Laughter is Born From Madness

Chapter 51

"What on earth is going on in this manor!?" Grimsby demanded, holding onto a crying Irene. "Three people have been murdered in the space of one night!!"

Arthur stared at the young earl, who was still holding onto the lifeless red head, with a grim expression. The other guests shared a look of pity at the young teenager.

"A-And they were killed in such a..." Irene trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.

"Tell me about it. Runnin' him through with a fireplace poker and how young the little lady...was just too much, man." Bard, who had recently returned, muttered as he covered his face with one hand.

Arthur kneeled in front of Ciel, inspecting Red. His eyes widened when noticing something. Moving her hair away from part of her head, he revealed a small wound.

"There are signs of trauma to the head, she may have been facing away the moment something had hit her... her wrist shows signs of the cuff from the chain the previous night had been forcefully pulled off, hence the bruise...and the cut from yesterday evening from when she was slapped was opened up again." Arthur elaborated as he picked up the bottle that was to the side and inspected it. "No labels or scent...I don't see any other injuries on the body, maybe she was poisoned? Let's check the butler's body."

Everyone trailed out of the room except for Ciel and Tanaka. Arthur looked back at the two in question before the young lord spoke up.

"Is...is it all right if I stay here at the moment with her? Tanaka here can keep watch."

Looking between the two, Arthur nodded in understanding and left, following everyone else to Sebastian's body.

"Tanaka." Ciel spoke up after a few moments of silence.

"Yes, sir."

"Sebastian is dead. You are my butler from this day forth. I entrust you with the management of the manor and the supervision of the servants...and this pin too...I return to your keeping."

Holding out his hand, Ciel showed the older man the pin that was on Sebastian's tailcoat. A tiny smile surfaced its way onto Tanaka's face.

"The pin of head butler...this does bring back memories. Will an old man like me be equal to the duties, I wonder?"

"You need only do it until a replacement arrives."

As you wish, sir. I shall by all means accept it."

Gently, he took the pin and placed it in the same spot of his coat just like Sebastian had then bowed to his master before heading towards the door. Once opening it, he stopped and looked at his master with a solemn expression.

"I know how much that girl meant to you, sir. It was just like how your father looked at your mother...despite what many would say about him, he thought he would have never found another woman like her. I believe you are the same. Do take care. Once you are finished here, do head back to the previous room you were in and get changed. You will catch cold if you're dressed like that."