【𝐀 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥】➛𝓑𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓑𝓾𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓻

8

"Jack the Ripper strikes again?!"

"So the Viscount wasn't our man after all," Ciel growled, his small hands trembling as frustration painted his expression. He turned sharply toward Sebastian, his single visible eye blazing with fury. "We spent the last month thinking we had it solved. And now this?"

Sebastian, standing perfectly composed, spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "My Lord, as I mentioned earlier, there was an intriguing individual at the ball. She seemed unusually perceptive about matters surrounding the case, despite her apparent lack of direct involvement."

Ciel's gaze darkened, his grip tightening on the table. "And you let her slip through your fingers? Why didn't you press her further?"

Sebastian's lips curled slightly, a faint, almost amused glint in his eye. "I did inquire, My Lord. She is clever, but also elusive. It's clear that she possesses some knowledge, though whether she is merely a spectator or something more remains unclear."

Ciel narrowed his eyes, his mind turning over the possibilities. "And you think she could be useful?"

Sebastian nodded. "Indeed. If she continues to show such interest, it would be wise to keep her under observation. She's not someone to ignore, even if she hasn't fully revealed her hand yet."

Ciel exhaled sharply, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Then find her, Sebastian. We need all the help we can get to catch this monster."

Sebastian bowed with a practised grace. "Of course, My Lord."

"Is this really time for a game of chess?"

Madam Red moved a pawn forward. "Obsessing about it won't help you solve the case, why not just leave it all to Sebastian while waiting for the woman, dear?"

"Because he's simply my chess piece. I'm the one that moves him by giving orders, but he's no ordinary piece; he can move as many squares as he needs to..."

The rain tapped against the roof as the carriage halted, the coachman opened the door for the woman who was once again alone, still insisting to her butler that she was perfectly fine on her own. She stepped out, raising a hand over her head, though the gesture did little to protect her from the downpour. She quickly made her way to the entrance of the townhouse, her steps quick as the cold began to seep into her clothes.

Just before she could reach for the door knocker, it swung open, revealing a familiar butler standing on the threshold. Without a word, Sebastian stepped aside, allowing her to enter.

"You're soaked," he remarked, his voice smooth as ever, though a slight tilt of his head betrayed the smallest trace of concern.

[Name] shot him a glance, a smirk forming despite her wet hair sticking to her face. "I'm perfectly fine," she muttered, brushing past him into the warmth of the foyer.

He raised an eyebrow as he took in her damp appearance, his lips curling into a knowing smile. He handed her a towel from god knows where his hands steady and precise. "Allow me to help, my lady," he said with a playful edge.

Rolling her eyes but still accepting the towel, she began drying her hair, trying to ignore the fact that his gaze was unwavering, though his expression remained neutral. The air between them was thicker now, a quiet understanding hanging there after their exchange at the ball.