42 Let’s Play a Game

"It's been a few years since I last came to the countryside," An old man whose hair was completely white said as he gazed at the scenery from the car's window. "If not because of your visit, I wouldn't even think of leaving my home. Still, it will be good to see some old friends once in a while."

"Teacher, you should find time to visit Grandpa and Grandma from time to time," Ciel replied with a respectful tone. "I'm sure that they are looking forward to your visit."

"Well, I don't mind seeing Arthur and Alice," the old man agreed. "However, that stupid Mark is there as well." The old man snorted. Clearly, he was the type who liked to hold grudges. "Well, I suppose I can endure it for a short while if I get to see Emily."

Ciel didn't say anything. He was not sure what happened between his teacher and Grandpa Mark in the past. Since he knew better, he just kept silent and listened to his teacher's grumbling. The young boy was already used to the old man's habits, so he didn't mind lending him an ear. Afterall, he wouldn't lose anything by hearing him out.

-----

"Big Sister, can you just sit down and wait patiently?" Chloe asked while wrinkling her nose. "You've been pacing back and forth for half an hour already. Aren't you getting tired?"

"Says the girl who had been folding paper cranes since she heard that her "Big Brother" would be arriving soon," Kate replied with a sigh. "How many have you made?"

"Not more than fifty," Chloe replied. "I stopped counting after I reached thirty."

"Paper cranes using colored paper is a good idea. Very artistic, good job."

"Thank you."

Claire calmly watched their exchange from the side while drinking lemonade. The three of them had just finished eating breakfast and were waiting for Ciel's arrival. Chloe was about to fold another paper crane when her pretty little head faced the direction of the gate. After a while, she picked up her walking stick and stood from her seat.

"Um? Where are you going?"

"To the bathroom."

"Oh, don't take too long ok? Ciel may arrive any minute from now."

"Un!"

Chloe walked back inside the mansion. She slowly made her way to the stairs with a subtle smile on her lips. Holding the railings, she carefully walked down the stairs. When she reached the bottom, she made a beeline towards the main entrance.

Inside her blurry world, she could vaguely see her surroundings. Even so, that didn't stop the young girl from advancing. She walked, walked, and walked a little more. Until she reached the gate of the Belle Estate.

The guards who were stationed there noticed her arrival. Chloe didn't go out of the gate and merely waited in silence. She even smiled at the guards and greeted them with a "Good Morning".

The two guards glanced at each other. They knew who she was, so they greeted the adorable girl who was treated as a little sister by their young master. Naturally, they would not send her away as long as she didn't go outside the gate.

Half a minute later, the sound of cars approaching was heard in the distance. The guards stood at attention and waited for their arrival. They had already been notified by their employer that the young master would be arriving today.

Three black Mercedes lined up at the gates waiting for them to open. Heinz stepped out from one of the cars and opened the door of the car in the middle. A young boy with blonde hair came out and looked in Chloe's direction with a smile.

The gates finally opened and the three cars entered the estate leaving Heinz and Ciel behind.

"Young master, I'll be going first," Heinz said with a respectful bow.

"Mmm, I'll be there in a while," Ciel replied as he walked towards the little girl who had been waiting for him.

Chloe wasn't able to wait and walked briskly towards her "Big Brother" who was waiting for her with open arms. She buried her little head in Ciel's chest and hugged him tight.

"Big Brother, Chloe missed you."

"I missed you too, Chloe."

Ciel hugged her back and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just arrived," Chloe replied. "If you don't believe me, you can ask the guards."

"Mmm, no need. I believe you."

"Hehe~"

The guards pretended not to see the PDA of the two children. They were already thirty years old and still single. Their young master was only ten years old and already had a pretty girl patiently waiting for his return.

"The young master is lucky."

"It's so good to be young."

The guards muttered as Ciel and Chloe slowly made their way towards the Mansion with the latter clinging to her big brother's arms.

-----

"Argh! That sly fox!" Kate ground her teeth when she saw Ciel and Chloe in the distance. She immediately ran to the main entrance when the maid announced that the young master had arrived, but she was still three steps too late.

Stella chuckled from the mindscape. She liked how the innocent Chloe one-upped Kate and managed to "secure" Ciel the moment he arrived at the residence. Although she was also surprised, she thought that it must be Chloe's innate instinct that she developed over the years of being around Ciel.

[Such a shame, Chloe got to him first,] Stella teased Kate. [You know what they say, the early bird catches the worm.]

'But she's no bird, she's a fox!'

[It's just a saying my dear, don't take it literally.]

Stella continued to tease Kate as she walked towards Ciel and Chloe with a pout.

"You sneaky fox."

"Big Sister, what are you talking about? Chloe doesn't understand."

"Hmp!"

Ciel shook his head helplessly before greeting Kate. "I'm back, Kate. Did you behave while I was away?"

"Welcome back," Kate replied as she clung to his other arm. "I've been studying really hard while you were gone. Feel free to praise me!"

Chloe wrinkled her nose at Kate's shamelessness, but she decided to play along. "Chloe has been studying hard as well. Praise me too, Big Brother."

"Mmm, mother told me that both of you have been working hard," Ciel acknowledged their effort. "I bought both of you chocolates as rewards. You can have them later."

They were about to enter the living room, when an old man blocked their way. "Are you Kate? Ciel told me a lot about you. How about you and I play a game of chess?"

"Um? Who are you, Grandpa?" Kate asked the man standing in front of her.

"You can call me Grandpa Charles," Charles introduced himself with pride. "I am Ciel's chess mentor and I would like to play a game with you. If you win, I will listen to any request that you have."

"Any request?"

"Yes."

Kate glanced at Ciel who was standing beside her. Her eyes lit up as she thought of something. She gazed back at the Old man who had a confident smile on his face. "Very well, Grandpa Charles, let's play a game."