Ciel Phantomhive

The Phantomhive estate lived its usual, measured life. Beyond the tall windows, the treetops swayed, and sunlight spilled across the dark wall panels and the polished surface of the writing desk. The study smelled of tea, ink, and old paper. Ciel Phantomhive was reviewing Funtom Company's financial reports, occasionally making notes in the margins. Unsorted documents lay nearby, and a silver tray with a cup of tea remained untouched.

Three short knocks at the door broke the silence.

— Enter.

Sebastian Michaelis appeared at the threshold in an impeccable black suit. Beside the butler stood a new servant, whom he seemingly intended to introduce personally. Sebastian closed the door and stopped before the desk, maintaining his customary, flawless posture.

— Young Master, allow me to introduce the newest servant of the Phantomhive estate. I believe he will be able to ease the workload of the rest of the staff.

The Earl set down his pen and looked up. His single visible eye scrutinized the stranger, lingering on his clothing and posture. A faint furrow in his brow betrayed his displeasure at the unexpected visit.

— I don't recall giving permission to hire new servants.

— You noted that the current staff is struggling to keep up with their duties, Young Master.

— I noted that some of them are utterly useless. I see no point in increasing their numbers.

Sebastian merely bowed his head slightly. Ciel closed the ledger and pointed his pen toward the empty space in front of the desk. On the edge of an open folder, a list of household chores could be seen, riddled with his sharp notations.

— However, since you have brought this person here, let them prove they are capable of being of use.

The Earl leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the armrest.

— State your name and tell me what you can do. I have no intention of wasting time if you are incompetent. And bear in mind: in the Phantomhive estate, mistakes are costly.

Ciel fell silent, awaiting an answer, while Sebastian remained beside the new servant, watching the conversation unfold with a faint, inscrutable smile.