"Sebastian, why do we have to go to Alois's manor again?" Ciel asked almost whining.
"Remember he invited you publicly last time you met and you accepted, as a noble should." The butler replied with a smirk. Sebastian sometimes enjoyed seeing Ciel upset since he always made him go through such trouble. It was payback or maybe even karma in some sense.
"Right," he muttered but then continued in a louder voice, "I guess I should see some good in this, It hould give us another chance to investigate the Trancy household more thoroughly."The rest of the ride was silent. Both Ciel and Sebastian were lost in thoughts of their own which were soon interrupted by pounding on the carriage's window. The carriage now came to a complete stop. Sebastian opened the door and helped Ciel get out.
"Oh Ciel tonight is going to be so much fun!" Alois's excited chatter was heard above all else."And didn't I tell you? I invited you early so that we could play a game of chess before the ball begins." Ciel had long before stopped listening to the endless talking. He knew very well that it would end with his suggestive dialogue. Did I say end? No, the little hints were only the beginning of what would turn out to be an open invitation to have sex.
"Welcome to the Trancy manor." Claude, who was now standing at the front door, said in his usual monotone voice.
Once the tea and desserts were served Ciel and Alois were left alone.
"Chess can be so boring, Ciel. Why don't we make a small bet to make it….. interesting?" Alois said, a mischievous smile spreading on his childlike face.
"I'm not having sex with you." Ciel responded simply.
"Well that would be no fun." Alois said with a frown.
After a few minutes of thought Ciel said "We both know Sebastian is the better butler, right? So, whoever wins gets him for a day. But, since he's already mine, then I should get something if I win, am I correct?"
"That's harmless but I guess it's something… So, what would you like if you win?" Alois asked giving off his sexual hints again.
"I already told you, I don't want to have sex with you!" Ciel sighed and continued, "How about if I win you leave me alone for a month?"
Alois's smile returned. "Deal."
A while later….
"No, No, No! This is impossible! That's cheating" Ciel exclaimed, pushing his chair away from the table and standing up briskly.
"How is that so? I just played to my advantages. You should know enough of that so I'd be glad for you to tell me how exactly is that cheating?" Alois said with the smile that had not left during the almost 2 hour game. He leaned back in his chair. He knew there was nothing Ciel could say to that. Ciel struggled to find words and stared intently at the chess board as if hoping to see a way out of this checkmate but in between the shock of losing and the anger of his own words used against him, he was too flustered to speak or even think straight. Besides, he was already sure he had no way out since it was the hundredth time he had tried every option. He briefly looked out the window and as the first guests to the ball arrived, he realized that there would be no argument. Neither would there be any negotiating that did not involve sex. Knowing this, Ciel sighed and admitted his defeat.
"Fine. You win"
These three words were almost literally painful to utter but once they were said there was no taking them back.
"Of course, Ciel, I would never dream to leave you without a butler. That's why you can have Claude for the day. When does this little bet begin?"
Ciel was frowning and feeling pathetic by now. He muttered a non-sincere "Thanks" and then louder in a tone that you could have when a friend dies, he continued "It can begin now until tomorrow night."
Now both had agreed and they were on their way to begin the ball.