"A mark?" Ciel sat his cup of tea on the platter as he looked up at Sebastian, "It makes some sense, but wouldn't just a vessel be markless?"

"One would hope, but I have a notion that your sister has turned into more of an antichrist figure than a vessel. In which case I must suggest that-"

"No," Ciel stated sternly as he crossed his arms, "I know what you're going to suggest and you can take that thought from your head. Olivia is still my sister, as much as I believe she has other intentions, she is the only family I have left. Madame Red...I would have rather left her alive as well, but I wasn't given that option. I'm choosing to have Olivia remain alive. If I can save her from the fate she's been given..."

"Young master," Sebastian appeared in front of Ciel, his eyes glowing slightly as his face remained cold, "A demon can manipulate a human with ease. I don't think you fully understand what curse Olivia is put under. She will never be saved."

Ciel held his tongue as to not further the argument. As much as he wanted to say it wasn't so, he knew Sebastian was right on this. The young earl disdainfully pushed the platter away from him, "If you think you're right, then why don't you find out why she's really here."

Sebastian took a step back as his features returned to normal. He could see the conflict within Ciel. Losing Madame Red was beyond his control, and now that he had the option to kill Olivia, it was haunting his mind. As for what Sebastian wanted, he wanted to get rid of Olivia. She had been nothing more than a nuisance who has plagued the Phantomhive household. Almost on que, Olivia entered the office abruptly with a smile on her lips, "Ciel, I have pleasant news. Due to some cut-backs i've made, i've saved our factories from despair in the lesser countries. I've decided to downsize our name."

It took Ciel a moment to realize what had happened. Not only did this meant that his family name was losing income, but also there were people losing jobs because of said cutbacks. He narrowed his eyes on Olivia before asking, "Do you realize what you've done?"

"For the good of the company, it was for the best," Olivia sat down in front of Ciel's desk, "Surely you should agree with me if you so love this corporation as I do."

"You've cut people jobs," Ciel stated matter of factly, "Surely," he mocked, "You didn't realize our company is a toy factory where many people die to work for."

Olivia took a deep sigh before standing up, "Perhaps you don't understand what i've done, but you won't even listen to my reasoning. There is a ball tonight that I am hosting. Come if you want to be apart of the festivities."

Once Olivia had left, Ciel brooded over the news. He would fix whatever damages his sister had done to the Funtamhive business he had ran without a scratch before. Instead of becoming angry over Olivia's injustices, he had grown used to her nuances and become the one who fixed her actions. Ciel glanced towards Sebastian, who drew a letter from within his coat. He handed the letter to Ciel, "A message from the Queen. There are disturbances once more."

The entire ballroom is designed with a gothic, darker imagery as Olivia had intended. Ciel noticed all the masked people either dancing or talking about. It didn't matter that they were just masked guests, but the sight of the masked people were sending him back to the darker times of his metamorphosis after the death of his parents. He felt a cold wind run down his spine as he tried to force himself to remain calm. Then, he felt a warm, firm hand on his shoulder. Ciel turned to see a tall man wearing a mask that a doctor would've worn to fend off the plague. It didn't take him longer than a second to realize it was Sebastian.

"Wearing a mask to ward off the plague of my sister?" Ciel grimaced with a smirk as he dawned on his own ornate mask, "Only Olivia would throw such a gaudy ball. There is no reason to celebrate the wealth of the Phantomhive's if it was to the expensive of millions of workers."

"Thus possibly why the dark theme," Sebastian commented, "Shall you mingle with your guests?"

"They're not my guests, I do not know any of these people," Ciel answered, and then stated, "I want a drink, Sebastian."

"As you wish, my young master," Sebastian did not bow this time, but walked off to retrieve what his master ordered.

Ciel was more than uncomfortable standing in the dimly lit ballroom. The music the echoed around the windowless walls were of a haunting melody he had never heard before. It was like a music-box lullaby he may have heard as a mere child, but it was not a song that would be played in times of merriment. Ciel grew more anxious as he stood stoically as people began to couple up to dance to the chime. Then, he turned his head to the right slightly to see a young woman standing before him.

Olivia wore their mother's blood red gown that hung comfortably to her hips. Her hair was slightly curled near the ends that trickled down her back like their mother's used to when their mother's hair was down. The mask Olivia wore only covered from her nose to her eyes while the others had to wear a full mask. Her mask was white with black tears trickling down the eyes. A simple mask, but one that Ciel understood the meaning.

"Where is Sister, Father?" a child Ciel ran up to his father just before he went to his office, "She promised to play with me today!"

"I'm afraid Olivia is in the middle of her lessons, Ciel. You'll have to wait until tomorrow," his father patted him on the head, "Why don't you play with your toys for now? Olivia will join you when she can."

This wasn't good enough for Ciel. He watched as his father attended to his work in the office before running off to Olivia's room to see she wasn't in there. So, he then went to his mother's favorite room, the lounge room that overlooked the white rose garden. Ciel rushed to the lounge room to hear the soft melody of a violin; Olivia was practicing her musical skills! He creaked the door open slightly to poke his head in to see Olivia standing with her violin, playing a melody he had grown to love due to the countless times she played the song. Their mother smiled at the obvious skill Olivia had acquired from the many hours of practice.

The tutor finished the lesson and left, leaving their mother and Olivia in a quiet room as Ciel watched from his hidden shadow. He could hear their mother saying, "You will charm a crowd with your songs, Olivia. How are your studies coming along?"

"They're…fine," Olivia answered quietly.

Their mother sat down her cup of tea and reached over to slowly grasp Olivia's hand, "Not every woman is destined to be a scholar, Olivia. Maybe you should practice more in the general arts and-"

"I can't just give up," Olivia interrupted as she placed her hand on top of her mother's, "I know there's a greater source out there than just what we know. If I just give up, then I'm giving up a chance of great knowledge."

The two remained silent for a few moments before their mother spoke, "Your betrothed does not expect for you to be smart, Olivia. We all know you are highly intelligent, but your desire for a family life and your desire for greater knowledge are conflicting. Is the knowledge you're seeking all that you desire?"

Olivia remained silent. Ciel never saw such a grave look in his sister's eyes before that moment. Then, she looked over her mother's shoulder and right at him. A smile formed on her lips, but he couldn't hear the reply that she gave to their mother.

"Shall we dance, Ciel?" Olivia extended her hand to Ciel, dipping into a low curtsy.

Ciel glanced around to see the other people moved away from the floor for them to dance together. This was highly improper for a young woman to dance with someone as young as himself. Then again, he was sleeping with his demon butler, so propriety be damned. Ciel could see this as Olivia's way to conduct one more competition between them. He took her hand in his own and placed the palm with a small kiss before escorting her to the dance floor.

The shoes he wore were quite tall, tall enough for his chin to reach her shoulders as they paired up. His arm wrapped around her waist as the other clutched her hand as one of her hands rested against his shoulder as the other held his. Their gazes were locked, he could clearly see her crimson iris's as they moved gracefully along with the melody. As per usual, Olivia led the dance between them. Ciel allowed her to lead until she faltered, and then he took the lead right back. This caused Olivia to miss a step and fall slightly onto Ciel, who caught her with ease. They fixed each other, each striving to take the lead until the melody ended with Ciel dipping Olivia slightly off the ground.

The guests around them applaud for the scene before Olivia regained her posture and turned towards her brother, "We put on quite a show for our audience. Perhaps we shall entertain them more later on."

"Or perhaps we can end this competition and put on a show no one will ever forget, sister," Ciel gave a suave bow before leaving the dance floor.

Ciel could not keep believing that Olivia was the enemy. So, he would have to take the risk of reminding them both of their shared blood. He found Sebastian, with his drink, and stood beside his butler, "I know I have ordered before to keep tabs on my sister, but I am not ordering you to cease."

"Young master?" Sebastian questioned as he handed Ciel his drink, "Are you sure that is wise? There is still a suggestible motive."

"Whatever Olivia is up to is no longer relevant. She is a Phantomhive and is simply behaving like one," Ciel admonished any more of the conversation.

Throughout the rest of the ball, nothing out of the ordinary occurred to Ciel's relief. Olivia was well liked by her guests and even had some male attention. It was during this moment that he could see a glimpse of his old sister return as she thrived in the attention she was brought up in. For just a moment, it felt like they were two against the world, and nothing would ever separate them again.

The next day, however, Ciel had one last objective to know before fully accepting Olivia back as a Phanthomhive. He sat in his office as he waited for Sebastian to bring the one person who could reveal Olivia's mark of a contract. Ciel was growing impatient. He wanted to know how strong the contract was for Olivia compared to his own. Sebastian's contract was immensely powerful due to how easy it was for the world to see the mark on his right eye. Olivia's features seemed unchanged, so where was her mark? Did that make her contract much more amiable?

Sebastian then entered the office with Mei-rin shuffling close behind the butler. The butler ushered Mei-rin in front of Ciel's desk before saying, "Tell the young master what you told me, Mei-rin."

"Y-y-yes, of course," Mei-rin stuttered as she kept her gaze low, "M-master Ciel… The Lady Phantomhive…her skin…"

"Her skin has what?" Ciel repeated Mei-rin with a sharper tone, "Does it have any sign of change? Did you notice something out of the ordinary?"

"Y-yes!" Mei-rin bowed her head lower, "But I was sworn by the Lady to never say a word! She said it was something she'd rather forget and to never tell a soul!"

Ciel didn't want to ever threaten the three servants he had that were loyal to the core, but it seemed he would have to crack each of them open until he found what he wanted. He sat back in his chair before placing his hands in his lap, "If that is how you wish to answer me, then you may pack your belongings and leave the manor."

Mei-rin gasped before shaking her head quickly, "N-no! Please, Master Ciel! I-I'll tell you what I saw!"

"Please, Mei-rin, this is vitally important," Sebastian urged as he placed his hand on Mei-rin's shoulder, causing her to blush uncontrollably before he released his touch from her.

"I saw a mark on the back of her neck, just below her hair line when I brushed her hair," Mei-rin answered as calmly as she could, "It's a circle with..three sixes on it, it did."

"Is that it?" Ciel scoffed, causing Mei-rin to look up at him, "Is there anything more? A tail? Hooves? Anything of that sort?"

"Young master," Sebastian looked over at Ciel, "Perhaps that is all we need."

"There has to be more! Olivia wouldn't just-"

"There's marks behind her ears with the same symbol, and on the bottom of her feet," Mei-rin continued, seeming more confident, "I saw them…They're the same… Master Ciel, is there something wrong?"

A slight blow to Mei-rin's head was all Sebastian had to do in order to keep peace within the household. Ciel placed his elbows on the desk as he rested his chin in hands. Olivia was out for the day with representatives of the company, he had much doubt she would know of his little meeting today or her involvement in it. Ciel watched as Sebastian had Mei-rin sit on the chair nearby before escorting him out of the room. There was no more evidence to find. All he wanted to do now was to keep the communication open with Olivia.

"This only indicates that her contract is not as strong as ours," Ciel murmured as Sebastian led them to the outdoor garden tea table, "It means nothing. Surely Satan cannot be at her beck and call due to her new gift as a vessel. It's only logical that her contract is only stronger by two more marks, though their visibility signifies the distance between her and the king of Hell. What do you make of this, Sebastian?"

The demon butler poured Ciel's afternoon tea before answering, "It only means she can be a powerful ally for you, young master. If what you want is attained, you will find the answers in which you seek with ease."

"And if she becomes my enemy?" Ciel questioned before taking a long sip of his tea.

"Then not even I can answer as to what may happen," Sebastian spoke with a soft sigh, his gaze softened on Ciel, "After you comment last night, surely you don't believe you and your sister shall be enemies."

"I have not the slightest intention," Ciel could already hear the chime of the carriage driving up to the manor, Olivia was back, "Sebastian, you would never lie to me. I've ordered you not to before."

Sebastian's back stiffened as he could feel Ciel's eyes right on him. Never had he ever been so tense before that moment. Then, the door to the manor opened and Olivia walked into the sunlight. For once since her arrival, he was relieved to see her.

"Ciel! I have such news to tell you!" Olivia held the front of her dress as she hurried to her brother, "Our business is expanding all the way to the Americas! Ten new factories to support the Americans as well as giving us a new status! The Queen has finally listened to my ideas and considerations to think about making us a Duke and Duchess!"

"Why would this be good news?" Ciel's voice darkened, "Our family is supposed to remain in the dark, Olivia. Making us a Duke or Duchess will give us too much attention."

"Nonsense," Olivia sat down as Sebastian poured her tea, "Listen to what I'm saying, Ciel. Giving us the title of a Duke does give us more attention, but it allows for the family business to expand as well. Yes, more factories, but we'll be just well known enough for the underground world to know we're growing in power. We have enough resources now to be a greater threat than the Queen's army!"

Ciel understood what Olivia was telling him. He was impressed about her business techniques, but he was worried about moving up in society. He hated most of the 'hoity-toity' bunch anyways, so why fret around with them further as a Duke? Perhaps there was a method to Olivia's madness, or her greed was overwhelming her. Ciel decided to agree with his sister for once, "If you are pleased with this news then I am pleased too."

A tight embrace occurred almost as soon as he finished the sentence. He then heard the words whispered in his ear, "This is all just for you, Ciel."

She pulled away just as quickly as she held him, Ciel felt the air rush back into his lungs from how tight she had held him. Olivia then stood up, "Elizabeth is here as well."

"Lizzie!?" Ciel, surprised, stood as well, "Why is she here!? Did you have her come?"

"Of course not," Olivia placed her hands on her hips, "The young girl wanted to see you so she came. I don't mind her arrival, but it certainly is-"

"Ciel!"

A blonde, young girl dashed out of the doors and appeared just in front of Ciel before clutching him tightly, "Oh I was so worried about you! Rumor has it that you were almost kissed when traveling!"

Ciel looked to Olivia to see she shrugged her shoulders. He couldn't blame his sister for idle gossip, but to exaggerate the circumstances was hardly necessary. Sebastian, thankfully, intervened by getting Lizzie's attention, "Lady Elizabeth, there is tea prepared in the foyer if you would like to have my master escort you."

"Ciel, who is she?" Lizzie looked over at Olivia, now recognizing the unknown body, "I don't believe we met before."

"Liz…Lady Elizabeth, this is my elder sister, Lady Olivia," Ciel could see the pride in Olivia's features for his proper introduction.

"…Oh I remember!" Lizzie exclaimed as she rushed to Olivia, clutching her hands tightly, "Ciel and I were just young children when I met you! You were such fun then when we played tea-house!"

"You're all grown up now, Lady Elizabeth," Olivia smiled down at the blonde girl, "I was worried that you would have forgotten me so easily."

"Oh Ciel how could you have not written me about your sister being back!" Lizzie beamed with joy as she rushed back to Ciel, grasping his arm, "Let's go inside, the three of us, so we can get better acquainted!"

The meet and greet was far from what Ciel had desired. Both his sister and Elizabeth fluttered about, talking about girlish stories, all but his topics of leisure. He sat in his armchair, watching the two girls talk as if they were old friends, until he could feel the insanity of boredom forming in his mind. Hearing Lizzie laugh kept him sane enough to survive the ordeal. It gave him some satisfaction that losing everything he had worked hard for may pay off if his sister was finding a comfortable norm in his life.

"Lady Elizabeth, surely you should join me for a private walk," Olivia stood up from the tea set, "I think the two of us females should enjoy a talk."

"Why yes," Lizzie smiled as she stood up, "Ciel, you don't mind do you?"

Ciel was about to answer before Sebastian answered, "Lady Elizabeth, a few hours have passed already, do your parents know you left?"

"Well…" Lizzie glanced a way, "I was very worried…"

"It isn't proper for a young, single lady to leave against her parents' wishes. Why don't you wait until next time?" Sebastian offered as he handed a small parcel of baked goods to Lizzie, "You don't want my master to have a bad reputation of escorting his future-bride around already, do you?"

"Oh no!" Lizzie shook her head furiously, then turned to Ciel, "Please forgive me, Ciel, but I will see you in a week."

All the while, Olivia stood frozen. Ciel couldn't quite catch on as to her reason for wanting Elizabeth alone, but he didn't pay much attention. He then watched as Lizzie left before standing as well, turning to Olivia, "We should go over the bills and other necessities together for the business. I believe there will be word from the Queen soon, I can feel it."

"Yes," Olivia answered with a sigh, "For now, I believe I must rest. Sebastian, could you prepare my room?"

Ciel looked towards his butler. What was this feeling of anxiety that rushed through him? Sebastian looked from Ciel to Olivia, his eyes cold as if something was pushing him away. This..this couldn't go unsaid any further! Ciel balled his fists, "Is there something going on that isn't being said? Olivia, why do you keep having Sebastian prepare your room if you have Mei-rin do all of your personal orders?"

Sebastian could see the look in Olivia's eyes to know she was placing him between them. On one hand, he could choose to continue his affair and gain further knowledge of Olivia's transactions. On the other, he could remain loyal to Ciel and have his master understand his actions, but lose the access to Olivia's transactions. Either way, he was losing. If he was going to lose something, he'd rather lose someone he never fully desired.

"Young master, I believe this conversation is best left in a private setting between you and I," Sebastian answered as he turned his gaze to Ciel.

"So you have been having an affair with my brother," Olivia stated in an accusatory tone, "Is that it then? Why have you been keeping that secret then?"

"It hasn't been that big of a secret!" Ciel snapped towards Olivia, "The others in the house know by their reactions, but it was supposed to be a secret regarding only in this manor."

"Oh really?" Olivia crossed her arms, "That's not what Sebastian told me."

"Then what did he tell you if you know so much?" Ciel took a step towards Olivia, "If there's something you want to say, Lady Phantomhive, then why not just outright and say it to me!?"

"I've been sleeping with Sebastian since my arrival," Olivia stated sharply, her eyes narrowing on Ciel.