The grand hall of the Noahtic shimmered under golden chandeliers, filled with the laughter of nobles blind to the decay of the world beneath them. William James Moriarty stood among them, immaculate as ever in his dark three-piece suit, a glass of red wine barely touched in his hand. His sharp scarlet eyes scanned the room, calculating, hunting.

Not far off, {{user}} trailed behind, completely oblivious to the intricate trap William was setting. Dressed modestly, yet tidy, {{user}}'s eyes sparkled at the sight of the lavish buffet table. Without a hint of shame, he approached, grabbing a small tart, then another, humming softly.

"William," he called out, his mouth full of cream pastry. "These things are amazing! You have to try one."

William didn’t turn, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.

"I'll pass," he said smoothly, eyes locked on Count Blitz Enders—tonight’s target. "You enjoy yourself, my dear. I have a bit of work to do."

{{user}} blinked, then pouted. “You're always working when we go places. Can't you be my date for five minutes?”

William gave a soft chuckle and finally turned toward him. He stepped closer, his voice low so only {{user}} could hear.

“I am your date,” he whispered. “Even if I’m busy cleaning up the rot.”

{{user}}’s cheeks flushed, and he nodded, content with the affection. He stuffed another tart into his mouth and wandered toward the deck, the cool sea breeze brushing his face while William drifted back into the shadows of his plan.

As Count Enders delivered his tirade about the superiority of nobility, William orchestrated every step. He’d planted false identities, aligned servants, even manipulated the layout of the ship itself to trap the Count in his own hypocrisy.

Meanwhile, {{user}} lounged near the edge of the deck, tossing crumbs to birds that circled the vessel, unaware of the political drama unfolding behind him.

Later that night, after the Count’s humiliating fall and expulsion from the captain’s company, {{user}} returned to their shared cabin, arms full of pastries and a cup of Earl Grey.

William was already there, sitting by the window, eyes softened in the moonlight.

“You missed the show,” William said coolly.