Loss

Linnea has no idea what to do.

Lately, there are cases of murdered prostitutes lately and she was called from the mansion to the townhouse and sent out to determine how the corpses are killed while they got the culprit down.

'Ciel, what exactly, is that person's past that each body has one unique trait to it?!' Linnea gasped out in his office in his townhouse in London.

'A unique trait?' Ciel frowned.

'Their ovaries and wombs are taken out.' said Linnea, looking ill with a hand covering her mouth. 'Scalpel is a blade sharp enough to make clean cuts therefore less mess!'

'...Aunt Ann...' said Ciel, changing the way he calls Madam Red. 'She was once married. But she and her husband Lord Barnett got into a carriage accident. He died but to save her life, the doctors had to remove those very body parts...along with that of her unborn premature child that was killed from the crash. That was some time before my tenth birthday.'

'So with all these prostitutes lining up to her to have an abortion...is basically an insult to a woman who wanted to be a mother yet couldn't be one, is it?' Sebastian mused. 'It makes sense.'

'What will you do, Ciel?' Linnea asked worriedly.

'...in the name of the Queen and my filth-stained name...I will do my duty as the watchdog.' Ciel spoke in a hardened, but bitter tone of voice.

'I see...' said the young maid sadly. 'Shall I prepare your favorites?'

'No need. I doubt I'd have the appetite.'

'Not only that, there is no way she is doing this alone.' said Sebastian. 'To be undetected for so long...there is someone behind her.' he said cautiously. 'While I fight, you must protect the Earl. That is another reason why you are called. Protect from the shadows.' Linnea bowed.

And she did just that.

While she's OK with whatever Sebastian is, she however, is shocked that Death Gods exist and that, he is a tranny who uses a Chainsaw, a machine invented in the future as she protected Ciel and captured Madam Red using magic. However, another Shinigami arrived, explaining that Grell's actions are against their laws and took him back.

Ciel wondered how the hell can he explain this away...

xxx

'The young master isn't back yet and so is Sebastian...' said Finny as its been a week since that battle. The other servants looked at Linnea who was trying her best to act normal and unknowing.

'Well, how should I know, I'm not a main agent like Sebastian who's more privy to these cases!' she stated huffily. 'I only did my job and they said they'll take care of the rest!'

However, they never saw Madam Red ever again nor was Linnea informed of her fate.

xxx

Five months after that...its December.

Linnea knows full well that Ciel. Hated. His. Birthday.

One thing they have in common is that both hated their birthdays.

For Linnea, its because her birthday was never celebrated not even once. She's just locked in her cupboard the whole day away with no food and water, only let out for the loo.

For Ciel, his tenth birthday was the day he lost his innocence and his family to a fire, and became a slave.

However, considering what's coming, she prepared in advance. A stash of beautiful confectionery and a huge cake she prepared in secret, and decorations befitting a young man's birthday.

When 'that' came, the Marchioness Midford and Elizabeth...it was time to act, when they left for a Hunting Game.

'Alright people!' said Linnea. 'While they're gone, we must act fast!' Linnea barked. 'I already prepared the sweets and birthday cake in advance, so now let's decorate the mansion! Bard! Whip up a birthday feast!' Linnea ordered.

'Eh?! But doesn't he hate his birthday?!' Bard gawked out.

'I know that, but since the Midfords are here, the situation is different! If they weren't visiting, we wouldn't be doing this as per the master's wish!' Linnea told the Servants. 'And Lady Elizabeth is here! Lord help us if she decorates the mansion in its girly girl decor when the celebrant is a gentleman!' they all paled in horror at the mere idea of it.

'Yes ma'am!'

'Maylene, Finny, Tanaka help me out here! Bard, cook one hell of a feast! The Marchioness is a stone-cold perfectionist so take great care! ABSOLUTE CARE!'

'Got it!' and the servants decorated the halls, walls and the stairs, prepared a long table and chairs. The best chinaware and silverware are taken out, as well as choice glassware that soon groaned under food, and filled with drink.

Thus when the nobles got back...

TA-DAAAH!

The Servants are dressed in their best clothes and are all well-groomed formally, and bowed.

Ciel was NOT expecting this.

'...they're one step ahead of me!' Marchioness Midford said, impressed and amazed. Sure the new mansion design STUNNED her but the birthday decor... 'This is splendid!' she smiled as she faced Ciel. 'I came here today for one thing...' she said, patting Ciel's head. 'Happy 13th birthday!' she greeted with the smile and air of familial maternal kindness. before facing the servants. 'And also everyone, I'am counting on you to take care of my daughter and her husband in the future.'

Somehow, Ciel smiled.

'Thank you very much!'

The Servants beamed and on Elizabeth's wish, a party began.

However, while having that party...a new case came all the way from India.

xxx

'The young master and Sebastian sure left right after lunch.' Maylene noted. 'Anything going on?'

'Well, noblemen,' said Linnea as she made quotemarks with her fingers, 'Are getting attacked lately.'

'Noblemen? You mean aristocrats?' Finny asked her.

'Yes.' Linnea chuckled. 'You see, in aristocratic families, if a family has more than two children, the 3rd or 4th child barely gets anything despite their titles. The huge chunk of the family fortune often always go the 1st and 2nd children.' she explained. 'These nobles who can't afford luxurious lives in England can live like one in British Colonies wherein the British Currency can be exchanged for a lot of money and then they can live like hedonists there.' she told them. 'So those who can't leave that lifestyle are called Upstarts. And lots of people who came from India who came home to London is getting attacked. Stripped almost naked, hung upside down on that indian Hindustani Coffee House at Portman Square. The young master went to check it out.' Linnea snorted.

'So not even being a kid of wealthy class has it easy if you're a 3rd kid onwards huh?' Bard scratched his head.

'Bard, what we mean by 'barely gets anything' is still a fortune to a commoner's standards.' Linnea sweatdropped. 'An 8th or tenth of the family fortune can enable us to live a life of no need for work if we spend that wisely. But considering this is nobility we're talking about...they're used to a life of luxury at a young age that by the time they grow to adulthood, they have no idea how to fend for themselves. That 'barely-there' fortune they get disappears in months. The little-smarter ones live in Colonies to make that fortune last a little while longer, and then coming home poorer than a mouse and freeload off their relatives afterward.' she sneered. 'That, is the true meaning of an Upstart.'

'Izzat right...' Bard shuddered.

'Well, if they were a little smarter and know what's coming ahead in life upon reaching adulthood, they can avoid that fate.' said Linnea. 'And also, to avoid having troubled children, most families only have one or two children. But for families who have way too many daughters and yet a son is born late in life, that son is lucky as he becomes family head. The daughters are then married off to other families with no trouble at all. However, in yet another case if the eldest or second eldest is an embarrassment to the family, they are disinherited and the parents then pop out more kids who'd be worthy heirs. Its that complicated.'

However, that night...

'Linnea, its the young master.' said Tanaka, giving her the phone.

'Yes?'

/WE NEED A BABYSITTER!/ came the angry thunder even Tanaka nearly dropped his tea. /NOW!/ came the holler that blew her away.

'B-babysitter?! I'll be there the next morning due to snow travel hazards!' "So I can't just appear in there even if you want me to!"

xxx

Next morning, around 9 am...

'Phew, good thing you're here.' Ciel grunted as Linnea came with her luggage.

Apparently, an Indian Prince and his Butler imposed themselves to the point Ciel gets annoyed and wants her to deal with them.

'So you are the young master's guests?' Linnea smiled as she served them for the day.

'Wow! You're really beautiful!' Soma gushed out upon meeting her and he is in awe of her looks. 'Are you sure you're a maid?!'

'Er yes, I really am a maid.' Linnea sweatdropped. 'I am the Head Maid of the Phantomhive Household. My name is Linnea. So I hear from the young master that you are looking for someone?'

'Yes...she is a maid at my palace who disappeared, but she is also the one who raised me. Kind of like my big sister figure since mother has no time for me anyway.' said Soma casually. 'My father has no interest in me,' he said as Agni winced on the side at how casually he said it and it has a very disturbing aura to it. 'And mother spends all her time trying to get his attention so she has no time for me either.'

'Pardon?' Linnea did a double-take.

'Prince Soma is the 26th child of the royal family.' Agni stated as if that explained it all. But it was enough for Linnea. She has read enough culture books to have a gist.

'I see...so you have your own resources that enabled you to travel here no doubt?'

'Yes. I get money anytime I want but I really want Meena back home.' Soma sighed. 'Agni and Meena are my only family. They're more than Servants to me and I'm not going home until we have her back!'

"I guess growing up neglected means those who truly care for you are what you consider family." she thought morosely. "But I never had even that until I wound up time-traveling." 'I see. So the young master let you stay for a while...' "Not that he has a choice..." 'But after the arrival of the English nobles...' Soma growled. 'They took Meena with them! I was on an observation job and next thing I know she's gone!' he cried angrily. 'She could have been made a slave or something!'

On one of the rooms in the house, Sebastian listens with his hellish hearing to gain information by telepathy. As the talk continued, he got an image of the woman in question.

'Good thing we have her here.' said Sebastian. 'I now have an image of the woman he is looking for.'

'Then get searching so we can get rid of him sooner.' Ciel grunted. 'And determine the reason. Leave at around midnight.'

'Yes, my lord.'

xxx

'...so Prince Soma, the young master has given me a task.' said Linnea. 'In exchange for staying here, you must learn proper British Manners.' she said. 'India's rules do not apply here. Same for us if we went to your country.' she told him. 'As of now in Britain, you classify as both royalty and Aristocrat, so you must learn proper manners of such to avoid offending people here, and committing terrible social faux pas. Its hard to build good relationships while its so easy to destroy relationships, sometimes its destroyed before it can even begin if you start wrong. Mr. Agni please listen too so looking for Ms. Meena will be easier for you later on as people will be much more cooperative that way.'

'Oh...'

'It will be busy but let's do our best!' Linnea chirped cheerfully.

It took Sebastian until the crack of dawn in fact.

The next morning...

'I have gleaned the facts.' said Sebastian as in an office...its just him, Lau, Ciel and Soma while Linnea was ordered to keep Agni busy subtly. 'About this Ms. Meena Lord Soma is concerned about...'

'Y-you found her?!' Soma asked hopefully.

'Yes. However, there is a twist.' said Sebastian. 'You see, Ms. Meena has married Lord Harold West, the owner of Harold Trading and Harold's Hindustani Coffee House. He specializes in importing Indian Spices and Tea while also dabbling in general goods and coffee.'

'H-he married Meena?' Soma stammered out feebly.

'Not only that...Mr. Agni is in fact, under Blackmail from what I'm hearing from conversations.' said Sebastian with a straight face when in reality he has a little help. 'West has ordered Mr. Agni to attack rival Indian Stores and cause considerable trouble so he will have no difficulty in obtaining a Royal Warrant at this year's Curry Fair. Its an event the young master is invited to as a special judge.' he added. 'It's to be held one week from now at the Crystal Palace in an event called 'A Prospering Exhibition of Indian Culture in the Empire'. Once Mr. West has what he wants, he will release Ms. Meena. That's assuming Ms. Meena is willing to go back though. She seems to be enjoying a life of luxury with maids waiting on her hand and foot.' he said to the Prince's shock. To add insult to injury, he even has photos taken for Soma to look.

'So even if Agni does everything he could for Soma to get Meena back, the woman herself is another story entirely.' said Ciel with a frown. 'Look at it this way. Where did Meena come from before working for the palace?' he asked Soma. 'Given her behavior since joining West, she's all for the luxury he gives her as his wife. She no longer has to be a Servant and she now enjoys being served by servants. To anyone who came from the slums, they will do all they can to obtain their ideal life. Grasp at every opportunity possible. Drop what's useless in favor of something better.' he said to Soma's horror. 'As your servant, its her job to please you because for servants, if they displease their master, that means losing their jobs as well as free room and board, and salary that comes with it.' he said. 'And how much does she get paid as your servant?'

'I-I don't know...she says she gets her pay from my mother who is her real master.' said Soma. 'Since she never complained, I thought she gets a lot. Agni is my only Servant after I rescued him from execution so I pay him and I know I pay him handsomely!' he cried. 'I pay him the equivalent of 50 Pounds in Rupees every two months!' Ciel, Lau and Sebastian STARED. Who the hell taught this kid about money? He pays Agni 50 Pounds every two freaking months?! That amount is what Tanaka gets in a year!

'The reality may be quite ugly for her so she happily got married to a rich man.' Ciel told him bluntly. 'You must now make a choice. Agni is truly loyal to you as he fights a clearly losing battle for you. Meena only does what's good opportunity for her. The factor here is how your mother treats her behind your back while she serves as your nanny. The Meena you knew all you life is therefore, a fake.' this emotionally-shattered the young prince. 'We will be at the Curry Fair to see her true face. No doubt with West blackmailing Agni, Agni will be his man in the fair to win that Royal Warrant...so we will fight in this fair too.' he said. 'When we defeat Agni, her true colors should show.'

'Curry Fair...Agni...? But his curry is truly magnificent...with his right hand of God, his curries are extremely delicious.' said Soma hollowly. 'How can you hope to win against that?' he asked as he was still looking at the photos taken.

'Heh, if you and West have the Right Hand of God...we have our Goddess of Culinary Arts.' Ciel snarked. 'We will bring that goddess here once Agni leaves. He cannot know we're onto him.'

'Er Earl? Who is this Goddess you're speaking of?' Lau asked him curiously.

'She's already here in this house, Mr. Lau.' Sebastian smiled. 'Its Linnea.'

'Linnea?!' Lau did a double-take. 'Isn't your Chef Bardroy?'

'Yes, but Linnea is the one who educated and trained him.' said Ciel. 'The position of my servants reflect that of their 'other, true occupation'. We need her more as Head Maid than Chef. Her position is that important thus she taught Bard all she knows.'

And so...

'Heee...Indian Curry eh...?' Linnea's eyes glinted. 'A true Indian Curry is made with spices, vegetables and meat or even seafood but the main factor here is the spices.' she said. 'Spices determine its flavor, fragrance, texture, quality and substance. Not only that, spices also create 'color' in the sauce. For example Turmeric brings the color 'orange' to the sauce. Results can vary depending on how you use the spice. You grind them finely or coarsely or roast it to bring out a new flavor and aroma to entice the consumer...not only that, the spices must complement each other like a stairway to heaven of taste. The flavors must consolidate along with that of the vegetables, meat or seafood. But most idiots in Britain use Curry Powder, a bottle containing a mix of weak spices so that explains the declining level of Curry Boom in this country compared to a decade ago.'

'The expert has spoken...I don't even have a clue of half the things she said...' Ciel choked out, having flyaway hairs while Soma stared at her in amazement.

'She talks like she's possessed though.' Sebastian said wryly.

'But young master, considering West has sabotaged other formidable rivals using the kindhearted Mr. Agni,' said Linnea as Soma flinched. 'Where do we get a trading company he has yet to sabotage? A company that will give us high access to various types of spices? I also need sweet condiments as well as high-quality cacao. Curry is also influenced by sweetness and savoriness of its accompanying condiments!'

As if as one, Ciel and Sebastian looked at Lau.

'Eh?'