Ciel Phantomhive’s Investigation into Derrick Arden’s Past Intensifies in Black Butler Season 4 Episode 8

The eighth episode of season 4 of Black Butler, titled His Butler, Locking Up, aired on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST on Tokyo MX, BS11, and other Japanese networks. In this episode, Ciel Phantomhive was presented with an invitation to the Midnight Tea Party, where he uncovered a startling revelation about Derrick Arden.

In addition, the eighth episode of Black Butler season 4 featured the evening ceremony at Weston College, which included a boat parade with the Sapphire Owl. This episode effectively captured the memorable scenes from the manga, as it covered the last pages of chapter 80 and all of chapter 81.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for episode 8 of season 4 of Black Butler.

Black Butler season 4 episode 8: Ciel Phantomhive joins his Sapphire Owl teammates on the evening’s boat event

Picking up where the previous installment left off, Black Butler season 4 episode 8 opens with Sebastian Michaelis carrying a wounded Ciel Phantomhive. The butler questions Ciel about his reckless actions.

Despite his recklessness, the boy admits that winning with everyone brought him immense joy and helped him momentarily forget his pain. Sebastian, observing Ciel’s behavior, can’t help but conclude that he is an incorrigible boy. Later, in the dormitory, the butler attends to Ciel’s injuries and returns the ball he had requested.

During Ciel’s retelling of the Sapphire Owl’s triumph, he questions Sebastian about the headmaster. Sadly, the butler informs him that he was unable to apprehend the headmaster. Ciel is taken aback, as he cannot comprehend how anyone could elude Sebastian.

Ciel Phantomhive, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

As Black Butler season 4 episode 8 unfolds, he finds himself questioning the true identity of the headmaster. Shortly after, the students of the Sapphire Owl House burst into Ciel’s room with joyful enthusiasm, offering their warm congratulations to him. They express their heartfelt gratitude for his leadership and for bringing about a miraculous triumph for their house.

As part of the boat parade festivities, one of the students insists on Ciel Phantomhive wearing a special hat. Afterwards, they escort him to the cox for the evening’s main event. Ciel dons the coveted Cox costume, which Sebastian has expertly tailored to fit him.

In the eighth episode of Black Butler season 4, the boy is seen joining his teammates for the grand event. Their Prefect, Lawrence Bluewer, informs them that the boat will depart from Fellow’s Eyot and travel down the Thames.

A scene from the evening ceremony (Image via Cloverworks)

As they near Windsor Castle, it is tradition to remove their hats and pay respects to the Queen. Following this, they must toss the flowers from their hats into the river before returning to the dock.

As the glowing lanterns illuminate the water and fireworks light up the sky, the boat parade in Black Butler season 4 episode 8 captivates its spectators with its majestic sight. Unfortunately, the champion team’s victory is short-lived as the event quickly turns into a disaster.

Lawrence admits that due to their lack of confidence in winning, they did not bother to prepare for the event. This is demonstrated in Black Butler season 4 episode 8 when Lawrence, Ciel, and their companions all end up tumbling into the river. However, this serves as a source of amusement for onlookers.

Episode 8: Ciel’s Invitation to the Midnight Tea Party

Following the spectacular evening’s festivities, Ciel makes his way back to the Sapphire Owl dormitory. To his surprise, he finds a delicate cup adorned with lace resting on his bed. This is further confirmed in Black Butler season 4 episode 8, as Ciel Phantomhive receives an invitation to attend the Midnight Tea Party.

The boy’s anticipation grows as he believes the tea party will provide the long-awaited answers to the riddles, such as the fate of the missing students and their whereabouts. With midnight approaching, the once bustling atmosphere of the day transforms into a quiet stillness.

According to the regulations, the students are not allowed to exit their rooms after dark on June fourth, unless they have been specifically invited to the Midnight Tea Party. Clayton arrives at Ciel’s door, informing him that it is time to go.

The Prefects welcome Ciel in the Midnight Tea Party (Image via Cloverworks)

The eighth episode of Black Butler season 4 then depicts the four Prefects welcoming Ciel Phantomhive to the Midnight Tea Party. As the clock strikes twelve, the boy arrives at a garden with the Prefects by his side. He observes the headmaster seated at the opposite end of the table.

Redmond requests that Lawrence make a toast, however, his request is interrupted by Ciel. The boy declares that he cannot genuinely partake in the toast until he sees Derrick and his companions. He then inquires directly with the Headmaster about their current location.

Despite Ciel’s best efforts, he was unable to fulfill the requests of Derrick and other students’ parents to convince them to return home during his time at Weston College.

Ciel confronts Derrick Arden (Image via Cloverworks)

Despite learning that Derrick and others had been transferred to the Violet house, he could not find them during the arson. Therefore, he pleads with the Prefects and the Headmaster for an explanation.

The vice principal abruptly stands from his chair and assures that there is no need for him to worry as Derrick and his friends have already arrived at the school.

Afterwards, he gestures towards a door. The chilling ending of Black Butler season 4 episode 8 shows Derrick Arden opening the door to reveal the scene. His face shows a satisfied expression as he comments on the delightful scent of tea.