[It had been as much out of necessity for his own sake and purposes as it was for Astre's. The longer no one was any the wiser, the longer he had to bring Ciel back to true life. He could talk about all those little details later, but he's not sure Astre wants to try and stomach them right now. That hand over the boy's abdomen hadn't gone unnoticed.]

So he told you about that, did he? I guess I can't be surprised. I did ruffle his feathers a little. [Only a little. But really, the man didn't even look the same anymore. He sits with the boy and makes his own tea, waiting until he has it just right, the cup between his hands, before he speaks again.]

With everything we've been through, you deserve the truth. It was a selfish thing. Maybe you won't see it the same way, but I needed the body I had to come back. You and your brother are all I have in this world anymore, or any other, unless your father is alive still in one of them. We were fortunate enough to land in a place that could help me free you from the demon's hold, but in England you must understand I'm still struggling with how to do such a thing. We don't have the same technology there that we have here. Removing your eye and the curse thereafter won't be possible there the way it was in Riverview.

[Another sip.] There, I still fear for your soul, but I doubt I'll be able to convince you to want to keep it.