The Spider's Kiss (Alois x Reader)

9: The Investigation Begins

By the time I have looked up, I discover time itself has escaped me. Only when Ellis pulls me to the side, am I released from my daze. The alleyway is damp and infested by rats. "I'll pay attention," I promise, wanting to get out of the closed off area as soon as possible.

The man sighs as he runs his hand through his hair, "Thank you."

We leave the alley and receive strange looks from both Ciel and Alois. I could care less. I have work to do and standing outside of the victim's house isn't helping me accomplish anything. I smooth down my dress as I knock on the rotting door. I send thank you's out to whomever is there that I do not suffer this life of poverty.

Alois joins me at the door and links his elbow with my own. I must calm down. This is not the time to have a change of heart. A woman just shorter than Alois swings open the door. The warming scent of fresh baked bread dances across my nostrils, sending my stomach growling. Flour had gotten in the woman's dark brown locks as well as on her well-worn apron.

A polite smile reaches my lips, "Good day, miss. We are currently working on investigating your late husband's case. It would be a great help if you could answer some of our questions." My young age is easily given away on sight, despite my reasons for being here.

The woman seems nervous as she plays with her apron. "But aren't you... just kids?" Ciel pushes forward and his butler follows only moments behind him. Alois only giggles once, as he sees the annoyed expression on the boy's face.

"Official orders from the Queen," Ciel states as he waves his warrant. "Now move aside. I assume you want privacy." The woman hesitates for a moment before stepping out of the doorway. A game of "good guard, bad guard" is it?

Alois skips into the small home as I gracefully make my way up to the Mistress of the House. "My sincere apologies, m'lady. He has been working on the case all night so please excuse him."

I bend my torso into a low bow. The woman gasps while Ciel mutters something along the lines of, "Unnecessary." A glass shattering scream escapes the his throat as I assume Alois has done something to him. I clear my throat and raise my head.

"If there is anything you want to help soothe you, please let us know." A small smile appears on my lips as I meet the peasant woman's shocked gaze.

"I- I can't take anything from you," She stops her stutter and slows her speech to a normal rate. "It would be very, very improper of me."

My skirts dance on the air as I turn away, "Consider it a gift from the Queen. You wouldn't refuse her, would you?" Ellis and I float inside the hut, leaving the flabbergasted woman to shake off her disbelief.