~Sebastian's POV~

Sebastian walked ahead of the others, carrying the bear's carcass on a stake. The Marchioness was quite proud of her win, thus the reason why he was the one forced to carry it. Luckily, he had superhuman strength, so it wasn't much of an issue for the devilish butler.

"… Hey." The Marchioness of Midford called out to him. "Over here… Butler."

He slowed down so that he kept pace with her horse, feeling uncomfortable. His bangs were pinned back the whole day, he refereed a hunting match, and he was now carrying around a dead bear. What more could she want from him?

She held out a butter knife to him. "You forgot this," she announced sternly.

Sebastian's eyes widened. "… Oh? How careless of me to forget a piece of precious silverware…"

"Indeed. You forgot it in the bear's head," she said, causing Sebastian to gaze at her in surprise and understanding. "It was you who struck it down, right? My bullets missed. With my daughter in danger, I had trouble aiming properly. I must be getting old. But a butler's duty is to save face on his Master's behalf. So why did you let me win?"

Sebastian looked ahead, feeling careless for allowing her to discover the truth. "The Young Master has an inordinate for games. Consequently, he seems to overconfidently believe that he 'cannot lose.' But at times, it will be necessary for him… To carry himself with humility while striving for his goal… Otherwise he will eventually trip up… As the place for which Young Master aims is not an easy one to reach. Perhaps it is not my place to say this, but… I would like you to be an exemplar for my Master, Marchioness."

"So… In other words, you used me."

"I did no such thing… My Master is now but a 'child'… Yet he is also the "Head of the Family,' An 'adult' who will be firm with him… Is just what the Young Master needs."

"Don't say such proper things with that lecherous face of yours," she smiled slightly. "So if done for the sake of his Master, a butler's duty includes admonishing said Master by letting him get burned as necessary…?"

Sebastian smirked, starting to appreciate the Marchioness and her acceptation to his words. "As I am… Merely a butler… I only did what I thought best for my Master."

"Hmph. You're a tricky fellow."

Sebastian looked away from the Marchioness, glad to get his true thoughts out of his chest. Sure, he desperately loved Ciel, so much that he even dared to kiss him without any sort of warning, but it was still necessary. If Ciel thought that he could never lose, he may eventually be so far gone…

… That even Sebastian, who was simply one hell of a butler, wouldn't be able to save him.

~Ciel's POV~

Ciel and the Midford's followed to the front door of the manor, all worn out and shaking from the day's events. He could barely even remember what day it was, he didn't get a chance to check before Aunt Francis stormed inside.

Sebastian opened the door. "As the hunt was a success… I shall do my best to—"

They glanced inside, and stopped in their tracks. The three servant's stood in a line, all bruised and beaten up. They all looked extremely pleased with themselves.

"Welcome baaaack!" Finnian shouted.

"What is it with you lot…?!" Ciel yelled, panicking about Aunt Francis' reaction, and how big of a mess Sebastian would have to clean up.

Finny held up a gloppy mess, which Ciel assumed was supposed to be a cake made from Baldroy's flamethrower. "Look, look! We made this together! See! I decorated everything with roses!"

Baldroy grinned, his right arm in a cast. "I made donburi full up with Young Master's favourites!"

Mey-Rin blushed. "I set the table. Following Mister Sebastian's example…"

Ciel stared at the three of them. Sebastian looked as though he may be sick. Aunt Francis, however, looked as though she was going to take Baldroy's flamethrower and kill them all.

Aunt Francis walked up to Ciel and ruffled his hair, surprising him. "Hmph. They beat me to it. That's what I came here to say today. Happy thirteenth birthday… Ciel." She looked up at the servants. "And everyone… I hope you will continue taking care of both my daughter and my son."

Everyone gazed at Ciel expectantly, Lizzie jumping up and down, and Sebastian using his lustful smile once more.

Ciel chuckled a little, and smirked. "Thank you… So much."

~Sebastian's POV~

The Marchioness of Midford came over to Sebastian, and Elizabeth rushed at Ciel in glee. Why was she allowed to do that, but not him?

"Sebastian," the Marchioness said. "You have my gratitude for attending to us today."

Sebastian bowed. "Yes, My Lady."

"There's just one more thing I though I ought to mention."

His eyes widened, fearing what was coming next.

"Take good care of the shattered china… The ruined garden… And the burnt kitchen."

Sebastian sighed in relief, fearing the worst. "Yes, My Lady."

After the Marchioness left, Sebastian left the room, away from the talking and party. He was disappointed, as he had planned a special surprise for Ciel. A cake, as well as a night he would never forget.

He walked into the kitchen, and walked up to the splendid cake he had made. He ran his fingers through his hair, letting his bangs fall back over his eyes. "… I suppose we shall not be needing this." He muttered.

Sebastian pulled off his left glove, revealing the symbol of the covenant underneath. "Goodness… Human creatures really are difficult to understand." He dipped his finger into the frosting, and licked it curiously. "To think they consider something like this… Delicious… Now really."

He stared out the window, lost in his thoughts. Something was most definitely… WRONG with him. Demons aren't supposed to fall in love with humans. They weren't supposed to feel love, or any emotion for that matter.

So… Why does the simple mention of his Master's name cause him to feel this way?