Disclaimer: Disclaimer...

A/N: Heeeeeey! I'm back! I'm so sorry for this delay. A-And... I'm sorry as well for making this chapter short! *cries* It's because of schooooool!

Chapter XVII: Invitation to a Ball

"A party?" A doubtful, surprised tone escaped Diederich's lips as he began to question his long-time partner-in-crime.

"Yes. You heard me right," the earl answered.

"Are you out of your mind, Vincent? It's only been a week since your son celebrated his birthday and got abducted, and now you're telling me that we should hold another party? Have you forgotten that it was because of that party that Ciel almost lost his life—"

"I haven't. There's no reason for you to think that I have lost sympathy or became indifferent—or worse, gone insane on your standard."

Diederich sighed as he watched Vincent searched some documents in his table drawer. Somehow, the air inside the earl's office became tighter and hotter; he could almost feel his sweat running down from his own temple. Vincent surely was up to something again. He made sure of his assumption when the earl brought out a small piece of paper and then handed it to him.

"W-What is this?"

"Just a little favor I would like to ask," Vincent began. "You see, as far as the party goes, I need more help coming from my friends."

"What do you mean by friends?" Diederich gritted his teeth from annoyance. Surely, that idiot Phantomhive isn't what you'll normally call a friend. By the look of things, he's more like a slave driver. Yes, that's all to it. He could still remember the first time he lost against him back when they were still students at Weston. Man that was a humiliating defeat for an athletic prefect such as him. Plus, who would have thought that that smartass Phantomhive could play cricket better than him? He must have sold his soul to a demon to do that. But, still, knowing Vincent now, it might all be possible.

"What kind of favor is this? It's more like an order." Diederich examined it—an address was perfectly scribbled on the piece of parchment he was holding.

"What's wrong with just asking you to fetch someone for me?"

"Of course everything's wrong! You're turning me into an escort!"

"Honestly, that's not for me. It's for Ciel. He really wants to see that boy who saved him," Vincent explained. "I already sent them a letter. All you have to do is fetch them tomorrow."

"Why me? You have your servants, right?"

"Oh, I instructed them to prepare for the party. As for me, I'll go out of London to get someone."

"Hmm…fine." He sighed in defeat. "You better not make this gathering full of untrustworthy people, Earl."

Vincent gave his companion a sincere nod and a smile before answering, "Fear not. This is only exclusive for special visitors."

Oz was making sure his eyes didn't deceive him. He and the rest of his companions were sitting outside at the garden having their afternoon snacks, when a servant approached him and handed him a nice looking envelope. The said letter had a familiar insignia attached on the lid of it. If he wasn't mistaken, it belonged to a powerful family, and surely enough, he saw his uncle looking at a letter with the same emblem before. He just couldn't remember when.

"Who's it from, Oz?" Gilbert broke the silence by asking.

"O-Oh, yeah." Oz was very much focused on the symbol that he had forgotten to scan the back side of the letter. When he flipped it over, his eyes almost undergo a dramatic dilation. "H-Holy Mary Tudor!"

"W-What?"

"I-It's…It's from the Earl!"

"Earl who?" It was Sharon who asked next.

"E-Earl Phantomhive…" The rest of the souls who was with him looked at each other as if asking, 'Is receiving letter from the Earl too shocking?'

"You don't understand! Earl Vincent Phantomhive is Ciel's father!" Oz answered, as if he suddenly had the ability to read people's minds. "Oh, my god. I'm getting nervous."

Ciel? Oh, yes they remembered. It was the name of the boy Oz was with before.

"Oh! Isn't that wonderful! Maybe Ciel's daddy wants to thank you," Sharon squealed.

"Wouldn't that be a little too late, my lady?" Break butted in before taking a piece of blueberry cake and shoving it in his mouth. Sharon thought for a second, later on realizing that he was right.

"Why don't you just read what's inside?" Alice retorted. Oz felt the radiating annoyance being thrown at him. He carefully took the letter from the envelope, with his companions following his gaze. The message stated the following:

Lord Oz Vessalius,

A pleasant day, young lord. In behalf of my family, I would like to offer you our deepest thanks for rescuing my son. I am deeply moved at your show of bravery. What you did is beyond exchange, but I am willing to give you anything you ask of me in return.

I am informed of how surprisingly late this was and I sincerely want to apologize for that. If it will not be a bother, I would like to ask for your presence tomorrow. At the 19th hour of the day, there will be a small dinner party at the manor. As you probably know by now, my little Ciel is so eager to see you. I am certain that he'll be happy to have you. Also, I would like to have a little talk—just the two of us, if it will not be that demanding. There are a lot of things I would like to ask of you. I hope you won't deny this little request.

Regarding the celebration, Ciel knows nothing about it. You can just assume that this is a little surprise I'm pulling out for his sake. Be assure that I'll send someone to escort you to the manor. He'll be sure to come an hour before the designated time. And please, Lord Vessalius, do not hesitate to bring your friends with you. It will be an honor to see you all at the party.

Once again, good day.

Lord Vincent Phantomhive

Earl of Phantomhive

"He…He's inviting us," Oz murmured as he finished reading the contents. A combination of bliss and nervousness occupied his state of mind. To think that he had forgotten about the promise he left with Ciel. A week had passed; surely it would took him days before he could forgive himself for letting that important matter slipped his mind. Plus the worst part had to come by the earl sending him an invitation. Seriously, what an embarrassing turn of events…

"Isn't that great, Master Oz? You'll get the chance to meet him again and his family," Sharon complimented. She really has a way with conversations. The only fault she has is she's turning her words into something deeper.

What is this? It's like I'm courting a girl, he thought.

"We'll have a dinner party! We'll go there, right, Oz?" It was Alice who broke his line of thoughts this time. Her annoyed expression was instantly replaced with an excited one.

"Stupid rabbit! Don't say that. It's not an invitation for us," Gilbert scolded. He received a snarl from the girl afterwards.

"But, Gil, the earl said that I can bring my friends. That means all of you are included."

"I-Isn't that a little embarrassing?"

"Yeah… but… It's the same. I won't go without you. I hardly know his family. I think, tomorrow will be only the second time I'll see his parents."

"Then… we have no choice. We'll all go."

"I think I'll have to pass," Break said. The other four all looked at him. "You kids should go ahead and play." Oz protested, only to be halted by Sharon who said something like, 'don't mind him. His presence is not that important after all'. Oz responded by feeling sorry for Break, followed by Alice and Gil's laughter and Break's fake tears. "How rude, my lady. Anyway, Gilbert… as an adult, I'll entrust the youngsters' safety to you."

"Wha—who's an adult? I am obviously younger than stupid rabbit and Oz!"

"Yes, but in appearance, no."

The small crowd, except the one being bullied, let out a string of laughter. Oz felt like his usual surrounding coming back in a flash. An overflowing happiness radiated in his veins. Tomorrow, he'll get to see Ciel once again.

A/N: Yes, that's it. I promise I'll make it up to you next time, guys! I hope you enjoyed that one. :)
Ciao! I love you, my dear readers!