But this— This was new. They stood at a distance, watching as Ciel ran across the training grounds—

Scarlet in his arms.

A maid standing nearby covered her mouth, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Young couples these days…" she whispered.

A guard beside her let out an awkward laugh.

"Couple? Are they really a couple?"

Another guard scratched his head, glancing at the scene again.

"Young miss doesn't look like someone who would go easy on her partner. She's fierce… if anything, Master Ciel is the patient one." A third guard snorted lightly.

"Patient? Haven't you seen them since childhood? Young miss has always had a dagger on her tongue—especially for Master Ciel."

The maid rolled her eyes dramatically. "You men don't understand anything."

All of them looked at her. She smiled knowingly. "That's their love language."

The guards blinked.

"…Fighting is a love language?"

"Exactly."

They fell silent. Then slowly— they looked back at the two again. Just then their attention shifted.  At the finish line stood Lorenzo Vesper, the underlord himself.

Beside him— his closest advisor and old friend, James. The guards straightened instantly. The maid leaned slightly forward, whispering again—

"Drama is about to begin."

"Let's see if Master will become villian in young miss's love story"

A guard muttered under his breath, "They're not even a couple yet…"

The maid smirked. "They will be. Just watch how they act around each other."

Ciel ran straight toward the finish line. Scarlet was still in his arms.

And unfortunately right in front of them— stood Lorenzo. Loren's expression stiffened.

"…Huh?"

His gaze locked onto the scene. "…Why is he carrying her?"

James, standing beside him, remained calm. "Young miss must be tired."

Loren frowned. "She can rest."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why is he carrying her?"

There was a pause. Even the guards felt the tension. But Ciel didn't slow down. He crossed the finish line—

and only then— gently placed Scarlet down.

The moment her feet touched the ground— Scarlet turned to Loren with a bright expression.

"Grandpa! I completed the punishment!"

Loren looked at her. Then his eyes shifted to Ciel.

"I saw."

A pause. Then, coldly but not too coldly because in front of him is his adorable granddaughter afterall.

"But this is a breach of rules."

Before Scarlet could react— Ciel spoke.

"Master."

His tone was calm. Respectful. But firm. "Your 1st rule was that she had to run one lap."

Loren didn't interrupt. Ciel continued. "Then the rule change where she got punishment as double laps due to her being late."

A step forward. "The only condition was to complete two laps."

He met Loren's gaze directly. "You never mentioned how she had to complete them."

A brief silence. "And then," Ciel added smoothly, "you reduced it back to one lap." James suddenly chuckled.

"Well said, young master."

Ciel didn't look away. "So completing the lap by any means… is still within the rules."

Silence fell. Then— Loren scoffed.

"You brat."

His tone held irritation—but also something else.

"Who do you think you're trying to fool? I taught you everything you know."

Scarlet quickly stepped in before things escalated.

"Grandpa!"

She moved closer, grabbing his attention. "I still half completed it, right? So praise me!"

Loren looked at her. The sternness in his expression softened slightly. He sighed. Then raised his hand—

and patted her head.

"Good girl."

A small smile appeared on Scarlet's face.

"Next time, don't be late."

"Got it!"

Loren turned slightly.

"Now come—"

"I've already booked her for today."

The sentence cut through cleanly. Both Loren and Scarlet froze.

Ciel stood there, completely calm. Loren slowly turned his head.

"…What?"

Ciel didn't change his expression. "I've already booked her."

A pause. "Find her another day."

Loren stared at him in disbelief. "She's my granddaughter."

His voice dropped.

"Why do I need to book her?"

"Scar. Come with me."

Scarlet instinctively stepped forward—

but then— she felt a gaze. She turned slightly. Ciel was looking at her. Scarlet awkwardly coughed.

"Grandpa… I just…"

She hesitated for a second. Then said softly— "I think I sprained my foot earlier… when I stumbled."

Loren's expression changed immediately. "Then go get some medicine. Don't stand here."

He waved his hand dismissively.

Then glared at Ciel. "You brat. Take her and apply the medicine."

"I'm going."

He turned and left. James followed, chuckling quietly.

Scarlet waved.

"Bye, Grandpa! Bye, Uncle James!"

Inside the mansion— Ciel guided her to sit. Without saying much— he knelt in front of her. Scarlet blinked. He removed her sock carefully. His fingers brushed her ankle briefly. Her body stiffened slightly. A maid quickly brought the medicine. Ciel took it, examined her foot— then sprayed it gently. Scarlet flinched.

"Bear with it," he said calmly.

"pain will go away in a few minutes."

His voice was softer now. He finished, then stood up. He thought now they can't go as she is injured.

"You rest. I'll go—"

Before he could turn— Scarlet grabbed his hand.

He paused.

"You promised," she said quickly, almost defensively, "to take me somewhere to play."

A beat.

"You can't go back on your word."

Ciel looked at her. Then at her foot.

"But your injury—"

"It's minor," she interrupted immediately.

"Not a big deal."

Then suddenly— she went quiet. Her gaze unfocused. Her grip loosened slightly. Her mind drifted. Those injuries… were far more painful… Her breathing slowed. Her expression changed.

Distant.

Ciel frowned.

"Scar?"

No response.

"Scar."

Still nothing. He stepped closer and lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Are you okay?"

She blinked as she Came back from her injuries.

"Huh?!"

Confusion filled her face. "What was I… thinking just now?"

Her brows furrowed. Injuries…? Whose injuries…?

Ciel's expression turned serious.

"You're sweating."

"Are you fine?"

"Should I call a doctor?"

Scar immediately waved her hands.

"No! Don't be overdramatic!" Her tone snapped back to normal. The maids nearby exchanged glances. Then nodded subtly. Master Ciel really is being overdramatic. Ciel looked at her for a second longer. Then sighed quietly.

"Fine."

But his eyes— lingered. As if he didn't fully believe her.