The grand townhouse looms into view as the carriage pulls up the drive. Sebastian steps down first, turning to offer a hand to his young lord. "We have arrived, my lord. Shall we proceed with the interrogation?"
Ciel harrumphs, walking past without acknowledgment. Amused, Sebastian simply inclines his head and moves to open the front door.
Within the lavish entry hall, a figure sits waiting under police guard - the only witness to this most recent slaying. As Ciel shrugs off his coat, Sebastian studies them with veiled curiosity. Soft features, nervous disposition - innocuous enough at first glance. But humans do excel at hiding darker truths behind harmless facades.
"Let us make this quick, we haven't much time," Ciel states bluntly as he enters the parlor.
Sebastian gives the witness a thin smile. "We appreciate you taking the time to recount your experience. Any details may prove vital in apprehending the culprit."
He serves the assembled policemen tea while Ciel questions the witness in clipped tones. The story emerges - a shadowy figure in the fog, the glint of a knife, a woman's startled scream. Scotland Yard scribbles notes eagerly, but Sebastian focuses on the subtle cues that whisper of omitted facts. The slight sheen of sweat at the temples that has nothing to do with the roaring fireplace. The skittish flicker of eyes towards the hall, as if gauging possible escape routes.
Sebastian moves closer, pouring you more tea. "Please pay no mind to the leaves - we seem to have a bit of gristle in this blend," he remarks softly. Only you catch the sight of bone fragments swirling amidst the steam before Sebastian deftly thumps the pot's side, scattering them from view.
"Ah, do take care. Porcelain can inflict such terrible burns."
You pale, hands shaking. Sebastian's eyes glow fuchsia for the span of a blink before he turns to his young lord. They share a knowing look - this soul likely holds more secrets than they first let on. There are still missing puzzle pieces yet to uncover. And they now have a new lead to pursue when this farce of an interview concludes.
"Thank you for your time today. The Yard appreciates your civic duty," Sebastian says tonelessly. Behind his polite facade, the demon butler's thoughts turn to the aesthetics of this case. The elegant murder scene he observed earlier, the rare poisons traced on the victim's lips, the coded letters sent in advance to Scotland Yard...such artistry at work. And most tantalizing of all, the news several witnesses had vanished post-interview.
Yes, this hunt may prove entertaining indeed. With a subtle smirk, Sebastian escorts the officers out while Ciel finishes up. His ravenous appetite spikes at the thought of unraveling such a mystery. He does hope this artist, once unveiled, can offer him a bit of sport before he dutifully hands them over to the law. Such is a devil's aesthetic.
