Black Butler: The Lich's Compass

Chapter 2

As Marisol's ship gently docked at the shores of Vieques, the air grew thick with the warm, tropical humidity, and the salty scent of the ocean filled the breeze. The ship's arrival had drawn the attention of the local families—women and children, dressed in simple but clean clothes, gathered near the dock with curious eyes and cautious smiles. They were the wives and children of the plantation workers, and they stood in stark contrast to the wealthy estates and grand plantations further inland.

Ciel stepped onto the dock, his small frame looking even more out of place among the locals. He was followed closely by Sebastian, whose usual calm, unbothered expression remained fixed as they were greeted by the families. The children's wide eyes lingered on the fine clothes of the strangers, their innocence a stark contrast to the darker truths hidden within the island's lush landscape.

Marisol stood a few steps ahead of them, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She greeted a few of the women with nods of acknowledgment, recognizing some familiar faces from the days she'd lived here. But her focus wasn't on the crowd. It was on the plantation owner they were about to meet.

Turning toward Ciel and Sebastian, her voice lowered as she spoke, her tone filled with a wariness that even her usual confident demeanor couldn't mask. "Don Alberto owns most of the land here. His influence stretches further than you'd think. When I was younger, I was his servant. He treated me like all his other workers—without care, like a possession."

Her hand moved almost instinctively to the wooden pendant at her neck, her fingers brushing over it as if seeking comfort from the memories that surfaced.

"Before my... transformation, he sold me to another family. I was only freed after I was adopted by the Colóns. But Don Alberto, he's still here. And he still lives the way he always has—wealthy, cruel, and surrounded by his mistresses."

Ciel listened intently, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Mistresses?"

Marisol nodded, her gaze darkening. "Three of them. Each one more dangerous than the last. They help him run things, keep him in power. They have their own hold over him, but they're not to be underestimated. They're sharp, manipulative, and they know how to use their positions to control the workers and anyone else who gets too close."

Sebastian, who had been quietly observing the interaction, smiled softly, his voice smooth. "How interesting. It seems this Don Alberto has surrounded himself with people just as cunning as he is. A delicate balance of power, I imagine."

Marisol's expression hardened. "Cunning, yes. And ruthless. Don't be fooled by their smiles when we meet them. The women, especially, will try to gauge you, test you. They're used to seeing themselves as untouchable here."

Ciel took this information in with a nod. "And what of Don Alberto? Does he know you're here?"

Marisol's jaw clenched slightly, her eyes darting toward the grand estate in the distance. "He'll know soon enough. I've managed to avoid crossing his path for years, but now that I've returned... let's just say I don't expect him to be happy to see me."

The breeze shifted, carrying with it the faint sound of bells from a nearby church. The women and children were still watching, though they kept a respectful distance. Marisol turned back to face them, her expression softening for just a moment as she spoke to Ciel and Sebastian.

"The people here... they're good, hardworking families. But they're afraid of Don Alberto, afraid of what he might do if they step out of line. That's why you'll only see the women and children here to greet us. The men are still on the plantation, working under his thumb."

Ciel's eyes flickered with understanding. He had seen this kind of power imbalance before, though it never ceased to unsettle him. He glanced at Sebastian, who gave him a reassuring nod, his sharp eyes scanning the scene.