Comforting Darkness

Chapter 50: The Tutor, Departure and Return

The next morning, Ciel had to fend off Soma's and Sieglinde's disappointment for ceasing the Phantom Five. He really could not understand why they had to be so childish instead of just accept the fact; it was not like he had promised them these shows would go on for too long. He had more important things to do.

"They are so noisy, I cannot keep up." He sighed managing to slip away, once Sebastian informed him the carriage was ready for their excursion and Selina joined them.

"Master Ciel. Do you have a moment?" Agni said standing right in the middle of the corridor.

"You too? What is going on? Can it wait until I get ba-" Ciel started saying, now truly annoyed for being delayed again.

"It is regarding this." Agni said unfolding one copy of the Penny Illustrated Paper he was holding. "Could it be that the Funtom Music Hall was the cause for this incident?" His voice was stricter than usual.

Ciel and Sebastian looked at him expressionless and Selina tried hard not to show how sorry she was. Damn... that was exactly what she kept saying to Sebastian, not to regard every human as stupid. It was only expected for someone, other than Abberline, to connect the dots and Agni sure was very capable of doing so.

"And what if it was?" Ciel asked with an almost bored look and tone.

"The Prince may not have realised it yet, but it means he has indirectly taken part in a case of murder. I ask you to please refrain from involving the Prince in such dangerous cases like this!" His eyes and voice showed something stronger than simple plea, in a way he demanded from Ciel to leave Soma out of his dark business.

"I understand. I will refrain from using both him and you ever again." Ciel said finally and moved on.

"Please, do not be like that! The Prince sees you as his friend, so he earnestly wishes to be of help-" The Indian butler tried to explain, fearing his intervention could disrupt the boys' friendship... however, he did not expect what Ciel said.

"I have never once thought of him as a friend." The young Earl said coldly, shocking both Agni and Selina. "In the first place, I do not recall ever asking you two to remain in Britain as a favour or anything. Am I wrong? You were the ones who decided to poke your noses into my business. I merely use whatever pieces I have at hand. If you are not happy with that, then start packing your bags and go back to your country. Let us go, Sebastian, Selina!" He finished, having turned his back to Agni and went on with his back straight, no hesitation in his steps.

"Your master's safety and happiness are the number one priority. You really are an exemplar butler, Mr. Agni." Sebastian said to his peer as he passed in front of him; his voice had his usual coldness but a sparkle of appreciation and respect existed in his red-brown eyes.

"Agni, I apologize on behalf of young master. I am sure he did not mean it that way! Please, we'll talk about it when we get back." Selina said, following Sebastian on slightly shaky legs; her eyes were so honest.

In the carriage there was silence. Sebastian, with a satisfied smile on his lips, was staring at Ciel, who had his eyebrows furrowed and lips tight, and in turn was staring at Selina, who also had furrowed brows and evident sadness in her eyes.

"Selina, if you have any objection in all this, know that I do not really care, even if you decide to give me an earful!" The boy suddenly spoke very authoritatively.

Selina lifted her eyes and stared at the child sitting across her. "I had no such intention, my lord; I know it would be in vain. However, you cannot forbid me from feeling bad and sad on your behalf for what you said to Agni. It was cruel to use these boys without having explained exactly what the Sphere Music Hall's mistake would entail." She said seriously.