Author's note

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! It really made my day. And once again, I thank those who took the time to read this humble fanfiction of mine.

Blubery Euglena: Yes, it is funny how Ciel can act really submissive and timid if he sets his mind to it.


Chapter 8: その執事, 訪客

Ciel slammed on the table, which threatened to split under pressure. "Sebastian! You said we could extract information from the party, so why is it that I see nothing useful materialize?"

"My Lord, it is true that I said that information can be extracted from the party but isn't that supposed to be your job?" Sebastian smiled deviously. "You can't expect a grown up man to talk about fairies right?"

"Sebastian….." Ciel glared at him in irritation. "It's not about the fairies."

"Oh?" Sebastian feigned surprise. "I did hear from a certain fairy that a pretty girl was squeaking apologies to the Trancy Earl. Now, which pathetic being was it?"

"Sebastian!" Ciel turned a deep shade of crimson red. Trust Sebastian to listen to the most useless things. Sometimes, he felt like breaking the contract, not because the sudden realization of what consequences would selling your soul do, but because having an arrogant butler makes your soul wither before your time is up. "I had no choice, if I didn't behave so pathetically they could hardly believe that I was Cécile Porché, a lady of noble birth."

"However."

Sebastian looked expectantly at Ciel.

"I suspect that my façade is already blown."

Sebastian smiled. He did not select the wrong human.

"Claude, the Trancy butler, his ability to appear in the maze in such a short period of time amazes me. Normally, people will assume that it is because he is familiar with the place or that he followed our footprints. This is highly unlikely because the Buckingham Palace is no opened to outsiders unless the Trancy has dubious ties to the Queen. However, the Trancy's are known to keep to themselves, if the Phantomhive's is comparable to the shadows, then the Trancy's are comparable to the extinguishing light so they might have some confidential secrets to hide." Ciel snapped his fingers. "As for the footprints, it is very dark in there, even with the moonlight, the tall hedge would have block off any light that is trying to reach the ground."

"So young master is trying to say that Claude is my kind?"

"Yes, because the Undertaker has mentioned that all death gods now have a GSPS, which is also Global Shinigami Positioning System ever since that incident to prevent corrupt behavior."

Sebastian chuckled sympathetically. "What a thoughtful present, now they have received their collars."

"I need to arrange another trip to the Trancy. This time I shall come prepared."

"Yes, my lord." Sebastian went down on his knees. "I'll contact Miss Hopkins right away."

Ciel's left eye slited. "You can't mean…."

"Mini-skirts seemed to be her passion now." Sebastian replied smoothly.

"I'll have Bard exterminate all cats within 5mile radius of this vicinity."


Ciel placed a foot on the sturdy ground. The long carriage ride was extremely boring for him. He had nothing to do but to read the official documents over and over again. The Phantomhive hardly had aliases with the Trancy's, Ciel's understanding of them mainly comes from 3rd parties. So far, he managed to garner that the Trancy household had a few people, Alois Trancy, his butler and servants.

Like me, he thought.

"So this is the Trancy Mansion." Ciel judged at its exterior with a scornful eye. "A little too bright on the eye."

"Ciel!" A blonde boy shouted at the Phantomhive Earl whom took off his top hat and gave a bow. Just a small incline.

"A young Earl! Like me!" The Trancy Earl beamed widely at Ciel, his hand clutching Ciel tightly. "It's great to meet your acquaintance!"

Ciel flinched at the contact and murmured, "Yes, yes, can we go in now?"

Claude gave a cough in which Alois promptly responded to by breaking contact with Ciel instantly.

"Pardon my behavior, I'm just very happy to meet someone of my age. Normally it's only those old fogey's who come by." Alois scowled, rolling his light blue orbs.

That was the only thing that Ciel agreed with Alois.

"Your Highness, the wind is cold. Please allow the guest inside." Claude motioned to the mansion doors.

"Yes! Of course!" Alois exclaimed, clapping his hands together.

Sebastian took in this scene with interest. A hyperactive master and a cold butler. How did Alois managed to keep up his spirits. At least Alois seemed more interesting than his boring master.

Claude opened the large doors and held it for them to enter. Sebastian bent over and inspected the door knob.

"Pure gold?" Sebastian questioned, tracing his finger over the surface.

"Hundred percent pure." Claude replied flatly but his arched brows revealed his impatience.

"Be careful of thieves then, you wouldn't want your doors to be unpresentable to guests." Sebastian cautioned mockingly before walking through the doors.

Claude pushed back the rim of his glasses before slamming the doors shut.


Alois sat himself comfortably on the armchairs, chatting with Ciel. The truth is, he was watching Ciel with sharp eyes. Phantomhive Earl, what would you do now, you are in my territory. Even if you are prepared for any danger, do not forget that you are on unfamiliar grounds.

The Phantomhive Earl was not all at fun, Alois thought with a pout, always more interested in business than socializing. Alois forced himself to sit through the boring business proposals that was presented to him, one after another that eventually he gave up trying to catch up with Ciel. A faint smirk appeared on his lips. If the Phantomhive Earl can't bring fun, then maybe he should bring fun to the Earl instead.

"And for the last…., Earl Trancy?" Ciel looked questioningly at Alois, wondering if the Trancy's focus was still with him.

"It should be alright, yes, I suggest that we have a break?" Alois asked, playfully taking away the documents in Ciel's hands. Ciel reeled back in shock before regaining back his cool in a split second. Ciel scowled and took the documents back, "I supposed this is your way of complimenting my boringness."

Alois laughed in amusement, "You are not as dense as you look!"

Ciel ignored him and arranged his documents back in order. He glanced at Sebastian who stood beside him, wearing an expressionless face. The other butler wore an identical expression.

"Your Highness, shall we proceed to dining room?" Claude asked his master.

Alois snapped his fingers, "Yes, please bring them to there, Claude."

Claude acknowledged the order with a nod and led the way, with Sebastian and Ciel following after him.

"Claude." Alois called after Claude. Claude continued walking without breaking his rhythm. "Remember to serve the dessert."

Yes, your Highness, Claude answered silently, aware of the devilish grin on his master's face.


*MAY CONTAIN SPOILER

Regarding the new season, I do know that there is a huge bashing over Alois over his actions. Even though I don't know much about Alois but it is evident that he really did suffer much. Kidnapped from birth and worked as a slave since young, with little kindness I would guess. He may not even know that hurting others is wrong if that was the environment that he grew up in. Claude did nothing to restrain him or to oppose his actions too. This doesn't justify his reasons but maybe if we see in such perspective we can understand him better.

Of course, I do feel that Hannah is quite pitiful too, to serve in such a household.

For once I agree with Viscount Druitt that God is unfair. How can such a Bishie like him be tormented in such cruel way?

I apologize for the ranting, just feel that I should stick up for him. He is a character in my story after all XD