The Hunt for Jack the Ripper (The Phantomhive Diaries #1)

21. Ciel Phantomhive

Now we're getting to the meat of Episode 2. Only 2 or 3 POVs left before ultimately completing Chapter 2. Chapter 3 will be a continuation of Episode 2 since I will admit, this is long. 

Also, I am also testing out the accents of some of the characters such as Baldroy and Niall since in this version, Baldroy has a more Upper Midwestern accent while Niall a stronger Irish accent. So I hope it all goes well. 

Happy reading. 
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"Pull!" Madam Red shouted as she aimed her rifled in the air.

Right after that, Grell Sutcliff flung a clay disk into the air, before being shot into fragments. The lady's crimson lips curved into a smile before she settled back into her seat.

Ciel sat in his chair, watching the show unfold before him. The room was filled with applause as everyone acknowledged her outstanding performance. Surrounding a small, white round table, Ciel and his esteemed guests enjoyed the delightful treats displayed on a magnificent blue and gold three-tier cake stand. The Semla buns and Cherry Bakewell tarts were a sight to behold. Among the guests were Madam Red, a renowned doctor from the Royal London Hospital, and Lau Lian, a nobleman and branch manager of the Shanghai trading company Kong-Rong. Lau's sister, Ran-Mao Lian, sat comfortably on his lap, adding to the jovial atmosphere. Lord Arthur Randall, the esteemed Police Commissioner of Scotland Yard, was also present, along with Azzurro Vanel, the eldest son of the Ferro family, who managed their trading organization. Chlaus Albiker, a trusted associate and informant of the Phantomhive household, joined the gathering, his frequent travels ensuring a steady flow of information for Ciel. Last, Robert Diedrich, a German nobleman and former friend of Ciel's late father Vincent Phantomhive, completed the distinguished group.

"Well done, Madam!" Chlaus proclaimed proudly.

"A fine shot," Diedrich said as he took a bite out of one of the Cherry Bakewell tarts. "Better than what any of my soldiers could do."

Madam Red's heart fluttered beneath her gloved hand as she beamed with delight, gracefully lowering her head in response to the overwhelming praise she received. "Thank you, gentleman."

Commissioner Randall, however, did not seem impressed. "Honestly, I never thought a woman could use a weapon. Much less use a gun."

Ciel almost rolled his eye at that comment.

Madam Red was quick to take offense to that. "Oh, are you saying that a woman can't use a gun because of their genitalia, sir? Because if you are, I suggest you keep your tongue to yourself. The last thing you should do is to pass judgment over someone who is currently holding a gun at this very moment."

Commissioner Randall's eyes widened. "Lady Dalles, are you threatening the commissioner of Scotland Yard?"

"Oh, I am," Madam Red smirked mischievously with a raised eyebrow as she said down on her chair, her leg crossing over her knee. "If that displeases you, you can arrest me right now. Though I can guarantee you, I might enjoy being in shackles."

Commissioner Randall gazed at her, his face filled with horror, clearly terrified by Madam Red's inappropriate behavior. Ciel struggled to suppress her laughter, fully aware of how displeased the old man would be. After all, Commissioner Randall wasn't exactly well-liked, and there was no need to give him another reason to despise her. On the other hand, Chlaus had no qualms about laughing in Randall's face. In fact, he did just that. He erupted into a boisterous laughter, so thunderous and intense that he had to clutch his stomach as if it were in pain from laughing so hard.

"Haha! I'd be careful how you treat Lady Dallas, Sir Randall," Chlaus said. "She is not a woman to be trifled with. She knows how to use a gun better than any of us."