"You played some part in this, didn't you?"

Francis Midford held up a copy of The Times from a few days ago, the front page bearing the article "17 Horses And 4 Boys Rescued Beneath Banstead Asylum." An ink drawing attempted to capture the sight of the horses being led out from the basement by Scotland Yard at night, an image no doubt strange enough to have the papers sell themselves. Ciel had already read the article and knew he wasn't mentioned in it, but Francis Midford was familiar enough with the Watchdog's work to sniff out when it had been exacted.

"Oh. Uh, yes," said Ciel from his side of the coffee table. Lizzie sat close to him on the baroque sofa and kept herself plastered to his arm. "It kept me pretty busy over the last month… that's why I'm so behind on preparing for the Season."

Francis glanced the article again, narrowing her eyes. "To think people this deranged can evade notice for so long… and on English soil… It sickens me."

"You told me you weren't going to be in that much danger, Ciel!" Lizzie fussed. "I'm glad those terrible people didn't hurt you, too!"

"Yes… the victims do appear to be children a bit younger than yourself…" Aunt Francis mumbled under her breath. She finished skimming and looked up at her nephew again. "You weren't hurt, then?"

"No, I was fine," Ciel said, almost indignant. "It's all taken care of, so it's back to business, as usual. Quite literally. Funtom work is going to keep my schedule pretty full this summer, but I thought I'd ask if there were any events you expected me to attend, other than the major events of the Season that we already agreed to."

Sebastian stood against the east wall of the Midford's sitting room, near Lizzie's maidservant, Paula, as if awaiting a possible order. He knew his primary job here was to act more as Ciel's planner and listen in to take note of any dates the Midford ladies wanted Ciel to keep. This was because his young master had realized, the morning after the letter-burning session, that it was too early for him to be canceling any invitations.

"I'll have to check in with my family to see what their plans are first," he explained. He was sitting up in bed, seeming fully rested, despite the fact that it was only ten a.m. Sebastian had been utterly surprised to see Ciel awake before he came to get him. That hadn't happened in quite some time. "Write them a letter, and see if I can meet with them within the next few days. I'm sure they'll be available, but it's better to double-check."

"Certainly, sir," Sebastian said, and then couldn't resist pointing out, "It's unexpected to see you aren't still asleep."

Ciel sniffed, a slight glare in his eyes, as if Sebastian's observation wasn't anything worth mentioning. "I told you that we had plenty to do today, didn't I? I've had a lot on my mind since we decided last night that I'd be hosting some kind of big party. I have to get started preparing now, if this event will be anything like I want it to be."

Again, Sebastian was surprised. "You already have some idea of what you'd like to do, my lord?"

"Well," Ciel began, "in truth, it wasn't that hard to narrow it down… When I thought about your suggestion that it be a party I'd like to attend, it didn't take me long to realize that the only large party I'd ever be interested in going to would be one that benefitted me in some way. So, something promotional for Funtom could be just the thing. I've always found the best way to advertise is to get the public talking, spreading word all of their own accord. And that's exactly what I'll do… the only question is, what to advertise."

Ciel had trailed off in thought. Now he looked up sharply. "I'll need you to send a message to Mr. Cavendish posthaste. The factory equipment necessary to create the Indian desserts is still in development. It may be far too early for me to expect food samples. If that's the case, the promotion would have to be about something entirely different... Summer is usually a slow period for Funtom in terms of everything but confectionery sales. Rain gear is entirely dependent on the weather. However, toy sales tend to be at a steady low until autumn, because the majority of our toys are intended for indoor use. We could choose to expand deeper into the sales of outdoor games… no doubt we'd be successful… but I'm much more interested in uncharted territories."

Sebastian lifted one corner of his mouth. "And just what territory would that be?"

"I have yet to decide. But I think I know just the person who can help with that."

Henri Fairclough. It brought Sebastian some relief to know they'd be visiting with the man soon. At last, he could get a better assessment of this human, see if he had a suitably paternal nature that Ciel could benefit from — and Sebastian in turn. But maybe at this point, it wouldn't even matter.

Two days ago, Ciel had accidentally called Sebastian 'father.' Initially, this had terrified Sebastian; made him feel more like the hunted than the hunter. But he didn't want to be terrified anymore. It was exhausting, and personally humiliating. So what, then, if his prey thought of him as a parent? So what, if he were to even behave as a parent along the way? Had he forgotten what he was? Had he forgotten how much he enjoyed the end of the contract? To see his charges' faces change as they at last realized the one who had been so attentive to them and their whims, the one that they'd allowed themselves to trust, had never been their friend, had never been a part of their flock, had never been anything more than a starving wolf, and they a vulnerable little sheep?

When Sebastian at long last had this lamb backed up against a cliff, surely he would thank himself for dashing the child's unspoken hope for parental nurturing. That fresh pain would add even more delectable nuance to a soul already marbled in grief and torment.

Surely… surely... he would thank himself.

Lizzie's voice swept through Sebastian's thoughts like a gentle wave. "Edward's graduating in a week! Are you coming to that?" she bubbled.

Ciel's eye widened. "H-He is? Did you send an invitation? I don't think I knew that… Well, I knew he was graduating this year, I just forgot it was so soon..."

Aunt Francis cleared the matter up. "No, I didn't send you a letter. Don't worry about it, it's going to be far too busy. Peverel's Honor won't have any spare rooms after Edward joins us, not to mention…" She sighed, hand touching lightly at her forehead. "Alexis's entire family is coming to the ceremony… and you know they're all just like him. It's going to be ridiculously sentimental and boisterous the entire weekend. I'm not even certain they will all be allowed to attend the ceremony itself, unless it's outdoors, there are far too many of them. We'll have another celebration here at the manor later, and you'll certainly be invited to that, but I thought you might not care to be part of all the... pandemonium."

"Er, you thought right… thank you," Ciel said, in a strained voice that betrayed he was imagining that 'pandemonium' and was all too grateful to be skipping out on it. "All right, so there will be an upcoming party for Edward... I'll definitely be in attendance. Is there anything else?"

"Yes! Yes, there are so many things!" Lizzie was pouting. She jogged up and down, bouncing on the sofa cushion. "What about dancing? What about the Sunday Church Parade? And picnics and lawn games and gymkhana and fêtes champêtre at Buckingham Palace? Aren't we going to do activities together? Is your work really going to keep you so busy for the entire summer that we can't see each other at least once or twice a week?"

"M-Maybe once a week or so is okay…" Ciel stammered, likely to avoid whatever protestations might strike if he said otherwise. But once he was sure she was appeased, "No more than that, though. Funtom is going to be very busy over the next few months. We're coming out with a new line of Indian desserts, and the marketing team will want me to sign off on logos and packaging. The Queen made a special request for this, so I want to make sure everything is perfect. Plus, I'm going to host a publicity event for Funtom before the Glorious Twelfth※, and I still have to plan it. It's a lot of work."

Lizzie's shoulders drooped, but she forced a smile. "Well, then… Is there anything I can do to help you, so you have more free time?"

"I can't imagine what you could possibly help with… er, but I'll let you know if I think of something," Ciel added hastily when she continued to stare at him with large, hopeful eyes.

Francis nodded her approval. "Well, I think focusing on your business is wise… Just so long as you don't plan to spend the entire summer working. I don't want to hear any rumors about my nephew becoming a shut-in."

"Neither do I," Ciel sniffed, "which is exactly why I came." He leaned back towards the armrest somewhat to better face his fiancée. "Three events. I'll go to three events of your choosing, and no more than that. I'm sure Edward would be more than happy to take you wherever else you want to go. And we can still visit each other outside of that, but I don't like parties. So only three."

Lizzie tapped her cheek. "Only three? Ah, I'll have to think really hard… There's so many wonderful parties this Season…"

"Just let me know as soon as possible," Ciel sighed. He looked back at his aunt. "Other than the celebration for Edward, is there really nothing else you need me for?"

"No. I'm glad you're working. I trust you to handle your own schedule." Francis took a sip of tea, then added almost hastily, "But yes, you... should try to see us at least a few times a month this summer. I hope your work doesn't keep you so busy that that becomes impossible."

"Oh. Er, no, I think that's fine." Ciel sounded confused. "Is there any reason you want to see so much of me?"

Aunt Francis looked at him curiously. "We're family. Do we need more reason than that?" She took another sip of tea. "Lizzie isn't the only one who enjoys spending time with you, you know."

Lizzie hugged Ciel's arm tighter. "That's right! And Edward likes you, too, even if he won't admit it! And of course Father thinks you're wonderful!"

Ciel shifted his weight uncomfortably. "Uh, sure… Well, as I said, just let me know when. Knowing the dates for all this will help me finalize my schedule."

"Let's meet every Saturday!" Lizzie decided. "That way we don't have to worry about planning so much!"

"E-Every Saturday?"

"You said once a week was okay!"

"Eh, I-I guess… But I might have to reschedule sometimes."

"As long as it's not that often!"

"Fine, fine…"

"Good." Lizzie jumped up then, loosing herself from Ciel's arm in order to take his hand. "Speaking of parties, I have something to show you in the ballroom! Come on, come with me!"

"Hold on, both of you." Lizzie had just hoisted Ciel to his feet when Aunt Francis's voice stopped them in their tracks. She had an authoritative air about her. "Sit back down. We need to have a talk before you go running off anywhere."

Ciel seemed to shrink back from this sudden change in tone. Lizzie plopped down again, frustrated, as if she knew just what was coming. Ciel sat down gingerly beside her, looking every inch of him unexcited.

He had good reason to be, as the conversation ended up being about his least favorite topic. "The two of you are growing up," Aunt Francis began. Sebastian could practically sense Ciel's soul shriveling in displeasure as if to say, Not this nonsense again... "Elizabeth, if you weren't already engaged, you would be presented in court next year. Goodness knows your father and I would have our hands full if that were the case… because you are a strong-willed girl, and there's nothing shy about you. That is why…" Francis folded her hands in her lap. "... from now on, whenever you and Ciel are together, you cannot go unescorted."

"But Mother!" Lizzie was swiftly opposed. "Ciel and I have been engaged since we were children! We've always spent time together, just the two of us, even when we were little! Why does that have to stop just because we're getting older?"

"That's my point entirely," Aunt Francis tutted. "Perhaps you don't feel it yet, but as you grow up, you will want different things from life. And whether or not you do, society has expectations for children when they come of age. What would people think, if I did not make the minimum effort to prevent scandal? It is out of the ordinary for those who are affianced to spend any time alone at all."

"Scandal! Mother, just what do you think of us?" Lizzie's pitch rose. "You're making assumptions before we've even done anything!"

"As it should be." Aunt Francis gazed resolutely at her daughter. "I don't want to see you behaving like my brother did at your age… Turning into a gamboling stag every summer when he came home from school, filling the ears of any pretty girl who came his way with poetry and lies. No, I absolutely won't have it. You may have your wits now, but it won't last forever. Glare all you like, Elizabeth, it won't change my mind. I wouldn't be a proper mother if I didn't do this much."

"As long as you still trust us," Elizabeth said. "Ciel and I have always been very well-behaved, you know!"

"And I have a reputation to uphold, so I wouldn't…" Ciel trailed off, feeling too awkward to finish his own sentence — probably uncertain of how he even planned to finish it.

"I don't mean to embarrass you," the marchioness said earnestly. "I am only doing my duty. The two of you really aren't anything like Vincent was, at least in this regard, thank goodness. I hope I don't sound as if I'm revealing something, either. Your father outgrew such behavior long before he met your mother, Ciel. And even when he did flirt, I think it was more for the sport of it. Such a wanton young trifler…" She shook her head disapprovingly at the memory. "Well… that's all I have to say. You children can run along now. Just take Paula or someone else with you to chaperone."

Lizzie sprung to her feet, hoisting Ciel up with her. "Children, adults! Which one is it?" she huffed. "It seems like you choose whichever one is most convenient for you in the moment."

"You're children," said Aunt Francis simply, "with brains that are telling you you're adults."

Ciel blinked at his aunt after she said that, as if finding her words strange. He only had a second to process this before he was whisked off his feet.

"Sebastian can come with us," Lizzie said, as she marched a stumbling Ciel over to the doorway. Paula wilted slightly at being dismissed but did not say anything. Sebastian noted this but did not say anything either. He merely responded, "Yes, my lady," and followed the pair of child-adults out of the parlor.

The journey was quiet for a short while. Ciel eventually began, weakly, "Well… that was emb—"

"Oohhh, I knew that was going to happen!" Elizabeth snapped abruptly, her shoulders bunching up just a bit. "I just knew it! It's so unfair!"

"H-How did you know that was going to happen?" Ciel stuttered. The back of his neck was flushing pink.

Elizabeth explained fiercely, "I told Paula that I kissed you on the cheek before your mission—"

"Y-You, you huh—?"

"—and it's not like that was anything to fret over! It was just on the cheek!" Lizzie huffed again. "But Paula was acting nervous when I told her, as if I'd done something truly inelegant, and I made her promise not to tell Mother… But she must have done it anyway! Oh, I knew that was going to happen."

It was quiet again: Lizzie puffed up with rage like a small, territorial bird, Ciel practically melting with mortification as he was dragged along. He finally found enough of his voice to say, "You… We… shouldn't be doing things like that anyway. And you… shouldn't be... telling people about it either. As if it's something to brag about… It's a silly thing to do."

"Mm. I suppose." Elizabeth didn't seem like she was fully listening. Then she squeezed Ciel's left arm tighter, and announced, "But my friends do say they're very jealous of us, and sometimes I can't help it!"

"What do they possibly have to be jealous about…"

"Plenty!" Lizzie said. "It's not every girl who gets to marry someone she actually enjoys the company of, you know! Our parents were lucky, and so are we. Jane and Amelia are worried about getting wed to someone boring and intolerable who's much older than them, and that they'll live far away from London, and then they won't get to do anything fun anymore. That's what happens to most girls when they marry! I don't have to worry about any of that."

Ciel still didn't see her point. "Right. As if I'm very much fun myself."

"Sure you are! I have more fun with you than anybody! You're tons of fun!"

"Am I, then… I'm not sure how that's possible, but if you say so."

A minute later, the entourage arrived at the ballroom where Elizabeth and the rest of her family practiced their fencing. The Midfords were more social than Ciel (as if it were possible to be less social than him), but they didn't often have dances, and the large, empty room afforded the perfect space for swordplay. Lizzie was hurrying her way over to a table with several long paper parcels draped across it.

Ciel's gaze was on the wide windows overlooking the gardens, greater in scale than his own, if only because this gardener was more adept at growing flowers than killing them. "Are you going to be entering any fencing competitions this summer?"

"No. I don't really like competitions very much anymore. The boys always get so upset when they lose to me, and so do their fathers. It made me feel too sorry for them." Lizzie said all this offhandedly, seeming far more concerned with the parcels than the conversation.

Ciel turned to her, brow furrowed. "That's not fair. You're better than them, you shouldn't have to feel bad about it. If those boys can't handle being beaten just because you're a girl, they shouldn't be competing in the first place."

Lizzie smiled over her shoulder. "Aww, you're so nice, Ciel. But I don't miss the competitions. They weren't all that fun, honestly."

"It's not about being nice, it's about being realistic," Ciel said. Then his posture tensed when Lizzie finally discarded the paper layer surrounding the 'surprise.' "Wait… Are those—"

"Matching outfits for the Trooping the Color!" Lizzie cheered, spinning around with her arms bundled full of clothing. "Nina and I have been hard at work making a wardrobe we can wear on all our excursions! This is only the first one, Nina is still crafting the others, but she promised they'd all be on time for their respective events. She still had your measurements from last month, so it should fit just fine, too! Come look at what we made, Ciel, we did such a fantastic job!"

Elizabeth spread the clothing out on the long table while Ciel shuffled reluctantly over. From a distance, Sebastian could see the glints of gold in the afternoon sun. He moved a little closer himself, staying his usual respective distance away.

"Oh… Wow…" Ciel said awkwardly. "This must have been expensive to order at the last minute… Wasn't Aunt Francis angry…?"

"Nope! Nina said it wouldn't cost a thing as long as we promise to wear everything she's making to every event and to advertise her business if anyone asked where we purchased the clothing!" Ah. Of course she did. Elizabeth captured Ciel's shoulders in a hug. "What do you think? Aren't they just so pretty and festive?"

Sebastian's eyes could see just fine from fifteen feet away what Nina had concocted. For Elizabeth, there was a long-sleeved and high-necked cuirass bodice in navy blue. It was in the dolman-style, to match the military event, and was fully decked in every bit of gold passementerie that could be imagined. Sebastian did have to note that the galloon was what humans now referred to as "real galloon," hand-embroidered, as opposed to soutache, which was much cheaper and easier to apply. Fringed epaulettes and aiguillette made the bodice certain to turn heads. The matching flared skirt had no decorations, save for a few thin white stripes around the hem. Its simplicity was clearly meant to emphasize the fineness of the dolman bodice. A soft tam o'shanter trimmed with gold ribbon would complete the look.

As for Ciel, he too had a jacket in the dolman style, though it bore considerably less embellishment. Two columns of gold buttons reached up to a tall neckline, the collar of which was trimmed in galloon that continued down to frame every edge of the jacket. The epaulettes and aiguillette came across as much more masculine without embroidered designs to mar the blank navy scape of the fabric. The revers※※ on the sleeves and pockets revealed an interior of soft white silk. Just as Lizzie's skirt was simple, so too did the trousers remain undecorated. Instead of a tam, Ciel had a Glengarry to go with his outfit.

"Why are the hats Scottish?" was the first real comment Ciel made.

"Because they're cuter!" was the natural answer. "British helmets are too bulky and bucket-shaped! Not a cute base at all! These have both style and comfort."

"I suppose I do prefer this to the alternative…" Ciel muttered. He blinked, remembering that Lizzie had helped to make these, and that he should provide some positive feedback. "Uh, they're very nice. The colors and style are good. I just hope people don't, er… think we're trying to make a mockery of the military by dressing like this."

"Aww, no one will care! I bet they'll think it's fun," Lizzie said. She swung Ciel's hand in her own. "We should wear fun and cute things while we're young! We won't get to do this forever, you know!"

Ciel looked down at the table. "We're not that young…"

"Don't say that! I'm older than you!" Lizzie pouted. "If you think you're old, then you think I'm old too!"

"I-I didn't say I thought I was old…" Ciel defended. Then, to try to clear up his mistake, "You'll always look younger than me either way. You put effort into it."

"Heh heh." Lizzie blushed. "But! I don't dress like a little girl anymore either! You've noticed, right?"

"Uhm, of course," Ciel said. After a long pause in which Lizzie stared at him expectantly, he tried, "Y-Your dress is very nice today."

Fortunately, Lizzie laughed brightly, and hugged him again. "Oh, Ciel, you can be so bad at giving compliments sometimes! It's all right. We'll get enough compliments when you and I dress alike to make up for it. You will wear it, right? If you don't, I'm going to be so embarrassed!"

"Yes, yes, I'm going to wear it…"

"Hooray! I'm so excited!" Lizzie clapped her hands together. "Sebastian, make sure to take it with you when you leave today, please! But now let's go outside and walk around! It's so warm, and the flowers have all come in, so let's enjoy them before the rain makes the ground too soft!"

Ciel was promptly toted off to the next location. Sebastian almost forgot to follow after them. So the two couldn't be alone anymore... That might make things difficult when Elizabeth was to come to the Phantomhive manor. But... Sebastian couldn't help wondering if they needed to obey these rules when off the property of the marchioness. It wasn't because he found the rule arbitrary in general. He just felt that Ciel was more trustworthy than Francis was giving him credit for. Somehow... that made him feel oddly unsettled.

"What do you think about what my aunt said earlier?"

And apparently Sebastian wasn't the only one considering this topic.

It was bedtime, and Ciel lay propped against his pillows, arms folded atop the comforter. His face was highlighted a gentle orange by the flame behind the tall glass bulb of the paraffin lamp. He was staring right at Sebastian with both eyes revealed, the mismatch of blue and purple. The contract mark did not glow, not like it had less than a week ago when the boy stood at the top of Hastings's stairwell, delirious with fear. Now, Ciel's expression was one of surly inquisition. A very familiar expression indeed.

Sebastian finished closing the curtains and ventured, "Which of her words are you referring to, my lord?"

"I'm talking about when she said that Lizzie and I were children with brains that are telling us we're adults," he grumbled. "I've thought of myself as an adult for a long time now. I own a business, I'm an earl, and I'm the Queen's guard dog. These are things a child couldn't be. And now Aunt Francis is saying that it's just normal for someone my age to believe they're grown up, even though they aren't. But I actually am." Ciel slouched down so his chin was closer to his folded arms, his nightshirt riding up around his neck. "I just… feel stupidly angry about it. She's wrong, isn't she? At least about me. There are probably plenty of boys my age who think they're grown up, but actually aren't. Does she really lump me in with them just because we're all fourteen years old?"

Fourteen years old. Sebastian had no memory of being so young. Most demons were considered whelps until reaching their first century of life. For his species, Ciel was no such thing. But was he an adult?

No. Of course not. In fact, as much as Ciel hated being called a child, Sebastian was surprised to hear he felt this way.

"My young master thinks he is fully grown already?" Sebastian mused.

Ciel lowered his eyebrows and glanced to the side. "I mean… It's not… Obviously I'm not done growing. I just mean…" He snorted a breath, seeming frustrated. "I just feel like I have more in common with adults than children. I don't even like being around children. Most people my age are very boring and petty. They even feel like children to me. When I talk to them, it's like they don't know anything about… how life is. And maybe they shouldn't. But they make for terrible company."

Sebastian couldn't help laughing a bit, not unkindly, though Ciel glowered anyway. "You might say the young master has an old soul, hmm?"

An eye roll was the (probably deserved) response. "Stupid jokes aside," Ciel continued, "I always thought my aunt saw me as an adult too. But after visiting with her today… I just feel like… Like I'm… Ugh!" He clapped a hand over his eyes. "That conversation was so embarrassing! Does Aunt Francis… Does she really think she can't trust me and Lizzie anymore?!" Ciel was seething, his teeth grit whenever he paused his speech. "I feel like she had more faith in me when I was ten than she does now! She barely meddled in my life when I first came back to the manor, but now… Now she's setting all these rules, as if she suddenly has a say in what I do! Why does she think she has that power? She's not in charge of me! She never has been!"

Ah; so that was the real trouble. Sebastian put a hand to his chin. "Yes… I can see why that would be annoying for you."

The anger dissolved from Ciel's face for a second. "Wait, what? You can?" He shook his head. "I mean, you should agree with me. I'm just surprised that you do."

Sebastian chuckled. "I have no trouble agreeing with my lord when what he says is true. Your aunt did not 'meddle in your life' when our contract began. This is recent behavior." He paused when a thought dawned on him. "It could be… that she is trying to make amends for her absence."

Ciel was back to being angry. "I don't need her to make amends! Especially after so much time has passed," he snapped. "Of course, I can't tell her that without being disrespectful. But it's infuriating that she's suddenly deciding to act this way now that it's convenient for her."

"I'm inclined to agree," Sebastian surprised them both by saying. He added, "It would have been more helpful to my lord if she had been attentive since the beginning."

Ciel was quiet. "I don't know about that," he said at last. "I wouldn't be who I am now if she and my uncle had decided I should live with them. This is my estate, and I have a right to it. And there are many things I never would have accomplished if someone was there trying to dilute my success, trying to tell me what a child should and shouldn't do." He sat up straighter. "I'm mostly angry because it seems like she doesn't see any of that. When she stays out of my business, I'm perfectly capable of success. So she should just leave me alone, like she did before."

Sebastian felt himself disagreeing. He decided it was better not to voice it. He didn't even fully understand his own feelings on the matter. "Perhaps that is so, sir. Maybe there is a way you could make her aware of your thoughts without trying her authority as your elder."

"Hmph. Well I certainly can't think of one." He rolled over on his side to watch Sebastian snuff out the lamp. "Anyway, wake me up at ten o'clock tomorrow. I'm seeing Fairclough for tea at four, but I want to get some of my questions for him organized before then."

Sebastian smiled lightly. "Very good, sir. Sleep well."

And so the house fell quiet, another day ended for all its inhabitants, sans the one who never slept. The sleepless one's mind was not quiet a bit. Ciel had got him thinking back to the beginning of the contract, too.

Sebastian had barely existed in the boy's world when he first met the Midford family. The reunion had been… curious to Sebastian, even then. Edward had just gone back to school after a period of mourning (though he would come home again after he got the news of his cousin's safe return), but Elizabeth and her parents were there to meet Ciel. Lizzie had cried and held the boy tight when she saw him again. Sebastian had expected the same of the marquis and his wife.

The two of them seemed more dumbfounded than anything else. They hugged Ciel at first, but their words were a mix of shock and formality. They asked him where he had been all that time. Ciel lied and said he couldn't remember. They asked him where his injuries had come from. Ciel lied and said he couldn't remember. They asked him if he would like to stay with them for a while. Ciel said no. They didn't force the matter. They let him return to the Phantomhive manor with his mysterious new butler, a man who was all but unfamiliar to them.

Francis Midford had been a Phantomhive. She knew what being a Phantomhive meant. She knew her daughter would become a Phantomhive someday, and that only through strength and perseverance could a Phantomhive shoulder the burden of their surname. Perhaps Francis felt that Ciel needed to learn self-sufficiency the hard way, even early on; perhaps she feared any assistance would only keep her nephew from reaching his full potential. No matter what she thought, her advice to Ciel had always been distant, careful, lacking in clear affection.

Because of that, Sebastian had had no choice but to be in the thick of it with the boy. He wondered if Francis Midford knew that. Ciel had met the challenge of becoming an earl head-on, had worked hard to succeed in a world built by and for adults… but he had not done it alone. He could not do it alone. Sebastian had been there the entire time. The two of them had raised each other up, from child and demon to lord and butler.

With that in mind, it was no wonder that Ciel saw Sebastian as more of a parent than his aunt.

Sebastian lowered his eyebrows. He was registering something in himself: anger. It was presumptuous of Francis to think she could come in now and try to set rules for Ciel. She could have done that years ago, but she'd chosen not to, for whatever reason — fear, ambivalence, some odd sense of duty, whatever it was. She hadn't been there to tell Ciel not to eat sweets, to go to bed on time, to complete his lessons. She hadn't seen Ciel after a nightmare: shivering and balled-up under his blankets; screaming loudly enough to echo through the house; staring vacantly at nothing. She did not know what Ciel had been through. She did not know Ciel at all.

The soft fur beneath Sebastian's bare palm and the clouded sky above his head soothed him. His anger dissipated with each stroke of the wayward tabby. He was not innocent himself. Of course, early on in the contract, he had rejoiced at Francis's lack of attention. He'd known, even then, that the more the Midfords left Ciel alone, the better his meal would ultimately taste. The more the boy felt the only person he could rely on was an unpredictable demon, the more it would hurt when that demon eventually turned its fangs on him.

Sebastian held the cat in his arms and tried to focus on the way her purrs emanated like a little pulse. It was better to focus on that than on the way his tongue felt dry; the way his teeth stayed flat in his mouth.

※: The Glorious Twelfth was the 12th day of August, which was considered the general marker for the end of the social season and the beginning of grouse hunting season.

※※: Revers are areas on a garment (usually sleeves, lapels, and pocket linings) that are intentionally folded back or exposed in order to show off the inside color/material, which would differ fashionably from the rest of the piece.