Ep 15. His Butler, Competing

In episode 15 of Black Butler season 1, titled "His Butler, Competing," our beloved protagonist Ciel Phantomhive finds himself facing a new challenge that tests not only his physical abilities but also his tactical skills. As usual, he must rely on his sharp butler Sebastian Michaelis to aid him in his endeavors.

The episode begins with Ciel receiving an invitation to a prestigious horse race event, the Midford Cup. Lady Elizabeth Midford, Ciel's fiancée and the daughter of the Marquess of Midford, is an avid enthusiast of horse racing and insists that Ciel attend the event with her. Despite his initial reluctance, Ciel decides to go to the racecourse, sensing that there may be more beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless invitation.

Upon arriving, Ciel and Sebastian are greeted by the charismatic and enigmatic Prince Soma and his loyal servant, Agni. Prince Soma, hailing from India, has a vibrant personality and quickly befriends Ciel despite their initial rivalry. Sebastian, always the dutiful butler, observes their interactions with a watchful eye.

Inside the racecourse, the atmosphere is electric with excitement and anticipation. The wealthy and influential elite assemble, placing their bets on the various horses in the race. Ciel, accompanied by Lady Elizabeth, experiences the overwhelming social pressure and expectations placed upon him as the Queen's esteemed "Watchdog."

As the races begin, Ciel notices that something peculiar is afoot. He becomes suspicious of one horse, in particular, a dark horse named "Emerald Witch." The horse seems to have an unprecedented winning streak, an anomaly that piques Ciel's curiosity. Sensing foul play, he swiftly formulates a plan to investigate further.

Ciel instructs Sebastian to gather intelligence on the horse and its owner, a mysterious woman who goes by the name of Madame Red. Sebastian's impeccable investigative skills and vast network of resources quickly provide valuable information. The duo learns that Madame Red is not only the owner of Emerald Witch but also Ciel's biological aunt, making her involvement even more intriguing and personal.

As the investigation unravels, Ciel discovers a link between Madame Red and a string of recent murders that have plagued London. The victims, all young women, bear an uncanny resemblance to Ciel's deceased parents. This revelation deepens his resolve to uncover the truth behind the string of deaths and brings him one step closer to avenging his parents' murder.

Throughout the episode, the relationship between Ciel and Sebastian is tested as they find themselves at odds with Prince Soma and Agni, who are determined to see Emerald Witch win the race at any cost. A contrasting rivalry arises between the two pairs of master and servant, each driven by their own motivations.

The tension builds as the race approaches its climax, with Ciel and Sebastian devising a plan to expose Madame Red's true intentions and put an end to her nefarious deeds. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Ciel's cunning intellect and the mysterious Madame Red's enigmatic plot.

"His Butler, Competing" is an action-packed and captivating episode that delves deeper into Ciel's past and his quest for justice. With its intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning animation, viewers are bound to be enthralled by this intense installment of Black Butler season 1.