I didn't want to update today, my dog Billy just died, but it makes me happy when people enjoy something of mine. So I hope you like the chapter everyone.
Chapter 8
~ASC~
Sebastian knocked silently on the door, he had already made Matthew go back to bed, and now he had the morning tea ready for Ciel. "Excuse me...oh. It's rare to see you awake so early." Ciel pouted at Sebastian. Sebastian handed him the morning newspaper and Ciel sighed in annoyance, "I was feeling irritated, so I had trouble sleeping. It seems that those two stayed out all night. What exactly were they doing all night?" Ciel opened the newspaper, and he gasped as he looked at the contents in the newspaper. The headlines read, Another mysterious attack! A coffeehouse in Piccadilly Circus severely damaged!
They were immediately in the living room, Lao was looking at the newspaper at Ciel's request. "So...meh, to be honest those two have been ultra-suspicious from the get go."
Ciel held a letter opener and glared at the invitation, "That is true though...I just can't see why those two would cause trouble." Remembering from last night's events Ciel shook his head, "A grudge against the colonial rule? It just doesn't seem likely. Even if they do have a problem with the Anglo Indians returning to England, attacking them in such a fashion is just too risky." Ciel placed the invitation down and huffed, "Most of all, if they are the criminals why would they come and stay with me of all people? They are not really all that 'suspicious' at all right? Besides..."
"Well then," Lao said, "It would be pretty neat if it was night time soon, don't ya think?"
~ASC~
Because of Lao, I was woken up, disturbed from my much needed sleep. Currently Sebastian was pumping me full of food; apparently Parvati can take the food I eat, for energy, instead of my blood. Explains why I get so famished.
I pushed the plate of food away, slightly bloated, and Soma and Agni started going near the door, "We're off then! Go get some sleep midget Ciel." That ticked Ciel off, and soon we were following after them. Down the alleys, into bars, but there was nothing suspicious of them. "Eh, it really does seem like they are just looking for that person." Lao said. I yawned and patted Smoke on the head; he's doing a good job at tracking. Ciel shivered and I draped my coat over him, Ciel frowned at this, he was complaining this morning that I was going to freeze to death one of these days. "In this country the best place to look for news of that person would be in a club or a pub." Ha, he rhymed...gosh I'm not right in the head right now. "It really seems like they aren't up to something." Sebastian took out his watch and checked the time, "It is now 1am. I predict they will return home soon."
Sebastian was right, of course.
Agni had tucked Soma into bed and he slightly crept out of the house, they had asked me before if I saw Agni leave last night, but I said no, he must have went the back way. But since I'm not 'guarding' tonight, he headed to the front gate. "2:45 am. As expected, he is moving." Sebastian closed his watch and slipped it back into his pocket. I hooked my legs onto the railing of the roof and I hung upside down, "Ciel, he's making a move." I said.
Ciel yawned, almost going to sleep, "Good, so-"
"Wait." Soma entered the room and he walked forward to Ciel. "You...!" Ciel started, but Soma shook his head and told us, "Let me come also. I have been aware for some time that Agni goes out while I'm asleep. I want to know what he is up to." Sebastian stared at Soma, how did he get in so quickly? I yawned and he lowered me down onto the balcony, "Alright lets go, the faster the better." I said. They all nodded and we searched for Agni.
We found him, but he was somewhere were we least expected. We were behind a cemented fence and we looked to the side, seeing Agni enter the room. "So... he went inside this building?" Lao said, stating the obvious once more. Parvati tugged on my collar, wanting me to go after Agni, but I made her wait. Last thing we need is our secret exposed.
"This looks like..." Ciel stared at the mansion past the wall, "Maybe finally we can see what is going on." He said.
"What's that supposed to mean? Who lives here?" I shushed Soma; his shouting was going to bring up alarms, and Lao spoke up, "Settle down Prince. No need to' panic." There was a strange aura around Lao as he whispered, "If you go in you shall see...the horrible truth...you...and I, eh?" I slapped my forehead and said, "In saying that you mean you have no idea what's going on either?"
"Yup! So who lives here?" I was this close to killing Lao!
Ciel huffed and looked up at the house, "This is the home of Harold West Jebb. He is involved in the import of various goods. I've only met him once while off duty... he is rather creepy not to mention his criminal record." I shivered, I remember that guy. He and his grubby hands always trying to get money out of rich people like Ciel.
Lao smirked, "Imported goods eh? Then I and he are in the same business."
"Why would Agni want to visit such a person?" Soma asked.
"He mostly imports Indian spices and teas. He runs a general store named 'Harold Trading,' He also runs 'Harold's Hindustani Coffeehouse.' Meena's name appeared on some of Lord West's papers. According to what I read, business mostly took place in the Bengal area. The hanging incident may have hurt the business however, it seems that such damage was avoided due to Lord West being absent while the incidents took place." Sebastian said. Gosh that is a mouthful; no seriously he must have practiced a lot of tongue twisters to be able to speak so well.
"I guess we'd better go in then." Ciel said, looking at the high stone fence. "If it's your wish." Sebastian grabbed mine and Ciel's waist, "Hey you!" Ciel shouted, and Sebastian jumped over the wall, shocking the hell out of Lao and Prince Soma, and he landed perfectly.
"I believe it is much faster this way." Sebastian said, as if it would get him out of trouble. I smacked him, feeling my lunch wanting to come up, it's not good to do something like that with a person who's lost a lot of blood and ate a crap load of food.
Soma struggled over the wall and Lao just looked down at us, from atop the cement wall, obviously he could handle this type of thing. There were some growling sounds and we turned around, three vicious looking Rottweilers were stalking towards us. One of them charged forward towards Ciel, his mouth ready to snap on to him.
"Ciel!" Soma shouted.
I stood in between the dog, and it clamped onto my forearm, I resisted the urge to scream as the dog tried to rip my arm off. There was suddenly a suffocating aura and the dogs backed off, whimpering in fear. I turned my head and saw Sebastian's eyes had shifted, glaring at the dogs.
"Huh? The dogs are backing off?" Lao said.
Sebastian humped at the dogs that cowered away from him, "Such cowardly dogs Lord West has raised." Sebastian went towards me and touched my arms, I hope that dog's bite won't give me rabies, did they even invent the cure in this time, or world actually sense it's slightly different.
"Yo Earl~" Lao called, "Look over here! Over here!" He said as he spun a ring of keys around a large needle. There were two men on the grounds, needles sticking from their necks and I gulped. "Aw come on now, I just put them to sleep. It's not like they are dead!" He joked around. Are you sure? Was what I wanted to ask, but I kept my opinion to myself.
"So what. Let's get a move on." Ciel said, as he breathed warm air onto his mittened hands.
We walked into the building and I stared around, "No guards inside?" Parvati pulled on my collar and pointed upstairs.
"I can hear two people. Let's go." Sebastian said.
We tiptoed up and we could hear bits and pieces of someone talking, "You did a good job." The group looked through a crack at the door and I did a small symbol that brought out something similar to a one-way mirror, except it was just a way for me to see through the walls. "Why give me that expressionless face? Take a cigar and loosen up a bit okay?" A man with blonde hair said.
I frowned as I looked at Agni, he was uncomfortable, rigid, and his hands were lying on his knees, and he was fisting his clothes. He refused to look at the man in the face as Lord West continued to talk, "These are grade A Havana cigars. I got these babies from James Fox, he has a royal warrant." Agni said nothing the man shrugged and he turned around and said to Agni, "Oh well, it's your problem. Everything is going as planned. In one week it will all be decided." He snatched Agni's right hand and said, "Only with this 'Right hand of God' will I realize my dream." Everyone was tensed as they waited to hear more. What did he mean by Right hand of God? "I've been planning this for 3 years. So I'll definitely complete it."
Agni opened his mouth to speak, hesitant as he did so, "And if I help you accomplish this...Meena will..." At that moment, we all moved, to slow, as Soma burst into the room screaming, "You said Meena!"
Lord West and Agni stared at Soma in surprise.
"You fool!" Ciel shouted, only to have Sebastian covered his mouth and shush him. "He would recognize our faces, let's just wait for now." He whispered.
"Agni! What's going on! You know where Meena is!" Soma gripped Agni's clothes as he shook the startled Indian butler.
"Ah, so this is your master, Agni?" Lord West said.
Soma turned his glare at him, "You... you are the one who kidnapped Meena! Agni!" Soma shouted as he pointed at Lord West. "Beat this guy!" Lord West stared boredly at Soma. Agni clenched his teeth; he looked down once more, unable to do anything it seems.
"Agni! What are you waiting for?" Soma shouted. I shook my head; the poor fool doesn't even realize what is going on. Lord West just gave a curt laugh, "Agni. Throw out this fussy prince." Lord West ordered. Agni stood up straight, his face looking as if he was bearing the weight of the world while balancing on the tip of the Eiffel tower.
"Huh?" Soma, shocked at this, looked at Lord West.
"Can't you hear me?" Lord West mocked, Agni started to shake, obviously troubled right now.
"It seems they are starting to argue." Sebastian stated the obvious. Seriously what is it with everyone doing so? Ciel tsked in anger as he heard the arguing growing louder. "Well back to what we were talking about before...it seems Lord West is involved. It also seems that this has something to do with the black market." Lao whispered, "So then, this is in the Earl's jurisdiction."
Ciel sighed, "Indeed. Reporting this to the yard could be problematic; perhaps we should just go home now." Ciel said, he paused then turned back to the scene before him, "That would be nice, but I have another idea. I want to watch West a while longer. This time I will save that foolish Prince." I resisted the urge to slap my forehead, I doubt I'd be able to take anymore abuse to it, and I thought to myself, Don't tell me this is what the whole thing has been about.
"But won't he recognize you?" I said softly to Ciel.
"Yep."
"Leave it to me." Sebastian said, "I have a good idea."
"Agni! What's the meaning of all this!" Soma shouted, "Explain to me at once!" Agni gulped and he looked down, away from his master's eyes, "I...I don't want to say anything. Please leave this place." He said. Soma stared at him in confusion, "Huh? What did you say?"
Lord West smirked and he said, "Good kid." Soma snapped at Lord West words, and he grabbed Lord West by his jacket, "You jerk! What have you done?" Agni grabbed Soma, "Please just stop!" Agni begged.
"Let go of me Agni! Why are you doing what this jerk says?" Soma struggled in Agni's grip and Lord West bared his teeth in anger, "Darn! You put a crease in my new Gieves and Hawks suit!"
"Agni! Let me go!" Soma looked ready to beat the crap out of Lord West.
"Why show your pain to someone who will not understand? Agni!" Agni froze as Lord West commanded him to do the unthinkable, "Beat the voice out of this Prince!" I froze as well and looked at Agni, he wouldn't right? Parvati gripped my hair, slightly pulling it, as she stared at Agni.
"Haha what's wrong! I'm not asking you to kill him." Agni's hands started to tremble, "I just want him to shut up that's all. Aren't I such a kind guy?" You need your ass handed to you, that's what you need! "Agni..." Soma said, slightly afraid. Agni shook, as sweat fell down his face, "Agni!" Lord West said. Agni squeezed his eyes shut and he raised his hand at Soma. I could only watch as the hand slowly came down at Soma's neck.
The door suddenly flew opened and a black blur stopped the attack. Everyone gawked at the new intruder to join them...which was a deer... I slapped my forehead again, no longer caring if I would get brain damage; this was the best he could come up with really!
Lord West opened and closed his mouth like a fish, "Who the heck is that!" He jumped when the 'deer' turned to look at him. "I am a deer sent to collect the Prince." He bowed to Lord West and I felt like hitting my head on the wall.
"Using a stuffed deer...good one Mr. Butler." Lao said, obviously amused.
"How is it good?" Both Ciel and I said.
"This is probably one of the Prince's spies! Agni!" Lord West shouted as he pointed at Sebastian.
"No I'm just one hell of a deer." Seriously Sebastian... Oh god and I'm bound to that for life...
"Destroy him!" Lord West ordered.
"Destroy him? I can't!" Agni shouted.
"Shut up! Do you want me to take back my promise! I order you to do this! Do it now!" Agni shook and something snapped in him, "I...I..." Blood dripped down to the ground; they came from Agni's eyes, "My God...I only wanted to serve him. This right hand I use only for his sake...I've chosen to...this sin of betrayal..."
"Agni, no!" Soma shouted.
"Please forgive me," He pulled off his bandages and screamed as the blood continued to fall down his eyes, I stared at Parvati and she looked away, in shame. Agni rushed forward at Sebastian and Soma who looked scared. Sebastian just tightened his gloves and snatched Soma out of the way. Agni's hand breaking the chest drawer that was behind them.
"Not the chest I got at General Trading!" Lord West shouted.
Sebastian skidded around to face Agni and he moved to the side as Agni struck again. "Cut it out! That's my one of a kind Tiffany lamp! Crash My Wooster Tableware! Crash My hook hat!" West was tearing his hair out for every object being destroyed by the two.
"It seems things are getting a bit wild, we should leave Earl." Lao hoisted Ciel up and started running away, "Wait! A commotion this big is going to attract attention! You need to bring him out also!" Ciel ordered Sebastian. "As you wish." Sebastian said, he ran to the window and turned to look at me, knowing I was still watching. He then, leapt out of the window and Agni stopped his rampage.
He looked at Sebastian's retreating figure, and he turned around and froze when he saw me standing by the door, Lord West too distracted at his broken items. I shook my head at him and a tear fell from Parvati's face as she looked at Agni, I drew the dimension symbol and I disappeared, back into the mansion.
I looked at Parvati; she looked like a mother who caught her son doing something shameful. I held her into my hands and she started saying something and I shook my head, "I'm sorry...I don't understand." She took my answer, not willingly, but she took it anyways, because there was nothing I could do... Like always.
~ASC~
I started the fire in the living room and I sat down on a small foot rest, waiting for them. When they returned, Soma was in a foul mood, Ciel was thinking, Lao was Lao, and Sebastian prepared tea for everyone.
It was an unbearable silent, only broken by the sound of teacups clinking, but finally Ciel broke it. "It was incredible...he was beyond human." Soma didn't bother looking at Ciel as he stared into the fire. "It's called Samadhi. Anyone with it has that power."
"Samadhi?" Ciel asked.
"It's to do with their religion. It's like entering a type of trance isn't it?" Soma nodded at Sebastian, and I looked up at the ceiling, "Humans are strange creatures. Their blind belief that they call strong faith can call out enormous strength from within." I said. Sebastian gave me a sideway glance and he looked down at Ciel, "The Vikings of the past called upon Odin. The holy knights and the Crusaders fought in the name of Yahweh. For Agni also...his belief in his one true God, Soma, allows him to use such a power." Sebastian smirked, "Something 'we' could never obtain bred from love and belief. The power of 'faith'." Ciel stared at Sebastian boredly and Sebastian just smirked. "Then tell me why...did he betray me?" Soma shouted and he smacked the tea cups away, and they crashed on to the ground, the shards scattering at Ciel and I, "How did he leave me behind so easily!"
"You!" Ciel glared at Soma, "Why is it that everyone around me vanishes! Why...why!" Soma cried. He stood up and left the room.
"Are you okay?" Sebastian asked Ciel and I.
"Yeah we dodged." Ciel said. I stood up and went down on one knee as I picked up the broken pieces, "Ohh...the Havilland tea set that I went to the trouble of picking out for Young master..." Sebastian sighed and I placed the broken pieces on the tray and Sebastian and I looked at each other. "I guess I should... teach him some manners." Sebastian said as he left the room. "Ciel," I turned to look at him, "If you need me I'll be with Sebastian." Ciel nodded and I left after Sebastian.
~ASC~
Sebastian opened the door, Matthew behind him, and they entered Soma's room. They saw the young prince curled up into a ball under his blankets. Sebastian crept over and pulled the covers off of him, "There..." He said as the prince tumbled out onto the bed.
Soma tsk'ed and glared at Sebastian, "Why you rude-"
"Who here is rude?" Sebastian straightened the sheet and he continued, "Tossing things all over as though it's nothing... how troublesome." Soma stared at him, shocked that someone would dare tell him something like that. "We are in England, Phantomhive manor...not your palace back home. I do not have to follow your orders here. You're just a spoiled brat." Sebastian stared Soma down, hoping his words sunk in. "Without Agni you are just a powerless baby. And your last ray of light, Agni, just betrayed you." Sebastian smirked and Soma looked down at the ground in despair, "That's it...I have nothing. I've lost everyone."
Matthew leaned against a wall, arms crossed over his chest, and a frown on his face as he stared disappointingly at the Prince. Sebastian stared amusedly at Soma, "Lost huh? What a persecution complex you have. You didn't lose them. More like they were never yours in the first place."
Soma froze at Sebastian's words, "What?"
"Your social status, servants, and Palace were all given to you by your parents. You have never had one thing that was truly your own. Isn't this the case? You even sensed that something was going on with Agni, but you even lacked the courage to find out for yourself."
"You should have listened to the signs all around you." Matthew stated.
"No!" Soma shouted, he ran to the door, reaching for the door handle. Sebastian slammed his hand onto the door and he looked down at Soma, "But it's true? Even now in this situation you are playing the hero in a tragedy. You really are just a spoiled brat."
Soma shook and tried to protest, "But...but...Everyone was there for me!"
"But isn't that the duty of 'in house service?' I guess they looked after you rather than looking back...back at the slums they lived in before working for you. No one ever really loved you." Sebastian bluntly said.
"That's enough Sebastian." Sebastian looked at Matthew as he walked over to Soma, "He's been abandon by everyone he loves, though it was his own entire fault. He never bothered to get to know them, so he never knew what they really felt like." Parvati pulled on Matthew's hair, wishing he would stop saying harsh words to Soma.
"I...I..." Soma stuttered, tears wanting to fall again.
"That's how it is eh?" Ciel said his back leaning on the wall.
"Young master," Sebastian and Matthew straightened up at the sight of Ciel before them.
Ciel looked at Sebastian and Matthew, "I may have turned out like Soma...if it wasn't for that month..." Ciel looked back at the memories of his captivity. He touched his eye as he remembered everything, it troubled him to remember, but he forced himself sometimes to see how lucky he was to be alive. "Ci...Ciel?" Soma stared at the small boy.
"I...I was being humiliated as a pet...my house was burnt, my family was killed. I was such a...powerless kid." Ciel's arms hanged by his side as he shook in anger. "Therefore, I returned to this place in order to make those people who put me through such a fate, taste the same humiliation. The successors of the generations killed three years prior would come to me as long as I am the head of the Phantomhive family that stands in their way. I'm waiting...for them to come and try to kill me here."
Soma gaped in shock, "Why...why do you have to go so far?"
Ciel walked over to him and stared up at him, "Moping around filled with sadness and sorrow...what will come of it? Even dead people can do that. However...I'll live and stand on my own two legs." He stepped over the broken various objects, "If we are to die one day, wouldn't it be better to have no regrets? I'm not saying that getting revenge for predecessors is an admirable thing. This is all just a pastime of mine. It is a game that could be won by either those guys, or I, as the Earl of Phantomhive."
They stared at their Young master, a smirk on their faces. "Even though I was put in an abyss of despair, a place likened to hell...a chance as thin as a spider's thread was sent to me offering the choice to crawl out. I decided not to give up and reached for it." Ciel turned around and faced Soma, "We humans have that strength. Though... grasping it or not is up to the person." Ciel turned his back to Soma and stared at Sebastian only, "This boring speech is over. Sebastian, I want to have a talk with you about West. Matthew, you may come as well, but I would rather have you rest. Come..." Sebastian and Matthew followed after the retreating Ciel, and Soma stared down at his feet.
He rushed out of the room and down the stairs, and as he panted, he called out to the younger boy, "Ciel! I'm...so embarrassed!" He ran his fingers threw his hairs, "I'm already 17 but I'm still a fool who knows nothing about this world compared to you. I have been spoiled with luxuries from parents, so I have never tried to understand other people. Although I noticed that Agni had something on his mind, I never even bothered to asked him. So, this time I want to know. I want to meet them directly and confirm their reason for leaving my side." He looked up and said, "That's why I ask this of you! I also-"
"I refuse." Ciel said.
Soma stared at him, surprised at Ciel's answer. "I'm sorry; I just can't even look at someone who knows as little about the world as you do." Ciel waved him away, his back to him. "Meh. My door is always open anyways." Soma's eyes widen at his words and he glomped Ciel.
"Ciel!"
"Wah!"
Soma released Ciel and clasped their hands together, "By the way, Ciel, I'm sorry for breaking those 8 cups earlier. Please forgive me." He looked over to the side and pulled Ciel in front of him as a human shield. "You...you too. I'm sorry." He stared wide eyed in fear, at Sebastian.
"It's alright." Sebastian said.
"Well then...shall we continue the discussion we were having before the Prince interrupted?" Lao asked.
"Firstly, isn't it almost for certain that those incidents were caused by Agni under West's orders?"
"With his physical ability, it's possible that he alone could have done it." Sebastian placed some tea in front of Soma, who moved away from Sebastian, fearing the man. "So far what we have from West's speech is, 'The 3 Year Plan,' 'The Completion of the Plan is in a Week,' 'Agni's Right Hand is Essential.' Of these most important is 'in one week." Ciel said as he took a sip of his tea.
"Using his 'Right Hand of God,' he might make the next strike at a big event? Feh, but its winter now, all the large events are pretty much over." Lao said.
"Sebastian. Can you think of any major events taking place in a week's time?" Ciel asked.
Sebastian hm'ed as he thought. "A week from now? Amongst the written invitations addressed to Young master, there was, a choir concert organized by the Sophia Choir Institute at Westminster Cathedral, Wagner's Opera at Covent Garden Opera house..." He tried to think of another and a voice interrupted his thoughts, "There is also a prospering exhibition of Indian culture in the Empire at Crystal palace." Matthew brushed passed Sebastian and grabbed a cup of tea, bringing it to his lips.
"Indian?" Ciel said.
"Young master, reading your own letters thoroughly no matter what the content, is the way of a gentleman." Ciel pouted, annoyed at Sebastian obviously, "Give it a rest and just tell me the details quickly." Matthew set the tea down and sat near Ciel, "Next week, the prospering exhibition of Indian culture held in the Empire at Crystal palace, has a main program displaying the achievements and productions of the English in India, as a part of this event, a curry show is scheduled."
Sebastian frowned at Matthew, for stealing his thunder, "Young master, has been invited to act as a special judge for that show." Sebastian said. "The show basically has several companies competing against each other to make the best curry." Matthew interrupted once more, ticking Sebastian off again.
"There is a rumor that the queen, will come and observe as well. Other than that, would you like me to investigate the other parties or institutes?" Sebastian said quickly, not wanting to be beat again. Ciel gave Sebastian a deadpanned look, "Indian...curry...I think it's kind of obvious."
Lao smirked, "It looks like you also noticed huh, Earl..."
"Ah, '3 years,' 'the show.' There is only one answer to explain what West who obsesses over brand names is thinking about right?" Matthew turned his head and saw the confusion written on Soma's face.
"I can't believe this has turned out to be such a boring case." Ciel groaned.
"Hahaha so it really is a pointless visit." Lao laughed as he sipped some more of the tea.
"Hold on a sec! I don't understand. Explain to me from the start!" Soma demanded, Matthew yawned as they stared at the Prince like he was an idiot, which he is.
"Meh, calm down prince. From now on, we will explain everything in order...well the Earl will anyways." Lao said, and Matthew slapped his forehead and said to the china man, "You just pretended you knew again?" Ciel shook his head and looked towards Matthew to explain. He sighed and started explaining, "The Hindustani Coffeehouse that West owns has a main meal of curry."
"In other words," Ciel said, "West is trying to get a royal warrant with curry."
Soma stared in confusion at Ciel, "Royal warrant? What is that?"
"Ah that's right. The prince has no idea about such things." Lao said.
I bet you don't either. Matthew thought.
"In England, we have an interesting system. The Royal family will give a certificate to the stores they are pleased with. That is a royal warrant. And those stores can put that on their signboard. A royal warrant is the same as a guarantee of quality." Soma still looked confused, but Ciel continued, "The stores that receive a royal warrant will certainly see a growth in sales. I was only just thinking that it is about time they awarded them to stores dealing in confectioneries and toys also."
Sebastian smirked at Ciel, "It seems that some stores have seen a growth in sales 3 times that of previous figures. Queen Victoria herself has a particular interest in the popular trends from fashion to cuisine. The curry boom has also declined recently. He must want the certificate so badly he will do whatever it takes."
"I understand that West wants that royal warrant." Soma said, "But how does that connect to this other incident?"
Sebastian stepped up to the plate and said, "There are two conditions for getting a royal warrant. The first one is that the quality must be recognized by the show. Then, the second one is, a free service must be delivered to the royal family for three years." Soma gasped in shock as he realized what Sebastian meant. "In other words, West who has continued to deliver his products to the Royal family for 3 years, is trying to destroy his competition leaving them unable to enter the show in a week's time, as we saw in those cases."
Ciel looked up at Sebastian and Matthew, "Then, those incidents that occurred with soldiers who have nothing to do with this is just to make it seem like it was done by an Indian who has a grudge against England. Maybe Agni was told to take part in this stupid plan at Meena's expense."
Matthew huffed in anger at Agni's actions, "All for his god." he said silently.
"Eh?" Soma said in confusion.
"There were papers left at the crime scenes containing a strong symbol without masquerade." Ciel snapped his finger and Matthew removed the letter at the crime scene from his book. "Here" He handed it to Ciel and Ciel pointed at the tongue on the bottom of the page.
"General Randall got quite angry at the site of it, seeing it as an insult to England, but there really is meaning to it. It's what you guys pray to right?"
Ciel pointed at the Kali statue. Soma's eyes widen in realization, "Oh...so it must represent the Kali goddess who sticks her tongue out."
Matthew looked at Parvati and said, "So then this is the 'god' that Agni wrote this for?"
Ciel nodded, "Everything is for his god, don't you think that this contains the signs of prayer and apology?" Parvati nodded in agreement with Ciel as she stared at Soma.
"Even after Agni left your side, he still has faith in you and lives for you." Matthew sat on the armrest of Ciel's chair and he stared at Soma who looked tearfully at the paper clenched in his hand, "You have had a good butler."
"Agni..." Soma said silently.
"Wow, wonderful, wonderful." Lao clapped his hands at this and said, "Well let's retire for now. Should we take this information to the city yard and leave them to take care of it?" Lao said.
"Wait a sec! Then...what's the deal with Agni and Meena!" Soma asked.
"What of it?" Ciel and Matthew said, he stared at them in shock and, the blonde and Earl just leaned into the chair. Ciel yawned and told him, "The way I see it, that case has nothing to do with people who live in the underworld. We don't do philanthropic work."
...Didn't we have a group of children come to the house as charity? Matthew thought slightly puzzled.
"Darn...I understand. This is certainly only my problem. I'll try and come up with a plan by myself." Soma begrudgingly accepted his fate and he looked up at Ciel.
Ciel cracked his fingers clearly tired, yet he smiled at Soma for finally doing things on his own. "Nice to hear. So...I best get doing what I should." They all turned to stare at Ciel. "I was called to London in winter for a boring case like this. Don't you think I should at least take back my reward?" Matthew and Sebastian smirked, So that is what Ciel is planning. They thought. "The show is only a week away and fortunately my other capable rivals have been removed. A royal warrant is granted according to the results of the show and 3 years of free service."
Matthew stood up from the armrest and looked down at Ciel, "In other words, if Funtom company enters the competition and wins against West." He smiled at him, "Then the royal warrant shall go to my company." They all smiled except for Soma who was surprised at Ciel." I'm thinking of expanding my business into the food industry, once I get purveyors to the Imperial household with confectioneries and toys. It will certainly spread through the news if I get purveyors to the Imperial household from the show at first."
"Definitely...the Funtom Company launching into the food industry will also deter competitors." Lao smirked at Ciel and said something that made Matthew think, "However, you have only a week from now to create a food department? Will you have time to find a curry specialist, a store and equipment?"
Ciel calmly brought his tea to his lips, "There is no need for all that." He turned too looked at both Sebastian and Matthew and said, "Isn't that right. Sebastian, Matthew."
Sebastian placed his hand to his heart, "How could a person that serves as the butler of Phantomhive not be capable of such a thing? Definitely a royal warrant-"
"That's impossible!" Soma shouted. They turned to stare at him, confused as hell. "Eh?" They said in unison.
"West is competing in a curry contest?" He asked.
"Yes." I said.
"There is no way you can win!"
Lao tilted his head to the side and asked, "Why not?"
"He has Agni!" Soma said.
Oh well that explains everything. Not. Matthew sarcastically thought.
"With his right hand of god!" Soma declared.
"Of course, the destructive power of the right hand of god is marvelous, however this time it's not about martial arts. It's a curry contest." Ciel said.
Soma shook his head; they did not understand him, "That's what I mean though! It's not about technique like in fencing. Because it's a curry contest..."
"I'm sorry." Sebastian interrupted, "I just can't see where all this talk is going."
"You guys don't know much about Agni's ability. Or real curry." Soma's hands clenched as he thought of Agni, and he could imagine what his butler was doing right that moment.
A wonderful aroma filled the West mansion, the servants breathed it in and they started rushing towards the lovely scent.
"Real curry is defined by the spices. In a real curry there are a few carefully selected spices chosen from the hundreds available, combined together in just the right amount. According to how this is done the taste, spiciness, scent, everything will be different."
Dishes of spices were around the table, a bandaged hand struck out and picked up some of the spices, crushing them into a mortar and then serving it into a large pot of food.
"There are countless alternatives. Cooking the best curry is like discovering the truths of the universe. However Agni's right hand can do it with a fingertip he can bring out the best spices and combine them appropriately."
The servants crowded at the door, peeking into the kitchen as they watched Agni make the curry in incredible speed and precision.
"The curry he creates is a miracle. The power to create the world from nothing is an ability reserved for gods. That's why that hand of Agni's is called the right hand of god!" Soma paused and he stared straight at Ciel, "I have never had a more delicious curry than Agni's. So, I told him that it was his duty to dedicate himself to me for the rest of his life." Matthew almost fell to the ground That was why he saved him!
"In other words," Ciel said, "the right hand of god is..."
"Not the god level of strength, but rather the god level of capability?" Lao asked.
Parvati nodded at this and Matthew suddenly recalled the first day Soma and Agni stayed over, the delicious food he ate that morning ...Oh my god.
"It seems that way. Sebastian?" Ciel looked at him.
"Oh well it looks like...thing are about to get tough." Sebastian smiled at the thought of a challenge.
No kidding, if that was Agni's curry, then Sebastian was going to have a hell of a time keeping up. Matthew looked at his soul mate and he wondered if they would actually be able to do it.
~ASC~
I yawned as I watch Sebastian hard at work cooking up different recipes. He somehow convinced me to stay here with him while he does this.
The door opened and the trio came in, "Eh, Sebastian, you're so early." Bard yawned, "What are you cooking this morning?" He asked, and he came forward to see the food.
"Curry." Sebastian said as he read a cookbook.
"Oh that's a rare choice for you. What kind of curry will it be?" Bard asked. Maylene and Finny moved forward to see as well, and they noticed me and waved at me. I gave them a small smile and hid a yawned in the back of my hand, Sebastian did let me sleep, but only woke me up for my opinion.
"Prince Soma is here also, so I'm thinking of making chicken curry. I have rarely cooked it because the Young master doesn't like spicy foods..." He slammed the book closed and looked at the ingredients in front of him, "Now." He tossed me the book and told me to go to a page, "Read them to me so I don't get mistaken." He said.
I nodded and read off the page, "Chop the onions into small pieces and fry them with butter." Sebastian did so and he kept up with my talking. "After it's well fried, put in the pre-chopped chicken pieces, curry paste, curry powder, Bengal-Chatsune, lime and pickled mango and fry them together." I took a small pause and licked my finger to turn the page, "Pour water on the chicken once it's well done and then boil it for an hour and a half. After the curry's soup appears sticky put in a spoon of cream and dish it up."
The food was done and we were all at the table admiring it. "Wow!"
"Yummy!" Finny said as he looked at the food. "Smells good!"
"With this curry, that guy will be no match for you!" Bard said.
I looked at the curry suspiciously and Parvati frowned at it. I grabbed the fork and took a piece, before it even came near my mouth I heard Soma shout, "Yuck!" Everyone paused to look at him, not once used to hearing someone complain about Sebastian's food. "It doesn't please you?" Said demon asked.
"Ah!" Soma started to quake in fear, I'm guessing Sebastian had scared him a little too much last night. "No...No it's just that it's too different from what I have had in India. This...this..." I stared at the food and took a bite.
"It's alright, please continue." Sebastian urged him.
The fork in my hand hovered over my plate as I stared at the food.
"Firstly, the taste is too weak and I can't smell anything." Soma said, "I can still feel something like powder in my mouth. Such a thing is just not curry."
"That's weird; I used the finest curry powder." Sebastian said.
"Curry powder? What is that?" Soma asked.
"The curry that the Anglo-Indians brought back to England in this period has firmly established British traditions in that type of cuisine. However, it's hard for novices to combine spices, so they put well-combined spices into one bottle and sold them under the name of curry powder." Before Soma could even ask, Sebastian answered, "Yes, curry that is made from curry powder is an original tradition of British cuisine."
Soma looked at Sebastian, "I have never seen that in India and Agni didn't use it. Maybe..." I sat up straight, and pushed my plate away from me, "Spices will decide the color and spiciness, but the most important thing is the flavor. The smell will fade away if you don't grind the spices."
Soma nodded at me, "In my palace I have servants who are just for grinding spices."
Sebastian looked at me, and I looked away, the food was quite atrocious and it was even burning my tongue, "So, it's out of the question to use such a thing like curry powder that has already ground spices." Sebastian sighed.
"What's more, Agni's curry has different tastes and colors depending on the ingredients. I think he combines them to match well with the ingredients." Soma added. My mouth still had the taste of Sebastian's curry and I looked around for something to drown the taste with. "Well, firstly it looks like we need to collect fresh spices of a high quality."
"Then, West has the advantage, he controls the distribution with his own company, he can secure the high quality products." I said as I grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down.
"We don't have much time. If we don't instantly contact a trading company..." Ciel paused and in a few seconds something clicked into everyone's minds. Everyone turned their heads to stare at Lao who was about to eat the curry.
"Eh?" He said.
Two Days Later.
There were sacks of spices, all from India, and we were all outside to help carry them outside.
"Amazing!" Soma said as he scooped up some of the ingredients. "They are all things I have seen in my country!" Finny picked up five bags and stared at the different ingredients. "Wow! All of these are ingredients for curry!" I picked up two bags with easy and blinked stupidly at them, I guess my bond with Sebastian is almost complete; in fact I'm starting to feel less tired. "It all smells wonderful. They are premium spices." Sebastian said as he held some in his hands.
"To prepare them all in one day, the Earl sure has a rough way to use people. I'm not even an expert in spices." Lao said, feigning modesty.
"You are only useful at a time like this." I chuckled at this; Ciel is such a smart aleck.
Lao shrugged at that and he said, "Meh, it's never a bad time to do the Earl a favor."
Sebastian went to Soma and said, "Then, I'll create some curry with these spices right away. Prince Soma." Soma looked up at Sebastian, "Only you know Agni's godly curry. Could you please give me some advice regarding the taste of it?"
"I don't mind," He looked at Sebastian hesitantly, "But does a British person like you know how to use all these spices?" After realizing what he just said he hid behind Ciel, "Er, it's just that it's not something you should fool around with! I just thought it will be hard for you if you aren't used to it."
Sebastian smirked, "I understand your concern. Please give me a little time and I will see what I can do. Please just wait for me to finish." He bowed to them and Soma stared, uncertain of Sebastian, "It's really alright?"
"Who knows?" Ciel yawned.
As we waited for Sebastian with a round of black jack Ciel looked at me. "Matthew, what do you think our chances are for the curry event?" I paused and looked up at Ciel, "...I can't say for sure." I threw my cards, new ones that Sebastian had made bought for me, on the table, a Jack of Spades and an Ace of hearts was reveals. Everyone frowned as they realized they lost and decided to play Old Maid, seeing as it is my weak point.
"Sorry for the wait." We paused and Sebastian came in and started placing the dishes onto the table. "Here is a curry featuring soft chicken boiled with spices and onions. It's seasoned with coriander and yogurt."
"You made this! It's been two hours!" Soma shouted.
"Yeah, I spent two hours on it. I apologize for making you wait." Sebastian sighed and he rolled his shoulders, obviously he was stressed at making the curry correctly.
"It's okay, besides this smell...it's really similar to Agni's curry." Soma said, Parvati though seemed to disagree and I grabbed a spoon. "We shall see." I said as I scooped it up, Soma stared down at the food and shouted, once again stopping me from actually tasting the food from his shouting, "How did you do it in such a short time?"
"It's an easy task. I just tasted all the spices." I dropped my spoon and started laughing till I fell out of my seat. An image of Sebastian tasting all the spices came to my head and I thought how adorable it would have looked. Sebastian's eyebrow twitched in annoyance; can he hear my thoughts yet? He gave a slight nod, and that confirmed it. I guess it will be a while before I hear his thoughts though.
"All of them! All of them!" Soma's mouth fell open in shock.
"Yes. I tried to combine spices that would achieve the same smell as Agni's curry from the other morning."
"You could do it just from smell?" Soma asked.
Sebastian smiled and tapped his nose, "My nose is better than humans."
Lao shrugged at that, "Meh prince, che dao shan qian bi you lu, Translation: When we get to the mountain. There'll be a way through. How's about trying to eat it first?" He said. Soma sat back down and looked at the meal, "Eh sure okay...let's give it a go." I as well sat down and picked up my forgotten spoon. "The smell is totally different from before. These spices give off a nice smell." Lao brought the spoon to his mouth and tasted the meal. "This is...mei pao!" The taste of ground spices really stimulates the appetite. The well-done chicken is so soft it just melts in the mouth."
"Prince Soma, what do you think?" Sebastian asked.
Soma shook his head, "Nah. The smell is good but...the flavor is a totally different thing."
Sebastian looked to me and I took a bite...I shook my head as well and pushed the plate away and he sighed, "Is that so... then I'll try another combination that will give the same smell but a different flavor."
Soma sighed dejectedly, "It'd be good if I knew how Agni cooked his curry, even just a little. I really know nothing." Ciel and Lao looked at Soma as they watched the Prince grip his hair in frustration, "Even though I really want to help, I just can't! In the end, I'll have to rely on you. I'm such..." Sebastian placed a hand on Soma's shoulder and smiled to him, an evil smile if you knew him like I did, "Please do not blame yourself. There is something that even you can do."
Soma looked up and his mouth fell open in shock as rows and rows of curry pots stared at him, "I have cooked many curries which have a similar smell, but each has a different flavor. Please taste them all and select the one that resembles Agni's the best." He pointed to the table and Soma looked at it and his mouth fell open in shock, "You made all of this! Alone!" There were rows of curries on the long table, each giving off a different scent. "Yep." Sebastian grabbed a ladle and poured one batch of curry into the plate. "As the butler of Phantomhive how could I not be capable of such things?"
"B...but. I don't think that I alone can eat that much curry." Soma said.
"Prince Soma, please collaborate with me in order to make a curry similar to that godly curry, quickly." Soma stared at the curry and he gulped, "Ugh...Okay, I get it now! If eating this curry will help you out then I will eat all of it no matter how much!"
Sebastian looked at me and Parvati, "I'll need your assistance as well."
"Why him?" Soma asked.
"Because, Matthew here is actually a picky eater. He'll eat anything if there is nothing to eat, but since he's been living here, his taste preference is quite high. He will just take one bite, and if he doesn't like it, he'll push the food away and refuse to eat it." Soma stared at me and I nodded, it's true. In my old world I didn't really have a choice on the food I ate. But since Ciel also has a high preference of taste, Sebastian has to cook good quality food. In fact whenever he wants to try something new he makes me eat it.
"Well Matthew, will you help me?" Parvati looked at me and I nodded, she will help as well. She went down to the table and Sebastian handed me a smaller plate than the others. "The first is similar to the one you tried before. However I added some salt turmeric and coriander."
We took a bite, and immediately I shook my head and Parvati did the same. "The taste is heavy and it's too spicy." Soma said, my tongue was slightly burning from this dish.
"Up next...I added coconut milk with a mild taste of yogurt."
I paused a bit and so did Parvati, but then we shook our heads and pushed it away. "The taste is a bit better, but the smell is not that similar." The trio behind us didn't seem to like it as much either. I grabbed a glass of water and tried to heal my poor tongue.
"Next, I put in some cinnamon with a spicy flavor."
"This time it's just not spicy enough, so I feel." Soma looked ready to barf, he must be getting full. I pushed the plate again and Sebastian sighed and left to make some more.
I whispered silently while everyone tried the food, "Is he improving? I can't really tell." She raised her hand and did a 'so-so' sign.
Sebastian came back in with the next batch, "Sorry for making you wait. I added some red peppers and clover for additional flavor."
My eyes shut tight as my tongue continued to burn in pain. Soma looked like he couldn't handle anymore, but was able to at least speak, "The taste is too strong and heavy." Bard and Maylene were on the ground, their stomachs as big as pumpkins, and Finny looked perfectly fine, except that there was food around his mouth. I shook my head and grabbed a napkin. "Finny." He looked up at me and I licked the napkin and cleaned his face of the crumbs. Everyone was silent and I looked at them all.
"What?" I said.
Finny's smile grew as he touched my hand, and I realized why everyone was looking at me. I had willingly gotten close to someone who wasn't Ciel or Sebastian and even touched them affectionately. "I want to touch Matthew too!" Bard and Maylene shouted, Tanaka coming out of nowhere as they all rushed at me and tried to hug my body. I started freaking out and Finny pulled me out of the group, a smile on his face, "You should go sit down Matthew, we still need to help Sebastian out." Finny said. I nodded dumbly and sat back down. I stared at my hands and a smile came to my face, maybe I'm starting to get use to some people, though if they come at me like that again I may freak out once more!
"I feel like there is curry stuck in my throat." Soma said, ready to blow chunks.
"Now, the next curry is ready." Sebastian smiled evil, and he refused to look at me. Oops, sorry Sebastian I forgot that demons are obsessive, "Cardamom with garlic." Soma suddenly stood up and looked at the curry before him. "This...this curry is different from before." He took a piece of curry and tasted it. He suddenly stared ahead at a memory from before.
He sitting down, a plate of curry was in front of him, and a woman was dancing behind him, 'This is, this place is so familiar. It's my palace!' Soma turned his head and thought, 'Then the man beside me must be!' Agni was in front of him, but then the image disappeared.
"Ag..." Sebastian stopped, a pitcher in his hand, and he looked at Soma.
"Prince Soma?"
"This, this curry is very close to Agni's curry!"
I looked down at my own plate and took a bite. Sebastian looked at me as my face contorted; his smile almost fell, as I stared at the curry. I brought the plate closer, and started eating it. He smirked at this and Soma's comment.
"You did it Sebastian!" Finny shouted.
"As expected of our butler." Bard said as he placed an arm around Sebastian's shoulders.
"You have made such a complicated combination...but it's still different." Soma said. I nodded and pushed the plate away, I was only able to eat half of it seems, then again I was getting full.
"Eh?" The trio said.
"The flavor, smell and spiciness, is indeed similar to Agni's but...something...something is not right!" Soma's eyebrows furrowed together as he tried to think.
"Something'...is?" Sebastian asked.
"Umm...I don't know how to explain it even if you ask me...the best I can say is that Agni's curry has a deeper taste." Soma started hummed as he tried to think of the word.
"Substance." I said. Soma's eyes widen and he looked straight at Sebastian, "That is it. Substance! There is not enough substance." Sebastian came closer to Soma, "Substance?" Soma flinched and stuttered, "Ah yea..." Sebastian brought his finger to his lips as he thought; I could have sworn I heard his voice in my head, To bring out a deeper substance while keeping the taste the same? This is a vague request again.
"It seems this is a very hard fight." He said.
The door opened and Ciel came into the living room, "How's it going?" He asked.
"Young master, you shouldn't come down here right now..." Ciel went to Finny and took a taste from his plate; he smirked and looked towards Sebastian, "3 days until the contest. It looks like you're researching very hard." Ciel turned and hovered before the door, "Oh by the way, for today's dessert I'd like to have Gateau Chocolate. Bring it to me later."
Sebastian bowed to him, "As you wish."
We were all at the kitchen and Sebastian was whipping up Ciel's dessert. My tongue was still burning so I grabbed a spoon and took some from the bowl, Sebastian frowned at this and I only shoved the spoon into my mouth so he couldn't do a thing.
"I am totally stuffed." Bard said, he stood up reluctantly and rubbed his belly, "With my tummy like this I should go do some exercise."
"I'm going to head to the garden. Let's go, Prince!" Finny said.
"Um." Soma looked at Finny.
"I'll continue my washing!" Maylene said.
I looked at Sebastian and he was...twitching? In anger I suppose, or annoyance.
"Everyone." He said, they all turned to look at him, and with another evil smile he said, "The next curry is finally ready to serve."
"I can't take anymore!" They shouted.
"Digest it within ten minutes."
I lightly smacked his shoulder, "Be nice."
"No way." He said as he started serving the curry.
After 3 hours of eating, everyone was pretty much passed out onto the floor, except for Tanaka and myself. My tongue burned and I needed more chocolate to stop the spiciness again. "What exactly is there not enough of?" He said out loud. I went to the cabinets and started searching for sweets, I never liked them that much, but they help for times like these. From today's experiments, I figured out how to make the right colors, spiciness and smells, by combining various spices. I also figured out how to use the sweetness and softness of fruits, sourness of yogurt, and the mildness of dairy products. Even so the depth that the curry of god has is a completely different thing. His thoughts were so clear in my mind that it was like he was speaking in my ear. I wonder if there is some way to help you, Sebastian. He just gave a small smile and continued to think. I grabbed a chocolate bar from the cabinet and carefully removed the wrapper. "This is not a good place to finish...unready for tomorrow." He said. I nodded in agreement as I looked at the piles of dirty dishes. Yikes...
Sebastian set to work on cleaning the dishes, he was really deep in thought and I was wondering if my thoughts were distracting him from his thinking, but he didn't say anything about it, or he's really good at keeping his own thoughts secret. The problem is 'substance' that doesn't destroy the complicated combination of various spices. Yet it leads to a high level of fresh flavor. Such an ingredient... He paused as I reached for the bowl he had made the gateau chocolate.
"This is..." I paused; my finger coated with chocolate was hovering near centimeters of my tongue. He suddenly grabs me and licks the chocolate off my finger. "You are brilliant." He says as he pulled me into a deep passionate kiss.
...TBC...
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