That Butler, Isekaid (Modern!Reader Insert)

That Butler; Flickering

Soon enough, a new incident has been occurring in London that causes the Queen some concerns. A case of strangely played out human spontaneous combustions. The victims listed being one of the other. Either brides, of a newly wed couple. Or brides-to-be. All of which had burst into flames with only ashes left in their wake. The last victim of the burning being a lady by the name of Ellin Doyle, who had recently gotten married but then shortly burned to nothing after a night out with her husband.

The trio come to pay condolences during the lady's funeral, looking for leads. Or traces of any sort to who or what may be the cause of the burnings. Fire isn't exactly Ciel's favorite thing in the world, but he must focus on his mission either way...

"Hint of the day, Flash Bang..."

__________ mutters, gently gesturing towards a couple, the Turners. The ones who took a photograph of Ellin and her husband before the lady's death. As they gift the husband the last picture of his wife, and walk away, Ciel came to notice the strange powder surrounding Mrs.Turner. Something wasn't right here, definitely...

So they go off to visit their usual informant٫ the Undertaker. It's been a good while since they've seen him since the Angel incident after all. And so there they go into the aforementioned mortician's shop٫ to ask questions.

"Any body heeereee? I'm seeing a lot of coffins but not a lot of bodiiiesss~!" ________ jokingly calls٫ knowing the Undertaker٫ he'd respond in the same tone as he adores the servant's jokes.

The Undertaker's eerie yet jovial voice echoes through the dimly lit mortician's shop, his presence immediately felt.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite visitors!" he exclaims, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and excitement. "What brings you here today, my dear Earl and _________? Looking for a bit of macabre entertainment, are we?"

Ciel, ever the composed young earl, raises an eyebrow at the Undertaker's greeting. "We're not here for entertainment, Undertaker. We have a case that requires your expertise. We've been investigating a series of spontaneous human combustions, and we believe you may have some insights."

_________, on the other hand, can't help but show a hint of excitement as they look around the shop, eye twinkling with curiosity. "Yeah, Undertaker! We need your help in solving this mysterious case. Any ideas or information you can provide would be greatly appreciated."

The Undertaker chuckles, his skeletal fingers tapping together in anticipation. "Ah, spontaneous human combustion, such a fascinating phenomenon. It's been quite some time since I've encountered such an intriguing case..."

"However my friends that wasn't enough for a payment٫ perhaps try a different approach?" The Undertaker smirks٫ continuing to seek his usual payment of laughter for information.

"Ya serious Undz? Damn ok." ________ tries to think for a moment of a joke٫ knowing Undertaker the most when it comes to his sense of humor ________ must have something in mind for this time's payment٫ yes?

"Alright٫ so Undertaker٫ wanna know why you shouldn't challenge Death to a pillow fight?"

"Why dearie??"

"Because I'm certain that you won't be prepared for the Reaper Cushions." ________ finishes٫ and for a moment nothing happens. But then٫ the Undertaker bursts into a fit of laughter crying and choking as he doubles over onto the floor.

"BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH GUHWAHAHAHHA AHAHAHA"

"Gottem"

The Undertaker's laughter echoes through the mortician's shop, filling the air with an eerie yet infectious mirth. He struggles to catch his breath, his skeletal frame shaking with each convulsive chuckle.

"Ahahahaha! Oh, __________, you've outdone yourself this time!" he manages to say between fits of laughter. "Reaper Cushions, indeed! Hahaha! I haven't heard a joke like that in my time!"

Ciel, despite his usual stoic demeanor, can't help but crack a small smile at the sight of the Undertaker's amusement. He clears his throat, seizing the opportunity to continue the conversation.

"Now that we've provided you with your payment, Undertaker, we would appreciate any information you have regarding the spontaneous human combustions. We need to solve this case and put an end to these tragedies."

The Undertaker finally manages to compose himself, wiping away a tear of laughter from his eye. "Oh, of course, my dear Earl. I do have some knowledge that may be of interest to you."

"I've been examining the remains of the victims, and there seems to be a peculiar substance present in their ashes. It's a highly flammable powder that ignites upon contact with a flash"

Ciel leans forward, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Do you have any idea what this powder might be, Undertaker?"

The Undertaker's grin widens again, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and excitement. "Hehehe. Well little earl٫ these powders are usually just used for... Picture taking. Cameras..."

And that was all the hint they need for this investigation. Ciel takes some time loading his gun for emergencies, Undertaker had gone over it all earlier, explaining that the powder that was on Mrs.Turner was magnesium oxide. Used commonly by photographers, but very flammable. That being said, there was no question who the culprit of the burning is. Thus the trio head off to London, straight for the Turner's photo studio.

As the trio makes their way to the studio of the Turners, Ciel's mind races with thoughts of the possible culprit behind the spontaneous combustions. The presence of magnesium oxide and its flammability in relation to the victims is undeniable evidence. But who would use such a method to cause such gruesome deaths? Sebastian, always one step ahead, opens the door to the photo studio, revealing a cozy, dimly lit space filled with vintage cameras and various photography equipment. The faint aroma of developing chemicals hangs in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly printed photographs.

_________ follows closely behind Ciel, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She can't help but notice the meticulous organization of the studio, each item in its designated place as if waiting for the perfect shot. Ciel, his eyes narrowed in determination, approaches the counter where a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Turner, stands sorting through a pile of photographs. He clears his throat, drawing her attention.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Turner. We were at the funeral of Ellin Doyle, and we noticed something peculiar. You were surrounded by a powder that caught our attention. It's none other than magnesium oxide," Ciel states, his voice firm and unwavering.

Mrs. Turner looks up, her face a mixture of surprise and concern. She had not expected such an accusation. "What? Magnesium oxide? But that's just a common ingredient in developing powders. It's harmless, I assure you."

________, ever skeptical, crosses their arms over their chest. "Harmless, huh? Burning brides-to-be seem to tell a different story. So, care to explain why you would have such a flammable substance around you?"

Mrs. Turner's eyes widen, and her hands tremble slightly as she moves away from the counter, nervously glancing around the studio. "I... I... I'm just a photographer. I use magnesium oxide sometimes for developing photographs. It's just a coincidence."

Ciel narrows his eyes, his gaze piercing as he steps closer to Mrs. Turner, his voice low and laced with suspicion. "Coincidence? I think not. The evidence points to you, Mrs. Turner. You had the means to cause those combustions. The question is... why?"

Sebastian leans against a nearby wall, observing the tense exchange with a calm demeanor. "Indeed, Mrs. Turner, it seems you have some explaining to do. Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this."

"Concealing the truth will only make things worse for you..."