You awoke during the night to screaming and pounding somewhere in the townhouse. You wanted to go back to sleep, but you knew your mind would question what was happening. You got out of bed and wrapped your blanket around your form with a yawn. As you left your room, you didn't spot anyone in the upstairs rooms. You quietly made your way downstairs and heard the commotion coming from the dining room.

   " Why do the people close to me always leave!? "

Then, you heard something shatter against the floor. You walked to the dining room doorway to see Prince Soma running toward the door. He ran through, not glancing at you, and ran to his room. You walked further into the room, yawning again.

   " What's going on? " You asked after yawning.

Ciel looked up at you and stood from his chair. He approached you and set you at the dining table. You saw a beautiful tea set shattered on the floor, with milk, sugar, and tea around it, tarnishing the carpet.

   " The prince has just had a tantrum, over Agni. It seems Agni has been working against us, and with the man, who has been hanging those men in London. I apologize on his behalf for waking you. "

   " It would seem I need to retrain him. " Sebastian said, looking toward the door.

Sebastian quickly cleaned the mess and made his way upstairs to retrain the prince. You stayed downstairs with Lau and Ciel as you hugged the blanket around you.

   " Why don't you go back to your room and rest, Y/n? It's late. " Ciel asked, turning toward you.

   " Well, I fear that if I do, I will be awoken again by some noise. I will wait until the issue with the prince has been resolved. "

Ciel only nodded, understanding your reasoning. Lau, however, had a suspicious look on his face. His casual look instantly turned into a happy mood upon seeing how the earl treated you like a husband would care for his wife.

   " Lord Phantomhive? "

   " Yes? What is it, Lau? "

   " When is your wedding? I would like to know how much time I have to prepare a gift for the married couple. "

   " There is no wedding Lau. "

   " But you are almost eighteen, sir. Isn't this your prime time to find a wife and marry at eighteen? "

   " Yes, but as I'm sure you've heard, Elizabeth and I have cancelled our marriage. "

Lau's smile seemed to become more mischievous as he pointed toward you.

   " Oh, I meant between you and Lady Y/n. I would gladly attend your wedding, and bring the most wonderful gift. "

Ciel's face turned red, and he covered it. Yours turned red as well, but before any could respond, there was a slam from upstairs. Ciel, grateful for the distraction, walked upstairs, and you followed him to get away from Lau's questioning. Ciel walked to Prince Soma's room, where the door had slammed. Ciel opened the door and peered inside, finally pushing it open, revealing Prince Soma on the ground with Sebastian standing above him, glaring.

   " That's enough of that. "

   " Young master? "

   " Maybe I would've been the same way, if it hadn't been for that month. "

   " That month? " Prince Soma questioned, standing up.

Ciel crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway. He prepared to tell his story to the prince, hoping that things would be settled so he could rest.

   " My family was killed, my home was burned down, and I suffered humiliation worse than you'd inflict on a beast. I was helpless. A child. But I came back here to make the people who did all that to me suffer the same humiliation. If the Phantomhives are a nuisance to those who killed my parents, then if I stay the family head, they'll eventually come after me. I'm waiting for them to come here to kill me. "

   " Why would you go that far? " Prince Soma asked, looking at Ciel with sadness. 

   " What good would melancholy and grief do me? Even a dead person can stand still and do nothing. But I'm alive and standing on my own power. If I'm going to die someday, I might as well do it without regrets. I won't use high-sounding words like 'revenge.' This is all just to please me. It's a game to see whether I win or they win. Even if I'm plunged to the depths of despair, if there's a spider's thread there that I can crawl up, I'll take hold of it without giving up. We humans have the strength for that. It's up to each person whether they grab the thread or not, though. Enough idle talk. Sebastian, I need to talk to you about West. Come. "

   " Of course. "

Ciel turned to leave the room, and he put an arm around your shoulder,r guiding you away from the prince's room. Sebastian followed, closing the door. But it didn't take long for the prince to burst out of his room and calling for Ciel. Ciel stopped and turned to look at the prince.

   " We are both the same age, but compared to you I'm so stupid and ignorant! I've just let myself be spoiled by the easy life my parents gave me. I knew Agni was worrying about something, yet I didn't even ask him about it! But I want to know now. I want to see them both in person and find out for sure why they left me! So please! Let me come with you! "

   " No. "

Ciel was quick with his response and ruthless. You felt bad for the prince and could practically see an arrow dart into his head.

   " I don't want to chaperone a simpleton like you. Still, it's not as though the drawing room door has a lock. "

Prince Soma paused before jumping on Ciel from behind and hugging him. You separated yourself from Ciel and watched Prince Soma embrace the earl.

   " I'm sorry I vented earlier for breaking the cups. "

Then he looked behind himself to see Sebastian and hid behind Ciel as the butler stared at him.

   " I-I'm sorry to you too. "

You didn't realize how close Sebastian was until he placed his hands on your shoulders and smiled at the prince.

   " Don't mention it. I find you interesting. "

Everyone regathered downstairs, and Sebastian brought a new tea set. You sat across from Ciel, with Lau sitting across from Prince Soma. The discussion started with a fresh cup of tea in everyone's hands. Though you were left in the dark, you quickly caught on to the situation.

   " I didn't predict that West would be after a Royal Warrant. Though it is something, a man obsessed with status would think of. "

   " What is a Royal Warrant? " Prince Soma questioned.

   " Basically, the royal family will officially endorse their favorite shops, and The Royal Warrant holders are purveyors to the Crown. " You explained, sipping your tea.

After placing the tea kettle on the metal cart, Sebastian stood straight and looked toward Prince Soma.

   " One week from now, a curry exhibition will be held as part of the festivities at the Crystal Palace. "

   " Curry? "

   " Yes. I'm told Her Majesty, a celebrated lover of curry will be in attendance. " Sebastian said, now smiling.

   " It's just a rumor. Ever since her husband Prince Albert died, she almost never appears in public. " Ciel mentioned.

   " What's the connection between the curry exhibition and the crimes? " Prince Soma asked, not touching his tea.

You smiled a little, knowing that he now feared Sebastian greatly. It was understandable; Sebastian was someone you would usually be cautious of if you had not developed a connection with him or Ciel. You closed your mind to the discussion, already understanding the political views on the matter and West's doing on the situation. After some time, your attention was brought back when Prince Soma stood up, and his body shook.

   " I know this is my problem. I'll try to think of a way to solve it myself. "

   " Excellent attitude. I suppose I'll do my duty as well, then. "

You looked toward Ciel, who had a smile on his face. His smile was mischievous, and you felt your smile appear on your face. When Ciel smiled like that, you knew there was going to be something fun about to happen. The earl stretched his arms before setting them against the armrests. Prince SOma slowly sat down in his seat, keeping his eyes on Ciel.

   " I was called to London in the winter because of these silly crimes. Don't you think I deserve a little something for that? Fortunately, thanks to West, the famous curry places won't be able to enter the competition. So if our company enters and wins against West, the Royal Warrant is ours. I'd just been thinking of expanding business into foodstuffs. If I start by winning a Warrant in the curry show, it's sure to generate buzz. "

   " But you only have a week. Can you get your curry experts and equipment in time? " Lau commented.

   " I don't need those. Do I, Sebastian? "

Sebastian's smile matched Ciel's, and you felt excited.

   " A Phantomhive butler who can't do that much isn't worth his salt. I promise you I will get a Royal Warrent for--"

   " That's impossible. There's no way you could win. They have Agni. He has the godly right hand of Kali. "

Prince Soma crossed his legs now and held his folded hands in his lap. He was earnest as he spoke.

   " The key to curry is the mixture of spices. The possibilities are infinite. Choosing the best combination among them is an extremely difficult task. It's like trying to find one truth in a vast universe. But Agni can do it. He creates words out of nothingness. His power is on the same plane as the gods'. That's why the people have called him the Godly Right Hand of Kali. I've never tasted a curry more delicious than Agni's. "

After some time, Lau laughed at the story and how Agni could make the Gods' Curry. Sebastian, however, only smirked.

   " Goodness gracious, he sounds like a challenge. "

And so, the week started with Sebastian making a dozen curries a day to prepare for the competition. First, Prince Soma would eat all of Sebastian's curries, comparing them to Agni's curry. Then, of course, there were moments you would eat some of the curries, too distracted by the smell of Sebastian's cooking. And there were moments where you would console the prince. But at the end of the week, you had confidence that Sebastian would win the curry competition. 

Before departing to the competition, you had changed into an extravagant dress. You knew that accompanying Ciel; you needed to wear something elegant. Ciel was dressed formally and even planned on wearing a sword at his side. You looked in the mirror at your dress and wondered if it was the right dress to wear. Mey-Rin had picked the dress for you, and, according to her, it was supposed to match Ciel's.

You pulled the shaw closer and left your room, being greeted by Mey-Rin.

   " That dress looks lovely, yes, it does! "

   " Thank you, Mey-Rin. I love your peach dress. It goes well with your hair. "

   " Thank you, my lady. "

You and Mey-Rin walked down the stairs and met the others at the carriage. You had to take two, seeing as everyone in the house was coming with you. Sebastian drove the first carriage containing you, Prince Soma, Lau, and Ciel. Bard drove the second carriage that Mey-RIn and Finny sat in. When you sat in the carriage, you looked toward Ciel to see that you matched in the color scheme. The carriage ride was silent and bumpy toward the Crystal Palace. The ride wasn't long, and after entering the building, Sebastian separated himself from your group to prepare for the curry competition.

   " Where did the prince go? " Finny asked, looking around.

   " Oh, no did we lose him? " Ciel asked, turning around.

   " Seems like it. We'll look for em. " Bard replied.

You wandered off in a different direction than everyone else and searched for Prince Soma. It took a while, but you found him. You saw him in the distance hugging a woman, who you presumed was Mina. However, as you walked closer, Mina's expression seemed to sour, while Prince Soma's was saddened.

   " What are you, stupid? "

   ' What did she say? '

You stood close by and listened to the conversation, but it mainly was Mina talking with her sower tone. She smacked Prince Soma's hands off of her as she spoke.

   " Go home with you? Don't make me laugh! Why the devil should I go back there? I went to all this trouble to escape India. Some people can play all day and never work just because they were born royal. But, I have to be a servant until I die because of my caste! I don't want to live my whole life chained by the caste system! "

   " Then you. . .wanted to go with West? "

   " Yes! A lowly servant or a rich man's wife! Even a child would know which one is better! And I've had enough of taking care of you, you spoiled brat! I promised not to tell you, but seeing your face. . .You're old enough to know the truth. "

You had enough of the yelling, and you walked toward the two. Mina looked at you questioningly, while Soma didn't notice you until you grabbed his arm.

   " Prince Soma, we should be going. The competition is going to start very soon, and I'm sure everyone is back with Ciel waiting for you to come back. "

   " But--"

   " And for your information, Mina. Prince Soma is a really great guy. And he understands everything clearly. But you're kind of a hypacryte. "

   " Eh? Why is that? " The woman asked.

   " Well, you said you didn't want to live in a caste system, but you moved to England, one of the places in the world with an untold caste system where there are the rich and the poor, as well as those educated and uneducated. "

You turned Prince Soma around and glanced back at Mina.

   " So, let's be honest, you just wanted to marry a rich man at the end of the day. "

You guided Prince Soma away from Mina and toward the stage where the curry festival was taking place. You knew the prince was saddened by Mina's words, as his shoulders were slumped, but you didn't want him to miss the competition.

   " Prince Soma, don't listen to what she says. You understand things more now, after that discussion with Ciel and Sebastian. Please, do not worry. "

   " Thank you, my friend. "

You guided Soma to stand beside you and Ciel as the competition started. But before the official start, royal music had started playing. Everyone looked toward the entrance to see Her Majesty entering the Crystal Palace on a red carpet. Beside her, a man in white walked with her down the carpet.

   " Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the mother of England, has favored us with her honored presence! "

The Queen was dressed in all black, and her face was hidden from the world. She was short and petite, while the man beside her was tall and fair. His skin resembled milk, and his hair looked like freshly fallen snow. His suit was white with a purple vest underneath and a purple sword at his side. A single red metal hung on his white tailcoat. Music had started, and everyone sang to the song, with you singing as well. You watched the pair as they traveled down the aisle together calmly. Those who did not sing were Sebastian, Prince Soma, Lau, and Lau's younger sister. Her Majesty walked up to her royal chair on stage and whispered words to her fellow knight.

   " Her Majesty bids me tell you, I apologize for my inability to appear before you for so long. However, I am now in such perfect health that I may even enjoy curry again. My late husband Albert was very fond of curry as well. I look forward to examining the fruits of your labors. " He said, his voice sounding soft.

Everyone cheered at the man's words, and the competition started. You couldn't take your eyes off of the man, for he had seemed familiar. His purple eyes watched the match, but there were a few times you could swear he looked your way. Nevertheless, you kept your eyes on the competition and ignored the Viscount and how he spoke. With the Viscount in sight, you were brought back to the party he held. You shivered but kept your eyes off of the platinum blonde-haired man. Agni looked around for Prince Soma, but the prince tried to escape the crowd.

   " Prince Soma--"

You grabbed his wrist and pulled him back toward you and Ciel.

   " Agni is looking for you. Though he may have betrayed you, he was only doing it with your best wishes in mind. "

   " But he--"

   " But he still sees you as the most important person in his life. But because of that, he is fighting in this curry competition for you. Why don't you just give him a gentle nod of encouragement? I think that's the least you could give him. "

Prince Soma considered your words before looking at Agni, making eye contact. Finally, he nodded, Agni's depressing demeanor calmed, and he focused on his work. The competition continued and quickly ended, with judging following the cooking portion. All of the chiefs brought the dishes to the judging panel. Soon, it was Sebastian's turn. He revealed an uncooked bun underneath his silver dome. The judge in the middle stood up, angry at what he was presented.

   " What are you playing at!? "

Sebastian didn't pay the man any mind and walked toward a pan filled with grease. He set the white buns into the oil and fried them, one by one. You grew curious about what he was doing. Everyone watched as he took the curry bun out of the oil and presented it to the judges. You grew apprehensive seeing the judges look down at the curry bun.

   " I see no curry! "

   " Wait! It's. . ."

The Viscount cut the bun in half and revealed the curry inside. Everyone was shocked by the idea, and Agni even seemed shocked.

   " This is the curry Funtom is proud to present. We call it. . .the 'curry bun'! "

One by one, the judges ate the curry bun and were amazed by the flavors and texture. However, you shivered regarding Viscount's description of the curry bun. The Viscount had a blush underneath his eyes as he recalled the soiree you met him at.

   " This is a lovely young maiden I met at a soiree! By day, you're a playful jay childishly twittering! But when the night falls, you let me glimpse your true face, and I see a lady in her own right! I. . .want to hold you in my arms! "

The shiver traveled through your body and shook your shoulders. Ciel stepped slightly in front of you to hide you from the Viscount's vision. Neither of you wanted the Viscount to see you.

   " We'll now leave our judges time to deliberate. In the meantime, feel free to try any curry you like! "

Servants entered the hall with silver platters with the different curries and plates. As soon as they set the dishes on the table, the crowd gathered at the table to eat the curry. You walked to the table and looked at all of the curries. You wanted to try Agnis, but you thought of the prince. So you grabbed a plate of Sebastian's food and walked over to Prince Soma, handing him the plate.

   " Here, eat something. "

The prince took the plate from you and started eating the curry.

   " It is very good. Here, try some. " He said with a soft smile.

He held the curry bun toward you, holding his hand underneath the opening. You leaned forward and took a bite of the curry bun. The flavor was delicious, and the fact Sebastian fried the bun, making it crispy, made your heart warm.

   " Ah, it's so good. "

Prince Soma chuckled, seeing your happiness. While you talked, he continued eating the curry bun and sharing some with you. Her Majesty seemed on the same side as you when she took a bite of the curry bun. Finally, the soldier in white spoke for Her Majesty regarding Sebastian's creation.

   " Her Majesty bids me tell you; you were considerate enough to make this easy for even a child to eat, requiring no knife or fork. Treating all equally, rich and poor, adult and child, it embodies the ideal I strive for: a kind and noble country. Her Majesty is deeply moved by your kind attitude in treasuring our children. . .our future. "

   " Don't make me laugh! "

You and Prince Soma turned toward one of the tables at the woman who had screamed. The woman had her palms on the table, and a purple aura lined her figure menacingly. 

   " That's Mina. "

   " How you flatter yourselves! Equality? The future? The Queen of a wealthy county like this, who's never done any hard work, has no place saying that! "

Mina three the plates on the table to the floor with one swipe of her hand. Her wealthy husband, West, ran to her and grabbed her shoulders, trying to calm her.

   " MIna, stop! You're in front of Her Majesty! "

   " Out of my way! "

Mina elbowed him, and he flew toward one of the trees inside the crystal palace. He hit the tree and fell to the ground, sitting between consciousness and darkness. The guards ran to restrain her as she continued her speech.

   " Shut your trap! The important thing about curry is how spicy it is! "

You heard another scream, and you looked around, seeing more and more people turning like Mina. Finally, you noticed a crowd of people with the purple outline crowding around Ciel.

   " I smell it. . .I smell it! Hatred and greed! The stench of the impure! Snuff out the unclean! "

Sebastian went to his aid, and you felt relieved. Then, you looked toward Prince Soma and pulled him toward the commotion.

   " We need to go see what's happening. Something has happened to Mina. "

Prince Soma agreed with you, and together you ran through the crowd toward the stage, where Her Majesty sat calmly. Everyone ran in the opposite direction, out of the crystal palace. You stopped in your tracks, looking at the stage and seeing Sebastian fight Mina. Their fighting speed was fast, and you couldn't see their arms move with clarity. People surrounded you and Prince Soma, and you were blocked from the stage.

   " Agni! "

You spotted Agni and called for him, and he appeared in front of you and the prince. You decided to let them have their little moment while you tried to get to Ciel. While you broke through the crowd, you noticed that no purple-lined people looked your way. At one point, you stopped, and no one looked toward you. 

   " Snuff out the unclean! "

A man charged at you but ran past you toward the guard behind you a few feet. 

   ' Why are they not coming after me? '

You continued to look around, but no one looked your way except for one person. Though the man was talking to Ciel, his eyes were looking your way, and his smile didn't falter. You made eye contact with the man before looking toward Sebastian, who threw his curry buns at everyone. You noticed that anyone who ate a curry bun calmed down and turned back into themselves. Soon, everyone was back to normal, and Sebastian landed beside you, with one curry bun left on his silver platter.

   " For you, my lady. "'

He held the tray lower and offered you the curry bun. You took it off the tray and thanked Sebastian. He placed his hand on your back and guided you toward the group of your friends. The guards started helping everyone stand and to walk correctly, seeing as their senses were nulled. The sun had begun to set, making the crystal palace glow orange. You had finished your curry bun at that point, and now you were watching everyone being taken care of. You could see Mina being taken away and felt grateful for that.

   " Lord Phatomhive. "

The man in the white suit approached your group without His Majesty by his side. His expression had never changed from the moment he entered the crystal palace. 

   " I congratulate you on your remarkable work today and on obtaining a royal warrant. Her Majesty has expressed her gratitude. She bids me tell you, I apologize for causing you trouble. I have been watching your work closely. I am in the light, and you are in the shadow. Though our positions are different, I trust we wish for the same thing. Please continue to aid Her Majesty. "

   " Yes. "

   " Goodbye, then. "

The man in the white suit walked away, but you could have sworn he had glanced your way before turning around,

   ' It's been a long day. I'm just imagining things at this point. '

You turned toward everyone and saw Prince Soma approach, Ciel.

   " Thank you, Ciel. If I had never met you, I'd still be an ignorant, selfish brat. Starting today, I'll learn many things and tour all England--no, all the world, until I become a man second to none! "

Then there was Agni, who kneeled to Sebastian.

   " Sebastian, your household has taught us many things. I don't know how to thank you. "

Holding the trophy, Sebastian crouched down and pulled Agni off the floor to stand.

   " Please, raise your head. I merely fought for my own reasons. There is nothing you need to thank me for. The gods you believe in, Kali and Shiva, were able to realize their mistakes through their mutual pain. Just like the two of you now. And you know what they say: 'No pain, no gain.' "

   " I'm ashamed to have to relearn my country's teachings from an Englishman. . ."

   " Nationality is irrelevant. All places, all times, are essentially the same. And so is human nature. "

Everything was peaceful and calming, but you were surprised when Prince Soma wrapped his arms around you and hugged you dearly.

   " And thank you for becoming my companion! You always checked on me and made sure I was smiling! Ah, I should take you on my adventures! It would be very exciting. "

   " It would. " You said, smiling at Prince Soma and hugging him.

   " We shall prepare your bags, then at the townhouse! "

   " Wait a bloody second--" Ciel said, placing his hand on Prince Soma's shoulder.

   " I agree, my prince. I would miss too much Y/n, and we should take her with us. " Agni said.

   " Though we have established that we are friends. I cannot allow my lady to be taken. " Sebastian said, smiling at Agni.

   " Ciel! Let her travel with us. It would be glorious, and I can impress her enough to come back to India with me! " Prince Soma cried.

Prince Soma's hug transferred from you to Ciel, and he started crying on the man's shoulder.

   " No! "

   " Ciel! "

   " You're getting my clothes wet! "