That Butler, Isekaid (Modern!Reader Insert)

That Butler; Shadow

Ciel and Alois follow the prefects' instructions, keeping to the school's rules and regulations. Ciel attends classes diligently, excelling in his studies while trying to navigate the intricate social dynamics within the school. Although his primary objective is to investigate the students who refuse to leave, Ciel finds himself drawn into the complexities of Weston College.

At breakfast, McMillan educates Ciel about Fag Time. Most notably, the prefects' fags can also meet the headmaster at the annual Midnight Tea Party. When Ciel inquires about Derrick, his question is promptly met with disdain and whispers from the other students. McMillan tells him that he should refrain from mentioning students from other houses because of the intense rivalries between the dormitories, and that Derrick transferred from Scarlet Fox to Violet Wolf. Then, Fag Time starts, and while McMillan helps out his upperclassman, Clayton orders Ciel to clean the dining hall.

Ciel quickly brushes off the task to Sebastian. In the meantime, Ciel and Alois head to Purple House to find Derrick but are immediately chased away by the hostile students of that dormitory. After his and Alois's unfortunately empty investigation, the two return to their Houses. Upon Ciel's arrival to Blue House, Clayton praises him for cleaning the dining hall so thoroughly. Though initially annoyed by Sebastian's action, the situation makes Ciel come up with a plan: The only way to gain information is to get close to the P4, and the easiest method to accomplish that is to become well acquainted with Clayton, Lawrence's fag.

Ciel and Alois, determined to unravel the mysteries of Weston College, began devising a plan to get closer to the P4. Ciel knew that gaining the trust and friendship of Clayton, Lawrence's fag, would be the key to accessing valuable information.

As they walked back to Blue House, Ciel's mind was already working overtime, scheming and strategizing. "Alois, we need to find a way to get close to Clayton," he whispered, his voice filled with determination. "If we can befriend him, we can earn his trust and perhaps gain access to the inner workings of the P4."

Alois grinned mischievously, his eyes shining with excitement. "Oh, Ciel, I love the way your mind works," he chimed in, his voice filled with anticipation. "We'll worm our way into his good graces and make him see just how valuable we can be."

Ciel nodded, his eyes gleaming with a newfound sense of purpose. "Exactly, Alois. We'll use our wit and charm to get closer to Clayton," he replied, his voice filled with determination. "Once we have his trust, we can navigate the complex social dynamics of Weston College and uncover the truth behind the students who refuse to leave."

As they entered Blue House, Ciel spotted Clayton in the common area, engrossed in a book. He motioned for Alois to follow him, carefully making his way toward Clayton's table. "Clayton," Ciel called out, his voice polite yet confident, "may I have a word with you?"

Clayton looked up from his book, surprise evident on his face. "Ciel Phantomhive, isn't it?" he replied, his voice laced with curiosity. "What can I do for you?"

Ciel offered a small smile, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I noticed how efficiently you run the dormitory, and I must say, I'm impressed," he said, his voice dripping with admiration. "I would love to learn from someone as skilled as you. Would you mind if I spent some time shadowing you?"

Clayton's eyes narrowed, his expression guarded. "Why would you want to shadow me?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Ciel leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have my own reasons for being here, reasons that I believe align with the interests of Blue House," he replied cryptically, his words laced with intrigue. "If you allow me to observe and assist you, I'm certain we can both benefit from this arrangement."

Clayton studied Ciel carefully, his gaze intense. After a moment of contemplation, he finally nodded. "Very well, Phantomhive," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "I'll give you a chance. But don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you."

Ciel smirked, his eyes glinting with determination. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he replied, his voice filled with confidence. "I'm prepared to prove myself to you, Clayton."

As the days went by, Ciel immersed himself in the daily activities of Blue House, shadowing Clayton and assisting him in various tasks. He quickly realized that Clayton's attention to detail and unwavering work ethic matched his own, and they began to form an unlikely 'bond'.

During their time together, Ciel seized every opportunity to gather information, subtly probing Clayton for any insights regarding the P4 and the students who he is desperate to find information about.

The next days, he does not refuse any of Clayton's orders—to Sebastian's annoyance as he has to complete all these tasks, along with his duties as housemaster. Because of Sebastian's efforts, McMillan prognoses that Clayton will choose Ciel as his fag.

One day, the prefects and their fags gather at Swan Gazebo. They discuss Ciel and Alois's surprising aptitude for work (usually done by the hands of their butlers in disguise as their respective House Wardens), and Gregory tells the others about their visit to Purple House. Edgar is eager to invite the two young lords to Swan Gazebo as he is tired of keeping the same company all the time, but the other prefects and their fags are reluctant until Edward Midford, Herman's fag, states his respect for Ciel.

The prefects then unanimously decide to invite Ciel to Swan Gazebo the following day at 2 p.m. Maurice Cole, Edgar's fag, volunteers to deliver the message and heads to Blue and Red House. However, when he relays the invitation to the two, he deliberately tells them to come at 4 p.m.

In the evening, the earls inform their butlers of this opportunity. Ciel is resolute on making the prefects and their inner circle favor him and assures Sebastian that he can do this alone, but Sebastian is to prepare the best teacakes to amaze the prefects. The next day, the two arrive at Swan Gazebo only to be affronted by Clayton who scolds them for coming two hours late, and Ciel realizes that they had been set up by Maurice. Edward angrily approaches him and yells at them to leave since the Earls have betrayed his trust and expectations of them. Soon after, Ciel relieves his exasperation on Sebastian and declares that he will make Maurice regret ruining his hard work. Ciel deduces that Maurice is a "pathological liar" because his hands are unblemished despite all the "hard work" he is supposedly doing; thus, he must be using dirty methods to accomplish his fag work. Hence, Alois offers that Claude seek out others who have been deceived by Maurice, and to thoroughly investigate his activity pattern.