The world of Black Butler / Kuroshitsuji

The First Case [2]

Our carriage arrived at the public house where the slave traders frequented. Earl Grey stepped off the carriage first, and then helped me off.

"So which one is it?" I asked.

He nodded towards a decent-looking, two storeys building across the street. It was located just one building away from one of the docks of the Port of London. I survey the area; there was all sort of people: upper class who were there to travel on luxurious boat journeys, middle-class who were busy overseeing the port, and lower class who carried the goods on there backs. It was a rather noisy part of the town.

"Are you sure this is the time when the traders are most active?"

Grey shrugged, "Well, Scotland Yard says so."

It was about four to five in the afternoon, and the port was busting with life. With so many people coming and going, it was quite a difficult job to spot one person with a little scar on his face.

"Do you think we should go in? Or would we stand out too much?" I questioned once again.

"I'm sure we will be just fine." He said cheerfully while eyeing the building.

We made out way to the public house and entered. Contrary to my imagination, the interior was bright and clean, although it was obviously not for the upper class.

I saw that the bar-tender's eyes widened when he saw us, and he hurriedly went to into another room behind the bar, and came out with another person, who was half bold and better dressed then the rest.

"My lord and lady! Would you wish to go upstairs to the private drinking room?" The bold man asked putting the brightest smile he could manage on his face.

"No," Grey replied, "That would be fine." He gestured to one of the more secluded seats, yet has a clear view of the entrance.

"Of course, as you wish, my lord." The man shouted for some other man and gave them instructions. They quickly laid a nice table cloth over the wooden table and laid out some cutlery which I assumed was the best they had.

As we took a seat the bold man asked, "I apologize for the lack of variety of food and drinks, but please, what would my lord and lady like?" He handed us two menus.

I silently glanced through the list, and found nothing to my liking. I looked up to see that Earl Grey has finished deciding, and was waiting for me to order first.

"Some Earl Grey tea would be fine." I said, and smiled. I saw that Earl Grey was holding back a laugh as well.

"Very well, my lady. And you, my lord?" The bold man asked.

He coughed and said, "Um.. A Toad in the hole...a spotted dick... and a stargazey pie..." He was ordering all the ones with odd names, "And also some Earl Grey."

"Yes, it will be served right away, my lord." The bold man hurried away to tell the kitchen our orders.

"A toad in the hole, spotted..dick... really? Do you even know what those dishes are?" I raised my eyebrows.

"No, I don't, but I am willing to find out. And you, ordering a cup of me?" He replied wittily.

I laughed, "True, I did order a cup of Earl Grey, Earl Grey."

"You can call me Charles in private if you want." He smiled.

"Alright, Charles. What about me? Baroness Clarette seems quite the mouthful."

"Since we are supposed to call you by your bestowed name... what about Clare?"

"Clare? I like it."