The Devil's Mate

His Butler, Merrymaking

   "Holiday, holiday, we're going on holiday!" Mey-Rin, Finny, and Bard all cheer happily.

   "This is so exciting! I can't believe it!" Finny says.

   "Spectacular! He's actually bringing us! We get to go on holiday at the Queen's own resort!" Mey-Rin says.

   "Looks like the young master can be quite generous when the spirits move him, eh?" Bard says as the other servants nod.

   "Do you hear how happy they are? They're very grateful to you. Such a kind young master." (Y/n) teases Ciel.

   "I couldn't leave them there alone. I might come home to find the manor in shambles." He tells her.

   "Indeed." She says as the carriages stop.

   "It seems we've arrived at the village, everyone." Sebastian says stopping in front of a sign that says Welcome to Houndsworth that's next to a tree covered in dog collars and skulls.

   "All right!" They all cheer before yelling at the deserted sight.

   "Oh yes, I forgot to mention something:

the resort that the Queen is planning has yet to be constructed." Ciel tells them.

   "Yes, master..." They says sadly.

   "Ho ho..." Tanaka chuckles.

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   "A holiday, young master, in this season?" Sebastian asks earlier in the day.

   "Yes, indeed. Tell me, have you ever heard of a pastime known as bear-baiting?" Ciel asks.

   "The notion does sound entertaining, but I'm afraid I've not heard of it. Indulge me, sir?" (Y/n) asks.

   "A bear is chained to a fence. It is then surrounded by vicious dogs which slowly bite and kill it." Ciel explains. This makes (y/n) frown, she's always been very fond of dogs, unlike her mate. So hearing about humans making them do this sort of thing made her sick to her stomach.

   "That sounds like something that only a human would dream of." She says coldly.

   "It was banned back in 1835 when the Cruelty to Animals Act was instated. However, there was still a loophole: the attack dogs they used were not banned. So a new game developed." He continues.

   "They use dogs to attack dogs. Let's see... Would that be dog-baiting?" Sebastian asks.

   "There's a village in which it's quite popular, known as Houndsworth. It has long been known for raising fierce hunting dogs, but they take it further. It breaks her Majesty's heart. So we'll secure the village as land for a royal estate, a simple pretext to end the atrocities."

   "A village full of dogs?" Sebastian asks. (Y/n) knew exactly where this was going and she rolls her eyes.

   "Yes, why?" Ciel asks.

   "Well, please forgive me, master, this seems a rather insignificant task for one of your station to take on."

   "Sebastian, you should know by now that I have my reasons. This is indeed a task fit for a Phantomhive."

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   "Look, somebody actually lives here!" Finny says pointing to an older woman pulling a baby carriage. "Tanaka, stop!" He hops out as Tanaka and Sebastian stop both carriages. "Let me help you, Granny!"