A/N: Okay, I haven't updated this for a while because I'm wondering what I will do to this one. Will I make it longer, or shorter? Should I give it longer chapters and not-so-frequent updates, or should I go with shorter chapters with frequent updates? Be the judge. Anyway, here is chapter 3.

I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

Entrusting of Loyalty (Chapter 3 – Guests)

Only the noisy rattling of the carriage and the sound of people outside it can be heard as they travel to the Harrington Manor. Silence embraces the atmosphere as the occupants of said carriage are paying attention to certain things - alone. Isabelle is very much busy squealing and wondering what will happen when they reach the mansion. Endless possibilities can be made, and she is going to make sure that they will be done.

The much younger butler, Ciel, is staring blankly at the window, gazing at whatever is outside the carriage doors. He glances at his mistress once in a while to remind her to keep her back straight, or mind her manners. He is -after all- a perfectionist. Other than that, his full attention is at the view, but he cannot feel agitated at the feeling of a pair of eyes staring at him; a pair of rubies to be precise.

The said owner of the ruby-like eyes, Sebastian Michaelis, is only focused on one task, and that is gawking intensely at the child clad in black. For some reason enough to be believed, he cannot take away his gaze at the little demon, who was an Earl and was his past master. He was too caught up in his thoughts to even feel his lips curling into a smirk, or that turning into a wicked grin.

The youngest one, Andre Griffiths, is too caught up staring at his butler. He cannot feel nothing at the sight of the demon locking his gaze completely at his fiancé's servant. He was acting suspicious, and the Earl couldn't help but feel irritated at his actions. He feels... a certain feeling that occurs frequently these days, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it...

After what seemed like forever, they have reached the manor. Ciel quickly stepped out; offering his small and gloved hand to the young countess, then to the little Earl, but denied the gloved palm. After everyone has stepped foot on Harrington property, Isabelle's servants gave them a warm welcome and was led inside.

"Ciel, give them a tour of the mansion. I'll let the servants take care of their rooms first." The countess ordered, and she can't help but notice the smirk that came from the other butler as her butler's name was mentioned.

"Of course, my lady." And with that, Ciel bowed and glanced at the countess.

"This is the room of young mistress Isabelle Harrington."

Andre looked around, "Where are Isabelle's parents?"

"They are on vacation as of the late. They might not be back... for a while." Ciel smirked at the statement. "Rest assured, my good sir, that the Young Mistress has been taking care of the business, and is under our care and her aunt's; Bianca Hussein."

Both master and butler have been intrigued with the life of the countess, though not showing it to their faces.

"Although said, my mistress needs to have a suitor by the end of the year. Women are not supposed to take care of the company, that is, according to tradition of the Harringtons." Ciel explained. He looked at Andre. "This is why my mistress is so fond of you, young sir. She wishes that you could be her suitor."

"I also run a business. I cannot just abandon my company to run another. I will not let the Griffiths name falter." The ocean-eyed boy smirked as he walked around Ciel. "Wouldn't you do the same, Earl Ciel Phantomhive?"

Ciel was momentarily surprised, and somehow threatened. He mocked a bow, "I am pleased that the Earl Griffiths knows of my existence."

Andre's smirk left and was replaced with an irritated frown. "Didn't you die years ago along with the name 'The Queen's Loyal Dog'?"

Ciel's smirk widened. "Why, yes, good sire."

"Then, what are you? Some reincarnation or a mocking copycat?"

Ciel said nothing. He just stared at the child.

Andre growled and grabbed him by the collar, "Answer me, you mere servant!"

Sebastian grabbed Andre's arm and dragged him away, "Excuse me, master. Your behavior is quite unruly." He scolded, faking a pout. "Please pardon my master's actions, Ciel." He grinned, the name escaping his lips playfully and gracefully.

Ciel tried to hide his blush but failed. It is the first time he has heard his name from his past butler's lips. Still, he kept his composure and bowed down with grace, "Of course, Sebastian." Ciel looked at his pocket watch, but he cannot avoid that smirk from the raven. "Your rooms must be ready by now. Please follow me, dear guests." And with that, their silhouettes blended in with the shadows.

"Here we are, young sir." Ciel said as he bowed and opened the room. It was... big and spacious. It was well-cleaned, but it looks like no one has used it for a while.

"This is the room that the Earl Harrington uses, and just next to it is the room of Lady Avalon Harrington."

Andre cocked an eyebrow. "Hold on, I thought they are just on vacation."

"They are, sir."

"Then, why are you lending us their rooms? What if they suddenly come home?" Andre growled, and this action did not go unnoticed by the raven.

Ciel just looked at him and smiled, "I assure you, Earl Griffiths, that wouldn't happen."

Andre felt chills were shot at his spine. The other butler just grinned.

"I am just going to call you when dinner is already ready. Please enjoy your stay at the Harrington manor. Well then, excuse me." Ciel then faded as he walked the hallways, his footsteps growing softer and softer each step.

Andre scoffed and entered the room, leaving Sebastian outside, smirking as he walked the same path Ciel took.

"Ciel, have you decided on the dessert already?" Isabelle peeked; much too curious to avoid her butler's cooking. It was true that Ciel's abilities surpassed a human's on the moment his moonlight eyes glowed mysteriously red.

"I haven't planned on it yet, my Lady." She walked to her butler and saw a bunch of pictures of mouth-watering dishes. "I apologize, young mistress."

"How about what he always prepares?"

Ciel blinked in confusion, "Pardon?"

"You were once an Earl, correct? Rumors has it that you had a butler; a very capable one at that." Isabelle looked over the photos again, and then disregarded them. "I have also heard that he is one excellent cook, and presented the outstanding and famous curry bread to win you the Royal Warrant. Am I wrong, Ciel?"

"No, you are not, my lady. All those are proven facts."

Isabelle smiled. "Then, I order you to make your favourite dessert, at least, when you were human."

Ciel bowed a bit. "Yes, my young Mistress." And with that, the young countess left.

Ciel looked up to nowhere, drowning in his thoughts. He let a small smile escape his lips as he remembered the taste of his butler's creations. True, it has been a while since his tongue laid on any sweet cake or dessert. Now, he has to do whatever he recalled his butler doing. He might not perfectly remember each step, but the taste was still fresh on his mouth. Sebastian's creations were very bittersweet, like the life of a lone Earl.

Alright, that's it. Please don't forget to answer my question and review. I'd appreciate it. ;)