Echoing Melodies (Black Butler x OC Fanfic)

Chapter 4: The Meeting

Footsteps echoed down the long halls of the manor as the four walked to Ciel's office. Ciel and Sebastian lead the way, Valeria and Lilith trailing behind them. There was nothing being said amongst them, the heavy air too much for conversation, weighing down on it like a heavy boulder being carried on someone's shoulders.

A large door stands in front of them, towering above them. The door opens to a beautifully decorated office, a desk standing front and center, a window with light shining through it behind the desk. Ciel moves to the desk, sitting in the large chair behind it. Sebastian bows and leaves, a promise to return with tea for his young master and the guests. Valeria sits down in a chair in front of Ciel, Lilith standing behind her.

Ciel looks ahead of him, staring with a cold gaze. "If I'm not mistake, you know why we're here, correct?"

Valeria doesn's shy away, looking with just as much fervor as him. "I know why I'm here, unless there is another reason?"

"You're quite perceptive. There is, in fact, another reason you're here."

"And I'm guessing this 'other reason' has nothing to do with business?"

"You're correct."

At that moment, Sebastian walks in with a cart filled with tea, the china clinking together as it rolled along. He stops the cart near the desk, taking one of the teacups off of the cart and picking up the pot to pour in a fresh and hot cup of tea for them. 

"As you may have heard, there has been a series of murders going around London. The Queen of England has asked for me to investigate these instances, and I would like to ask for your help in this case." Ciel continues. Sebastian places the cup of tea in front of Ciel, handing the other to Valeria, who was looking on in curiosity. Sebastian takes the cart out of the room before standing behind Ciel, taking a quick glance at Lilith before turning away from the pair of violet eyes glaring at him.

"And why would you ask for my help? I'm a simple business owner, nothing more." Valeria takes a sip of her tea, before calmly placing it down on the desk. "I don't have anything you would want."

"Actually, Lady Valeria, you do." He pauses, grabbing his tea cup from off the desk. "You are an information gatherer. If I'm not mistaken, you know certain things that only someone like you would like to know."

Ciel turns his head to look at Lilith, the tall woman staring back in a far away gaze. "It is obvious how one would get that information as well."

"Is it that obvious? I thought I had done a better job on hiding my maid's identity, as well as what she is able to do." Valeria looks up at her maid, Lilith giving a curt nod in return. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped."

"Back to the topic at hand, if you please." Ciel passes the empty cup to Sebastian, who holds it in his hand. "Will you help us until this case is solved?"

Valeria doesn't hesitate to answer. "Of course, Lord Phantomhive. It would be my pleasure."

"Perfect. You shall stay here at my manor until this case is finished."

"That shouldn't be a problem."