Janus — The Heirs, He Who Wishes To Wear the Crown, Endure Its Weight

-Phantomhive Manor Murder Case Arc-

Chapter XXXV:

Note

Title: Janus (Sequel to 'A Kiss To My Prince and The King 2 Hearts)

Summary: The light turns on at a dark street, I'm wondering around to find something again. The unfamiliar darkness is all that remains in my hand. This world approached me with an unfamiliar face, everything was taken from me by that first glance; I have changed, this have switched everything. Run away, disappear far away, give me back the lost time, I ask of you. Any time, any fate – it's a rough road that won't end though I'm ripped apart and in pain, I will smile, watch me, I promise. I will win and win and smile, watch me. I ask of you.

Pairing: Sebastian x OC x Ciel with Claude x OC x Alois!

"My name is Yuri Park. There was an incident and I woke up in 1887. Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. I decided to stay in this world...and this is my story."

Thank you guys for those who reviewed and alerted my other story: A Kiss To My Prince and The King 2 Hearts:

-Review from my previous story-

Cereza101- Aww thank you! I'm more honoured to have a faithful reader like you! Hope you enjoy this new chapter to my sequel!

VampireSiren- I am sure Sebastian won't be angry at her, even if he were, he wouldn't be for long! Aww, I feel sorry for Yuri too I mean who wouldn't ㅠㅠ

Enchanted Elf- Thanks~! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and hope you will enjoy this as well!

Sayachan- It's alright :) As long as you enjoyed it, I'm happy! Well here is the sequel to the story you've been eagerly waiting for! Hope you enjoy this story as the last one!

Yugao702- OMFG PHAHAHAHAHHA~! If those two are married couple, I am 100% sure they will be fighting over their 'daughter' Yuri! Probably be like 'DADD'= Dad Against Daughter Dating. Shoot the first one and the word will spread LOL! Well the starting point: you will read in this chapter hehe! Ah, big brothers...I have a small brother and let me tell you, I'm having the day of my life! My brother's platelet is low so they want to keep him in hosp for two days, meaning I'm the only child for two days! Yes! LOL! Beating him into the next century XD

LufenCrosszeria- OMFG I must have killer aim! LOL! Hope that killer aim will aim to my brother one day hahaha! Good thing I didn't hit her too, I mean I don't want to go to prison! Yep, you will see sane(?) Alois more in this chapter! Me too, my dream is one day I will have a pet! That's like number 1 in my bucket list haha! Ciel's jealous face would be sooo cute to see! Well, the things she want to sort out with Alois is not that serious, don't worry! Oh you are defo right, it was B1A4's Only Learnt The Bad Things and yes, Ciel did quote some of the lyrics! I thought it suited them both sooo much~!

ravenscry21- Don't worry with spellings! LOL! You will see both Alois and Ciel going into total domination mode phahahahhaa! Eyyyyy sexy lady~! XD

xXxStrawberryJamxXx- Whoo~! I was worried you might be reviewing this from some asylum or something hahahaha! Well I hope you will enjoy this sequel!

LaChaTa2- Aww don't worry! I'm sure you had busy day~! I'm just happy you enjoyed it! OMFG YES I READ THE LATEST CHAPTER! KYAAH I MUST ADMIT VINCENT IS HAWT! LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, OH YEA DEFO! *SWOON BEEP-

dxlmao- Oh yes, Yuri did made hard decision but I guess it's for her happiness. Well, she will someday become a demoness hehe! Oh, Sebastian is rather moody he is stuck with Ciel forever and cannot waltz away Yuri from his master, I mean come on, who wouldn't be upset?! Hahaha

sebby-fan- Well, Ciel is cute but Alois also has cuter side as well now he has his sanity back! Well, Claude...I don't even know. LOL

sleepy kirby- Well, here is the sequel you've been waiting for! Thanks for loving my story~! Enjoy~!

Paxloria- Well, danger from Claude 100% but she got balls! Well, I'm sure Undertaker laughed after they left LOL! Yes, the butlers they are veerrrrrryyy displeased at how it had turned out! I mean who wouldn't?! I'd be! Well hope you enjoy this sequel!

prettygirlrock69- She will and will get the other three as bonus as well!

nabila-nobody- I totally did! He got growth spurt now! Now no one can call him short! Well read this chapter and choose you who like better: Alois or Ciel?! William, well he will always be William hahaha! I'm so jealous of Yuri! And she's my own character well inspired by me and my friends but OTL! Doctor dying will be the day the world ends for Arianna, me well I'd probably know about his death from my friend before I even see it haha! I can never catch the Doctor Who episode when it's actually on TV! ㅠㅠ

Lovely-Dark-Shadows- I'm serious when I said I loooveee your profile pic! Can I make it to my phone wallpaper? I want to ask your permission first since you saw it first and put it up! Oh, and hope you like the new sequel/chapter!

Wonderwomanbatmanfan- Awww thank you! You never miss out reviewing everyone of my chapters...I'm so touched ㅠㅠ Hope you enjoy this chapter!

darkangel- I so understand about the exam thingy..I have four important exams I need to get VERY GOOD MARKS on for my university this January and here I am, writing the story when I should be studying ㅠㅠ Thank you about my language, I'm somewhat self conscious that English is not first language and don't like to make careless mistakes. Hmmmm, are you from...England? LOL! Tell me if I got it right!

blue polkadot- Well, I updated ASAP! Enjoy this chapter!

Katherine S- Well, he changed only this much. If you think about it, Elizabeth, Madam Red and his uncle is the only family relative he got and I read somewhere where a reader pointed out in another story, that Ciel was OCC when Ciel dismissed Lizzy so coldly and she is an important cousin he loves and he wouldn't act so cruel and discard her just like that just because he loves Yuri, he loves her but he also loves his cousin whom he grew and played with since child.

Hmm, well all I know is that demons are superior in sense wise but feelings? Hmm, I could make it like that so yes, his feelings seemed to be magnified. I want to have them go through small transition when they become demons including physical change so I guess Yuri will also change somehow in physical sense but mentally? We will have to see.

I did not mean to make Ciel seem dismissive of everything but Yuri but you can say after forgetting the woman you love, knowing you hurt her and broke the promise Ciel confidently made, I'm sure he was quite desperate to sort the mistakes out before it becomes more worse. But in this chapter, I hope to make Ciel not dismissive but just Ciel being himself.

Well, Alois is Queen's Spider meaning his work is also linked to Underworld business and Undertaker is like a door to it. I explained in the last chapter, Alois had come across with Undertaker due to the business with the Queen more than one occasion.

OMFG YEA! If a man can have more than one gf or lover or wife, who says women can't?! Vampire Diaries, my friend Nikita watches them! She calls her self Mrs Klaus LOL! Yep, they are not humans so they don't need to stick to the rules! Except Yuri cuz LOL she is human haha! Well, the sequel has finally arrived hahahaha!

A/N:

Ok so here is the sequel guys! Hope you enjoy! I named the sequel 'Janus'.

In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of beginnings and transitions, thence also of gates, doors, doorways, endings and time. He is usually a two-faced god (probably a symbol of the sun and the moon) looking opposite direction since he looks to the future and the past. The month of January was named in honour of Janus by the Romans.

I thought the name described the story itself since it's the beginning not the end kekeke!

This chapter contains: 5th Arc of Kuroshitsuji manga 'Phantomhive Manor Murder Case Arc' chapter 38-9.

"I'm not a psychopath, I'm a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research." ― Arthur Conan Doyle

The shiny black carriage stopped as the coachman stepped down, bowed and guided his hand toward the elegant carriage door to the awed guest.

"I have come to pick you up. Please come along."

"O...Ok." The humble author stuttered with awkwardness at the sight of such luxury items he was being offered. He timidly stumbled inside before sitting near the window rigidly and tried to keep still like a rock as if one tiny movement could tarnish expensive and clean furniture with dirts.

It's the first time in my life I've ridden a two-horse carriage with a coachman... I hope I have not forgotten the invitation The writer hurriedly dug through his jacket pockets to ensure he brought everything he needed, including the letter of invitation.

"Looks like things are going to be tense from here on out." He examined the thick, expensive envelope; its edge was torn when he carefully opened to read the content of parchment, his eyes lingering at the red stamp imprinted with the famous coat of arms whose family is known for its vast amount of power and wealth: The Phantomhive Noble.

When he first received the letter, he was sure the post man delivered to the wrong address, why would a such powerful and influential man wanted to do anything with a mere eye-doctor/writer? Until he saw his name printed with elegant handwriting. If he required an eye doctor, he could have had easily afford the best and famous eye doctor in the country, not him.

"I wonder what kind of person he is...?"

Early spring, 1889. It was around the time of year when winter hasn't quite cleared yet. While working as an inexperience eye-doctor in London I was also working as an insignificant writer. Even though I say writer, I could only actually devote the times that I had not patients to writing. Up until now my work has only been published once and this was after many submissions, the payment was atomically small. I was considering a move from the clinic to the Scottish countryside however, during this time a letter of invitation was delivered to me. Yes, that was when it all began.

"So? How long are you guys planning on staying here?" Ciel harshly revealed without bothering to sugar coat it as he would have usually do with others but those two sitting in front of him was exception.

"What's up with that? Even though I went through the trouble of staying here to spend the winder holidays with you!" The foreign Prince pouted as if it was he who was the victim.

"Don't just invent holidays!" Ciel sighed in irritation, sipping his tea as the look of displease momentarily ruled his calm façade. Since becoming a demon, his taste buds seemed to have undergone a slight change, the food he once enjoyed, the tea he once preferred became such bland and tasteless; the only flavour that would suit him was human souls.

His mind travelled back to Yuri, constant worrying tugging at his mind at leaving her with those two whom he still did not trust slightest; even if Alois had regained his sanity back, it was the spider demon that bugged him the most. Those thoughts occupied him until the headline of the news caught his eye:

'Diamond Trade South Africa – SteigerRoze died.'

His eye narrowed, knowing his death would affect the economy and his business.

"Especially since I'm going to beat you at chess today!" The Prince declared with confidence.

Ciel wordlessly stood up, "Sorry, but I have got work today." The butler smoothly backed the chair as he stood up, "Let's go Sebastian."

"Yes."

Soma, who was used to getting his way ever since his childhood blew his cheeks, indicating he was upset he could not show his improvement to Ciel, "You said that yesterday and only played one game with me."

The Earl only stared down with cold, disapproving look, "Why don't you polish your skills by solving some chess problems while I'm working. You have too few counter moves." The only chess player he wished to play with was Yuri.

"Damn! I'll remember this! Agni, come on, we're doing some intensive training!" The Prince also stood up with his servant's encouragement.

Ciel tiredly trotted away, drag of the works left unfinished and the fact that Yuri's presence was not here and her presence seemed rather needed at times like this.

His ears suddenly perked up, the sensitive demonic hearing was undoubtedly very useful as no small amount of noise escaped him and there seemed to be a rather chaotic commotions going on in the kitchen, he tilted his head to Sebastian who bowed and headed to see what the problem was.

The Earl silently creep inside the guest room, sitting down and patiently waiting for the self inviting guests to be brought in. In the mean time, he glanced back to admire the large portrait of Yuri, the photograph of her was affectionately placed in his chamber, the painting however, was here to be admired by him.

It was sent by Alois, and while he would have thrown away any gifts or such without hesitant, he was thankful for the Trancy Earl's consideration of sending him the fine art work portraying the woman he admired, not to mention she wore his mother's dress in the portrait made him prideful.

The painter have really done such beautiful work. He must remember to send him some compensation of his grateful thanks.

"So... in accordance with the Queen's request, we would like you to host a banquet and entertain a guest who is coming for a visit to England in two weeks time." Charles Phipps handed over the envelope embalmed with the Queen's symbol.

"Why me?" Ciel questioned suspiciously, "I do not think the guest will be at ease if he's being entertained by someone like me, who has no acquaintance to him whatsoever."

"The person we'd like you to entertain is a certain personage that also happens to be a distant relative of the Queen's. It is to be a sneak visit to England." Charles explained, "He is interested in the self proclaimed factory of the world that is England's industry and popular literature...he also wishes to mingle with persons of profound scholarship."

"The Funtom company you manage is one of England's business that is boasted about all over the world. With connections like yours you should be able to call forth some guests that will please our visitor."

He slid the letter across toward him lazily, "Even so, is it alright that the Queen would let me entertain him? Do you think it's alright to say that?"

Charles Grey smirked, "The Queen has been having some doubts about the Earl since the report on 'the incident the other day'. She needs proof of your loyalty toward her. She is quite worried you might be losing your..touch. She also said she would see Yuri more favourable if you take up this request." Ciel's eyes turned to a subtle glare as he saw Grey's eyes straying over his head, where the portrait hung.

"She is not here, if it is her you are looking for." Ciel said, bringing the two Charles from their calculating lookaround.

The two reacted differently to being caught but shrugged it away. Phipps more flustered than Grey with unspoken question of where about.

"Don't you think there's a chance to restore your image with this mission?" Grey playfully backed away, bringing his arms and hands over his shoulder as his head lazily rested against his palm.

"Then again...this is really just a request from the Queen to the 'Noble' Earl and not the 'Watchdog'."

"Noblesse oblige." Phipps emphasised, "We would like you to think of it as an obligation as one of the ones who have it all."

"I'll come back, there will be fun thing going over at your house anyway."

Yuri, is this the fun you were talking about? After moment of sharp silence, Ciel picked the letter up from the table, "I understand. I'll take it."

"By the way," Grey playfully added, "Since I'm the overseeing officer, it's okay if I get you to let me participate as well right?"

"Yes." Was his answer.

"We just confirmed the safety of the mansion. It seems like you don't need an increase in security guards...right?"

"The mansion's protection is flawless." Glaring at the other Earl, "It cannot be helped that our risk factor will increase due to uninvited people."

The two butler stood up, heading to the door, "It's settled then. We'll be taking our leave, you don't need to see us out. We look forward to seeing you in two weeks times." There was a lingering glance from Grey who's eyes seemed to be overly attached at the portrait behind him before the door clicked closed.

"..." Ciel stood up, "Well then, Sebastian...prepare the invitations at once."

"Yes."

Ciel walked over to the window, seeing the two walking outside to the mansion gate, "And after that...contact Lau and Undertaker as well."

"Of course." Sebastian answered but there was a tone that told Ciel there was something Sebastian wanted to ask.

"What about Alois Trancy?"

"...Contact him as well..."

Like I said before, when I first went there I was merely an innocent commoner.

The carriage arrived in front of magnificent and grand mansion that stood proudly in front of him, he could only guess how much wealth the Phantomhive possessed. The door was opened and the steps was laid out as he carefully stepped down, admiring the breathtaking view in front of him.

However, the incident that happened at the manor house I was invited to that day, turned the life of that common man around by 180 degrees.

His mouth opened at the black and white tiles that graced the many acres of floor and the elegant designs of the entrance where large staircases stood in the middle of the great hall.

Many years have passed since then. I finally decided to put pen to paper. To write it down here and now. Everything about the incident I encountered at the Earl Phantomhive's mansion.

The character of Irene that was strongly influenced by a certain lady..

The tragedy that occurred that stormy night...

"Hmm. So it's like that." Ciel muttered understandingly to the phone he held between his fingers, "With this the stories come together."

I laughed over the other line, "Yep, the fun things always happens at your house, you know. So are you going to have to study German political stuff?"

"Yes. Since I don't know much about Germany's domestic affairs." He confirmed, holding the phone to his ear as the voice rambled on over the line.

"Maybe you should ask Viscount to teach you those, I'm sure he'll be delighted to help dear robin." I joked while twirling the cord in my fingers, chuckling as Ciel's face morphed into something that of disturbed look.

"Jeez, don't go reminding me of Viscount with all those bad traits of yours, will you? It could turn into something annoying you know?"

"Really?" My head showed me flashbacks of incidents involving Viscount and I silently agreed. I decided to stay with Alois to sort some things out including some of my possessions to be brought back to Phantomhive manor later on not to mention I wanted to spend some time with Hannah.

"It might." He answered, a smile creeping over to his lip, "I'm surprised you called me first. I'd expect you were waiting for me."

I puffed disapprovingly, "When I miss you, I don't wait for your call. That kind of pride, I don't care."

Arms snaked around my waist, tilting my head over I saw Alois smiling face buried in my back, I quickly covered the speaker part, "Yuri, I thought you were teaching me mathematic?" He murmured.

"Ciel, I got to go. I got studies." I told.

"..Don't over do it." He worriedly warned.

"I miss you."

He smiled, "I know. Well, see you." Another click followed by another dial tone, with that, he hung the phone up before his eyes trailing onto the small notebook he was reading before.

Buy dog with Yuri.

Travel the world with Yuri.

He closed the notebook before the list was done when he felt Sebastian coming and opening the door, "Young master it's time."

"Yes." He stood up wordlessly, noticing the change in the sky as it glowed ominous grey, predicting storm, "Looks like there will be a shower." He silently preyed it won't be a heavy rain that may hinder Yuri's arrival since England weather is infamous to be unpredictable.

"This stuff is so hard." I whined, burying my head on the textbooks. It wasn't until I began doing math here that I realised how much stuff the government excluded, "You already know this stuff, so I won't be any help."

Alois chuckled, singing his documents in between the course. He leaned in, giving me a comforting kiss on each of my fingers, "You have helped me more than anything. You've always encouraged me. You've listened to everything I couldn't tell anyone else. When I was down, you made me laugh. You were always near me. Whenever I was in pain, you were always with me."

"I should be thanking you." I said, surprising Alois, "There are times when everyone wants to die. It isn't wrong to have the thought that you want to die. Even you though you wanted to die, the fact that you endured it was great."

"You didn't answer to my proposal yet."

The pen in my hand dropped, nervous giggling from my shaking lip, "I'm too young."

"You won't reject me then?"

I shook my head, shyly proving my answer by clamping a hand over his lip before pecking my own fingers. It was innocent and childlike but it was enough to stir a very physical reply. In flash, the fangs sharply entered my neck, his head buried deep while greedily slurping the red liquid, making sure no drops escaped but into his mouth. He made sure I was comfortably seated on his laps, pulling my hair back to expose my neck for better entrance.

The sudden surge of this kind of behaviour was normal (according to Hannah) and a demon's way of showing their affections, particularly for a newly turned demons whose instinct overruled and dominated their secondary human emotions and desires. Hannah said it will mostly be dormant for a while, and resurface slowly over time but I wished he could at least give me a warning next time.

I was thankful he made sure to take as minimum amount as possible, quickly sealing it with licking away the remainder blood.

"Can you stand?" Alois asked worriedly, realising the slip of his momentary discreet.

I nodded, carefully tip toeing and regaining my balance. He kept hold on my arm just in case and hesitantly let go after I was stable after few minutes. I watched as his red demonic eye morphing back to his light blue, his fang retrieving back to its human teeth.

There was a knock and Claude silently entered, his eyes were also red having to smelt the familiar blood from miles away and quickly schooled his expression.

"Young master, the carriage is ready."

Wordlessly, he pulled me along and on the way out, Claude's hand brushed against mine 'coincidently' with a look of permission for my blood after the party was over.

Arthur awkwardly stood next to the stairs, away from everyone's eyes and chatters. He knew he stuck out like sore thumb against those powerful and influential people he was surrounded, not to mention he lacked the air of grace and elegant and the only one without any companion to talk to.

Why...am I here again? He wondered regretfully. He courageously looked up to scanned the guests that occupied the hall, another wave of regret wash over him as he undoubtedly recognise every single one in the hall only told how well known and famous they were while he was no one.

That's the opera singer Irene, right... The beautiful woman was currently engrossed in talk with the attractive, young adult male with light-coloured hair that is slicked back into a neat hairdo wearing a neat tuxedo with a polka-dotted bow tie. And isn't the guy next to her the producer Grimsby Keane?

The next figure he laid his eyes on were more well known, Patrick Phelps with short, light-coloured hair and dressed in equally nice, black tuxedo with a bow tie. That guy seems to be the son of the shipbuilding Kings. I can't see... He had to scrunched his eyes as the shims seemed to blind his sights at the man next to Phelps who was obviously in charge and more dominant than Phelps who seemed to be more of a quiet individual.

The writer obviously knew who the man was, Carl Woodley. He had short, slick hair that is mostly dark but shows signs of greying. He has dark, expressive eyebrows and a neat moustache and goatee, adorning a nice, black tuxedo with a bow tie that is nearly identical to Patrick Phelps's suit. But what caught his eyes was the rings on each one of his fingers that are inlaid with diamonds.

Each rings worn by the guy with the loud voice is inlaid with diamonds! How much money does he have? He self-consciously stared down at his own: A simple, plain brown suit he wore seemed to dull and grey compared to the lavish clothes others wore. I'm just wearing a tuxedo...

The author felt something soft bump into his arm and quickly mustered up an apology, "Ah, sor..." The sight of cleavage came to his sight and his face flustered in embarrassed red at the sight.

"Ah, excuse me." The Chinese man playfully apologised, "You shouldn't space out, where's your apology?" He gestured to the exotic woman hanging in his arm.

"Sorry." She said with a blank look and tone.

"D-Don't bother!" He stuttered, flabbergasted, "A...Are you also actors?" Showing her legs...! What's with her outfit?! He momentarily wondered if that was the custom in Asia since their two culture of Eastern and Western seemed to clash.

"This here is my little sister, Ran Mao." He introduced, "And...who might you be?"

The author was a bit disappointed but it was expected, "I'm an eye specialist and also a bit of a writer..."

"That's amazing! A Wordsmith, huh."

At the mention of Wordsmith, his hands came up defensively, "No such thing! I'm nothing special at all! I've never met the Earl before, so I really don't know why I've been invited."

"Who knows? I don't know what that moody guys is thinking. Right, Ran Mao?" The woman nodded, adding to the building anxious inside Arthur.

"Is he really so moody..."

"But..." Lau's eyes opened with a rather dangerous glint, "Without a doubt, something interesting will happen...probably."

"Huh?"

"Moreover, the Earl hates the staunch social life and is famous for being a rare character that hardly ever shows himself. I think this is the first time that he's invited people into his own house?"

"What kind of person is he?" Arthur asked, he at least wanted to hear from someone who had met him before he do something that may cause dislike in the Earl since their social class is earth and sky apart thus his manner may offend him or just a least description on how he looks like.

"Let's see..basically he has either a sour or angry look and extremely high pride."

"Ehhhh!" In Arthur's image, it was a grumpy looking man, mid 40s with scowl look and stern image was formed.

"It's also said that he wears a pirate-like eye path."

"Ehhh?!" He was very much regretting of coming here as the image filled was a frightening 'look' of the Earl.

"Why don't you leave your teasing of the guests at that?" A disapproving tone of light voice emitted from the stairs where a boy stood.

"Huh...a...child?" Arthur muttered.

Lau pointed, taking the chance to anger the Earl, "That tiny little child is Earl Phantomhive. Although he seemed to have grown lot lately."

"Little was unnecessary!" Earl bit out before schooling his emotions, "Thank you for accepting my invitation today." Arthur looked up in awe, the Earl was nothing like he imagined or thought, "I am the Head of House, Ciel Phantomhive."

The crowd of guests gathered around, their chatters soon diminishing in respect as the Earl spoke," After the dinner party starts, I'll once again call upon each of you in order to exchange greetings. This includes both my regular clients and the ones that I am meeting for the first time."

Ciel head counted the guests and noticed there was few missing numbers than he was expecting, turning to Sebastian, "But it seems that the guest of honour isn't here yet?"

"With this foul weather, his arrival seemed to have been delayed."

"It is not like we can keep everyone waiting in the hall like thi..."

"There is a guest arriving!" Mey-Rin announced hastily, bowing as the door opened and the guests of honour stepped in but it wasn't the guest he was rather impatiently and worriedly waiting for.

"Please to meet your acquaintance. I'm Georg Von Siemens." The man put his gloved hand over his chest, "I am grateful for your invitation."

Charles waved his hand, "Thanks. Are preparations for the party complete?"

The German man shook Ciel's head, "I'm deeply sorry to have delayed you."

"Of course not, you have come from afar. There is another guests I am waiting also, please, do not apologise." He gestured the two man to the deeper part of the hall, "Let's exchange greetings once the party has started. For now, please chat freely at the buffet. This way please."

Charles scanning eyes did not unnoticed by Ciel, "Miss Yuri is to be arrived later."

Charles Grey gave him a understanding smirk, saying nothing.

"There is a guest arriving!" Mey Rin announced for the second time, as the door opened revealing familiar groups Ciel has been waiting for, patiently.

"Sorry we are late. We were caught up in the storm." Alois apologised, helping me take off my wet coat off before taking his off. Claude silently took the two coats in his arms, Sebastian's eyes narrowing at the sight but his eyes soon rested against mine before a smile sending me a hidden message behind that look.

Ciel walked over, shaking Alois hand, "Welcome to the Phantomhive manor. Please, feel free to chat in the buffet and exchange official greetings."

"Well then," Sebastian took out piece of card, "I'll call out your names so please proceed to the dining room in order. First.."

"The shrewdness with which his grandfather served the Prime Minister during his time was heard of even in Germany. He's just like his grandfather." Georg Von Siemens, honorary director of the Bamberger bank commented.

"If you're talking about Earl Grey, he is from such distinguished family that even his name is attached to a flavour of tea. To think there would be a day I'd be able to greet him." Carl Woodley, president of the Woodley company, a diamond polishing business added, honoured.

"Because it has not been long since I succeeded as an Earl," Charles playfully jested, "Earl Phantomhive and Earl Trancy is more of an expert here."

Alois took a sip of his champagne, "I am doubtful, the shrewdness you possess do not need any help from me."

"I'm not there by a long-shot. The company was not founded until my generation, so if you're talking enterprises I think that master Woodley is the most capable." Ciel added.

"It's still just a humble business. Haha." Woodley laughed.

"The technology used for polishing diamonds will be supporting the heavy industries from now on. It will certainly be an important technology. It's England forte to colonize countries with diamond produce. Recently the heavy industries in my country, for example those involved with shipbuilding or the steel factories, have been showing growth." The bank director told, "The bank is thinking of lending our strength to these causes. Right now we're no match for England, but we'll definitely show you that we can catch up."

Woodley put his hand over Phelps' shoulder, "Ahahahaha, we better be careful, Mr. Phelps!"

"Eh..r-right.." He muttered. Patrick Phelps-shipbuilding/shipping Blue Star Line company supervision executive of the trade division, was a rather unsure individual and most definitely swayed by other figures.

"This is Mr Lau. He's the English branch manager for the Shanghai trading company, Kunlin." At the sound of the company name, Phelps face blanched that of a sheet. He definitely recognised the company only not for the legal work but the hidden agenda of the business that is somewhat sinister.

Lau's eyes warning narrowed, glaring at the fellow shipping executive. He gulped.

I watched as Ran Mao attached herself sensually to the German bank director much to his fluster and flattery who acted like a gentleman and gently pried her off of him despite his body language saying otherwise.

Then the beautiful couple introduced themselves to the groups, "Thank you for inviting us today." Many spectators admiring Irene, opera singer's beauty. She was beautiful in a classic way.

"You're the singing princess and producer that sell out theatres across the country? It is an honour to meet you."

She curtsied, "I am Irene Diaz."

"I'm Grimsby Keane."

I saw Arthur Wordsmith fidgeting, gathering up the courage to introduce himself to his superiors, "U...um. I..um.."

"I have an idea for a set I'd like to put together at the Berlin National Opera house."

"I'm..."

"Since the introductions are over, let's toast!" Grey held up his glass.

"This is Arthur Wordsmith." The person in question froze until he felt himself pulled in the spotlight by me. They focused their attention to the author.

"Ah, Mr Wordsmith, nice to meet you. Sorry to have neglected you with all these crowds." Woodley shook the trembling man's hand before turning to me.

"And who is this dainty lady, I must ask?"

"Yuri..Yuri Park, nice to meet you." He gave me a light kiss.

"Yuri is my guest for a sometime now." Ciel added, "Welcome back."

I saw Arthur slipping away to the corner, sitting in the middle of three seats while the guests cheered. Sebastian offered him a glass before walking away, leaving Arthur in awe at his beauty.

"Is it alright if I seat?"

"Of course." I really want to go home.

He turned to see who it was, quickly standing, "Ma'am."

I laughed, "Do I look like a Ma'am? I'm not that old. Just call me Yuri. Please seat, I'm just like you: a commoner."

Suddenly a figure came in our line of sight, I looked up and saw Claude with a plate on his hand, "My lady, do you wish to have some champagne?"

I took a glass from him, "Thank you, Claude."

He walked away, but not before eyeing me hungrily at the thought of what he'd gain at end of the bargain.

There was a surprise look reflecting on his face, "Then how is it you're acquainted with the Earl?" He sat down, relaxed partially.

"Hm..do I say I fell into his life?" He frowned at the use of my words, "I guess I somehow came across him and it happened from there on."

I felt his eyes on my form, knowing I was a commoner yet dressed and mingled like a Noble. The social ladder was too high and too unequal at these times and there was only one way I, as a woman would be able climb: as a mistress to a powerful men. Even if he thought those thoughts, he did not say but asked something he had only dreamt and wonder:

"Can I ask you a question? What kind of world is that? The world that Madam—Miss Yuri lives in… just what kind of world is that?" He was talking about the famous lives of the first class; the lives of Nobility.

I looked at him, "If I were to explain, would you understand?" There was a certain look of shock at my answer.

"How bright...as luxurious as a dream, so beautiful, so grand it's as if you could stop breathing...if I were to explain it to you, would you be able to imagine it?"

He didn't get to answer as someone sat down next to him, Arthur stood in shock at the presences that surrounded him so suddenly.

"But it can be suffocating, I guess."

I turned to see Alois standing near my chair, a glass in hand while Ciel elegantly sat down to the spare chair, "Has Yuri been keeping you entertain? I am quite embarrassed for my negligence to my important guest, please sit."

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alois asked.

"Y-Y-Yes!"

"Please sit down, Mr Wordsmith."

"I'm really not at a level worthy of being called 'Wordsmith' yet...please just call me 'Arthur."

"I want to call you this, so isn't it okay?"

"Do you dislike it?" Alois wondered, tilting his head, "'Wordsmith' that is."

He nervously scratched his head, "Ah...no...that is..." He turned to Ciel, "Um, maybe it is rude to ask...but why did you invite me here today?"

Ciel jerked his head at me, "Yuri here is a dear fanatic of your novel as well as I."

"Ah, the Sherlock Holmes?" Alois remembered, looking down at me teasingly while brushing my cheek, "You refused to let me sleep until I had finished reading the whole novel. I must admit, Mr Wordsmith, it is a very ingenious book; features very unique method of analysing the crime."

The author felt little puzzled at the interactions between us, he had thought I was involved with Ciel but the way Alois behaved — the subtle touches and affectionate behaviours told him it was likely those two involved. Unless..the two powerful men were involved with the same woman.

"I have read your work the other day. It was a novel that appeared in Beeton's Christmas annual."

"What?!" He exclaimed in shock, his eyes darting from Alois, me and Ciel then repeating once more several times, "You read such a minor magazine."

"What is wrong? As an entrepreneur who likes to keep track of the latest fashionables, I see many things..." Ciel explained.

"So a megazine like that is even read by people with a high social status including the Earl."

The both Earl let out a small laugh, Alois further emphasising, "It has nothing to do with social status right? Beside our business partners are common people."

"The main character in your work is full of wit and very charming, A new kind of character that is never been seen before."

"Really?!" He was very flattered that his non-significant work had been liked and read by such powerful individual but had had some idea I was involved in those two reading.

Suddenly Arthur's expression darkened, eyes down, "But it seems it really was not popular I have no intention of writing it again."

"You'd think that people of such an advanced country would acknowledge this freshness of writing." Ciel tsk in disappointment.

"On the contrary, it's just a pretentious bit of writing done outside my own speciality. I've swept aside by specialist in the field of writing, saying that the way I use their tools is wrong.

"I didn't know love for writing come from popularity of books?" I told, "People write because they love to regardless of critical; my favourite character is Dr Watson, always end up in unnecessary trouble because of Holmes but they still have unbreakable friendship between the two that almost resemble that of brothers."

A surprise was etched in his face, confirming I have truly read the book in details.

"You and Dr Watson, do you prefer him over me?" Alois teased.

I smiled, "Yes." Smiling more as Alois pouted.

"Yuri, leave your teasing of Alois. Are you still mad at me? You seemed to be ignoring me, what shall I do to unbind those anger of yours'? Have I mention you look lavish this evening?"

"Hm..? Complimenting, nice touch. What could I possibly need? An alibi? A beard? A human canoe. I could sit on your back and paddle you up the Thames."

Alois stifled a laughter, Ciel closed his eyes with a small smile, shaking his head at the return of my usual goofiness while Author burst out laughing. I noticed his body language relaxed much more.

"It is capital mistake to theorise before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgement." His eyes widened at the familiar quote, "It was one of Sherlock Holmes' favourite quote."

"It is fine if they're the ones saying it. Your target audience was the common people, right? So as long as the common people enjoy it, it's fine."

I stood up suddenly, "Lau!" Walking to the familiar pair and sitting next to Ran Mao, "Why, is it not Yuri? It has been long time no see? You seemed to have change considerably in the short amount of time?"

"In a nice way or bad way?"

"Nice way, of course." I grinned.

"So how is it you are acquainted with both Earl Trancy and Phantomhive." A voice drawled.

It was Charles Grey.

"It's called non of your business. Long time no see." I playfully bantered.

"Touché. You might not know it but you are the talk of the evenings amongst the ladies; I won't go into details but some of them are quite creative."

"Well, the creative things I'll tell them won't leave them in the same mind as they came in." Grey laughed then I felt something clamming on my waist.

It was the guest of honour.

He was obviously drunk, his breath stunk of alcohol and his face flushed with red, "Y..you are beautiful woman.."

I let out a sharp sigh, "Hey..is my breast your pocket? Take your hands off before I stop acting like one." I simply pushed him off to Irene, sorry Irene, "Then again, he should enjoy the touch of woman as long as it last."

"What does that mean?" I shrugged at Lau's question, sipping my glass as Lau shook his head amusingly, "For a lady, your language never fails to amuse me."

"That's why I'm me."

Grey's eyes narrowed, silently sipping his wine. The playfulness was gone before it reappeared, suddenly wrapping his arms around my shoulder, offering me his glass, "Santé?"

I guess that was whatever language for 'cheers', I guess..sounded French too, "Santé." The glasses cling.

"I TOLD YOU TO PLEASE STOP IT!" A familiar scene flashed past my head as the guests' focus was now on the three groups in question.

"To have you all over me with your disgusting hands..." Join the club honey, "I can't take it anymore!" The beautiful opera singer protectively wrapped her arms around the place of assault, cupping her hands in place where she felt vulnerable.

"Whaaat?" He slurred, "You're at fault for wearing those clothes!" Men.

The lecherous man wrapped his clammy hands around her shoulder, bringing her closer to his so called embrace, "You really want to be touched don't you? Don't pretend to be sweet and innocent now."

"INSOLENT JERK!" A loud slap rang in the hall, "HAVE SOME SHAME!"

The man fell onto his backside without dignity, looking rather ridiculous and sorry excuse for a human being. The man tremble in anger and embarrassment, "Why you...like I'll let you say that to me!"

He ushered the glass filled with champagne toward the poor woman, until a figure quickly took the fall, spreading out his arms in effort to shield her away.

When the scene cleared, they exclaimed in shock, "Earl!"

"This is a dining hall. In any case, that will be enough from you two for today." He calmly warned, his eyes glanced back to me and then did I noticed the close proximity where the alcohol could have splashed not only to Irene but to me as well equally.

"YOU OLD PERVERT!" Grimsby angrily fanned toward, "DON'T TOUCH MY WOMAN SO...EASILY!" His hand was ready to grab anything in sight, and his hand came to wrap around the solid bottle of wine before flinging it toward him.

The bottle was an inch away before Sebastian smoothly glided over the air, popping the cork open and poured without a tiny droplet going to waste into pyramids of glasses stacked up. The spectators admired the beauty in awe, Claude staring at the fellow demon with distaste at his flaunting.

"It was a fantastic wine from the village of Purcari in South-Eastern Moldova. Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy it."

"Beautiful, it looks like a Christmas tree!"

"When did it..."

The pervert man breath in appreciation, "Moreover, this smell...it's like being in a flower garden."

"That smells good! Give me one won't you?" Grey headed toward the stack of ivory glasses.

Soon, everyone seemed to have forgotten the incident as Sebastian retrieved a towel, ignoring Irene's attempt to thank and aided his master.

"Are you okay, young master?"

"Yes." He simply told, then he motioned over for me to come as I stood up and headed to the corner.

"Yuri, dry me." At his robotic instruction, I rolled my eyes but did as I told. Scuffing his hair in attempt to make it dry faster. Arthur noticed the close proximity between the two, seeing Ciel's finger playing with the dress material.

"Beautiful is she not? Kind as well?" He turned to see Alois breaking the silent.

"Are you two..." He blushed, Alois only smiled and chuckled at his shyness.

"Involved?" The writer nodded, "Perhaps. I have yet to not know what we should call it since Ciel loves her as well, and another two."

He lifted his brow in surprise, so more than two men loving the same woman?

"She told me she is a commoner, like me."

"And?" Alois frowned.

"Well, the social class between us is too high."

"In her world, she only believes equality. If she witnesses unjust, someone she's never met in her life, she'll throw fists. She do not care for materialistic things, in fact she doesn't want to spend even one second of one minute with people like us. She's that kind of woman. I've never seen a woman as great as her. To me, she have the face of the most beautiful of women and the mind of the most resolute of men; possessing the body of the lower class but the mind of the aristocrat. That… is my answer." The Trancy Earl looked over at Ciel.

Author frowned at his use of the word, 'Her world'. Why would one apply the world as her or his?

"Is it not, Ciel?" Ciel stood unmoving but there was a slight nod.

"So once that solemn man gets some alcohol into him this is how he becomes?" Suddenly, his language changed to French, I must admit French accent is everything a girl dreamt of, "From the look of it, he's a repeat offender." But the sad thing is I can't speak French or any language OTL.

But I do remember he was insulting the German dude and his perverse drunk habits.

Talking in French... Arthur noticed, he knew French because he taught himself ever since he was a young man hungry for knowledge.

"Even so, showing how little self constraint one has..." Sebastian replied equally in French, his dark smooth voice sounded much more seductive, "I wonder whether he's just an immense fool or whether he knows no shame at all."

"He touched Yuri in such disgusting way. I want to cut off his hands and feet." Arthur flinched away from the young blonde Trancy Earl at the way he said such thing with such blank and stoic look.

Ok, that was unexpected. What did he say? I hear Yuri...this is language class over again. When I hear someone speaking another language: 2% OMG I want to learn that language, 98% that person better not talking about me.

"Seems like the incurable type of guy that'd make a doctor hopeless." Ciel added and Arthur couldn't help but let out uncontrolled laughter.

Ciel turned his head as Arthur quickly put his hands over his mouth; the young Earl brought his index up to his lip, smiling deviously with 'Shh'.

"Can we speak English because I really flunked French."

"Of course, Yuri. Whatever you say." Alois spoke, finally English!

"Oh!" Ciel took note of the cloack, "Has master Siemens fallen asleep?"

"Seems like it..." Phelps muttered with a sweat drops.

Ciel stood up, "Sebastian. Take the Lord to his room. I will retire too."

"The Earl is going to sleep already?" Lau asked.

"For a child such as myself it's bed time already." He nodded his head to excuse, "Please relax yourselves."

Then he looked at me, "Yuri, it must have been quite a tiring day for you. Do you not wish to retire?" The secret meaning: It's been a long time since I slept with you, so sleep with me, tonight.

"Yes, I am quite tired." But I also knew, I'd become one of the suspect for the murder that was about to be happen. Then a hand grasped out mine, it was Alois.

"I, too am quite famished for today." Ciel narrowed his eyes, along with Sebastian and eyed the Earl with negative impression.

So I was torn with the two, who both wanted to share the bed with me.

Sebastian easily picked up unconscious man and took him to the assigned guest room with Claude closely following in Alois' order while Ciel led Alois and me to unknown destination while Grey closely scrutinised us groups.

"Is it not rude to ask a lady to occupy your bed in someone's manor?" Ciel suddenly spoke out, turning around to meet with equally confident looking Alois.

"If I remember correctly, I recall it is not I who forgotten the lady in question." At this, Ciel's eyes turned red and Alois' equally stared at him with the same demonic eyes.

"I have dealt with you as much as I could this evening as a Earl treating a 'guest' however," He pulled me to his side, "This is my house and I shall act as I wish to."

Alois grasped my other unoccupied arm, pulling me to him and somehow I ended in the middle of the two, "Then shall we leave it to the lady to choose?"

"Thanks, Alois. I'm going to my room." With that, I left the both Earl standing, each throwing accusing glares at the result.

Finally, I thought. I closed the oak wood doors behind me and carefully walked deeper into my room, carefully stepping toward the familiar room as if reaching for the poisonous snake. It has been a long time since I walked into my room, not ever since I started to sleep in Ciel's room.

The room was obviously cared for, not a dust in sight. My bag was left as I laid it on the bed, sticking out like a sore thumb with its modern design against the classic architecture of the room.

I jumped on the bed, breathing in my own scent that seemed to calm me down. I rummaged through my bag, pulling out the familiar mechanic; my black Samsung Note reflected the light of thunder.

My thumb caressing the abyss screen, my finger start to tap the invisible key pad, wondering what it's like to text. I put my phone over to my ear to see what it's like to call or answer someone. Only silence was heard.

Knock knock

The familiar sound of knock, I knew who it was. The way they tap, the strength they put on. It was Ciel. I put the phone back into my bag, picking up the fashion accessory and putting it beside the wooden table.

"Come in."

The two Earl stepped in, wordless. They were waiting for me to speak.

"There's a way, you know." They looked at me for more explanation, "If you two would like to sleep in my room."

"Of course, as long as I get to be with you." Alois was more content than Ciel of sharing although he grudgingly muttered an agreement.

Soon, I was in the middle of two demons, their arms wrapped around my waist although I felt they were trying not to touch each other's arm. I felt Ciel's voice vibrating at my side, "Yuri...I'm hungry."

"Don't you eat souls? Or has Sebastian been starving you."

"I want it." He muttered like a spoiled child. With no further words, his lip could be felt in my neck before a gentle sharp pierced through my skin. Alois hand tightened in my hand, almost desperately trying to pry the temptation even though he had some today, my thumb stroke his in attempt to comfort until he too could no longer hold himself off.

Now I had two sets of fangs in my each side of the neck, the sounds of my blood draining was heard clearly in the dark silent, it was an odd sensation but I somehow in some masochistic way, liked it.

They both stayed as long as they could, as if the one who stops drinking was one who had lost this unspoken game. Both of their fingers intertwined with mine, before lifting their mouth away at the same time. Then something cold dropped on my lip, I saw someone's wrist above my mouth did I realised it was someone's blood.

It was Alois.

Ciel, who was not taught of any demon etiquette nor the meaning behind the act of it by Hannah or Sebastian, watched with fascination as the bite wounds healed. I snuggled deeper, until a sudden movement startled me.

Ciel and Alois stood up, clenching my hands, "I smell blood." He and Alois exchanged glances.

It seems the murder had started.

"GUH! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!" Pained scream screeched throughout the silent, slumbering manor.

I quickly thrown over the robe and immediately headed to the site of distress with the two before meeting up the groups who was still enjoying themselves. Sebastian, Claude and Mey-Rin was on site as Sebastian kicked the door open swiftly.

The guests let out a shocked and horrified gasp at the sight that greeted them sadistically. His head tilted and his arm dangling off the chair he was sitting in, drool trailed down his chin and his eyes were rolled to the back of his head.

"Kyyahhhh!" Irene screamed, making me flinch at the pain it was doing to my ears.

"Ah! Mr Phelps!" Woodley quickly held up fainting shipping executive as Arthur bursts through the crowd, examines the body, "He's dead!"

At the time none of us imagined...no couldn't possibly have imagined, that his death was just a mere prelude of things to come. Or so I have thought.

"My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know." ― Arthur Conan Doyle

A/N:

So how was the sequel guys?! Did you liked it?! I am so happy I finally able to write the Sherlock Arc XD I am going to enjoy writing this arc kekekeke!

Tell me your thoughts!

-Cutie Bunny