[ Though the smile that he had put in place had been a facade more than genuine, Ciel's insistence and orders get it to bleed into something warmer, and he nods as he picks up the eyepatch. It's a pleasant reminder of what these annoyances were for in the first place, so he can take solace in that, if anything. "Hardly excelling" by Sebastian's standards was still leagues beyond what would be expected or possible, but it just meant there was an area to improve in. Perhaps he would read several books describing the taste of food...

Sebastian moves closer, murmuring a polite "excuse me" that's not actually necessary, but more politeness is always better with Ciel. The eyepatch is set in its proper place, and he ties the knot snugly, but comfortably, as always, then steps back with a bow for Ciel to appraise the work. ]

Then I will get to work. At the very least, my patrols put me in a good area for speaking with others. We can only hope that someone with useful information is not wary enough of the new recruits as to withhold it.