"Young Master, we have almost arrived. It's been over a year since the last time we visited the estate. Yet," Sebastian cast a leering gaze at his master, a slight shadow of distain, "you don't seem too pleased to be returning."
"I don't care for this mundane place. I just came to collect the rest of my things."
In the past year, Ciel and Sebastian traveled near and far. Ciel was enjoying the freedom and clarity that came with his metamorphosis into a demon, while Sebastian was charged with leading him along his new path, teaching him everything about demons; how they interact, and especially, who their enemies are. There was the Church to be weary of, for one, but they must also watch out for demon hunters. And then there were the angels…
"I'de say it's about time." The carriage pulled up to the Manor, the horses coming to a smooth halt. Sebastian opened the door graciously and fell in toe behind his master as they arrived at the door.
"Ciel!" the familiar cry of Lady Elizabeth sounded as she crashed into Ciel, wrapping him in a hug and throwing them both into Sebastian's chest.
Sebastian grunted rather indignantly at the touch. From across the room, he spied an unfamiliar face. A young woman was waiting beside the other servants Mai-Rin, Bardroy, Finny, and chibi-Tanaka all of whom greeted the young master with great joy and congratulated him on his welcome return.
"I'm amazed they managed not to burn down the place," Ciel mumbled to Sebastian who smiled in turn, however Sebastian's gaze was fixed on the stranger standing beside Elizabeth. Ciel took notice of Sebastian's intent stare and followed his gaze to the woman. "Lizzy, who is this?"
"Oh, this is my friend Claira. She says we have to stay here for a while. I hope you don't mind."
"Er-No, not at all," muttered Ciel. He was used to Elizabeth's antics, but this was rather unusual. Why did this woman insist on staying here? He wondered.
"This is great!" exclaimed Lady Elizabeth. "Now I get to spend all the time in the world with my Ciel!" She grabbed his hands and pulled him into a dance in the center of the room.
"Hey, I want to dance too!" cried Finny as he grabbed Mai-Rin's hand.
"Oi, be careful!" yelled Bardroy.
"Excuse me my Lord, but mightn't I have a word with you?" asked Elizabeth's new friend, Claira. Her voice was like butter, an incredibly smooth and melodic sound. She stood with her hands clasped together. Her face held a kind of innocent beauty with a sweet smile and eyes like a mirror, honest to a fault. She met Sebastian's gaze and a chill filled the air. Sebastian continued to stare at her, a look that under the guise of anyone else would appear as nothing more than inquisitive, but to Ciel, Sebastian's eyes held a curious determination of sorts. This piqued his interest.
"Of course. We can talk in my study," answered Ciel and he turned up the stairs.
A surreptitious smile spread over Sebastian's lips as he bowed low and motioned with a gloved hand…
"This way, Lady."
