[it is a relief of sorts to know someone is willing to offer support despite his clear warning, even if it's one Charles won't admit to himself.

in the meantime, deflection is as good a tactic as any for saving face! his pride and the sore nature of this particular problem make it difficult to tackle head-on just yet. ...which is why he'll just stew quietly with it until he eventually snaps and pisses Ciel off enough to start a fight in the process whoops]

Do you know of any others? It must be difficult for you to thread ideas together into a coherent story without any base examples to work from. Doesn't your world lack fables and fairy tales?