Comforting Darkness

Chapter 66: The Tutor, Released but Still Bound

The real Ciel Phantomhive was laid to rest in the empty grave destined for his twin brother three years ago. The Phantomhive faithful butler, Tanaka, was also buried in the family's cemetery, something that would utterly scandalize the London's high society - a servant treated as a relative - had they known, but needless to say the current Earl did not allow for anyone, other than himself and his servants, to be present in the private funeral. Miranda, the only relatively outsider, was there, paying respects and bringing the information that completed the puzzle.

It seemed that indeed grey human souls are more sensitive towards the supernatural, even when themselves do not hold any magic. A connection between grey souls and blood type could not be established, as there is no way to check centuries' old cases of grey souls, but the Research Department of Grim Reapers Headquarters would start investigate here on. Moreover, Miranda informed the Earl that grey souls were an often occurrence in his family, even if it skipped a couple of generations sometimes; actually, it was quite rare that at least one member in each generation of a family would possess a grey soul for three consecutive generations, it was worth of observation.

The boy Earl heard everything the angel had to say and simply nodded, he was not in a mood of dwelling more on the matter... it would not make any difference to him, either way. The following days his mood did not change significantly and that was why the Christmas of 1889 passed quite silently in the Phantomhive manor, despite one Indian Prince and a German genius quite eager to celebrate.

It would be first time for them, but were quite understanding when the grumpy young Earl insisted he needed peace and quiet to deal with saving his company from the brink of destruction his brother led it, in such a short time. They knew him well enough to know he was too proud to admit he actually wanted to grieve for his brother and Tanaka - something he would never say openly and show weakness in the eyes of his demon butler - but it was also true that the Funtom company escaped bankruptcy just in the nick of time. The real Ciel simply ignored his brother's company and now the Earl had to make everything right before leaving for Harrow. Plus, he needed to prepare himself for the 'interrogation' and the gossips high society would have for him as soon as he decided to appear in a social gathering... to his displeasure he needed the nobles to not be extremely suspicious and cautious of him, more than normally that is.

The said high society was in a relative tumult after Scotland Yard announced the investigation of the Phantomhive twins case proved the young Earl they knew already to indeed be the previous Earl's rightful heir and the impostor was the second son, the one to whose alias, Lord Sirius, the atrocities of Sphere Music Hall had been committed. The Queen herself verified all these and renewed her trust on the teenage lord... to many nobles' displeasure, since that meant they would still have to be extremely cautious of not falling in the Watchdog's sharp claws, while conducting all kinds of not so innocent business. Of course, there were still many questions concerning the case, but Commissioner's Randall announcement that the case was officially closed - the letter with the royal seal in his pocket fuelling his frustration and more than dislike for the boy - seemed to satisfy the public opinion and forced the press to stop digging deeper.

Anyway, life at the Phantomhive manor seemed to have returned more or less back to normal, despite the occasional slips of the servants who called for the deceased elderly butler, Tanaka. It was obviously still very painful but they did their best to deal with it, knowing time would soften up this new wound in their hearts. One such ordinary day, before New Year, Sebastian entered young master's study, while having lessons with Selina and was surprised by the sight his eyes met.

His master was sitting in his usual armchair with a burning red face and a completely annoyed expression on his features, while lady Sieglinde, also flushed in the face but with an expression of absolute fascination and sparkling eyes, sitting in an armchair beside the boy and conversing with the blond tutor standing in front of them with a book in her hands.