Night fell over Phantomhive Manor, and the grand estate glowed with warm lights as if the entire building had been gilded in anticipation of celebration.
Inside the vast ballroom, long tables laden with delicacies and crystal decanters of wine stretched along the polished floors. A towering Christmas tree, shimmering with gold and silver ornaments, stood at the center, glowing with enchanted lights that flickered softly like candle flames.
British gentlemen in finely tailored evening suits stood beside their elegant partners, conversing in measured tones. Toasts were exchanged with practiced grace, and discussions flowed from economics to literature, each trying to appear more cultured and refined than the next.
Among the tall, broad-shouldered aristocrats, one figure stood out—not for his height, but for the quiet authority he exuded.
At only 1.52 meters tall, Earl Ciel Phantomhive looked every bit a child. Yet no one mistook him for anything less than a man of power. Every guest who approached him offered smiles and respectful greetings. He responded with flawless etiquette and a cool gaze that made even grown men falter.
From a shadowed corner of the second-floor balcony, Kai Adler leaned against the railing, watching the scene unfold below.
A teacup steamed lightly in his hand, and he sipped from it with mild displeasure.
"Your master is rather remarkable," Kai murmured, eyes fixed on Ciel's composed figure moving through the crowd.
He turned slightly toward the man beside him. "The tea is decent. Too much sugar, though."
Sebastian, standing beside him in his crisp black suit, didn't look away from his young master.
"Young Master Ciel has a fondness for sweeter things," he replied with a subtle smile. "Still a child, after all."
Kai's gaze lingered on Ciel for a moment more. "A child… who leads a powerful family."
He took another sip of tea, then exhaled slowly. "It's not an easy life. He lost his parents in a fire, met you after suffering through more than a child ever should… and now he runs the entire Phantomhive estate while playing errand boy for the Crown."
Kai shook his head with a faint scoff. "Give me Hogwarts any day. National politics are exhausting."
He lowered his voice further. "I only agreed to this scheme because our interests align. He wants to complete his royal assignment. I want the name of whoever tried to harm Hermione."
He glanced sideways again, brow raised. "Still, you being here surprises me. Aren't you usually glued to your master's side?"
Sebastian tilted his head in a gesture of mock helplessness. "The young master thought my presence might… alarm the guests."
Kai chuckled. "Reasonable."
He swirled the tea in his cup with a disdainful curl of his lip. "Though he might've spared me this abomination of sweetness."
Below, the atmosphere subtly shifted.
The hum of voices died down. All eyes turned toward the main entrance as something—someone—drew their attention.
Kai looked up as well.
The grand doors had opened. Standing beneath the glittering chandelier, a tall man in a gold-trimmed formal suit entered first. His blond hair was immaculately styled, and a polished smile graced his lips. Prince Adam, fourth son of the reigning Empress and reportedly her favorite.
But that wasn't who had silenced the room.
Beside him, walking at equal height and bearing, was another man—one not of royal blood, but whom even the Prince stood half a step behind.
Lucius Malfoy.
He wore formal wizarding robes of deep green and black, with an ornate cane in one hand. His pale blond hair shimmered under the lights, and his expression was sculpted in aristocratic disdain. He glanced across the gathered nobles with icy contempt.
When Prince Adam addressed him as "Mr. Malfoy" and even stepped back to allow him to proceed first, the guests gasped in disbelief.
A royal, yielding?
"Who is he?" someone whispered.
"A foreign noble?"
"Her Majesty's secret consort?"
Speculation surged like wildfire, but none dared voice it aloud. They could only watch as Ciel Phantomhive stepped forward through the parting crowd, bowing flawlessly.
"Your Highness, Prince Adam—welcome to Phantomhive Manor."
He turned to the wizard at Adam's side and offered a gracious nod. "And Mr. Malfoy, your reputation precedes you."
Adam's smile grew tight. "I've done my part, Earl. I brought him. You'd better have the 'treasure' you promised."
His tone held open threat, and Kai narrowed his eyes.
Lucius, meanwhile, regarded Ciel with thinly veiled suspicion. When he had first heard of a Muggle child claiming to possess an artifact of power, he had almost laughed.
But when the details were shared—a stone said to turn lead into gold—his heart had stopped.
The Philosopher's Stone?
Could it have survived? Could it have fallen into Muggle hands?
Still, when he looked at Ciel now, a strange chill ran through him. That composed young face, those sharp eyes… they reminded him of someone else.
The boy from the Headmaster's office.
He shoved the thought away. Similarity meant nothing. This was just a Muggle. A child. If necessary, he could be crushed like an insect.
"Where is it?" he asked coldly.
Ciel didn't blink. "Allow me to take you there."
He turned slightly, arm extended politely. "This way."
As they reached the hallway, Ciel looked toward the second floor—but Kai was already gone.
The butler led Lucius to a polished door down the corridor.
"Mr. Malfoy, if you would."
Lucius didn't acknowledge him. He merely pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Prince Adam followed, but Ciel smoothly stepped in front of him.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid you'll need to enjoy the festivities for now."
Adam scowled. "You dare bar me entry?"
Lucius turned, his cane rising. With a firm jab, he shoved the Prince back.
"Don't follow."
Adam staggered, gasping at the insult. He opened his mouth to retaliate—only to find Sebastian standing directly behind him.
"Ah!"
The Prince yelped and stumbled backward, landing squarely on the marble floor.
Sebastian stepped forward, offering a gloved hand with a perfectly polite smile.
"Are you injured, Your Highness?"
"You—!" Adam seethed. But other guests had already turned to look. He forced himself to his feet with what dignity he could gather and stormed away, cheeks red with fury.
Sebastian remained still, red eyes glowing faintly as he looked toward the now-closed reception room door.
Inside the room, Lucius scanned his surroundings sharply.
"Where is the item—"
He froze.
Across the room, seated comfortably with a teacup in hand, Kai Adler looked up at him with a slow, sharp smile.
"Long time no see… Mr. Malfoy."