Heyo guys!

Here is a long chapter, I was surprised at the differences between the manga and anime here. Since the plots are a lot different, especially for these scenes. So there is not much action, but I tried to do stuff to keep you guys somewhat interested. There's not much Rina can do this chapter due to it all being focused on mainly Agni and Soma's relationship.

I think the chapter turned out good though in the end.

I see a lot more people have followed this fanfic and it's almost at 300 follows. Like holy shit guys. I would have never expected this. Thank you so much for that and for the future. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Stay safe from the Coronavirus!

(Gonna revise this on another date probs)

0o0o0o0o

The moment we went enter the building where the contest for the royal warrant is being held; I couldn't take my eyes off the very obvious elephant in the area. A smile touches my lips and I jog over to it happily. Finnian joins me in awe of such a large creature.

"Wow!" he exclaims with a big grin while pointing at the animal, "What large animal is that?!"

I bring him closer to it, tugging him by his jacket. "It's an elephant!"

"Wow! Lady Rina even knows what it is! Incredible!" Soma exclaims in shock and joy. "Those are sacred animals. I have about ten of those in my palace."

"Amazing!" Bard shouts in disbelief.

"They can fit such large animals in your house?!" Mey-Rin comments, also in disbelief.

"Please try to not wander too far." Sebastian scolds lightly from behind us.

I bounce over to him with a bright smile, "Isn't it cool?!" I ask gleefully.

A stray hair pops out of his head, "I do not care much for animals, my lady."

I pout instantly, "Ahh? No fun."

His only response is a sigh at me and decides to let the topic go.

"Yo Earl and Lady!" Lau calls out nearby, appearing from the crowd with Ran Mao.

I instantly become uninterested when he arrives and follows the servants around. It felt nice to be surrounded by another culture. I walk by a vendor selling Indian trinkets and cloth. I found a beautiful dupatta (shawl) hanging up. The one girl in my class, her mother, would wear these often when picking her up from school. I feel the material with my fingers, the design on it attracting me. It was a mix of red and orange, reminds me of a sunset. The fabric felt silky and there was golden colored yawn sewn into indescribable patterns.

"Would you like to purchase this miss? I believe it would look wonderful on you." the vendor speaks up with a friendly smile.

I smile in response and dig into my coat pocket. "I would actually and thank you."

I grab my money pouch and he tells me the price. It was a little expensive but that's how marketing is. Handing the money over, I grab the dupatta and toss it over my shoulder. It falls against one arm and it looks a bit odd with a Victorian dress. However, I could care less, I'm happy with my purchase.

"Ohhh! That looks good on you, Lady Rina!" Soma exclaims with a grin.

I smile back with a nod, "That's what the vendor said too."

"I'm surprised you know how to wear it though."

"Soma I know a lot more than you think." I hint with a wink.

The servants call us over to look at some jewelry and we head over to them. I stare at the glittering pieces in awe. Soma shows us a bunch of things, some I didn't even know about. Then again, I wouldn't know unless I read about it or learned from another person. I eventually grow bored looking at all the objects being offered. Most of this stuff appeared fake honestly, just remakes. I want stuff from actual India, please and thank you.

I start to search around for my brother to find him talking to someone. I skip on over to him, my hair bouncing on my back in sync.

"Brother!" I call out.

He turns to look at me, "What is it?"

I gesture to the dupatta with a grin, "What do you think?"

He raises an eyebrow, appearing not that interested. "It looks...nice."

I glower at him, "Che. Real positive."

"Who is this, Earl?"

I find Lord West next to us, I didn't really take notice to him at first. He was smiling at me; it looked a bit odd though. A bit on alert, I play along and do a small curtesy.

"This is my sister, Lady Rina Phantomhive."

My lips curl at the title, finding it still weird I was a noble.

"Oh? I did not know you had a sister!" West exclaims.

I return to a normal pose with a quick smile, "I have been living across the country for some time. Our father wished I received the best training a lady could possibly gain."

"I see now! What a fine job he did in doing so too, might I add."

A tick mark strikes my temple. This man has taken a liking to me it would seem. Ugh, I hate men. "Why, thank you so much, sir." My brother taps my hand with his own, telling me to cut the conversation. I clear my throat, "So, what is it you two were discussing?" I ask afterward.

West chuckles, almost awkwardly. "Let's not talk about that for now. Anyway, I heard that the queen might be attending this curry show?"

"And?" Ciel follows up.

"Well since King Albert passed away her majesty doesn't appear in public so often. I'd like her to taste my curry we are so proud of in front of the audience before I receive the royal warrant."

I cross my arms, not impressed with this guy. He is very cocky for someone who hasn't even won yet.

"Oh, this chat has gone on for a bit long. I will see you later." West informs and turns around to go somewhere into the crowd.

After a beat, I frown. "Cocky man, isn't he?"

My brother snorts in agreement, "He makes it obvious like a fool. Before he claims the royal warrant, eh?"

"Confident idiotic fool then." I further acknowledge it.

"He really is certain he will win." Sebastian comments next to me.

"I can't wait to see his face when he realizes he has lost." Ciel admits with a smirk.

"Yes, my lord," Sebastian responds. "Then I will head to the competitor's room and wait."

My brother begins to walk away with Lau in toll. I catch the back of Sebastian's coat before he could fully leave. He turns to look at me with a raised eyebrow, but his face is stoic as usual.

I give him a big grin, "Good luck, Sebastian!" I cheer on.

He processes what I said for a moment until he bows slightly, "Thank you, my lady."

I nod and let go of him. He travels over to where the contest is being held. I find my brother not far and I come to his side once more.

"Who do you think will win?" I ask curiously.

Ciel fixes his hat with a stern look, "Obviously it will be us."

"Determined, aren't you?"

His gaze grows stronger as he stares at the stage, "I am confident Sebastian can complete a task as simple as this."

"Want to bet?"

He looks up at me then, seeming interested. "You do not believe Sebastian will win the royal warrant?"

I shrug with a slight smile, "I mean, Sebastian is going up against a man who fully believes in his religion and relies on it to an extreme point. I think I find myself snooping in the chances things will not happen the way we want it."

My brother seems to calculate what I pointed out until he sighs. "Fine, let's bet on it."

"What are we betting?"

"Have anything in mind?"

I tap my chin in thought until a wry smirk stretches across my face. "Oho!~ How about you going a day without Sebastian?"

He pales considerably and coughs, "I-...I can do it."

I snorted slightly, covering my mouth with my hand. "That didn't sound very confident."

He scowls at me, "I can!"

"If you say so."

"If you lose, then you have to be a maid for one day. Working directly under Sebastian."

It was my turn to pale now. That sounds more terrifying than finding out he is a demon almost! Ciel smirks seeing my face and I frown, "I hate you."

He tips his hat with a smirk, "Play dirty, you get dirty back."

I huff and cross my arms with a miffed pout.

Someone appears on the stage eventually a poster I believe. The man presenting it towards us had shaggy brown and a mustache. He raises a hand for us to quiet down.

"We have now come to the highlight of 'the empire governed Indian culture and prosperity exhibition.' with participants from famous curry houses throughout London, let the curry show begin!" the man announces. "We have prepared a special curry for the guests who are present. Please wait in anticipation!"

The crowd claps and cheers around us. I clap to at least chime in my own excitement. I am very curious about this outcome; however, I am terrified of losing this bet. Who knows how miserable Sebastian will treat me on one day of being a maid. The fact that my brother even chose this, tells me further he finds it most amusing. Like a game, he just won over. I sigh internally and think about praying just this once to save myself from becoming the entertainment of a demon for a single day.

The announcer on stage breaks my chain of thoughts and continues his speech. "Now, today's judges are..." he trials of briefly as the judges appear on the stage one by one from behind the curtain. "A palace chef who will not allow any compromises in taste, Chef Higharm, a tax collector currently serving in India, Mr. Carter and Viscount Druitt, who has a great love of the arts and food!"

I cringe immediately along with my brother. This pedophile is here, I thought he was locked up?! I shiver as he scans the crowd with that overgrown grin on his face. I hear the women around me shout how handsome he is. I mean, I do not deny he isn't, but he definitely was not my type! Just thinking about him like that right now almost makes me gag.

I look over at my brother and he was stock still with a panicked look.

"Eh? Wasn't he arrested by the Yard?" Lau asks behind me.

"That's what I thought as well." I say.

"He probably bribed his way out. How corrupt..." Ciel mutters with a sweatdrop.

"How unfortunate."

The curtains start to rustle again, and the contestants start to walk out. They stand next to each other side by side. I spot Sebastian and Agni immediately, they stood out for different reasons. Sebastian wore the fakest smile and Agni stood beside him with an intense side glare at him.

"Now, these are today's contestants!" the announcer declares. He states all the chef's names and their companies who hired them. There were six total participating. The announcer stops at Sebastian's name after reading off his title.

"Eh? Butler?" the announcer asks in confusion.

"Yes, I am not a chef," Sebastian informs with a closed-eye smile. "I am a butler to the core."

People around his begin to question Sebastian or rather my brother and his company. I sweatdrop, realizing this makes us sound like idiot's kind of.

"A...Anyways we have presented to you each contestant! With a group like this, I'm sure we can expect some tasty food!" the announcer proclaims. "Let the contest begin!"

The curtains draw up and show us the cooking stations for each contestant. The contestants take their places and start to cook without a pause. The scent of food and spices mix into the air rather quickly.

Ciel shuffles next to me in our cramped spot. There were a bunch of people around us waiting anxiously. "I guess we just sit back and wait for the curry now." Ciel says.

Before I could comment, someone next to him shouts, "Hey! Check it out!" while pointing at a contestant.

We all turn our attention to Agni who begins to unbind his right hand. His attention is centered, and his eyes are focused on the food in front of him. He seems totally concentrated and working faster than before. I watch in awe, never seeing something like this before besides back at West's place.

The crowd talks around us once more, marveling at Agni's pace and work ethic. The spices in the air increase and make my mouth water. Suddenly, I spot Sebastian with a smirk as he picks up his pace as well. Might I add, he is quite hot to look at. Everyone starts talking about Sebastian next, expressing their awe.

"Would you look at that?" I point out under my breath.

"Che. Looks like we won't lose easily either." Ciel voices.

West shouts something not far away I pick up and I smirk. Sounds like someone is panicky.

I turn my focus back to Sebastian as he starts to add chocolate into the pot with that dumb smile of his. Once again, the talk of the people around begins to express their concern about adding such an ingredient. I do not disagree; I would be wary of someone adding chocolate to a curry dish as well.

"As expected of Funtom, a company that makes toys and sweets! This sure is a new form of advertising!" West boasts not far from us, his voice loud and full of humor.

Ciel and I just stare ahead, not caring about how entertained West is.

This whole competition really makes me wonder if we will win. Sebastian may have come up with a good recipe, but what does Agni behold? The right hand of God, how godly can it be against a full-fledged demon's recipe? Both of them were working at an unbelievable rate, their arms almost becoming mere blurs. Suddenly, Agni takes out a blue lobster. My jaw drops in disbelief. Do those exist?! Everyone gasps within the vicinity. Viscount Druitt goes into a long-detailed description of the crustacean.

My eyes fly over to Sebastian who starts making a recipe for...bread dough? What on Earth? He starts to roll the prepared dough out into balls with his hands. I rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. What was he going to do with the bread? Serve it as a side? Confusion clouds the forefront of my mind as I try to figure out the trick to his trade.

Soma appears beside me with a panicked look, "This is bad! We're going to lose this competition."

"How so?" Ciel asks.

"It is true that Ciel's butler's curry is the real thing. But it is only the curry that is perfect! The problem is the naan. Because it will not staple in Bengal, I know little about it, but I do know that naan is made from fermented paste and wheat. They are baked together at a high temperature in an oven we call Tandoori." Soma explains, his words becoming rushed. The curry in Sebastian's pot was bubbling quite a bit and Soma becomes more worried. "As I thought, one week to master the art of making curry was too short. The contest..."

"...the contest will prove who wins." I finish for him. "While I do wonder what Sebastian plans to do, I know for a fact that man knows it will succeed. That's how Sebastian is after all." I comment with a slight smirk.

Soma shuts up afterward, not having much to say during this time of anticipation.

0o0o0o0o

"Time's up! Now to invite all the judges to the stage." the announcer informs. "First up is Persian Tabb company's beef curry."

The beef curry is set in front of all the judges, the royal chef decides to taste test first. "The beef was cut into large chunks and cooked well. It goes down nicely. It really is an extravagant curry. But the flavor is plain and ordinary with no fragrance. You used curry powder. Professional chefs using curry powder! This is simply ridiculous!" he declares.

I snort internally, finding it humorous just a bit. They quickly move onto the next person.

"Dahila company's spices seem to have been mixed nicely by the chef. The spiciness is overpowering, the subtle nuances of the flavor have been lost. It was a nice attempt, however..." Viscount Druitt informs with a smile.

Next up was Agni, he presents the judges with his dish. They take the lid off the dish.

"This is...my curry." Agni addresses seriously. "Blue lobster and seven types of curry, an imperial feast."

It looked amazing from here, I wanted to try some.

"A whole Homard Bleu served with red, yellow, and green curries...what delicacy is this?" the royal chef asks in shock.

Agni stands before him, "I made a variety, each has a different level of spiciness and flavor so you can sample each to your liking. All the curries were made to go perfectly with the lobster."

"Seven authentic curries prepared by an Indian served with Homard Bleu. Then I must..." the royal chef scoops up some of the curry and lobster. He takes a bite and his face turns a bit red. "D-Delicious! The meat is suitably springy, and after chewing, the subtly sweet flavor permeates the entire mouth."

"And that sweet and spicy, clear and rich soup! All this was accomplished without compromising the marvelous taste of lobster!" the next judge explains with a big grin.

The Viscount Druitt was literally moaning it was disturbing as fuck. "Like the beautiful lady unexpectedly met, with seven precious stones, wrapping around their body around you. A gold brooch shaped like a dove, a bracelet made of sapphires and pearls a garnet necklace, a cameo medal...and a diamond and emerald ring on your exquisite fingers. By you my...hearts been stolen from me. Simply amazing! This is the best curry!" he exclaims in great detail with a blush.

The whole description he gave about a woman just made me cringe more and more. God, I really dislike this guy.

"Thanks for your praise." Agni bows earnestly.

Two more chefs come up with their dishes after that, both of them doing alright. It wasn't anything grand like Agni's dish. The last to go was Sebastian. He comes forth with his dish to the judges.

"So, has the winner been decided? Last to the stage is the Funtom company!" the announcer voices dramatically.

Sebastian comes closer to the judges and I bite my nail anxiously. What does he plan to do with that raw dough?

"This is my curry." Sebastian states while lifting the lid off the curry.

"This-This is!" the royal chef cries in surprise.

All the judges stare at the dough in confusion. There was no curry in sight.

"What is this white thing?! What are you trying to pull?!" the royal chef stands, feeling aghast at the sight of the dish.

Sebastian remains stoic and grabs the dough with tongs. He walks over to a station and drops the bread into a fryer bowl. I stare in shock, everything blending together now. He was making curry bread! Genius! I'm surprised, truly. Deep frying anything will just make it taste 100% better.

"Ah! It's deep-fried?" the judge's question.

"Ciel! What in the heavens is your butler doing?!" Soma cries next to me.

"Is he trying to make a donut?!" Bard shouts.

I turn toward Bard with a silly grin on my face, "Isn't so creative?! Not sure if he beat the Japanese first or not in creating it!"

"J-Japanese?" Bard questions.

I nod repeatedly, excited to see something like this. "Yep! Right, Lau?"

He turns to look at me with that grin of his, "I do not know if the Japanese have created this yet either."

I shrug and turn my attention back to the stage.

He takes it out after a couple of minutes and presents it to all three of them. "It is ready. This is our company's curry."

"But where is the curry?" the royal chef asks.

"Wait a moment. This is..." Viscount Druitt begins and starts to cut open the bread. Curry starts to seep out from the inside, "W-What?! The curry from inside..."

"What?" Agni asks in surprise.

I smile proudly, happy to know a demon so smart. Underestimating Sebastian should never be a thing.

"This is the curry that our company proudly presents to you. It has a name...the curry-donut!" Sebastian announces with a smirk.

The crowd goes into an uproar as Sebastian encourages the judges to try it.

"What in the name of...I have never seen that kind of curry before!" Soma utters.

"That's because it's one of a kind." I point out with a small smile.

The royal chef judge takes a bite of the dish and his eyes widen, "It explodes in the mouth! This is delicious! The deep-fried crispy exterior and soft interiors texture combined with that sticky curry create several levels of heavenly taste!"

"The most fantastic part is the curry filling used inside! Ingenious and fragrant, it is all blended together as if it were the very meaning of 'delicious'. It blossoms the moment it is sliced open!" the other judge comments. "In addition, the chunks of chicken in the curry were sizeable. This really is a perfect creation..."

The Viscount Druitt interrupts with another one of his moans. I stare at the man with all the disgust I can muster again. He's a truly disturbing figure.

"A young girl at the ball that makes me want to love her tenderly. The mischievous mockingbird, singing like a child in the daytime. But in the evening, you show your true colors. The heartstring-pulling smile behind a mask, a young girl, alone...I really want to hold you tightly in my arms!" Druitt declares while wrapping his arms around himself as a bunch of sparkles erupt around him. "Fresh innovation and undoubted quality. This really is the Funtom company's special revolutionary curry!" he cries truthfully.

"I thank you for your praise." Sebastian states with a small bow to the judges.

I turn to look at my brother, having a weird feeling the Viscount was referring to my brother during the ball where he got kidnapped. I was right it would seem, according to his expression and shivers. After some time, the contestants must make more curry and I guess they are serving some to the audience to try. Which is a great idea because I'm starved.

Eventually, the announcer comes back with a grin on his face, "And now's the time you all have been waiting for! Taste-testing time! Please taste whichever curries you want!"

The servants dash away immediately the table where the dishes are being sent to.

"Do you want anything?" I ask Ciel.

He looks up at me with some debate, "I think I will be fine. So, no thanks."

"Suit yourself."

I walk over to the table crowded with people. They were going at it like sharks in the sea. I sweatdrop and slowly make my way through the crowd. Grabbing one of Agni's and Sebastian's I somehow manage to grab them both without getting trampled on. I stare at the blue lobster in awe as I have never seen one before. I am not one for seafood, but I'll eat it if it guarantees high praises. I also wanted to differentiate the two.

Setting a plate down on a table near the stage, I take a bite of Agni's first with the red curry. Of course, as the judges said, it all melts perfectly and I can't stop the moan from rumbling in my throat, this is what those Pinterest posts would call a foodgasm for sure. I try every one of the curries on the plate, each having their own spiciness to it. Damn, this is some good ass food.

I couldn't finish it all sadly since I needed to try Sebastian's still. The lobster tasted funny too because I wasn't used to eating crustacean. Grabbing the curry bread, I pick it up like a hamburger. I shrug and take a bite. The curry explodes in my mouth as the judge also said. Holy shit, this dish is fire. Better than those curry bread from Japan that I found at the Asian market downtown.

I hum in delight at the taste as a blush dusts my cheeks. It was super yummy and tasted super Americanized. Then again, I suppose that is the difference. Lowering the bread from my mouth I stare at the lobster dish. Agni's was more authentic while Sebastian's so more, how do I put it? It reminds me of how there is Mexican food compared to real Hispanic food. There is a clear difference between the two. Sebastian's recipe has more economic use. What most people here would turn to more while Agni's is a cuisine you would find at a high-class restaurant.

"You seem to be in deep thought, my lady."

I jump in my spot, not noticing Sebastian near me at all. I could hear my heart in my ears and glared at him a little, "You just scare me because you find it funny, don't you?"

He shrugs but there was mirth dancing in his eyes either way, "Who knows."

I set the bread back down on the plate with a sigh, "I have to say, I commend you on your genius plan."

He smirks then, "Oh? Keep going."

"It's very...marketable, I suppose is one way to say it."

"Please, if a Phantomhive butler cannot do this much-"

"...then what kind of butler would you be." I finish for him with a small laugh.

"Was the curry to your liking?" he asks after a pause.

"Mhm, I liked both of them very much."

He nods, "Yes, I see Agni's right hand of God does have its influence after all."

"Did you see anything odd while he was using it?"

His gaze narrows on the dish on the table, "Odd...you say?"

"Yes, odd." I confirm and creep a little closer to him, "I mean, I'm not sure, but does he really possess such a religious ability? He's only human after all." I ask with a low tone.

He thinks for a moment, "I do think there is something in him that no normal human can sustain. Something holy through his own belief. He is special in his own way."

I hum in thought then, "How peculiar...I never knew religion to this extent."

"Ah, that is right, you do not believe in a god."

I give him a hard glance, "No, I didn't. However, things are changing it would seem."

He smirks again, "Do not believe in any God, they are all fools."

"Then what does that make demons?"

He pauses for a moment; his eyes glow that unique electric color. "Dark and full of sins."

"Like humans?"

His eyes widen until he starts to shake, he raises a hand to his mouth. He begins to laugh a little, finding it funny it would seem. "Ah, that's right...but we are much worse than an ordinary human. We lurk in the dark and feed on the weak souls of humans."

"Am I weak?"

He stops snickering and freezes, he stares down at me for a long while.

"All humans are weak."

"Because we have emotions that can destroy us? Even thoughts that can and will over time?"

"Those are some, yes."

I look down at my hands then, "I see,"

It is silent between us then; it wasn't awkward but full of questions and answers. None of which we dared to ask or retaliate. He takes his leave after a moment and returns to the stage. I find our discussions quite interesting. I should file this information. I've never felt such curiosity towards something.

I return to my brother's side, still full in thought about things. This world is so much different in many ways compared to mine. How I managed to survive it, is still a thing I wonder about.

"What did you and Sebastian speak about?"

I look down at my brother, who held a rather stern look in his eyes. "Nothing of importance."

"Liar. Tell me the truth."

I 'tsk' under my breath, "It's nothing to concern yourself with."

He glares at me, "If anything, it concerns everything about me! You don't think I don't notice how you are all buddy-buddy with him?!" he whisper shouts.

I wince, never thinking of my brother watching us. "It's not what you think."

"I don't have to think, I already know just from watching you both interact over the years."

"And, do tell me, how do we act, huh?"

He grabs my dress, effectively yanking me down to eye level. "Dare I say friendly or even frenemies."

My eyes widen in disbelief because he wasn't exactly wrong. My face was directly in front of his hardly suppressed angry one. "So what?"

A tick mark pulses against his temple now, "So what? So what! You shouldn't even have that kind of connection with that-that...thing." he spits at the end in a low voice, his voice full of poison. "You have no idea how vile he is, he's a demon for crying out loud. How idiotic are you?!" he whispers thunderously. "He hides underneath that cocky attitude, you can easily miss it."

My mind was blank, I couldn't rebuke. My brother was right in every angle and statement. So why...did I want to befriend a demon in the first place? Normally, I'm sane enough to deny that kind of company. So why? Something about him...makes me feel weird. A thought whispers into my mind that makes my heart jump. It's almost like...a spell. I can't deny that I like Sebastian a lot. A lot more than I'm willing to admit. There's that feeling though, itching on my neck. Whenever he is near, I enjoy his presence and a bunch of other things I fail to understand.

"I'm sorry," I whisper to Ciel, my eyes clouding up with tears. "I don't know why either."

He looks stunned for a moment until he sighs, "Whatever, just try to fix it. It's not normal under any means."

"I-I will try..."

He lets go of me then and the announcer walks back on stage. I stand straight again and find Lau giving me an odd look. Like he wanted to know what we were talking about. I focus back on the stage and find Sebastian already looking at us. His eyes were incredibly narrowed, I felt them pierce my soul almost. I gulp nervously under such a gaze. I bet he heard every word. I try to keep my attention on the announcer who tries to quiet the crowd around us.

I feel like I need a breath of fresh air to clear my mind, but I can't leave.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. After much discussion, the winner of this curry show is..." the announcer starts. "Harold West and Funtom company! A tie!" he shouts while holding the award trophy in the air.

However, out of nowhere, a whip flies out and wraps itself around the trophy. It is forced out of the announcer's hand into someone else's who is clothed in pure white. I feel like I recognize him from somewhere.

"Huh?"

"Please wait." the man in white says.

"The victor..."

Someone bursts into the building on a horse wearing sunglasses and a fancy cloak. She was an older woman. I instantly recognized her from the one time I was granted to see her.

"Who's the funky gran?" Bard asks.

"That is..." Lau starts with a knuckle to his chin.

The horse stops beside Ciel and me, the older women smiling down at us. "Your majesty! Why have you come here?" Ciel asks in shock.

"Hello everyone." Queen Victoria greets.

The whole building turns into chaos.

The queen rides down the walkway and eventually tramples the man in white with her horse. I briefly wonder if he is okay. He leans up with a trembling body, "I am done talking. But it seems the queen has something to say."

"This curry show was indeed exciting," she comments as the man in white helps her down from the horse. "The fragrance permeating throughout the entire room reminds me of the I had curry with Albert on White island," she mentions but abruptly crumbles to the ground with a wail. "Oh, Albeeeerrrttt...I want to eat this curry with you also." she cries into the air.

The man in white, who I am guessing is a guard or something tries to cheer her up.

"Her majesty seems quite the complex character." Lau comments lowly with a sweatdrop.

"A bit dramatic I would say..." I mumble.

"Don't talk like that." Ciel scolds lightly with the same face as Lau.

"Shut up, you were thinking the same." I retort.

"Quiet, you. I was not." Ciel rebukes.

She slowly stands up while dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief her guard gave her. "As I have received an invitation to be a judge in this contest, I have one vote, don't I?" she asks around. "I have chosen..."

There was a long pause as she walks toward Sebastian and Agni, up the stairs to the stage. She changes her direction to Sebastian suddenly with a smile while holding the trophy, "Funtom company's butler, Sebastian. This is for you."

She hands him the trophy. It's not very often I see Sebastian become surprised.

West bursts from the crowd, full of complaints already. "Wh-Why?!" he asks the queen. "How can the curry we made loose to a doughnut stuffed with curry?!"

The queen stares at him before her attention focuses on the crowd around us, "Please look over there." He does so as his face filters to one of surprise. "Do you see? Funtom's curry requires no utensils and can be consumed by anyone. Yes, that's right, this is a method that takes even children into account." she elaborates. "Everyone is happy, the rich, the poor, the adults, the children, everyone is equal. This kind of idea is essential for Great Britain as it heads into a new century. I highly approve of the Funtom company's accounting for our future, the children. Thus, the victor is the Funtom company!" she announces.

Everyone cheers and I let out a low whistle, "That was one hell of a speech. Not exactly true though."

"What do you mean?" Ciel asks.

I laugh a little, "Don't worry about it."

West collapses to the ground in defeat and I snicker internally at the sight.

"Nice one, Sebastian!" Finnian shouts gleefully.

"This is typical of Sebastian!" Bard chants.

"You should come and eat to the young master, my lady!" Mey-Rin encourages, with tons of curry bread in her arms.

"I'll have some!"

She gives me one and I eat it happily. "It's yummy, Ciel try a bite."

I offer him my bread and he shakes his head, "No thank you."

I pout and shove it closer to him, "Pleaseeeee." I whine.

He sighs and takes it from me, "Fine. Stop bugging me."

I smile at his demeanor and shake my head, "See, it wasn't that hard."

"Shut up. You seem to have forgotten something."

I blink in confusion, "What?"

"That bet, have fun with Sebastian and the servants tomorrow." he smirks evilly.

A shudder goes down my spine at the thought, "C-Can we take it back?"

"No."

"Ah, fuck..."

"Language."

"...I'm gonna punch you."

"I'd like to see you try."

Before I know it, we all stare at a young Indian girl run towards West. "My lord!"

We stare at them in disbelief, "Is that-" I start to say.

"Meena!?" Soma shouts next to us.

"Eh?" Meena mutters and her eyes find Soma's figure.

"Prince...Soma?"

"I finally found you!" Soma cries with joy. He dashes toward her and pulls her into a hug. "Meena! I've been looking for you! For a very long time! You must have been so worried when you were kidnapped to England! I finally...finally found you." he continues to cry out.

He pulls her away from his arms a little, "Prince..." Meena says.

"You don't have to worry anymore. Let's go home together!"

There was a pause in the air until her face contorted to one of disgust. "Are you some kind of idiot?" Meena asks.

My eyes widen at her attitude change as she pulls herself away from him.

"Eh?" Soma asks, not quite understanding.

"Who the hell do you think you are, coming this far, just to get in people's way?!" she shouts. "Come home with you? Don't make me laugh! Who'd want to come home to a place like that?" she snarls with hatred.

Holy shit, she's a bit of a bitch, isn't she?

Agni falls to the ground then, seeming to be under some distress.

Sebastian looks down at him briefly until he turns his attention to Meena, "You...You were concealing this weren't you?"

"Sorry for not wanting to live my whole life bound by my social class! I even took great pains to sneak out of India!" Meena complains loudly.

"Then...you wanted...with West..." Soma tries to process out loud.

"That's right. Even a child could understand which is better, being an ordinary cook or a rich wife. And...I'm sick of looking after such a selfish master!" she persists with a crazed look.

Damn...that was one hell of a blow. But then again, this will serve a purpose. Soma needs to break out of that bubble of his.

Everyone stood in silence, but I begin to hear something...dripping (?) nearby. A smile appears on Soma's face and I watch in fascination. What is he smiling about? He appeared...serine and sad. Oh man, it makes me want to cry looking at him.

"Sorry." Soma apologizes. "We were that close, and I didn't understand one bit of Meena's feelings. I'm sorry for never thinking about being a bother and chasing you all the way to England. And...thanks for everything up until now." he says sincerely with a bowed head, smile still in place. He walks away from her, us, and up to where Sebastian stands on the stage. "Up until now, I've always blamed other people. Being alone in the palace was my mother and fathers' fault. Meena disappearing was West's fault but I was wrong."

He walks past Sebastian eventually, continuing his internal monologue out loud. "Even though I was gnawing at my parents' ankles, I did nothing but complain. There's no one who'd love a brat like that." he states while bending down in front of a hunched over Agni. I could see tears of blood dripping onto the floor and I smile sadly. "But you stayed by my side. Even when we were separated, will you stay by my side and still be my Khanasama? I've given you nothing but trouble until now." he asks Agni with a hopeful smile.

Oh my, this scene was so touching, I think. It made me want to cry. Such a nice speech of improving morals.

Agni was now crying real tears, one's of salty water. Soma offers his hand out for Agni which he grabs in both of his. "Jo Ajha." Agni cries.

I sniffle slightly, pushing tears back once more. I swear, all I'm good for is crying sometimes.

"It seems like somehow everything's ended up for the best, wouldn't you say?"

Ciel and I look to our right to find queen Victoria standing next to us with her guard. She was smiling again and had her hands positioned in a prayer form. "Isn't that good, boy?"

I let out a 'pft' as all the servants near us say, "Boy?"

My brother's face explodes into a red blush all over, "Your majesty, I've humbly asked you to stop referring to me that way..."

I put a hand on my brother's shoulder with a small smirk, "Why? I think it's cute..."

He shoves my hand off his shoulder, his blush intensifying more somehow. "It is not!"

"Is that so?" Victoria asks. "But you'll always be that cute little boy to me."

I snicker under my breath, my body shaking until I feel someone kick my leg. I hush myself somehow not crying in pain. That fucking hurt, you snort nosed brat of a brother!

He coughs in embarrassment and takes his top hat off, "Your majesty, why did you come all the way out here today?"

"I was at St. Sophia university's choir concert, but when I heard that your company was coming to the curry fair, I had to come to see you. You only ever send letters and never come to visit, after all."

"Someone like me...shouldn't be around your majesty very often." he mentions darkly.

"Please don't say such things. You're so young but you already perform your duty so seriously, just like your father Vincent." she says while patting Ciel's head with a smile.

I smile when I am reminded of Vincent. My brother is the spitting image of him, that's for sure. However, there are subtle differences as well. That's to be expected of course. If only Vincent could see him now. He wouldn't think his child would be like this ever. He wanted the best for Fenian. For him to be free without much hardship. Obviously, shit happened and now it is impossible for him.

"Besides that, it's been such a long time since I came to the Crystal Palace. It seems like yesterday that Albert and I would come here for opening ceremonies..." she continues until she pauses and crashes to the floor with a wail again. "Alberrrrrrrtttt! I wish you were here today too!" she cries in sorrow. "Oh dear, I must be leaving soon. I'll have the Grand Chamberlain's office send you the authorization documents for the royal warrant."

She hops back onto her horse with the help of the guard. She wishes us a farewell and takes off along with her bodyguard.

"She's always the same..." Ciel mutters.

"You're right."

"Ciel!" Soma calls out from behind us. "Thank you for winning. You have my gratitude."

Ciel places the hat back on his head with a disinterested look, "It really wasn't for you. It was for my own sake. But your babysitter coming back was a case of killing two birds with one stone."

"Ciel, if I never came to England, I probably wouldn't have learned all sorts of truths. If I never met Ciel, then I'd've stayed selfish and ignorant of the ways of the world." Soma declares with a strong and determined stance. "From now on, I want to try and learn all sorts of things. And someday, I'll become a great man who won't lose to anyone and show you!" Soma states with a big happy grin.

We all stare at him, but I know my gaze was full of awe. Soma is turning into a beautiful person and it makes me filled with happiness.

"Soma!" I laugh lightly, "I hope everything turns out good for you someday!"

He blushes a little and I decide to grab him into a big bear hug. He lets out an 'ugh' as I hug him even tighter with my own grin.

"L-Lady Rina...can't-breathe!" he shouts.

I let go with a small chuckle, "Oops."

"How bustling." Sebastian comments as he approaches us with his own smile.

"Mr. Sebastian!" the servants cheer with smiles as well.

Bard gives him a one-arm hug around the shoulders, "Congratulations! You did it! Today's our victory celebration!"

Finnian grabs the trophy from Sebastian's hand and raises it up in the air with a cheer. Bard gets off Sebastian right after, "Don't drop it!"

"As Finny said, good job, Sebastian!" I say, still smiling like an idiot.

Before he could reply, Agni interrupts us, "Mr. Sebastian," he starts as he gets onto his knees and bows to Sebastian. "I wonder how I should apologize for everything."

I watch in stunned silence, feeling pity for Agni. I hope it changes him just a little bit. Sebastian gets onto one knee as well and holds his hand out to him, "Mr. Agni, there is no need for that kind of thing. Please raise your head."

"At first I regretted accompanying the prince to England. But now, I think it is a very good thing." Agni briefs while watching Soma bug Ciel nearby. I walk closer to Sebastian's side with curiosity, not to mention I also want to give Agni a hug for his hard work and coming of moment later. "We both have learned a lot from you all. I feel I must thank you somehow."

They both stand up then and Sebastian gives him a softer version of his closed eye smile. That's a look I don't see often, and I greedily save it for memory. "You have been apologizing from the beginning. I fought for my reasons, and you fought for yours. That's all there is to it. There is no need to thank me for it. The Goddess of Kali you believe in and Shiva both realized their faults through mutual pain, just as you two are doing now."

Agni is overcome with a slight blush in awe to Sebastian's words and puts his hands in prayer formation.

I am surprised that Sebastian even said anything nice related to a god just now. How interesting...

"The sun is setting." I point out randomly while looking at the orange sky above us through the glass that encases the area. "Shall we go home?" I ask.

Both of them look up as well and take notice. Most of the people vacated out of the place already, leaving only us behind and workers to clean up the aftermath. We all gather in a group and begin to exit the building.

I walk beside Agni as we slowly leave, "To have my story from my country explained by an Englishman. It's kind of embarrassing." Agni admits with rubbing his head and a smile.

"And as they say, 'no pain, no gain.'. No matter where or when it's the same. It has nothing to do with England or India..." Sebastian alludes which makes Agni and I stop in our walk. Sebastian takes two more steps before he turns around with a smirk, the sun hitting his back, creating a halo of light around his body. How funny. "...humanity, that is."

I don't know how many more times I can feel awe in a day. But it seems today is teeming with it.

We all follow Sebastian outside; it was a bit windy out but the colors in the sky were magnificent.

"That's right..." Agni beings with a small smile, "The evening sun as seen from the Banks of the Ganges, the evening sun seen in England. It has the same beauty."

Everyone stares up at the sky above us, and I spot the moon slowly making its appearance.

"It's also a place where the light and dark touch, and do not swallow each other for a brief time." I hint at knowingly. I reach a hand up to the sky as if I were caressing the barely full moon.

I hear clothes being ruffled next along with a noise of struggle. I find Soma holding my brother for dear life and I giggle at the sight as I let my arm fall back to my side.

"W-What?!" Ciel cries in shock.

Out of nowhere, Soma lets out a horrible cry and tears start springing from his eyes at a rapid rate. "WAAAAAAHHHH! Me...Meenaaa!" he wails loudly.

All the servants crowd around them with their own cries but also smiles. The sight warms my heart quite a bit.

"I'm glad you guys came to England."

Agni turns to look at me with a surprised look, "I am happy we did too."

"Things seem not so stale anymore."

"How do you mean?"

I give him a side smile, "Just a little livelier, I should say."

"I see, both the prince and I were able to make good friends."

"Friends?" I ask with a tilt of my head.

"Friends...is it?" Sebastian questions next to me as I was in the middle of the two. "That's the first time anyone has said that to me."

I gawk at him and point at myself, "What am I then?! I thought we were friends?"

He scoffs and looks away from me.

I pout angrily and grab Agni's arm, hugging it, "Fine. Agni is a better friend anyway."

Agni sputters next to me, unsure of what to do or say. Sebastian's eyes slide over to me, giving me a glance. He grabs me another arm and yanks me away from Agni a little, "Stop acting like a child,"

I stick my tongue at him, "Stop acting like a sour grandpa then."

He sends a glare my way, but I ignore it with a laugh. I wrap both my arms around their shoulders and bring them down for a side hug. "Nah, we can be friends together." I state with a small grin.

"I would like that very much, Lady Rina." Agni comments beside me.

"Mhm! Me too!"

"Rina," someone calls for me. I find it was my brother giving me a stern look. I wince and let go of the two and walk over to him.

"What?"

"Did our discussion mean nothing?"

I look away guiltily, "I said I'd try, but it will be hard."

He sighs at that point, "Whatever."

I ignore him but I find a slip of paper hanging out of his pockets and I take it out curiously, "A letter?" I question in confusion.

He looks at me and takes it out of my hands, "This is..."

"When did?!" he gasps, trying to think how it got there. "Ah! The queen's servant put it there earlier. Why did you tell me?!" he asks Sebastian with a tick mark near his temple.

"You didn't ask." Sebastian points out.

"Tch." Ciel voices with irritation. He opens the letter and I spot three tickets inside, "A ticket?"

"Whatever for?" I ask, pondering out loud.

"Couldn't it be an early Christmas present? For a little boy." Sebastian jokes with a smirk.

I snort, "Cute little boy, you mean."

"I'll kill you both," Ciel states with a murderous expression. "I'm tired. I want to go home and have some tea."

Ciel hands Sebastian the letter and he bows slightly, "Understood. I shall prepare some Assam tea. Dinner will be the amazing curry prepared by my own hands."

"Stop joking around!" Ciel shouts as I walk away with him and Sebastian.

"What kind of tickets are they anyway, Sebastian?" I ask.

He opens the letter and takes them out, "Noah's Ark Circus."

"Eh? A circus? What on Earth could be happening there?"

"According to the queen, something bad." Ciel relays with a sigh.