It was a common Monday afternoon in the Phantomhive mansion.
Ciel, the queen's watchdog was on a new trail, following a new scent by an assignment by her majesty.
This new case covered a new set of murders, by a mysterious killer who poisoned young ladies and took photos of the ladies, leaving intricate clues and hints that always lead to new dead ends.
"Young master, it's time for tea."
"Set it on the table. Have you found any leads?"
"Yes, I have found a lead. Though, by means, it will not be a pleasurable route."
"Enough beating around the bush, just tell me."
"This last murder of Lilinette Dashell consisted of a beheading and her body being ripped open with prizes filled inside after the picture. She was of normal stature, 18 years old. In the picture left behind, her eyes are a dull green, she wears a flower crown with flowers commonly grown in Roxburghshire called the Pink Maiden, with a white dress and pink shoes with pink ribbons laced up to her calves. The poison she ingested has no data, and can only be found in the Trancy household. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the webs woven in these cases seem to be better removed by a spider." Sebastian replied putting his hand to his head in shame.
"Very well, we leave tomorrow. Notify them we will meet them in town at the local café ."
"Yes my lord."
~~The next day~~
A cup of tea landed on it's saucer leaving a faintly audible clink.
"You would not know how surprised I was to receive your invitation here. Ciel Phantomhive."
"It could not be helped. I need information only you have, and only your butler can help us with."
"Oo, sounds fun. What do I get in return?"
"..."
"Eh! Don't tell me you thought I would give you the information easily! We are rivals after all aren't we? Where's the fun in just giving it to you?"
"Quiet down. What is it you want?"
"I want you to be my servant for a day."
"Why you insolent-!" Ciel narrowed his eyes in a glare, hardening his grip on his teacup.
"Ah-aah, you asked what I wanted." Alois tsked, his eyes wide and innocent shaking his finger.
"I find it difficult to believe that your so loved."
"Why I-"
Ciel smirked, " How about a wager then? If you can get a pauper of my choosing to fall in love with you without the help of anyone else, then I will be your servant for a day in exchange for the information. But, if you don't you give me the information and have to be my servant for a day."
Alois pouted, "Fine! I can too get someone to love me. I bet it'll be fun, and you'll screw up and pick the wrong person!"
"You have to do it in three weeks. And you cannot tell her anything about the deal."
"Very well."
The two got up and started walking the streets with their butlers.
There were plenty of people on the street, but one girl who stared at the two earls in earnest burning hatred stood out in particular.
Ciel gestured towards her, Alois walked up to the girl and offered her a position as a maid in the Trancy mansion.
She looked to Ciel who was smirking suspiciously and back to Alois,
"You don't even know me."
"I don't have to know you. We'll get to know each other in the mansion."
"Why should I trust you?"
"You don't have to. But you can. It's better than spending a week more out here starving yourself to hell and back and selling your body for small sums of money just to make ends meet."
Still distrustful, she smirked and chuckled a bit.
"I still don't trust you, but fine. You make a good point,"
She walked after him and Ciel and Alois nodded to each other going their separate ways.
A purple ribbon on Alois' wrist, and another in Ciel's pocket.
