The sky gradually darkened. The golden light of the setting sun streamed across the horizon, gilding the walls of the manor and bathing the entire estate in a dreamy hue, as if it were part of an old oil painting.
At that moment, the wrought iron gates opened with a soft groan, and a stately carriage rolled to a stop before the entrance. Sebastian, ever precise, stepped forward and pulled the door open with a graceful bow.
A girl stepped down from the carriage, delicate as carved ivory. Her dainty pink dress fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her long golden hair, tied into spiral twin tails, bounced as she moved. She looked like a porcelain doll brought to life.
Her bright emerald eyes scanned the entrance, before narrowing in a cute frown.
"Where is Ciel?"
"Good evening, Miss Elizabeth," Sebastian greeted with a bow. "The young master is presently entertaining distinguished guests in the reception room. I beg your pardon for his delay."
Elizabeth puffed her cheeks in displeasure. "What 'distinguished guest' could possibly be more important than his fiancée? I'm going to see for myself."
"Miss Elizabeth—" Sebastian called after her, but the girl had already rushed past him into the manor.
He sighed softly and followed, unhurried and with a look of amused resignation.
In the reception room, the golden sunlight filtered gently through the tall windows. Hermione sat in the window nook, nose in a book, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward the table where two boys sat locked in quiet competition over a chessboard.
To her surprise, Ciel and Kai Adler—who had shared subtle tension earlier—were now playing a calm, if intense, game of chess.
She shook her head and returned to her reading. Thankfully, she always kept a few magic books in her enchanted pouch—otherwise, this long day might have become unbearable.
Across the room, Ciel stared at the board, lips pursed in frustration. After a long silence, he sighed and shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.
"I lost. The first time I've been beaten by someone my age."
He squinted at Kai. "Are you sure you learned chess today?"
Kai offered a mild shrug, lifting his teacup. "You taught me yourself. If you think I'm cheating, maybe you should reflect on your teaching skills."
"Hmph." Ciel looked away indignantly. "Perhaps you're just pretending to be clumsy to make your victory seem more impressive."
Despite the accusation, his voice lacked malice. It was the kind of irritation that only occurred between rivals—or friends. For the first time, the two boys felt like what they were: teenagers, playfully sparring over a game.
Kai chuckled and put down his cup.
"But I'm more curious about something else," he said, tone shifting. "How did you manage to invite that self-important peacock Lucius Malfoy to a ball filled with… ordinary people?"
Ciel's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't seem offended.
"Simple," he replied. "Although the Malfoys often speak of family honour, in truth, they may be the least honourable of the old pure-blood lines."
He folded his hands. "Especially when profit is involved."
Kai nodded. He recalled all too clearly the cowardice Lucius had shown before Dumbledore—bluster and pride on the surface, but utterly spineless beneath.
And as for how this ordinary noble knew so much about the wizarding world? Kai didn't even question it. Not with a butler like Sebastian in his service.
His gaze shifted. "You know Dumbledore, right?"
"Of course," Ciel replied smoothly. "The greatest wizard alive. Wise, powerful. A noble old man."
Kai scoffed quietly. Noble, was he? More like a manipulative old fox.
"Then tell me—who's stronger?" he asked, a faint grin curving his lips. "Dumbledore… or your butler?"
Ciel blinked. He hadn't expected such a childish question. Still, he answered truthfully.
"I don't know."
Kai leaned back and raised a brow. "You've said those three words to me more than anything else today."
Ciel glared at him. "It's not a matter of provocation. I mean it. Dumbledore can't kill Sebastian. And Sebastian… can't kill Dumbledore."
Kai's expression sharpened at that.
"Oh? Because Sebastian's forbidden from interfering with wizarding matters?"
Ciel opened his mouth—but didn't have time to answer.
The door burst open with a dramatic bang, startling all three.
"Ciel~~~!"
A sugary voice rang out, and a pink blur darted into the room like a cannonball.
The petite girl tackled Ciel in a tight hug, clinging to his neck like a particularly enthusiastic cat. The impact nearly toppled him over, and he gripped the table for balance.
"Liz," he said with a weary smile, trying to pry her arms off.
"Why didn't you come greet me yourself?" she pouted, rubbing her cheek against his.
"I'm entertaining guests. Liz—please, down."
At last, Elizabeth released him and noticed the others in the room. Her face flushed as she straightened up and gracefully lifted her skirts in a curtsy.
"My apologies for the interruption. My name is Elizabeth Ethel Cordelia Midford, daughter of Marquis Midford and fiancée of the young master."
Kai stood and returned the bow with practiced ease.
"Kai Adler. A commoner… for now."
He gently pulled Hermione to his side. "And this is my fiancée, Hermione Granger."
Hermione's cheeks tinged pink at the word fiancée, but she didn't contradict him. Instead, she smiled politely and offered her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise~" Elizabeth chirped, shaking her hand enthusiastically.
Behind them, Ciel shot a glare at Sebastian, who had appeared in the doorway looking thoroughly unbothered.
Sebastian merely spread his hands in mock apology.
Ciel sighed. He knew full well that Sebastian couldn't control Elizabeth's whirlwind personality—and he strongly suspected the butler hadn't even tried.
Still, her appearance reminded him: guests would be arriving soon.
He stood and smoothed his clothes. "Please excuse me. I need to go welcome our guests. Mr. Adler, Miss Granger, make yourselves at home."
He gave a slight bow, donned the hat Sebastian handed him, and exchanged a knowing look with Kai before walking out.
"Wait for me~!" Elizabeth called, hurrying after him.
Kai watched them go, narrowing his eyes playfully.
He turned to Hermione. "You know… I just realized—Young Master Ciel is the same height as his fiancée."
Though his tone was casual, his voice was pitched just loud enough for Ciel to hear.
Ciel's steps faltered—just slightly—before he quickened his pace.
Hermione smothered a laugh behind her hand and swatted Kai lightly on the chest.
"Why must you say things like that out loud?"
They laughed together quietly, until the mood grew still again.
Hermione looked up at him, her tone soft.
"Kai… if you do find out where the Ivo family is, what will you do?"
Kai looked at her for a long moment, then ruffled her hair gently.
"Maybe I'll take you home first."
Hermione pursed her lips.
Because of the Soul Oath between them, she knew he couldn't lie to her.
But… he didn't answer her question either.
"Promise me you won't kill anyone," she said quietly, her hand tightening on his.
Kai looked down at her—her eyes wide, trusting, afraid for him—and his smile turned warm.
"Okay."