I found Charles sitting alone in the manor's library, staring into the crackling fire.

"Charles." I let me presence be known as I sat down on the sofa beside him.

I could see his fist tightly clasped together, and his lips pressed into a line.

"Are you mad?" I asked even though I already knew the answer.

There was a pause before he finally spoke, "That darned Phantomhive."

I tried to comfort him, "The plan was only to try to frame Phantomhive, so technically, we succeeded the whole plan. We managed to eliminate Siemens without being discovered, and we gave Phantomhive a trial as Her Majesty wished."

He sighed, "I guess so."

He startled me by suddenly laying his head on my lap, and his body across on the sofa. If this was in the 21st century I would happily let a good-looking guy lay on me. But this was the Victorian era, where rules and etiquette strictly applied, and it was considered sinful for unmarried men and women to have excessive contact.

"Charles!"

"I'm tired."

"But the etiquette states that-"

"Am I the one to follow rules?"

No, indeed he was not. I gave in and let him have his way. I played with locks of his smooth, silver hair, and I think he liked that since he closed his eyes.

We stayed like that for a few minutes, with nothing and no-one disturbing us. I thought he had fallen asleep when he suddenly opened his eyes and said, "Do you know of the upcoming Season?"

"Season? The one where people socialize?"

"Yes. It's a series of balls and gatherings in court where eligible bachelors and bachelorettes look for partners."

Why was he telling me that now?

"Her Majesty has arranged for me to attend this Season." He said.

"...Is that good?"

He sat up, "I think you should attend too."

"Me?"

"Yes. I think Her Majesty has the intention for you to do the same. You may be receiving an invitation soon."

"Oh... Alright. I'll look out for it."

He stood up and offered an arm, "I think it's time to retire now. Care for an escort?"

I took his arm and he escorted me back to my room in silence. We bade each other goodnight, and I retired for the day.

The next morning, it was time to leave after breakfasting. As the servants were moving the luggages into various carriages, I stuck up a chat with Arthur.

"Arthur, I congratulate you on successfully leading the investigation of the murders."

"Thank you, Lady Clarette."

"Do you plan on continuing with your writing?" I asked.

"No... I just don't have the time, or inspiration." He shook his head with a sad smile.

"I'm sure you'll find some soon enough. Life is full of inspiration." I am starting to sound like an old person aren't I?

"I hope so too."

"If you need anything, such as finding a publisher... or finance, feel free to contact me." I said, "I'd be happy to help anytime."

"Thank you."

Everyone's attention shifted onto the chained up Woodley being escorted closely by Charles. They walked to the carriage of Scotland Yard, and Woodley was ushered into the back of the carriage.

I bade him goodbye, "Goodbye, Mr Arthur Conan Doyle."

I approached Charles, "Are you going back on this carriage?"

"Yes, so just take our carriage for yourself."

I nodded. I looked at the dismayed Woodley inside the carriage, muttering things to himself, and said, "Don't make too much of a mess."

Charles smirked, and nodded.

That carriage soon drove away, along with most other carriages of the guests.

I turned to see Jeremy speaking to Arthur in his carriage. Jeremy knocked on the carriage from the outside, and it drove away with Arthur.

Now it was just me and them left in front of the manor. I told my carriage driver to wait a while, and went up to Jeremy and Ciel.

"I believe you still own me a thank... Sebastian." I said to Jeremy.

He chuckled, "Of course. I thank you, milady, for stopping Earl Grey's attempt in stepping on my face."

Ciel smirked, "Earl Grey tried to step on you? That would have been a sight to see."

"Ciel, I salute you on how you handled this. If it was me in this situation I surely would have been framed for murder long ago." I said.

"Thank you for the compliment, coming from the very person who set me up." He wryly smiled.

I shrugged, "I was merely following Her Majesty's order. You knew this was to be expected anyway, after your dishonest report about the circus case to Her Majesty."

"True."

"Woodley was a very good choice of scapegoat I've got to say. This reminds me of a Chinese saying that Lau taught me: 'one stone two birds', referring to one act resulting in two positive outcomes." I said

"Of course," Ciel said, "He deserves to have his life ruined for meddling with the Underworld."

"Well, knowing Earl Grey, Woodley is most likely dead by now." I said.

Suddenly, the noise of a carriage could be heard. Behind us, Arthur's carriage was re-approaching the manor.

"Look who's coming back for the truth." I said, "Well, have fun telling him about it... and mind leaving my part out?" I whispered half-seriously.

I watched from my carriage a stumbling Arthur bursting into the Phantomhive Manor. I smiled, and knocked on the carriage. It started to move and I was on my way back to my manor.