In the bustling streets of London, the crisp sound of hooves drew curious glances from pedestrians.
A grand, elegantly decorated carriage moved steadily down the street—an unusual sight among the endless stream of motorcars.
Perched on the coachman's seat was a man in a butler's uniform, his refined bearing undiminished despite the reins in his hands.
Inside the carriage, Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement as she touched the finely upholstered walls and smooth brass accents.
"Kai, this is my first time riding in a carriage like this! I've only ever seen them in museums or period dramas."
"Mm," Kai Adler responded absently, gazing out the carriage window at the passing streets and people.
Hermione puffed out her cheeks at his clear distraction.
"What are you thinking about? That female vampire named Selene, perhaps?"
Kai chuckled and caught the accusing finger poking at his chest.
"How could that be? If I were thinking of anyone, surely it would be our clever, lovely Hermione."
"Flatterer," the girl muttered, rolling her eyes, though the soft flush on her cheeks betrayed her pleasure.
"I was just considering something," Kai said, his tone shifting. "Sebastian, the butler of such an influential family, personally waited at our door early in the morning, didn't hurry us through breakfast, and is now driving the carriage himself. What does that tell us?"
Hermione's brows furrowed in thought. She knew he was testing her.
"It suggests they're deliberately lowering their posture… they want to ensure you accept their invitation no matter what. They need something from you."
"Precisely." Kai rested his fingers against the glass, watching the architecture thin out as they left the city behind.
"Mr. Granger said the Phantomhive family is quite influential in London. What kind of trouble would make them seek help from a second-year Hogwarts student?"
"You're not just a student," Hermione said, frowning seriously. "You're the greatest wizard of our generation."
Kai poked her nose lightly, making her scowl and swat at his hand.
She didn't disagree with her own words, though.
Still, he recalled that fateful night in London—the one where he had unleashed the Obscurus. The boy they were about to meet had seen him in that form… and hadn't been surprised.
As the carriage rolled deeper into the forest, the tree cover suddenly broke to reveal an expansive, magnificent manor house.
Hermione leaned forward against the window in awe.
"Wow… It's like something from a historical novel."
"If you want one, we'll buy one in the future," Kai said with a smirk.
Hermione eyed him skeptically.
"Where would you get the money for that?"
"You'll see." He said nothing more, just smiled.
The gates opened automatically as the carriage approached. They passed through a precisely trimmed lawn and stopped before the grand entrance of the manor.
Kai saw Ciel already standing on the front steps, dressed in a dark blue formal suit, waiting to receive them.
Sebastian opened the carriage door with a flourish.
"Welcome to Phantomhive Manor, Mr. Adler, Miss Granger."
Kai stepped out and walked over to Ciel, removing his top hat and bowing slightly.
The young Earl responded with a dignified nod and extended his hand.
"Ciel Phantomhive. Head of the Phantomhive family, President of the Phantomhive Company," his exposed blue eye fixed calmly on Kai.
"And Her Majesty's Watchdog."
Hermione blinked in surprise. That title…
She had expected some gray-haired aristocrat, not someone their age.
Kai, however, remained calm. He shook the boy's hand.
"Kai Adler. Second-year student at Hogwarts."
Ciel's gaze lingered a moment longer than expected, as if hoping for something more—but said nothing.
He turned to Hermione. "You must be Miss Granger."
Hermione returned his handshake politely, glancing back at Kai afterward with a questioning look.
"Allow me to give you a tour of the manor before the festivities begin," Ciel offered.
The four of them began walking down the grand corridor. Kai and Ciel walked ahead in silence, while Hermione lingered behind, staring with amazement at the paintings and decor.
"These paintings… they're originals," she whispered.
Sebastian, following behind, nodded with a courteous smile.
"My young master is well-versed in art and literature."
Hermione wasn't surprised—this much opulence had to come with taste and culture. Still, her focus was soon broken.
Bang!
A loud crash echoed down the corridor. Hermione jumped.
Kai tilted his head with interest, while Ciel and Sebastian both darkened visibly and sighed in unison.
"Ahhhh! A mouse! Catch it!!"
A small gray mouse tore around the corner at full speed.
Chasing it was a slender young man in a gardener's outfit, wearing a straw hat slung behind him. Despite his lean frame, he carried a full stone pillar over his shoulder and swung it wildly, smashing parts of the corridor.
The marble cracked, paintings shook, splinters flew.
But the mouse remained untouched.
"Move aside, Finnie! I'll roast the little bugger!"
A man in a chef's uniform appeared next, a lit cigarette in his mouth, and—completely ignoring kitchen protocol—aimed a flamethrower down the hall.
Hermione could feel the heat from even where she stood.
Bringing up the rear, a maid with thick round glasses squeaked in panic, covering her face as she ran after them.
Kai raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
The mouse froze mid-air, squirming.
The three chaotic servants stumbled to a halt and turned—only to be greeted by Ciel's death glare.
"Finnie! Baldroy! Mey-Rin! What did I tell you about today?! We have guests!!"
The three froze.
Ciel pressed his palm to his forehead, exasperated. "Sebastian, deal with them."
"Gladly." Sebastian bowed slightly, then turned to Kai.
"Mr. Adler, thank you for intervening. Please, allow me to take over."
"Call me Kai," he replied casually.
Sebastian blinked, then nodded with faint surprise.
"As you wish, Mr. Kai."
He plucked the mouse gently from the air and turned to the terrified trio.
"Finnie."
The young gardener snapped to attention, eyes tightly shut.
"You will repair this corridor by tonight."
"Yes, Mr. Sebastian!"
"Baldroy."
The chef groaned but responded.
"You are supposed to be preparing tonight's dinner banquet."
"There was a mouse in the pantry, I swear!"
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
Baldroy broke into a sweat.
"On my way! No more fire! Promise!"
"Mey-Rin."
"Yes, Mr. Sebastian!"
"You're to prepare snacks and desserts for the reception room. Please ensure they are presentable."
"Right away!"
The three scrambled off. Sebastian turned back, now all polite calm once more.
"Mr. Kai, Miss Granger—this way, please. The reception room is ready."