Chapter 4
~ASC~
A Butler's morning starts early. In the evening, no one's job ends later. In the morning no one's job starts earlier. The mansion is defined by a Butler's service.
Or so I have been told...
Sebastian stared at his mirror image and took a lock of hair into his hand, "My hair has grown quite a bit… Ah in these circumstances I mustn't shorten it." He tucked the lock of hair behind his ear as he stared into the mirror again, and he slipped on his clothing, "Humans are such difficult creatures." He stepped out of his room and tugged on his gloves. "Alright time to go."
The first thing a butler must do is deliver that day's work itinerary, a fancy word for saying handing out chores.
He enters the Servant lounge were Bard, Maylene, Finny, and I were at. I was about to turn in, just making myself a quick breakfast before I slept. "Good morning, everyone." There was a chorus of good morning to Sebastian and he closed the door behind him. "It's about time to start work."
"Maylene is in charge of the linens, Finny, prune the trees in the garden, Bard's job is to prepare lunch please. Tanaka can just drink tea." They nodded to him in understanding. "If you understand, then get to your jobs already and do them correctly." They ran away to do their work. I yawned as I munched on some bread as I watched Sebastian work.
After the servants are sent out to their duties, the butler must continue his. Next are the preparations for the Young master's awakening and for the early morning tea.
Sebastian took the tea to Ciel's room, "Pardon the intrusion." He said as he entered. "Good morning, Young master. It's time to wake up." Ciel groaned as the light struck his face, "It's nice weather today." He groaned and rubbed his eyes of sleep.
The master of our mansion, Count Ciel Phantomhive is 12 years old as the head of the family he governs a grand domain. Cool huh? As well as that, he also acts as the company president for the toy maker 'Funtom Company.' Through sly- I mean talented business maneuvers, he managed to create sister Funtom companies at the same time.
"Is it Assam today?" Ciel asked as he rubbed his eyes of the sleep.
Sebastian handed Ciel the tea cup, "You are very adept Young master. I heard that in Assam, quality tea leaves were made so I ordered some locally." Ciel took a sip of the tea and looked at the newspaper. "By the way the kids from Count Barton's orphanage have been invited here."
Now don't think that we invited children over here for a play date with Ciel. No, in fact, this is in order to spread the Noble's wealth to society. We will take some of those overflowing riches and give them to the nation. The noble family Phantomhive is no exception. They carry out their duty voluntarily for society. Technically it is called Philanthropy, but whatever.
"That is a good idea. When will it happen then?" Ciel asked.
"Tomorrow." Sebastian smiled at Ciel, and the shock look on the young Earl was quite a sight. I tried not to laugh; I've been behind Sebastian this whole time. I can just think his thoughts right now, This brat- Young master, does he think if he leaves everything to me, it will just work out somehow? That careless way of treating your workers is very rude. I wonder if I was spot on.
"Understood." He grinned, I reallllly hate that smile, so fake.
"No matter what type of guests we receive the Phantomhive reputation will parish if we don't show the best hospitality." Ciel stared into the tea that laid on the plate and sighed as he took the teacup in to his hand, "That's right... the Herend's Chinoiserie tea set that I ordered the other day has arrived." Sebastian said as he helped Ciel dress and stated what he was going to make this afternoon. "So today's afternoon snack will be with Keelung tea. And since it has berries in it as well, what do you say to some currant and berry summer pudding for snack? Would you like some?"
"Yea go ahead."
"Understood. Well, I shall begin on the preparations for tomorrow immediately." Ciel nodded and turned to look at me. "Did you need something Matthew?"
"Yes, I wanted to ask you a favor if possible Ciel."
He looked at me, it wasn't often that I asked for favors, and when I did, it never caused him trouble. "What is it?"
"May I borrow one of the horses? I would like to go into town today."
"Very well. Just make sure nothing happens to them." I bowed to him and left. I needed to pick it up today after all.
Today I am taking Mark with me. He huffed at me, Mark never really did like me much, but he was dependable. He took me to town and I went into a building. There was a bunch of books, old antiques, and some knick knacks. But that wasn't what I was here for. The old man at the counter looked up at me, "Ah I remember you. You came here asking for the strangest thing, but even paid in advance so I thought nothing of it." Quite the honest shopkeeper isn't he? He took out a clothed bundle and handed it to me.
I hesitantly opened it and smiles, the package in my hand were handmade 'speakers' they were copper funnels that curved slightly at the smaller part of it and had an opening. I've been dying to listen to music, but I'm tired of having to listen through my headphones. "I didn't know that they made children hearing aids. My condolence to your child for losing their hearing." He said to me, pity in his eyes.
I cleared my throat, this was awkward. "Thank you." I took out a bag of coins and handed it to the man, it was for his trouble. "Goodbye!" He said. I waved goodbye to him and went back on to the mansion. Today felt like a great day, I bet everyone back home is feeling it too... Or not. I started at the destroyed garden, the flames coming from the kitchen, and the soap coming from the laundry room. Yikes. But none of my business, so I headed to my room. I fiddled with my Ipod, attaching the headphones to the copper speakers. I yawned, realizing how tired I am and I decided to put soothing music to play while I sleep.
Midnight meowed at me and I lightly nudged her, knowing it bothers her because she hates my shoes. I moan in delight as I heard Joe Hisashi's music, it was part of my relaxing play list, after him will be Beethoven, Bach, and then others.
I laid down to rest and my eyes closed.
BAM!
And they were now open. My eyes went to the side, and I saw Sebastian, and he didn't look happy. He gave a quick glance at my speakers for a brief second and just scooped Midnight into his grasp and sat on the edge of my bed. My eyebrow twitched in annoyance, I needed sleep!
"Such soft paws, you're the only one that can comfort me." Midnight meowed at him as he squeezed her paw. I rolled my eyes; sometimes I can't believe he's a demon. "What is that music, it is quite delightful, and yet it brings forth an image of noble people dancing together."
"Yeah, that song is from my time. Joe Hisashi, he is very good at making music, but it's a shame he is not as well-known as I would have liked him to be." He nodded and stroked Midnight's fur. "Do you mind being quiet, I would like to sleep." I asked him.
"Sorry, I've just been run ragged today. I'm taking a break, since I'm way ahead of schedule now. Just as long as those idiotsdon't do something again!" The way he said idiots, I can seriously feel some killing vibe from him. It was killing my calm mood.
I sighed and turned my back to him and I forced my eyes to close. Midnight landed on my side, causing me to flinch a bit, but she slipped into my arms and purred under my chin. I sighed and stroked her, such a selfish kitty. Something touched my head and started stroking my hair, it was Sebastian's hand, it made me mad that he was treating me like a cat. But I couldn't complain as I felt myself falling asleep. There was a warm breath on my ear as I heard him whisper something, but I couldn't understand since he said it in such a strange language. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.
Servants that can't do anything, a selfish master, and a summoner who is strange. Being a butler isn't easy. But this kind of life isn't so bad...
~ASC~
I stretched as the daylight greeted me. I opened up the mansion gates and saw a horse carriage coming down. It was the mail; it's been awhile since I've seen it. They handed me the letters and I went into the mansion heading to Ciel's office. I met Sebastian on the way up and he took the letters, a smile on his face.
I raised my eyebrow at this as he walked close to me till we reach Ciel's office.
"Young master, these are the letters we received today." Ciel looked at the stack of letters, he didn't look happy at all.
"It's the social season again. These people really have nothing to do. They spend the whole day hosting meaningless balls, courting and dancing...London's life-style is so dull." He picked up the letter and Sebastian grabbed a notepad and a quill and he started writing down a list of the names Ciel called out as he threw the papers to the ground. I snatched the papers and threw them into the garbage bin, what a messy child.
Ciel stopped throwing and I looked up at him, his eyes large with surprise as he stared at the letters, and he said, "This is..."
~ASC~
Yawning in the back of my hand, I stopped Andrew from going further. I don't know why Sebastian needed me to drive the carriage, something about 'it' being the time that we should commence with the process, but the process of what? The sun blared down at me and I looked up to it. England's summers are very short. It's the hottest from May to August. People call it 'The Season.' Aristocrats from all over the world are invited to London for many social events.
Sebastian went down and opened the door for Ciel. "Young master, it's been a while since you last went out, isn't it?" That's true, when was the last time Ciel left his mansion? Except for when he was kidnapped, I assume...never. He stepped out, a large top hat on his head, I find it funny, since it reminded me of Abe Lincoln, funny as in comparing Lincoln, who was about 7 ft. or so, and Ciel who is mostly 4, 9 I suppose.
"I don't care who sent that letter...I hate going to crowded places." I parked the carriage and joined the two into the house. "But maybe being away from the mansion is okay too, for a change." I said to Ciel.
"Isn't it much more peaceful without those four by your side?" Poor guys, they want so bad to prove they aren't completely useless without Sebastian. Ciel grimaced at the thought of them and we walked over to the living room.
"Jeez, where did they put the tea leaves in this house?" Madam Red said as she rifled through the book shelves.
"I can't find them either." Lao said as he stared into a vase.
There was a funny tickle on the back of my brain as I felt something strange in the room, there was someone with long hair, a bow holding it, searching in the back of the room. I looked to Ciel and Sebastian, only to find them in shock. A smile that showed Sebastian was ready to snap, and Ciel was just frustrated. "Madam Red! Lao! Why are you here?"
"Ah, he came back so quickly." Madam Red said as she held a book in her hand. "Since my cute little nephew is in London, how could I not come visit you while I'm here?" In case you don't know Madam Red, her real name is Angelina Durless, former wife of Baron Barnett, and works at the Royal London Hospital.
"Hey, Earl, I've heard that many interesting things happen here." The china man, Lao, is manager of the English branch of the Chinese foreign trade. "We had no idea guests were coming, I apologize for not accommodating you earlier." Ciel was behind Sebastian, giving off an aura that screamed 'I don't want these people here!' "I'll go prepare tea for you immediately." Sebastian dragged me away to 'help' him.
We brought back the tea, and everyone seemed happy with it.
"Today's tea is a Jackson's Earl Grey."
"It's the same kind of tea, but yet the way you make it is such a big difference. Grell, you should follow his example." Madame Red chided to her simple servant. The butler stuttered a yes, he was a pathetic thing really, and his full name you ask? Grell Sutcliff, he is probably the worst butler I've ever seen, and yet something strange about him. "Anyways," Madam Red said, her hand inching near Sebastian who was bent over filling up tea cups, "No matter what, every time I see you, you're still so handsome," She groped his behind, literally startling Sebastian and she rubbed her hand up and down his behind. I shivered at the thought of being touched and wished Sebastian luck, "Why don't you simply quit working here and come serve me!"
Ciel coughed in his hand, annoyance evident in his tone, "Madam Red, let's talk seriously now. I've heard about the case of prostitutes being murdered on the streets lately." Why does this sound familiar to me? "You mean what's been on the news non-stop lately? I know of it." She smirked, "However...what are you planning?"
Lao smirked as well, or was that his permanent smile? "This isn't just some ordinary case. The killer's ways are very special- no I should say abnormal. That's why 'she' is so concerned about it." Ciel grabbed a fork and stabbed a strawberry from the small dessert, though it seem he was not interested, he most certainly knew what was going on.
I on the other hand... well, "What do you mean?" I asked. I didn't mean to butt in, but it sounded interesting. "The murdered prostitute was called Mary Ann Nichols. The wounds looked like they were from some kind of sharp tool, using quick cuts with a painful death. The police and other prostitutes call the murderer, Jack the Ripper." My mouth fell open in shock, and I accidently shouted, "I know that name!" However, the one from my time was never caught, but from what I saw in the movie 'From Hell' with Johnny Depp in it, the killer was believe to be a doctor, or someone who can at least work in the dark. Ciel ignored my little interruption and continued on, "I just wanted to know the circumstances sooner, so I rushed to London."
Lao laughed and he brought his tea to his lips, "The Queen's watchdogs have already been dispatched, but I'm not interested. However...do you have the guts to go to the crime scene?"
"What do you mean?" Ciel asked.
"I smelled a wild beast at the crime scene. This murder is definitely an abnormal madman." He stood up and walked to Ciel; I felt a threatening aura coming from him and stood behind Ciel's chair. He touched Ciel's cheek, gingerly, and whispered, "Will you be scared, Earl of Phantomhive." Ciel glared at him, not liking to be treated as a child, or touched, and he said, "I came because I was worried about my fiancée. I don't need to answer your pointless questions." Lao gave him a shit-eating grin, "Not bad, that look in your eyes is good." He suddenly pulled Ciel, I tried to grab him, but I was too late, "Then come take a stroll with me!"
"Wait a minute!" Madam Red shouted, "Seriously! I rarely ever get to have some afternoon tea with the Earl, but I can't even enjoy it in peace? I want to go too. Lao where is this crime scene." Lao looked at her, "Don't you know Madam?" He turned fully around to face her, "Don't ask me, I don't know the way either."
Seriously? My palm found my forehead right away, and I felt as if this might be a continuous thing from Lao. "You talk so arrogantly, yet you don't even know where it is!" Madam Red and I shouted in unison.
Ciel sighed and grumbled to them, "Calm down, I know there has to be at least one person that's been to the crime scene."
The other 'adult's and I eh'ed at Ciel.
"At the time many people gathered to see what was going on. But it's too troublesome for me to ask the police."
"Then what should we do?" Madam Red asked.
"Earl...you couldn't be..." Lao stared at Ciel... Oh so Lao knows then?
"There's no other way...It's bothersome to meddle in this case, but I can find someone who works on this case." Ciel said.
"...So." Lao started, "What is this place?" My palm immediately slapped my forehead; again, this guy was an idiot!
~ASC~
"Why are you familiar with this kind of place?" Madam Red shouted. I stared at the sign, it was slightly creepy, but I felt that tingly feeling in the back of my brain again. "Because the person Young master knows works as an undertaker." Sebastian pointed out, apparently he wasn't thinking this was a strange place to meet an informant.
"An Undertaker?" Madam Red said. We ignored her and, Ciel, Sebastian, and I entered the building, "Are you there, Undertaker?" I wandered near the coffins and touched the soft cover inside them. They felt so nice, I 'accidently' slipped into one and thought of taking a quick nap.
"Hihihi... I knew that you would come." There was a creepy aura and a coffin that was leaning on a wall, opened. "Welcome Earl," There was a chorus of screams and the man continued, "Do you want to see how it feels to sleep in my custom-made coffin?" Undertaker lightly tapped Ciel's nose with his long black nail.
"I didn't come here to play today..."
"You don't need to tell me. I know why you came." His smile grew, "With just one look I can tell what's on your mind." It's hard to sleep with this man talking, so I just half sat up/half laid down as I looked at everyone. "Since the Earl went out of his way to visit me, I'll certainly do everything I can to help."
"You know something?"
"Please take a seat first." Everyone had a look that said, 'sit where?' "Why not just sit on top?" I said. They looked at me like I was crazy, but I just snuggled into the softness. Sebastian shook his head and lowered the bottom half of the coffin and sat on it. He lightly touched my hand as Undertaker came back with the tea. It was okay, but could use more sugar.
"Now then, you wanted to know about Jack the Ripper?" He open up an urn, revealing bone shape cookies, "Everyone's been scared because of this disturbance...but this isn't the first time I've handled this kind of thing." He took a bite of the cookie and I stared at it hungrily.
"This isn't the first time? What do you mean?" Madam Red asked.
With a cookie hanging from his mouth he spoke, "It's happened before, a case where prostitutes were killed." He offered some cookies and Sebastian took one for me. "In fact, the way they were killed was very similar too. But in the beginning the police didn't think nothing much of these cases, though the murdered prostitutes all had something in common."
"Something in common?" Ciel said.
"What is it?" Sebastian asked.
What was it that Jack took from them? Oh yeah, "Well now, I wonder what, I wonder what it is indeed." His smile grew big, almost like the Cheshire cat, "Is it bothering you?" He said.
"I see, so that's how it is." Lao said, "You're very good at doing business, Undertaker. How much money do you want for this information?" Undertaker stood rigid then rushes forward at Lao, scaring the poor man, "How much money!" He shouted, almost sounding hysterical. "I don't want any of the Queen's money!" He turned his head to Ciel, "Now then, Earl... I only have one requirement." He started to drool and a slight laugh came from him. "Show me a first rate laugh! If you do, no matter what you want to know, I'll tell you!" Has anyone ever told him how creepy he is?
"Weirdo." Ciel said, and I whole heartedly agree..
"Fu...Earl, if that's the case, let me handle this." Lao suddenly stared to shout, "The Sleeping Tiger of the Shanghai New Year's Party, also referred to as my soul! This should satisfy you! Do you like it?"...that was it?
"Hm?" Undertaker didn't seem to like it.
Madam Red stepped up now, "It looks like he still won't talk, Lao. It can't be helped. Then I, Madam Red, a beauty of high society, shall make my appearance now. If I ask him, He'll be sure to tell us!"
"So, because beep turns into beep! So beep will also beep!" So glad Sebastian covered Ciel's ears, that joke was not right. It lasted for a whole hour though, and I had actually fallen asleep.
"You're the only one left Earl." He sneaked closer to Ciel, "I've helped you many times in the past...can't you be nice to me just this once?"
Ciel gulped, "Damn." He said
Sebastian, waking me up, came forth and pulled on his gloves, something he did when he was going to do something difficult, "It can't be helped."
"Sebastian?" Ciel said in surprise.
"Oh...it's the butler's turn now?" Undertaker grinned.
"Everyone, please step outside for a moment." Sebastian said.
"Sebastian." Ciel moved to ask him something. But he only raised a hand at Ciel and said, "You absolutely must not peek inside." I made a move to leave, but Sebastian grabbed me. "Stay." He ordered.
When everyone left Sebastian came near me and lifted my shirt up, showing the scar to Undertaker, "On the night that we met Matthew, he was screaming for death wanting to die. Then he looked at me and said he would willingly give me his soul. I've reconfirmed this with him so many times, and he still says the same thing, and soon we will begin the first steps."
"Why would that be funny?" I asked him? Then again, I did offer Sebastian my soul so he can eat it.
"Buahahahahaha!" I jumped when I heard Undertaker laugh. I didn't get it? What was so funny about that? Sebastian went forward and opened the door, "Please come back in. Let's continue our discussion."
"Come...continue." Undertaker laughed, he was lying on a coffin, as if he was just given the most wonderful pleasure ever, "Whatever you want to know is fine. Actually I've always thought that there weren't enough 'guest' fufufu."
"Not enough?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes, not enough internal organs of course." He grabbed an anatomy mannequin, "Don't you think that the eternally sleeping 'guest' that lay in coffins are so cute?" No... Well I'm not sure really. "My hobby is to take out the organs for research." and everyone stared at their cups, actually they were beakers, realizing it used to house organs. Well too late now, no way I'm throwing it up. Lao covered his mouth, pushing the 'tea' away from him and he said, "This could have stored a kidney before, right? A criminal could've given it to a loan shark."
"It also could've come from the slums of China." Oooh, he got Lao. "That prostitute isn't a whole woman anymore." He lifted his mannequin in the air, and continued, "Because her womb is gone." I let out a sigh, I felt pity for those women as Undertaker continued, "Recently, these kind of 'guest' have been rapidly increasing. Their whole bodies dripping with blood, it's made me very busy."
Sebastian spoke up at this, "Let's just say that there aren't very many people out on the streets late at night, but accurately cutting out specific organs couldn't be done by a regular person right?"
Undertaker grinned, "The butler understands well, I too feel this way." I bet. He stood up and went near Ciel, grabbing him by the waist. I grabbed Ciel from his grasp and he just smiled wider and grabbed me instead. I froze in his grasp, as he touched my waist and neck, "If he had to act within such a short time, he should split the throat first." His nail grazed my neck and I shivered, Someone please do something! I looked to Sebastian and he did not look happy, "And proceed to cut open the stomach." He then slid his finger down my stomach, I quivered in fear, trying hard to calm myself down, Nothing will happen, calm yourself Matthew.
"It's easier to succeed this way." He poked my cheek and I stared at Sebastian, he had a cold look in his face and looked ready to grab me. Why is he mad at me? "From the looks of the culprit's work, that cruel accuracy definitely wasn't carried out by a normal citizen. It had to have been someone experienced." He looked toward Ciel, "You should've been able to figure that out too, Earl." He let me go and I collapsed my knees weak with fear coursing through my body. "It's very likely that the murderer is an expert. Maybe if he knew you were here, it could lure him out."
"He will keep committing crimes, he definitely will, unless someone stops him." Sebastian came forward and helped me up, "Can you stop him, 'The Notorious Noble" Earl of Phantomhive." Sebastian grabbed Ciel's coat and assisted him with it, "The world of darkness has the world of darkness's rules." I said my voice monotonous as I explained, "He wouldn't murder random people for no reason. There must be an influence manipulating him from behind."
Ciel move forward, his back to everyone, "I won't be scared, no matter what tricks the queen's lackeys want to use, I will solve them all." They went near the door and Ciel turned to look at him, "Sorry for intruding, Undertaker." He left and the others followed, I grabbed my coat and tried to go out the door, but Undertaker grabbed me. My hand went to my knife, but his hand stilled my own, his grip surprisingly strong for an undertaker, "Taking good care of it?" He asked. I pulled away from his grip and stared at him, he wasn't smiling; no it was like he was waiting for my answer. I stepped backwards and ran out of there.
As I held the reins to the horses, Grell looked at me, he wanted to do it, but I couldn't trust him. He might flip the cart or something. The voices inside were muffled and I couldn't hear very well, but I could hear Madam Red and Lao.
The door opened and Grell looked to the side, his face was in utter shock. "What's wrong?" I said, thinking we were being attacked. My hand went for the book, but I got my answer, Sebastian was hanging off the side as he looked at me, "Please drive the horse carriage back safely." I nodded to him and whipped the reins to make the horse go faster. I could hear Sebastian as he said, "Then please excuse me if I leave now." I heard the door slam and from the corner of my eyes I saw a black blur disappear. Everyone was freaking out, but I didn't, he would be fine. He is always ok.
Inside the carriage...
Madam Red and Lao looked out the window, "Wait a minute! Isn't the horse carriage still running?" When they notice he disappeared, they sat back down in shock, "He's gone."
"Haa...let's forget about Sebastian." Ciel said, though Madam Red doubted that Sebastian will be able to do as he says he would.
"Since my butler said he'd do it, he'll definitely do it. But he'll arrive home before us. And he'll have prepared tea for us." Ciel said, nose up in the air.
Madam Red smiled like a cat, "You have that much confidence in him?"
"Of course, because he never lies. He'll accomplish it, and I can have Matthew guarantee that as well."
Lao tucked his hands into his sleeves, "I see...it must be because since a long time ago, he's always been by the Earl's side. Never leaving the Earl, like a shadow. And Matthew is like a star, common, and yet, always there watching over the Earl, unaware by anyone else."
Ciel stared at him in confusion, "Sebastian hasn't been serving me for 2 years yet, and Matthew has only been with us for a year."
"Ah is that so." Lao shrugged.
Outside the carriage...
I felt the way Grell was looking at me as I lead the horses through a detour. As I lead the horses, I had this strange feeling that something else was going on in this town. If there was a killer, how can he stay quiet so easily, especially considering in this world, a demon can easily find you? Whatever was going on, I had to be prepared to help Sebastian, and Ciel, with anything and everything.
.
.
TBC