[Yes, Ciel has a feeling that his physical changes don't have anything to do with some form of fashion statement. It's nowhere near as bad as when she had to stabilize him from the brink of dissipation, but that was also the only other point of reference she could draw upon, why he's suddenly exhibiting signs of his demonic bird form when they're in any active combat situation.

...]

I doubt it. The Regent prizes effort over results, loyalty over capability. Like when we were ordered to stop the Pleromas from leaving the cave of that ritual, our dispatch this time could have been another test, albeit with higher stakes.

[And they didn't fail it, at least not completely is the implication. She doesn't glance his way as she raises her cup to her lips and takes a sip after, calm and composed without a hint of how she may feel over the matter of prisoners in particular.

(What's he looking for? ...Maybe she should change the subject, soon.)]