The Butler, Sending Off is Chapter 200 of the Kuroshitsuji manga.
Summary[]
After Finnian tells Theodore, Artie, Mabel, and Oliver that the organization he is investigating is collecting blood, Artie becomes angry because he thinks Finnian is lying as the scenario sounds too "outlandish" for him. Finnian swears he is telling the truth and asks them about the Sphere Music Hall, an establishment also connected to this organization; that blood was collected and people were murdered there was all over the newspapers in London after all. Artie replies that he irons newspapers every day and has never seen an article like that, but Theodore points out that the orphanage staff gives him the newspapers and that they are sometimes shorter than usual.
Finnian then informs them that the Sphere Music Hall divided its customers into four groups, just like the children are at the F.O.L. Orphanage. Mabel believes Finnian is saying the truth but cannot remember ever having her blood drawn here; Oliver reminds her that they all had to take a blood test to enter to test their "aptitude" and check for diseases. Artie still does not believe Finnian because their blood was only drawn once, and while Theodore also doubts an organization that collects blood exists, he is still open to the possibility. He then asks Finnian why he tried to run away if he is here to investigate. Finnian replies that he did not want to run away; he only wanted to send a telegram to ask his master for advice because Doll is at the orphanage.
Artie tells him this means they saved his life: At first, they thought the orphanage was a "heaven a gentle god had created" because it housed and fed "scum" like them, though they eventually realized it was actually a "miniature garden created by a pervert" to manipulate children and lock them up. The forest around the orphanage is full of traps, the guardhouse is always staffed, and the maids keep an eye on the children at all times. If someone attempts to flee, they will be promptly caught and killed. Theodore continues that there were many escapees in the past who had realized something was wrong with the orphanage. They tried to leave at night; the next day, the staff would happily announce that the escapee had reached their "fledging day" and would join their "new family" soon. Finnian asks what happened to those children; Theodore does not answer his question, only sees his words as confirmation that Finnian truly does not know what is happening.
Artie consults Theodore about what they should do. Theodore says that Finnian does not seem to be their enemy, though he is, apparently, not an ordinary person either. Still, as long as he helps them, they will help him. However, they will turn in Finnian if he does something suspicious. Oliver then reminds everyone that the night watch will arrive soon. Theodore tells Finnian to meet them here in this larder tomorrow at midnight before he, Mabel, Oliver, and Artie leave.
The next day, Finnian helps decorating the garden for Ginny's "fledging day" ceremony. Snake points out that Finnian looks sleepy which he denies; he also remarks that Doll is not here again. Ginny then arrives, and everyone congratulates her for reaching her "fledging day." She is wearing a new dress which the chief notes is too big; Susan replies they did not have the time to adjust the size.
Sometime afterward, the ceremony begins. Ginny sits on a chair while the chief and Mabel cut off all her hair. Mabel cries and apologizes for doing that, but Ginny tells her that she is happy and Mabel has nothing to apologize for. Finnian and Snake are shocked and baffled by the scene; the chief and Susan explain to that they cut off the children's hair in the ceremony so that they leave as "innocent beings," and to ensure they do not bring lice or fleas to their new families. The chief also urges the children to say goodbye to Ginny and "pray for her happiness." After all her hair is cut off, Ginny is given a cape, her "fledging garment," and the chief says she hopes the "aptitude" Ginny honed here will make her helpful to the world. Ginny thanks her.
Later, Ginny waves to the others and tells them to take care as she is driven away in a carriage. Mabel cries, and Theodore holds a strand of Ginny's hair while they watch her leave.