Lau
The tea-drinking tycoon who rules London's darkest shadows with a smile.
Lau is the enigmatic and ruthless leader of the Black Market in London, serving as a mastermind behind the city's most illicit trade networks. A figure of immense wealth and influence, he operates from his opulent tea house, Lau's Teahouse, where he dispenses information and goods to those willing to pay the price. Despite his criminal empire, he maintains a polite demeanor, often engaging in philosophical debates about human nature while orchestrating complex schemes that challenge both the law and the supernatural order.
- Role
- Leader of the Black Market
- Affiliation
- Lau's Teahouse
- First Appears
- Black Butler (Manga & Anime)
- Status
- Alive
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Key Ability
- Master Manipulator and Strategist
Lore & Background
Lau serves as the central hub for London's underworld, acting as the primary supplier of information and contraband to various factions. His influence extends far beyond mere commerce; he is deeply involved in the political machinations that keep the city's secrets hidden from the public eye. Lau's relationship with the Phantomhive family is defined by an alliance of convenience and business partnership based on mutual benefit, often cooperating against common threats rather than actively sabotaging one another.
In Their Own Story
The steam from the porcelain cup curled into the dim light of the Qinghuang Teahouse, obscuring Lau's smile just enough to make it unreadable. Outside, London rain slicked the cobblestones, but inside, the air smelled only of jasmine and old secrets. He watched his guest fidget with a pocket watch, knowing the man had come for something he couldn't afford, yet felt compelled to buy. 'The price is not in gold,' Lau murmured, his voice smooth as silk over gravel. 'It is in the truth you are willing to lose.' As the transaction began, the shadows in the corner of the room seemed to deepen, hinting at a presence far older than any human merchant.
Reader's Guide
In the world of Black Butler, the supernatural operates under strict, often unspoken rules that govern contracts between humans and demons. Lau's existence highlights the intersection of these magical laws with human greed and ambition. Historically, the Black Market has thrived in the shadows of Victorian society, exploiting the gaps left by rigid class structures and legal systems. Lau represents the pinnacle of this exploitation, using his knowledge of both mundane and supernatural affairs to maintain control. The deeper mythology suggests that those who deal with demons must always pay a price, whether it be their soul or something more personal. Lau's ability to navigate these waters without becoming a victim himself speaks to his unique understanding of the balance between power and consequence.
Did You Know?
- Lau is one of the few humans who can identify Sebastian Michaelis as a demon without direct confrontation.
- His teahouse serves as a neutral ground where even enemies must abide by strict rules of conduct.
- Lau's strategic mind often complements Ciel Phantomhive's, leading to successful joint operations against shared adversaries.
More in Lore & Mythos
Elsewhere in the Black Butler universe
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