"Sebastian," Ciel murmurs, "why was Lau's new woman tittering at you?"

"She considers me charming, no doubt."

The earl snorts. "Then why evade her glances so scrupulously? I'd expect demons to revel in such attention." His eyes narrow. "What is your relationship to her?"

"I saw her today."

"And what else?"

Sebastian, suddenly engrossed in dusting a vase, mutters, "We had an affair."

"You . . ." He drops his face into his hands. "Are there any other affairs you've conducted under my nose?"

"Young master . . ."

Ciel groans. "Full list, now."

"Madame Red, Lau, assorted employees of Lau, Charles Phipps, Charles Grey, Ms. Hopkins, Undertaker, some police officers, Mr. Spears . . ."

Ciel's eyes bug out as the list grows. Even when his demon runs out of liasons . . .

"You'll question me further, learning that I also threw myself at Queen Victoria, obtaining nothing but my pardon and extremely quick dismissal . . ."

Ciel gags.

"Moreover, I flirted with Agni, Knox and Mei-Rin, Finny flirted with me, and Sieglinde and I flirt with each other. I've relationships that defy classification with Druitt and both Ladies Midford, and . . . Young master, you look quite sick."

Indeed, Ciel has slumped over and planted his face against the desk. "Sebastian, is such philandering quite typical for you?"

"It is for other demons . . ." Sebastian frowns, "But not for me. Recently, my instincts have been compelling me towards flirtation when carrying out my goals, even when less seductive methods would do."

"And is there a reason for this compulsion?"

"What reason . . ." He trails off as his brilliant young master raises his head, already guessing the answer, smiling devilishly. Ah, Sebastian is the grand manipulator of other hearts— how could it take him so long to realize his own desire?

He grins and says simply, "Yes, my lord."