In your mind, for eternity

A game?

For one, this meeting was incredibly awkward. He seemed to cut all attempts at small talk short, there was little he cared to actually know and he seemed unlikely to even work with me. However I had planned for such events. There's one thing Her Majesty told me would always work when her dog was unruly. Wonder if she meant the Earl?

"Earl Phantomhive, if I may, how would you care for a game?" I kindly say giving him my best smile. He certainly seemed interested as he finally decided to look at me, leaning forward in his chair.

"And what game will we be playing?" He inquires, a smirk dancing on his lips. A very arrogant child, most likely a sore loser as well.

"As a child my mother set up clues and mysteries in different parts of the four mazes in the garden. Which would lead to a grand prize but each note only leaves a clue to the next note. There are however, pseudo cards which will lead you in the opposite direction and follows to the "bad end". Those cards are usually found someplace close or similar to the correct one but they may also be cards you will find in the future. Collecting all the cards is fine and picking which to use is also legal but you'd need to be careful when going off the track or debating cards. If you'd like to participate we can set up a good and bad wager or item for you. I will be picking the cards and my maid Pauline will place them. Feel free to also take your butler with you but he will stay in the room as to avoid any cheating. Is this understandable?" I finally finish explaining as he simply nods and curtly replies. "Hurry then while I think of prizes."

As he disappears into the foyer I take out the pre-prepared precaution cards and hand them to Pauline. Quickly she begins her work.
--
"We'll have you figured out the proposition?" I ask as I step into the room and sit myself on the chair cross the earl.

"Hmm not yet I do not have much on my persona so how about information?" He says, looking around the room.

"What type of information?" I ask.

"Her majesty told me you had a sister, similar but still different. I'd like information on her." He settles with. "And if I lose your free to ask me whatever you'd like as well."

I begin to chuckle. "You and me both, sir. I don't have any recent information however I can show you pictures and what she was like if that's what you mean?" I smile at him, knowing well he recognized the similarities.

"Deal." And we shook hands before I showed him to the first note.
--
For the last hour I've been sitting at the top of the stairs watching them pick every note and read through it. They continuously switch between good and bad routes but are slowly following toward the bad end. The tea had gotten cool along with the weather as the evening was almost upon us. I was getting bored of watching them decide and look but they were unfamiliar with the garden and had trouble just getting out of the mazes, to my amusement.

"Well they seem to be enjoying themselves." Pauline begins, handing me a glass of water.

"This is what the Guard Dog lives for, mystery and adventure. The premise of his job under the queen and I needed an excuse to test if his skills certainly were up to par." I say back, noticing the butlers glint as he look towards us. I stopped the conversation for until we were alone, or I might lose information whether the Earl reaches the end or not.

He was getting extremely close to an end. The two walked the maze paths with great ease having memorized most of the maze which was frequented the most to give the unfamiliar guests a handicap. A handicap which they seemed to be annoyed by, moreover grateful as well. Slowly they turned the corner and found the open middle space but halted at the corner. It was obvious they were uncertain whether they had made it to the correct one but stepped in anyways. It's not like they could go back and see where they went wrong. The notes were mixed and they were unsure of their choice but kept it with grace. No matter their case, I approved the maze and easily found my way through it finding the two waiting at one of the party tables set up.

"I see you've found an ending. Well before I give you the results, were you able to see the difference in the routes or was it your instincts which led you here?" I ask.

"Well the cards were all written differently with different tones, devices and grammar. The cards themselves were identical so it all made sense to go with a story. To lead us here." Ciel responds, masking any sign of excitement or worry.

This was very amusing. My chuckling begins to ring out into laughter from the faces of the Phantomhive Earl. "Some Guard dog you are. Look at the colors of the cards. The correct path was the pink flowers not the lavenders." I calm myself enough to explain the trick. "It was used by my family to ensure color schemes are noticed and the color difference just by the slightest difference, but I don't blame you for not noticing. You failed to follow the correct path," I pause looking between the two men, "however this is the correct ending."