tents to reveal a cramped space with bunk beds, dirty clothes, and empty booze bottles. Eleanor's nose twitched at the stench. "This group of tents s'where the "second-stringers" live—stage-hands and newcomers and such. They sleep 'bout two, three, to a tent.

Joker gestured to the opposite side. "Over there's where we eat, and where we store the food. Cookin's a big part of the job while 'ee be new, so work hard. Furthest down the line is the infirmary, where Black was yesterday. And pas' here are the priva'e tents for the main cast."

"So is your tent among them?" asked Eleanor.

"Ah, how direct," teased Joker. "Mm-hmm. But it's off-limits to little ones like you."

"What about big ones like Black?" Eleanor slyly asked. Sebastian's lips twitched.

Joker whistled.

Instead of answering that, Joker stopped and turned around to face them.

"That reminds me—Squire, how'd 'ee get those scars?" Joker gestured to his own lower back. Eleanor's cheeks flushed. She had been careful to make sure her binders weren't seen, and her wig stayed on while she dressed. She hadn't been able to hide some of her… older injuries. "'Ee okay to perform with those?"

"They don't hinder my movements," Eleanor said, keeping her tone even despite her desire to snap.

She hated it when others saw her… saw those marks.

Her shame.

It made her sick to her stomach having to even verbally acknowledge their existence. She hadn't talked about them out loud with anyone in… in years. Not since the last doctor examined them to make sure they weren't infected. Her family knew better than to bring it up.

Yet that man—

"I'm fine. I survived," she lied with great effort.

Joker's demeanor softened. He reached forward, placing his skeletal prosthetic hand on her face. Eleanor's entire body froze at the contact. "Oh… Poor thing, with 'ee so young. I'm sorry if I stirred up bad memories." He showed off his hand and smiled wyrly. "We're all a li'l broken here. 'Ee shouldn't feel the nee' to hide it, we're family here."

Eleanor swallowed roughly, her expression that of stiff politeness the moment he touched her. It took a considerable amount of effort not to slap his hand away. She and Sebastian were undercover, which meant they needed to be friendly and accommodating. That was why she did not shove Joker away, or why Sebastian did not stop Joker from touching her in the first place.

They needed to be inconspicuous and amicable.

No matter how much Eleanor detested the sudden contact.

He might have had good intentions, but Eleanor wanted none of it.

Shouldn't feel the need to hide it?

She wanted to bitterly laugh at that.

Shouldn't, he had said. Shouldn't. What a word!

She shouldn't have them in the first place.

She shouldn't have needed to conceal them after the fact.

She shouldn't have to work so damn hard just to live past eighteen.

What a meaningless word.

"Family," she said, "is very precious."

Joker beamed at her. "I couldn't agree more." He continued through the circus, keeping a hand on Eleanor's shoulder that she had to resist brushing off.

Certainly a friendly man.

If they were actually friends Eleanor would have been over the moon about having such an affectionate companion. But right then he was a stranger, worse, a potential enemy. Eleanor was stiffly uncomfortable with his proximity, and her fingers yearned to feel the comforting hilt of her rapier or pistol.

"Did all the players join up during your travels, like us?" Sebastian asked.

Joker let out an mmm. "Most, yes, but we first-stringers all come from the same place. We're childhood friends, like."

"Childhood friends?"

"Yep!"

"That's sweet," said Eleanor. "You've been together all this time? You're very loyal."

Joker's cheeks tinged red. "Aha. 'Ee be too kind." Joker stopped before the largest tent—the performance tent from what Eleanor could see—and said, "First-stringers get to eat first, so they don' have to figh' tooth and nail for their food, and they get their own tents. So everyone else has a friendly rivalry, tryin' to be first-string." Joker lead the two inside. "See 'em all working? There's some time 'fore we open, so newcomers are all practicing, taking every moment they can looking to earn their public debut. Everything starts from the basics. You two get nice and ready—"

"Joker! Got a moment?

"Mm-hmm. Work hard, okay?"

(✹)

Sebastian and Eleanor ran through some basic warm-ups. Eleanor mindlessly did her routine, not yet certain what she should specialize in at the circus.

Surely she didn't need to actually perform, correct? She had only seen Joker's crew perform, which meant everyone else was just backstage or waiting for their chance. She had no intentions of trying to grab the spotlight.

They were there to investigate, not perform. Being part of the circus would excuse their presence.

We could probably sneak away after warming up, thought Eleanor. Explain we wanted to familiarize ourselves with the circus, or that we're shy to practice in front of others. Stay here only just long enough—

"I don't sense the children here," said Sebastian as he stretched.

Do demons even need to stretch?

"So either the Circus is innocent, or they're keeping them somewhere else," Eleanor concluded, her eyes narrowed as she rolled up from her splits.

"Oi, you two. Stop stretching and get to practicing," said a boy perhaps a year or two older than Eleanor. He was a little taller than her with viridian eyes and a big smile. His hair, a pale blonde with a tuft dyed black. He, like the rest of the circus members, was dressed in costume and light makeup which included eyeliner and two little red dots on his cheeks.

Eleanor had seen the boy perform by throwing daggers in the show. He had good aim. Despite his lithe stature, he must have had some muscle to throw such heavy daggers and have them stick to the boards.

Certainly more than her dainty Ciel.

Eleanor and Sebastian straightened up, ending their stretches.

"It's your first day, right?" said the boy—Dagger, if Eleanor remembered correctly—as he placed both of his hands on his hips. "I'll coach you through practice. First, we need to decide what your acts will be. Any requests?"

"Nothing to do with fire," said Eleanor, recalling a few acts that required fire. "Everything else we'll be more than happy to handle. Right, Black?"

"Indeed."

Dagger chuckled. "You were pretty athletic when the doctor checked you out, right? Then go ahead—try whatever you think you can manage. I'll watch."

"Of course," said Sebastian, oddly gleeful in tone. He dashed off. "First trapeze—"

What followed was several stupendous acts of athleticism performed by Sebastian. It drew the attention of every other member who was practicing nearby, causing them to gasp, clap, and ooo in awe.

Yeah, thought Eleanor, resisting the urge to rub at her brow. He's definitely dragging this out for his own shits and giggles.

She knew he was a quirky demon, but she hadn't anticipated his eccentricities would expand to…

Then again, how old is he?

Get around to his age… gotta start enjoying the simple things in life, right?

"That's enough!" exclaimed Dagger when Sebastian was getting ready to swallow a sword. "You really are talented, huh? I better keep sharp."

"Ba-dum-tss," said Eleanor.

Dagger blinked at her, then his eyes widened. "Ah! Hahaha, I didn't even mean to make that pun. Nor, right?"

"Yes," she said.

"You as good as him?" Dagger asked, nodding to Sebastian who smiled at them.

Eleanor let out something between a giggle and a scoff. "In some things, I'd say I'm better, but he has me beat in many other ways."

Dagger beamed, reaching forward and patting Eleanor's shoulder. Eleanor barely managed to keep herself from flinching at the contact, although her hands still curled into fists. She reflexively moved one of her hands to grab at her rapier, but it was sadly missing so she ended up patting her hip.

Dagger didn't notice her reaction, only smiling. "Want to give it a go around through?"

"I'll see what Black has in mind for our act," said Eleanor. It took a surprising amount of self-discipline to gently, oh so gently, remove Dagger's hand and give it a friendly squeeze. Eleanor did her best to smile warmly at the boy.

Undercover. Undercover. No reason to react harshly. Be friendly. Be warm.

Dagger's eyes widened briefly. "Huh. I know Joker asked you this already, but you sure you're a boy?"

"Yes," said Eleanor, turning away from him. She waved over her shoulder. "Thanks for checking in on us, Dagger."

"Uh—um—yeah, sure!"

Truly. What an odd day it was for Eleanor to feel relieved to be at Sebastian's side. She sighed tiredly, but her eyes danced with beguilement at the demon as she recalled his extravagant performance.

Sebastian nodded curtly to Eleanor. "You appear amused."

"I realized old men like you have to learn to enjoy the simple things," she said with a teasing smile.

Sebastian's eyebrows rose. "Old men? That's quite rude."

"Are you young by your own standards?" she asked.

He cocked his head. "Mn… I suppose the equivalent would be a human in the early twenties? Certainly not old, but I'm not considered a child."

It was Eleanor's turn to raise her eyebrows. "That young? Gracious, you've a long life ahead of you."

"That's the plan."

Eleanor glanced up at the trapeze swings, thoughtful. She chewed on her lip. "So… how was it?"

"Pardon?"

"Is it fun?" Eleanor gestured to them.

Sebastian smiled. "Do you want to try?"

Ciel would protest heavily against doing something so pointless and dangerous. Or he'd poke fun at her for wanting to do something so childish.

A good thing he wasn't there, then.

She hesitated. "Promise not to drop me?"

"Of course."

"Then yes please."

Sebastian's red eyes seemed to sparkle with mirth. "As you wish, my lord."

"... We don't tell Ciel about this, right?" she whispered.

He placed a finger over his lips, winking.

Eleanor giggled. "You're a terrible enabler."

"Sinfully so."

(✹)

At the end of the day, Sebastian and Eleanor were given tent assignments. Surprisingly, they were not paired together, but rather with complete strangers. Sebastian was placed in a tent that already had two others, and Eleanor was introduced to her youthful roommate.

Her roommate was lankish with short brown hair that covered their left eye. Their only visible eye was a deep misty blue that was as warm and soft as freshly made fairy floss. Eleanor couldn't tell if they were a boy or a girl. Their figure, while slim, had some curving around the hips but when they spoke it was in a cracky voice that seemed masculine.

Eleanor followed them to their tent. She debated briefly on asking them, but ultimately decided against it. It didn't matter to her what gender they were.

Although—

"Um, I didn't get your name," said Eleanor when they reached the tent.

"Ahh. Yah can call me Freckles," they said with a smile.

Eleanor gestured to herself. "Nor."

"Good to meet yah. Can I take the top bed?" Freckles gestured to the top of the bunk bed in the tent.

"Go right ahead," said Eleanor.

Freckles grinned, climbing up the bed. "So, I've been noticin' all day—yah speak really properly."

"I 'spose," said Eleanor, approaching her bed.

I'll need to wait until they're asleep to take off my binders. I'll also have to slip out early to get Sebastian to re-tighten them.

Eleanor knew Sebastian would have had similar thoughts. He'd find her in the morning, all she needed to do was slip away.

Honestly cannot wait to take these off.

They weren't as bad as corsets, but gracious, they were terrible.

Freckles swing their legs off the bunk bed. "Well, ask me any circus questions! I've been doing this longer than you."

"Oh?" Eleanor inquired politely.

"Ah, I know! I'll give you one of these to celebrate us meeting." Freckles dug around the pack they had tossed up to the bed. They pulled out three small brightly colored lollipops. They had a big smile on their face. "Top of the line Funtom sweets. They're all the rage. There's caramel, milk, and strawberry. Which do you want?"

Upon seeing her fiancé's sweets, Eleanor could not resist sincerely smiling. At once, she felt a surge of affection for the child who rested above her.

I'll have to make sure to send them some after this mission, she thought, taking the strawberry one. "Strawberry, is that okay?"

Freckles' smile was like that of a teddy bear: sweet and childish. "Of course it is, I offered it!" They leaned back on their bed, disappearing from Eleanor's view. "Yah know, the first time I ate one of these, I honestly thought: I didn't know something could taste so good!"

Eleanor giggled. "Have you tried the curry bun?"

"There's a curry bun?! I got these as soon as the circus came into London, but I haven't seen the other stuff."

"The curry bun is very good," said Eleanor. "I'll treat you to one."

Freckles sat back up, leaning over the bed. Their only visible eye sparkled. "Really? Yah can't take it back."

"I won't," she promised. She held up her pinky. "Pinky promise."

Freckles hooked their pinky through hers. "Yes!"

What a good child.

Freckles laid back down on their bed with a plop. "Heheh… Squire, do your best, okay? Training can be hard here, but if you do your job right, you won't get yelled at or punched, and you can eat as many sweets and biscuits as you want."

"I'm glad this place treats you well," said Eleanor.

"Mn! You'll like it here."

Eleanor glanced down at her strawberry lollipop and smiled again. "Mn."

(✹)

Freckles did not go to sleep before Eleanor. For some reason, it felt like Freckles was waiting for Eleanor to go to sleep, which forced Eleanor to fake sleeping in hopes of getting Freckles to sleep so she could finally take off her binders.

At an hour before midnight, Freckles left the tent.

Eleanor waited for ten minutes to see if, maybe, they had to go to the bathroom and would return quickly, but they did not come back after many minutes.

She sat back up in bed, quickly tearing off the binders and the wig. She furiously scratched at her scalp, freeing her hair from their tight pins.

Her chest and tender scalp wept with joy at the freedom.

Odd Freckles left, Eleanor thought, wondering where her roommate ran off to. But she wasn't about to not take advantage of the opportunity.

Let's investigate.

Eleanor had packed a cloak for the chilly hair, pulling it on and over her head. She probably should have played it safe and kept on her disguise but she just couldn't. She was deeply uncomfortable, and frankly, would rather give someone who ran into her a concussion than put those binders and wig back on anytime soon.

Stealthily and quietly, Eleanor moved through the tents. Her destination was the first-stringer's tents.

Namely Joker's.

Her memories told her he was involved, so it would be best to head straight for the source.

He's probably asleep. When I get there, I could either try to move without waking him, or force him into a deeper state of unconsciousness by suffocating him or giving him a concussion. We'll see what'll be easiest when I get there.

Joker's tent was the first one Eleanor found, and it was through process of elimination. All the other tents had a time of personal flair to it, but Joker's was bare. Stepping inside, Eleanor was alarmed to find Joker was not asleep in his bed.

Hesitantly, she moved further into the barren tent.

A bed, and a couple of trunks. That's it. For someone so prominent in the Circus, he doesn't have much to show for it.

Was he a minimalist by nature?

It reminds me of Snake's room when he first came to the manor, thought Eleanor.

Her dear butler did not have any personal artifacts when he came. Over time, he slowly collected snakes. However, it took a lot of encouragement from Eleanor before he included decorations and miscellaneous things in his room.

All of his things were things Eleanor had gotten for him, or coerced him into getting for himself.

Snake was not a minimalist, so much as he felt insecure about having so many precious things. It was a lasting trauma from his time on the streets.

Was Joker the same?

Because of how little there was, the only non-essential item in the room was practically spotlighted.

A picture.

Eleanor's eyes strained under the darkness. She gripped the worn wooden frame and moved back to the front of the tent. She held it under the moonlight, focusing hard on what she saw.

There was a middle-aged man with sideburns and a bushy moustahce. He had his arms around a group of raggedy children and teenagers. Their clothes were tattered and torn; cheeks sunken in; eyes dull—all the signs of an incredibly difficult life.

Eleanor's heart clenched at seeing them.

These must be Joker and the other circus members.

How… darling.

He did not keep anything non-essential except this picture.

To him: everything was expendable except them.

He clearly loved his family.

Eleanor smiled slightly at that.

She understood that sentiment very well.

She loved her family after all. She loved Snake, Finnian, Mey-Rin, Baldroy, Edward, and perhaps even Sebastian.

And of course she loved Astre… Ciel.

They were her precious, precious, people.

Upon closer inspection, Eleanor noticed there was a sign in the background.

Mmm… the town? Or maybe something else…? Considering it's a group of children, perhaps an orphanage. Although, I can't make it out very well I think it says Workhouse. I'll need to discuss this with Sebastian, thought Eleanor. She pulled out her notebook, doing a rough sketch of the picture, and where exactly she found it in the tent in case Sebastian wanted to look at it.

"Okay," she said softly, quietly, as she placed the picture back.

I should head out soon, I shouldn't push my luck. I'll have Sebastian send a message to Snake and ask him to look into that place. Childhood friends… tragedy… this orphanage…

How did it all fit with abducted children?

Eleanor rubbed her forehead. She glanced around Joker's tent again, frowning when she noticed something odd under his pillow. She pulled out the old envelope, her brow creased at how well worn the paper was.

Opening it she found:

Ciel Phantomhive

Born: December 14, 1875

Father: Vincent Phantomhive

Mother: Rachael Phantomhive

And so on.

Eleanor's blood ran cold.

Why?

Was was his name listed…?

Was Joker on to them? Or…?

Abducted children…

Eleanor trembled, a sick rage knotting her stomach. She was colder than the howling wind outside; than the ice that clung to some of the tree branches; than the winter storm that blew through London a scarce week ago.

There was one more thing Eleanor had to keep in mind in that world.

Ciel was the protagonist.

Things that may not seem related had a way of circling back to him.

She did not think it crazy to then consider that perhaps, perhaps, the abducted children were acting as surrogates. If maybe the one behind it wanted Ciel and was simply taking whatever children they could get their grubby, nasty, vile hands on.

Joker was involved. He had to be.

Joker was directly involved with the abduction and subsequent (likely) torture of the missing children.

He only prized his family, so—

He's doing this for their sake.

There.

That was the best explanation. Somehow, someway, Joker was coerced into making a deal with a human devil for the sake of his family. He had to sacrifice the innocence of children.

It left a revolting taste in Eleanor's mouth.

To make things worse: he was targeting Ciel.

Despite the dark furor in her heart that had her hands shaking, Eleanor carefully placed the letter back. Her heart hammered inside her chest, her blood rushed to her ears. She left the tent, grateful for the chilly wind.

She could kill him.

She could wait for him to return to his tent and murder them then and there. She could do the same with the rest of his childhood friends. She could make it look like an accident, or she could take credit for it and simply add them to the list of names the Queen's Dogs devoured.

She did not need her rapier to shove their nose into their brain; to crush their larynx; to break their neck; to—

Eleanor's hands clenched tightly into fists.

No.

She was better than that.

She'll report her findings to Sebastian and have him explain the situation to Ciel. Ciel could look at it far more objectively than she could.

To think I almost sympathized…!

She bit hard on her bottom lip.

I would never—

?

Would she?

She had murdered before. Never children, but certainly fathers and mothers.

All for the sake of her family.

I…

(✹)

Eleanor needed to walk around and cool off. Her thoughts were dark and convoluted, running circles as she stewed.

She recognized her initial bias for Joker made it easier to sympathize, but at what cost? To compare herself to someone who condemned children for the sake of family…?

But she still murdered others for the sake of her family.

How was she different?

When the sky was starting to lighten, Eleanor headed back to the tent. She was mentally prepared to come up with a lie, but found that she didn't need to.

Freckles isn't back yet…?

Eleanor chewed on her bottom lip, staring at the empty bed.

Joker said he was childhood friends with the first-strings. They all have their own tent, so I doubt Freckles is one of them.

Unless…?

Was Freckles planted to observe me—?

She couldn't be certain.

Eleanor climbed into the stiff bed, pulling the thin blanket over her head. She closed her eyes.

I'm tired.

(✹)

Eleanor awoke before dawn, unable to sleep well. She heard Freckles return scarcely an hour before she woke up. The child had been gone all night for some reason. Eleanor hoped it was for some party or friendly gathering and there wasn't a sinister reason behind it.

Eleanor hurriedly put her hair back in the uncomfortable wig and did her binders as best she could. Although she would need Sebastian's assistance to get them tight enough to stay while she moved around.

Good enough for me to go to his tent, she thought, throwing on her jacket. She quickly marched over to Sebastian's tent, but to her surprise, the demon wasn't there.

Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Eleanor checked the surrounding tents.

Odd. Okay, not good, but maybe not bad. If he found a lead last night he probably would have gone to report to Ciel. If I haven't seen him by lunch I'll go to the townhouse.

Eleanor yawned, stretching her arms up.

I better have another go at these binders since Sebastian isn't here. Ugh…

(✹)

One in the morning, earlier that day

Snake

Snake returned to the Phantomhive townhouse with a large sack over his shoulders. He was quiet as he moved, taking care not to alert any of the residents.

Ciel had allowed the Indian Prince, Soma, and his butler, Agni, to live at the townhouse for the remainder of their duration in London (which seemed indefinite for the time being). That was a burden off his lady's shoulders, as it meant Eleanor no longer needed to check up on the townhouse as frequently. Agni was a capable butler and took excellent care of the residence.

Eleanor was very pleased by that, which of course made Snake happy.

While Eleanor and Sebastian were undercover at the Circus, Snake had attended to Ciel. Snake was not as familiar with Ciel's routine as he was with Eleanor, but he had seen it often enough to replicate it. He strove to be an excellent aide.

Ciel was quieter than Eleanor, preferring a silent shadow whereas Eleanor invited Snake to speak freely.

It was not a bad thing—Snake was perfectly happy to remain mute when he could—simply different. Ciel woke up later, but he also stayed up later. Snake was used to Eleanor being asleep no later than nine and up by five—sometimes earlier—whereas Ciel liked to go to bed around three in the morning and wake up closer to noon.

After Ciel's meeting with that… merchant… he returned to the townhouse and asked Agni to fix them (Ciel and Soma) some food.

It was a subtle way to free Snake from his butler duties to tend to… business.

It did not take long for Snake to find the maid in question, but he had to wait until the prince and his kindly butler were sound asleep before he made his move.

In the townhouse there was a cellar.

It was a special cellar because it was designed to be ideal for the Phantomhive business.

Namely, it was a soundproof dungeon with a drain and hose.

At midnight, Ciel gave the key to Snake with a flat order of, "Take care of it."

Which was why Snake carried a large sack over his shoulder and snuck back into the townhouse.

To his surprise, however, Sebastian opened the back door for him with a smile. "Good evening, Snake."

"Good evening, Sebastian," Snake politely greeted, wondering if—

"Our lady is still at the circus," said Sebastian. "Not to worry, she is no danger."

Snake nodded, accepting that.

"The young master gave me a brief summary," said Sebastian. "If you require assistance, do let me know."

"Thank you," said Snake. "But I should be fine."

Sebastian smiled. "Of course. You are a competent butler."

Snake nodded again. He wasn't one to smile easily, but he did appreciate the compliment. Especially from Sebastian. Sebastian was the butler Snake wished to replicate, after all. He was a man Snake deeply respected.

"Do take your time with this," said Sebastian. "I will take care of our masters."

"Thank you," said Snake again, grateful he could focus on the task at hand.

Snake stepped into the townhouse, adjusting the burlap sack as he did so. It did not take him long to reach the basement.

It was time to get to work.

(✹)

He could have, he supposed, intimidated her into silence.

He could have, he supposed, given her a chance.

"Please," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Pl-Please—"

His snakes wrapped around her, slowly tightening. One for each limb, and one around her neck that would remain loose until the end. There was the sound of something snapping. She screamed in pain as the one around her right arm had constricted enough to break her arm.

He could have done a lot of things.

"I," he told her as she wept, "am Lady Eleanor Victoria Midford's butler. One day she will be Lady Eleanor Victoria Phantomhive."

"Pl-P-Puh—Please—I ha-ave—a—f-f-family—"

"My lady," he went on, "is a virtuous, honorable, and kind woman. Yet you sully her name?"

"Pl-Ple-ease—"

"Who else did your wag your tongue to?" quietly asked Snake. "If you give me their names, I will show you how kind my lady can be."

Tears streamed down the maid's face as she stammered out a list. Snake wrote each name down, the curdles of disgust and anger making his pen dig into the paper.

"Thank you," he said, and Goethe bit down on her.

"But you—!" the maid gasped.

"You'll die within minutes," calmly explained Snake. "Versus the hours I would have chosen, or the days the young master would have preferred. My lady does not take pleasure in torture.

"This is not mercy," she wept. "M-Monsters! A-All of you."

Instantaneous fury made Snake clench his jaw.

He had been called many things. Monster. Ugly. Freak. He understood he was an abnormality. When he was younger, those things dug into him sharper than any knife. There had even been a time when he despised his appearance so much he tried to scrape off his scales.

Now?

Everyone important knew the scaled butler belonged to Lady Eleanor, to the genius swordswoman and youngest dame in history. To the young lady who trained knights, who helped run a successful budding business, who others turned to when they needed help with some of the more eccentric members of society.

Young girls looked at her in awe. The young students at the academy admired her.

His scales made it easy for them to know he belonged to her.

And so they looked to at him with envy.

Envy!

He did not mind being called a monster or a freak. He did not even care whether it was true anymore.

Was he a monster for his scales, or a monster because he murdered?

It didn't matter.

He was Snake. He was his lady's butler.

She gave him so much—so, so much. He would not surrender the life he had now for anything.

And he would not tolerate such slander against his savior.

Snake knelt down to meet the maid's gaze, golden eyes cold and sharp. "You seemed to have forgotten something terribly important."

He reached forward, grabbing her chin to ensure she could not look away in terror.

Monster? His lady?

No.

To him, she was far greater than that.

"To be Lady Phantomhive means to be Lady of the Underworld."

He watched as the life left the maid's eyes. He watched her grow cold. And then he grabbed the ax and cut her up to be fed to his snakes. Whatever remained would be washed down the drain.

Once he was done with her, he had a whole list of others to attend to.

(✹)

Seven in the morning that day

Eleanor

Eleanor was struggling with the binders. She had moved to a heavily forested area outside the circus set up so she could work on them in peace.

"Son of a…"

"Good morning, my lady," greeted Sebastian. "The young master has invited you for breakfast."

"What—" Eleanor blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance. "Ah… Then you found something last night?"

"I tailed Joker and the other first-strings," Sebastian explained. "I saw them coerce a child into a carriage, and kill several officers who tried to stop them."

"And the girl?"

"I followed the carriage to a manor not far from London," the demon said.

Eleanor let out a slow breath. "Okay. In Joker's tent there's a picture of what I think is an orphanage named Workhouse. Was that near the manor?"

"No…" Sebastian said slowly, thoughtfully.

"Investigate it."

"Yes, my lady. But first, may I escort you?"

"Yeah," she said. "No use hanging around now. Make it quick."

Sebastian opened his arms. "In that case…"

She could tolerate his touch, but she did not enjoy it. It was a necessity when they needed to move quickly since the demon moved faster than any carriage or car.

Eleanor reluctantly stepped into the demon's embrace. She hooked her arms around his neck, squeezing her eyes tight as he moved.

It was always a weird sensation. She could never keep her eyes open during it because it triggered extreme vertigo. She had only ever been carried like that by Sebastian a handful of times in her life, and she preferred to keep it that way.

Warmth touched her skin. In only a minute, Sebastian had carried her all the way from the circus to her bathroom at the townhouse. There was a tub of steaming water, scented oils, and lavender awaiting her.

"Snake here?" she asked.

"I will send him in," assured Sebastian.

"Is Ciel up?"

"He did not go to sleep last night," answered Sebastian.

Eleanor frowned, displeased he had pulled another all-nighter.

"Before I forget… let Ciel know…" Eleanor clicked her tongue in irritation. "Let him know that the one orchestrating the abductions is after him. I think the children are serving as a surrogate to him."

Sebastian tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "Understood."

Eleanor paused. "He really didn't sleep? At all?"

Sebastian smiled. "The young master had his attention focused elsewhere for the night."

What kept him up? The investigation?

Eleanor put the questions aside. She took off the wig as Sebastian left the room. By the time Snake had arrived, Eleanor was already in the tub and sighing with relief at the warmth.

"Welcome back, my lady," demurred Snake. "May I help wash your hair?"

"Please," she said, sighing in delight as Snake began the scalp massage.

Hate wigs in this time period.

(✹)

Breakfast was served an hour later. It was warm, smelled delicious, and put a genuine smile on Eleanor's face when she saw some of her favorites being served. Snake pulled a chair back for her beside Ciel and across Prince Soma. Agni carried in a pot of tea, pouring a fresh cup for Eleanor which she thanked him for.

"Good morning, Eleanor!" chirped Soma.

"Good morning, Prince Soma," returned Eleanor, watching in fond amusement as Snake cut up her sausages for her. Snake took odd joy in cutting up her food, although she never understood why. "Enjoying London still?"

"Always," he said. "There's so much to do and learn here."

Eleanor smiled politely. "Oh? And how is your, ah, painting coming along?"

Prince Soma had taken up oil painting after the new year began. Eleanor wholeheartedly encouraged the hobby; it kept the prince out of trouble most of the time. There might have been some issues in finding a good teacher for him, but it eventually paid off.

Soma had a wide smile on his face. "Very good!"

"Does that mean you'll show me one of your paintings now?" inquired Eleanor.

"Absolutely not! Not even Agni can see them—not until they get Teacher's approval," said Soma stubbornly. "They must be perfect. They must stun you speechless."

Eleanor's smile thinned. "If it's anything like your Mina sketch, I'm sure I'll be at a loss for words."

"I know you're making fun of me," accused Soma, wagging his fork at her. "That's not nice."

"I'm not nice." Eleanor glanced over at Ciel. She teasingly said, "Right, Ciel?"

Ciel took a sip of his tea. "It's too early to converse, please leave me alone."

Soma and Eleanor shared unimpressed looks.

"Fine," said Eleanor with a wave of her hand. "But before I completely ignore you in favor of bullying the prince—"

"—Bullying?" squawked Soma.

"—is there anything I should know?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow.

What are we going to do about the investigation?'

Ciel dabbed his napkin on his mouth. "We will be visiting a noble later this evening. Keep your schedule clear."

"As you wish."

(✹)

"Snake? How was serving under Ciel?" asked Eleanor later that afternoon.

"Fine," said Snake. "'We missed you,' says Emily." The brightly tricolored snake popped out from Snake's pocket, bobbing her head at Eleanor.

"I missed you too," said Eleanor, reaching forward to gently rub her finger against Emily's head. "While I'm out this evening, make sure you get plenty of rest, okay?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Good," she said. "Ah—tomorrow! Tomorrow we have to go to the circus."

Snake titled his head.

Eleanor's eyes brightened as she thought of Freckles. "I promised a cute child I'd buy them a curry bun. Make sure you prepare a nice carriage for us to ride in, okay?"

"Yes, my lady."

(✹)

The sun dipped down early that day.

Ciel, Eleanor, and Sebastian left after the clock chimed at six.

Eleanor was glad to have her weapons near her again, although she still disliked being carried by Sebastian. It could not be helped in that circumstance, however, as they had to meet with the noble.

Sebastian had found the identity of the man who owned the manor, a baron by the name of Kelvin. Incidentally, Kelvin was the main sponsor behind an orphanage called Workhouse.

Was being the operative word, as the orphanage was shut down years ago due to dilapidation and decay according to the tax reports submitted.

The children were being brought to Kelvin by Joker and the other first-string members. Sebastian did not have a chance to look inside the manor, but that was fine. Ciel and Eleanor would see for themselves what horrors the baron had created.

When Ciel learned that he was the focal point of the investigation, he ordered Sebastian to set up a meeting.

His thought process being that if Ciel offered himself up as bait, he would be able to divulge more information out of the baron.

The baron was… overjoyed. That was the word Sebastian used, and the way he said it made Eleanor feel nauseous with disdain.

Regardless, the three of them were on their way to meet with said baron.

And hopefully save the children.

(✹)

It was completely dark when they arrived. No light could be seen coming from the estate that was surrounded by trees.

Eleanor straightened her clothes out as soon as Sebastian set her down. Ciel adjusted his hat and gripped his cane tightly.

Ciel's peacock blue gaze was fixed on the estate. "Sebastian, do you smell anything different?"

"No," he said. "All residents are still alive."

"Then let's proceed," said Ciel, offering his arm to Eleanor. Eleanor hooked her arm through his and the two walked forward with Sebastian behind them.

The front doors swung open.

To Eleanor's surprise, it was Joker who coldly greeted them, his expression carefully devoid of any emotion. "Welcome to the manor. We've been expecting you. Please come in."

Joker bowed, stepping aside to let them in.

Eleanor and Ciel slowly entered, both glancing around in the darkness. The only light came from the moonlight behind them, which vanished the moment Sebastian shut the door.

There was the sound of a music box playing and the rattle of something strange in the dark. Eleanor's free hand went to the pistol at her thigh, hovering over it.

Something lit a match, but the light was too dim for them to see anything else besides the match. It hovered near a candle that caught fire. Wires had been tied to the candle, leading the flames all over to light various candles around the room.

Ciel sucked in a sharp breath as Eleanor felt her stomach drop from disgust.

The front hall was filled with abstract paintings and prosthetic mannequins encased in frames. Each of the mannequins used human parts, but they were rearranged or disfigured in unsettling ways.

It reminded Eleanor a lot of what the madman behind the human centipede would enjoy.

Some of the more put-together mannequins had clothes and hair, and they were bound by leather straps in… fetishizing positions.

There were a couple draped over the back of a couch, angled at the perfect level to—

Eleanor felt deeply unsettled, she squeezed Ciel's arm.

"This way," said Joker, moving up the nearest staircase.

Ciel walked forward, forcing Eleanor to keep pace with him.

On the second floor, Joker let out a humorless chuckle. "Being named Squire was right on the nose, eh?"

"Quite so," Eleanor agreed.

Joker tossed her a sad smile. "To be a dame so young… 'ee must have worked hard."

Eleanor wasn't sure how to respond to that. Normally that would have been a pleasant compliment but at in that situation…

"Dame… and 'ee be Lord Phantomhive? Queen's Watchdog? Villainous Noble?" Joker's eyes looked Ciel up and down. "Must be hard."

Ciel sneered. "I don't believe I invited you to speak."

Joker shrugged, stopping at the entrance to a room. He gestured inside. "Dinner is ready."

Ciel and Eleanor entered. Inside was a wide room with a long table. There were three empty plates set on the table, two close together and one further down. Eleanor surveyed the room. It was dark with large purple drapes covering most of the walls. There were no windows, and it had an oddly sweet smell to it.

Joker pulled out one of the chairs in front of the first plate. Eleanor took the first seat, and Ciel sat beside her. Sebastian moved to hover behind them, his hands folded behind his back.

Joker crossed the room. At the end of the room were two double doors that Joker opened.

"L-Lord Phantomhive, you came," stammered a heavily bandaged man in a wheelchair. His face was covered in white gauze, as if he had undergone heavy reconstruction surgery. Despite that, he was dressed in a fine red tuxedo with a white rose pinned to the pocket.

The state of the baron did not elicit a reaction from Ciel and Eleanor, however, wheeling him into the room, were two small children.

Eleanor could not see any signs of physical abuse on them, but they were dressed modestly—like dolls—and had vacant expressions.

Drugged?

Eleanor gripped the arms of her chair. Ciel placed one hand over top hers, silently comforting her even as his face remained impassive.

The baron beamed, his only visible eye fixated on Ciel. "Oh, it's like a dream, having you so close to me." He started to fidget shyly with his hands, reminiscent of an embarrassed schoolgirl. It was revolting. "I'm embarrassed to meet you looking like this."

"You are Lord Kelvin?" Ciel coldly inquired. Joker removed a chair from the dining table.

"That's right. Ah, that formality makes me feel a bit shy." The drugged children wheeled the baron to the table. "I've prepared a feast for you." He rung a little bell at the table and in came…

... more children.

Dressed in little maid outfits, or tuxedos, and each with vacant eyes.

What did he do to you?

It took three children just to carry one of the meals, and as they did so Joker stoically began to decant wine by pouring it into a glass pitcher.

Kelvin said in a childishly boasting tone, "This is an 1875 vintage whine from the year you were born." He sheepishly touched the back of his head. "Too overblown, do you think?"

Joker poured a glass for Ciel and Eleanor, his movements poised. If it weren't for the circumstances, Eleanor might have praised his service but all she could think about was how utterly disgusted she was. She'd rather be in a barrel of centipedes than entertain a facade of politeness with such a creep. Her nails dug into the arms of the chair. Ciel's hand tightened around her.

Sebastian took a sip from each of their wine glasses. "Evidently it's not poisoned."

"A tester is not needed. I've no interest in eating a meal put on by rats, nor would I allow it to grace my fiancée's lips." Ciel nodded to the children. "I don't recognize their faces."

"It seems we can assume there are more victims than the police knew."

"Oh I know!" exclaimed Kelvin while he plucked a lobster tail from the serving dish. "A meal without entertainment will bore you, won't it, my lord? Joker! Put on a show."

Joker flinched. "What? B-But—"

"Just do it," growled Kelvin.

Joker paled. "... Yes." He stepped onto the stage across the dining table. "Welcome, Lord Phantomhive and Dame Midford. Tonight, we'll take thee to a world of thrilling enchantment!" The curtain rose to reveal a dozen or so children dressed in circus attire with masks over their faces.

Kelvin clapped.

"First the tightrope," said Joker, pointing up. It was then that Eleanor noticed one of the children was about to step out onto a tightrope rigged above the stage. "No safety net tonight, me lovelies. It's a bona fide—"

The little girl slipped. She hit her head on the stage, blood splurting up as she instantly died.

Ciel stiffened in surprise and Eleanor gasped. Joker bit hard on his bottom lip, torn between anguished pain and the need to keep up a smile. Kelvin laughed with glee, clapping enthusiastically.

It was horrible. It was the kind of horrible thing one could not believe was happening in front of them. Eleanor was in disbelieving shock she had just witnessed such a pointless tragedy.

One child wordlessly dragged the body off stage as three more wheeled in a cage with a lion and a little boy—

"Next, our lion tamer! Watch as he masters the savage beast—"

The lion leapt, ripping the boys face off and devouring him.

"Enough," whispered Eleanor, finding her voice. "Ciel, please."

"And now, our knife—"

"Sebastian," barked Ciel.

The demon moved, instantly understanding Ciel's unspoken order. The child who had been ready to throw a knife at another little girl was knocked down and the knives removed.

"S-Sorry!" exclaimed Kelvin. "You didn't like this, either? Joker, clean up at once."

Ciel angrily stood up, his eyes burning with mutinous disdain. His voice was cold and sharp as he stated, "I'm done. I'm not in the habit of sharing a table with riffraff lower than farm animals."

"Wh-What? What's wrong?" whimpered Kelvin.

"This will do for my report to the Queen: We found the foul, vulgar, unsightly, perverted brute, and we disposed of him." Ciel pulled out his pistol, aiming directly at Kelvin. Joker crossed that distance, moving to stop Ciel, but Eleanor jumped over the table and kicked Joker to the ground. She pulled out her rapier, holding it to Joker's throat.

"M-My lord?" whined Kelvin.

Ciel coldly demanded, "Lord Kelvin, where are the children you kidnapped?"

"Hmm?" Kelvin beamed. "Oh! You wanted to meet them? They're in the cellar—I'll take you there right now. There's something down there I want to show you anyhow."

(✹)

"It's like a dream, getting to chat with you like this!" happily praised Kelvin as the drugged children pushed his wheelchair.

Sebastian had Joker restrained, a dagger held to his throat, and his hands clasped firmly behind his back.

"Shut up. Just take us to the children."

"A-Ah, sorry." The elevator opened up to a long stone hallway. The group began to move down it. "But I'm just so happy. I've been filled with regret ever since that day. I keep thinking, Why couldn't I be there by your side then?"

They stopped before a set of massive wooden double doors.

"No amount of regret can turn back time. But I realized something."

The children pushed the door open.

"If we can't go back, then we'll just do it again!"

Ciel's grip on his cane began to shake. All the color drained from his face.

A ritualistic room with children in cages. An altar. A circle.

Eleanor's head throbbed, vague flashes of sweaty hands, blood, screams and—

Oh, God.

She realized.

She remembered things she wished she didn't.

Lord Kelvin had recreated that night in December.

"Please, let us redo that night!" eagerly cried the baron.

Eleanor's stomach heaved in with disgust and fury. She ripped out her rapier, intending to murder the man then and there but—

Ciel's expression of pure horror stopped her.

She—

—fumbled—

—put her rapier back, and pulled Ciel into a hug. She pushed his head down into neck, placed her right hand on the back of his head, and gently stroked his back with her left hand.

"Deep breaths," she whispered. "You are not alone."

He trembled in her arms.

One breath in.

One breath out.

One second, two seconds, three seconds—

One minute and Ciel pulled away from her, recomposed. Pale, but resolute.

He said, "That was unnecessary."

"Thank you for indulging me, then," she demurred.

"You are welcome." Ciel looked around the sacrificial room, revulsion plain on his face. "We should burn this place to the ground."

Eleanor was tempted to agree, but—

"He clearly knows something about that night," she pointed out quietly. "If he was able to recreate it so well… It's a lead."

Ciel closed his eyes, harshly tapping his cane on the marble floor in irritation. "Yes. It is. The first one we've had in a while."

"My lord?" Kelvin probed.

Ciel whipped out his revolver and shot Kelvin's knee. The blood spurted as shards of bones from the lord's kneecap rocked out. The baron screamed in pain, rolling out of his wheelchair as he clutched at his bleeding knee.

"FATHER!" screamed Joker, shoving Sebastian back and running forward.

The moment Joker screamed Fa Eleanor had already turned around and ducked forward to face Joker. Joker ran forward, his eyes wholly focused on Ciel and his "father." He did not notice Eleanor had already hooked her shoulder under his arm and promptly threw him to the ground. She slammed her heel into his shoulder, pulling back on his arm and dislocating it. Joker cried out in pain.

Kelvin squirmed on the ground, crawling to Ciel. "Please! If you're going to kill me, please give me the death they had!"

"The death they had?" whispered Ciel as he kicked Kelvin off him. "Their pain lasted only a night. You won't be so lucky."

Joker tried to move, but Eleanor had her heel digging into his back and her rapier at his throat. He turned his head, gaze fixated on Kelvin and Ciel. "Whatever he is, he is still our savior. Please have mercy on him."

"Savior?" Eleanor scoffed.

"We were abandoned, but he saved us from starving. We had a meal each day and roof over our heads. We have lots of brothers and sisters back at the workhouse who are still young. They can't live without him! So—"

"And what of these children?!" hissed Eleanor, digging her heel hard enough into his back to dislocate a rib.

This man…

He prioritized what he loved at the cost of others. He condemned some children to a broken life of being a sick pervert's doll, in exchange for saving other children.

It made her sick to her stomach.

Am I any better, though?

She took lives to protect what she loved.

Everyone is precious to someone.

She had to remember that—had to acknowledge that the men and women she murdered were sons and daughters. The day she stopped remembering that was the day she stopped being human, she'd be no better than a monster soaked in red.

"I know what we did was wrong," whispered Joker. "But I—"

"You aren't wrong," callously disagreed Ciel. "You fought to protect your world. What's wrong with that? In the end justice is just an official line taken by those in power to serve their own ends. No one's looking out for others. If you're careless, you'll be robbed. There are only two kinds of people in this world. Those who steal and those who are stolen from. And today, I steal your dear father's future. That's all there is to it."

"Ciel," Eleanor said softly.

"Sebastian," sharply ordered Ciel. "Take this scum to the manor's dungeon. Elly—"

"I will handle the children," she promised. It would be better for her to coordinate with the Yard than Ciel. She had a better relationship with them than Ciel.

Ciel glanced at Joker. "He and the others involved in the kidnapping… I'll leave them to you as well."

She closed her eyes.

"Family," she said, "is very precious."

Joker beamed at her. "I couldn't agree more."

Eleanor's grip tightened on her rapier as she re-opened her eyes. "Even if I take a piece for myself?"

Everyone is precious to someone.

Ciel's lip curled back in disdain. "I would advise you not to rummage through rubbish."

Eleanor frowned. "Even pawns have their use, Ciel."

"I'd much prefer more Queens in my corner."

"Ciel."

He shrugged unsparingly. "I said I would leave it to you, and I will. Sebastian, make sure there is no one else here, and if there is, apprehend them."

"Yes, my lord."

Eleanor slowly stepped off Joker. "To your knees, Joker."

Kelvin whimpered. "L-Lord Phantomhive?"

Ciel stomped on Kelvin. "Shut up."

Joker moved to sit on his knees before Eleanor. She held the tip of her rapier to his throat.

"You have a choice," she said. "Die here by my hands, or repent in my service. Either way, I will be taking your life."

"What…?" Joker's eyes were wide.

"You condemned them to a life of service," she said. "You should be prepared for the same to you. If you are not, I will kill you now. Serve, or die. Live, or don't. This is the only choice I will offer you."

I am no better.

But there is a difference between us.

I won.

Joker's brow creased, wary and suspicious. "And… the others?"

"Depends on you," she said, her lips curled into a mocking smile. "Nothing is more precious than family, right? Obey me and they'll be under my protection. Die, and I hand them over to the Yard."

"Why—?"

"Why indeed?" she whispered.

Even you are precious.

He laughed darkly, bitterness seeping into his voice. "What choice is there, then? Do with me what 'ee will."

"Swear it," she said. "Disavow your darling father before him."

"Joker," whined Kelvin.

Ciel kicked him in the face. "Sebastian, take this trash out now."

"The orphanage—"

"You don't get to play tragic hero for the poor orphans while surrounded by the victims you kidnapped," Eleanor snapped. "Serve, or die. Make your choice now."

Joker hung his head. "Yes… my lady."

He lowered himself to the ground, his dislocated arm trembling from the strain as he bowed to her.

"I will serve you until my last breath," he whispered. "I swear."

(✹)

It was a long night. Thankfully Kelvin had a landline that Eleanor used to call the Yard. By the time they arrived, Ciel, Sebastian, and Kelvin were gone. Eleanor coordinated with the Yard to assist the children. When they asked her about Joker who morosely stood behind her, she coldly told them not to worry about it.

She put Joker's arm and rib back into place and the two rode out to the townhouse. She had been half-prepared for him to try and make an escape, but he did not.

She returned at daybreak where Snake greeted the two of them.

"Train him well," she told Snake.

"Yes my lady," said Snake. "Are we still going out today?"

"No, we'll do the curry buns tomorrow. Book a train out to Alfriston as soon as possible," she said.

Joker startled at that name. "That's—"

"Where the orphanage is?" she dryly asked. "Yes. We're going to visit it. There's something you ought to know about it."

"Something…?" Joker repeated uneasily.

"You'll see," she whispered.

And he saw.

He saw the orphanage he valiantly fought for was nothing but an empty lot, long forgotten. The men and women he had murdered; the children he had kidnapped; the anguish he had gone through… all of it was meaningless.

Pointless.

He fell to his knees in despair, weeping.

(✹)

Eleanor made good on her promise to buy Freckles curry buns. The day after they returned from visiting the orphanage she, Joker, and Snake returned to the circus.

Joker, to say his goodbye, and Eleanor to give Freckles a bag of Funtom goodies.

Eleanor gave Joker privacy to say his goodbyes, giving her time to properly introduce herself to Freckles.

"Wow," said Freckles, happily munching on a curry bun. "A noble, huh? Yah really had me worried when yah disappeared like that, yah know."

Eleanor smiled in amusement at the child. "Thank you for worrying about me."

"Everyone was in a mess since Joker vanished, too," said Freckles, looking over at where a woman was currently yelling at Joker.

"Yes, well," said Eleanor.

"Although I always knew yah were a girl. Woman's intuition," said Freckles, nodding firmly.

"Wom—you're a girl?" Eleanor sought to confirm.

"'Course I am," said Freckles. She reached over to take Eleanor's hand and place it on her chest. "See? Soft ain't they?"

"Um," was all Eleanor could say in response.

Another thought occurred to her.

"Oh!" Eleanor said. "Um, as it turns out I'm in need of a new maid."

"A maid?" echoed Freckles.

"If you ever want to, um, leave the circus, please let me know. My fiance's manor isn't for the faint of heart, but the Midford manor treats everyone very well. Good pay," she said.

"Fiancé?" Freckles tilted her head. "Whose yer fiancé?"

"Ciel Phantomhive."

Freckles' jaw dropped. "The—Funtom? Yeh get to eat all that stuff every day?!"

"Well—"

Freckles gulped. "Oh wow now I'm kind of tempted but I can't just leave—"

Joker cleared his throat. He had approached the two of them. Eleanor peered behind him to see the rest of the first-stringers looked positively heartbroken. Whether it was because he was leaving, or he told them about the orphanage, Eleanor did not know. "My lady?"

"Ready to go?" asked Eleanor.

"Go?" echoed Freckles.

"I have taken Joker as a new butler," she said.

"Joker's goin' with yeh?!" Freckles clutched at her head. "Ooooh. Umm—how long—er—I mean—"

"Door's open, child," assured Eleanor. "Feel no rush or pressure. Enjoy your life as best you can."

Freckles' face turned red. "Yeh sure yer a noble?"

Eleanor only smiled in response.

(✹)

That evening was the last night Ciel would stay in London before returning to his countryside manor. He and Eleanor decided to dine out for a change, giving Sebastian and Snake plenty of time to test Joker's basic butler skills. And give him a haircut because Francis was properly horrified by the gaudy appearance and would not tolerate such improperness in her home.

Joker did not object to anything done to him, mutely accepting everything. Eleanor wasn't sure if he was still in shock over the orphanage revelation, or if he was simply trying to cope.

He hadn't smiled since visiting the ruins of Workhouse.

She wondered if he ever would again.

She hoped so.

Ciel and Eleanor enjoyed a lovely dinner at an upscale restaurant. They chatted quietly and amicable about a variety of things. Conversation always came easy between the two of them.

"Mn." Ciel buttered one of his bread rolls. "That does remind me, Elly, I have good news for you."

"Oh?"

"I have obtained the Blue Butterfly," he said. "I'll give it to you to manage. As it is under the Funtom name, the Royal Warrant we won will be applied to its signboard."

Eleanor's eyes widened. "You—Lord West was willing to sell it?"

"Lord West has been indisposed of," said Ciel. "Along with his wife."

"Did you—?"

"Not I," said Ciel with a fleeting smirk. "But I did take advantage of the situation. He had not prepared an adequate will."

Eleanor let out a small oh. "My. Thank you, Ciel."

"Think nothing of it," he said. "I look forward to seeing what ideas you have to bring to it."

Eleanor smiled so sweetly and so warmly at Ciel the young lord found it hard to keep her gaze.

He turned away, hiding how his cheeks turned red.

(✹)

Happy Halloween. This was 51 pages. Murder mystery next.

Answer: Macarons because at least I'd get to eat whatever was left over when done.

Question: If you were to perform at the circus, what would be your stage name? And for those familiar with the arc, who is your favorite circus member?

Reviews are love!