~Finnian's POV~

"HOLIDAY, HOLIDAY. WE'RE GOING ON HOLIDAY! HOLIDAY, HOLIDAY. WE'RE GOING ON HOLIDAY!" The three servants, Mey-Rin, Finny, and Baldroy, chanted as Tanaka drove their carriage after Sebastian's and the Young Master's. They were all excited, as Young Master never usually gave the three of them holidays. Not that they cared, they were just glad that they were accepted and had a loving home. They only had a small price to pay, anyways.

"This is so exciting!" Finny said to the others. "I can't believe it!

Mey-Rin grinned and blushed. "Spectacular! He's actually bringing us! We got to go on holiday at the Queen's own resort!"

"Looks like the Young Master can be quite generous when the spirit moves him, eh?" Baldroy asked, smoking his cigarette as always.

Mey-Rin and Finny nodded, excited for the adventures awaiting them at the resort.

~Sebastian's POV~

Sebastian watched the road ahead as he listened to the other servants cheering. They sounded like they were having more fun than he was, but he didn't care. It was enough for him just to have the honoured privilege of driving his Master's carriage.

"Do you hear how happy they are?" Sebastian asked Ciel, who was sitting behind him. "They're very grateful to you. Such a kind Young Master."

"I couldn't leave them there alone. We might've came home to find the manor in ruins." Ciel muttered, being much more willing to talk after the Marchioness' birthday visit. The idea that he had lost a game seemed to have snapped him out of his previous depression, even though it was only a couple of days. However, much to Sebastian's disappointment, he never seemed to be much too willing to prove his love anymore. Maybe seeing Madam Red dead had caused his feelings for him to shatter? Sebastian hoped not.

"Indeed," he answered, preparing for what was ahead.

Sebastian stopped at the town sign, which read, 'Welcome to Houndsworth.' He looked back at Tanaka and the others. "We appear to have arrived at the village, everyone."

The three servants jumped up, excitement clearly painted on their expressions. That excitement faded away, however, when they saw what was ahead. Chains and dog collars hung from the dead trees guarding the pathway. Animal bones were littered on the ground, the grass withered and yellow. The servants screamed; this wasn't at all what they were expecting.

"Oh yes, I forgot to mention something," Ciel announced, glancing back at the others. "The resort, that the Queen is planning, is yet to be constructed."

The servants looked glum. "Yes, Master," they mumbled, trying to hide how upset they were.

~Ciel's POV~

What Ciel had said to Sebastian the night previous was still fresh in his mind as the carriage rode down the bumpy road to Houndsworth.

"A holiday, Young Master?" Sebastian had asked, the night of his birthday, which was just yesterday. "In this season?"

"Yes indeed," Ciel said. "Tell me, have you ever heard of a pastime known as 'bear-baiting?'"

"Can't say I've ever heard of the notion, though it does sound entertaining. But I'm afraid I've not heard of it. Indulge me, Sir?"

"A bear is chained to a fence. It is the surrounded by vicious dogs, which slowly bite and kill it."

"That sounds like something that only a human would dream up."

"It was banned back in 1835, when the Cruelty to Animals Act was instated. However, there was still a loophole. The attack dogs that they used were not bad, so a new game developed."

"They use dogs to attack dogs, let's see… Would that be 'dog-baiting'?

"There is a village in which it is quite popular, known as Houndsworth. It has long been known for raising ferocious hunting dogs, but they take it further. They use the dogs to brutal devour other dogs, most of which are innocent. It is considered a game to watch these events occur. It breaks Her Majesty's heart, and she wants us to secure the village and buy it for Royal Estate. She hopes that it will work to end the atrocities."

"A village full of dogs…"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, please forgive me, Ciel. This seems a rather insignificant task for one of your station to take on."

"Sebastian, you should know by now that I have my reasons… This is indeed a task fit for a Phantomhive."

Ciel wouldn't say why, but he knew himself… Besides that, he didn't want Sebastian to freak out about what they might encounter…

… A demon hound, one that killed anyone who disagreed with the mayor.

Unfortunately, Ciel had a feeling the he would become the next target.