" i could sense is, even more so i could see it on your face. " even with his heightened senses as a demon even for a human eye one would notice the small details. from the bags under ciel's eyes, to the foul mood he had been in. everything contributed to the way the earl had been taking care of himself, and certainly none of his habits had been healthy.
his words weren't to come as an insult, but a bitter truth that the earl was a mess. sebastian propped himself back up, he straightened his back while capturing the earl's gaze — softening his expression.
" i don't want to sound like a broken record, my lord. but only i know what is truly best for you, even if you deny it i can assure you i won't be wrong when i tell you that you will feel better. "
Another soft exhale escaped him, more akin to a huff, as the boy reached for his utensil. Reflecting on his butler's remarks, he began to acknowledge that he might have been pushing himself too hard lately. He hadn't even glanced at his reflection in a mirror. If there was one individual Ciel could rely on, it was Sebastian. Given his butler's keen eye for aesthetics, he would never allow his master to appear in such a disheveled manner. The dark circles under his eyes from countless late nights, the sneaking of sugary snacks to stay awake, and his irritable demeanor throughout the day were all signs of his neglect.
Perhaps taking the rest of the day to relax and rest was not such a bad idea after all. He had a tendency to work himself to the point of illness, and he was already on that trajectory had Sebastian not been stern with him.
As he listened to the demon reiterate his concerns while standing tall, Ciel responded with a hum—not one of annoyance, but one that conveyed his acknowledgment and understanding of his butler's care for him. The realization was somewhat exasperating, yet he recognized that he was merely being looked after.
A demon, after all, would not let his meal go to waste.
Shifting his weary gaze back to his cake, the Earl pierced the strawberry atop the dessert with his fork before bringing it to his mouth. He waited until he had finished eating it before speaking again.
‘ You sound like a parent who worries if I'll get sick. ’
The remark was not one to insult. It was merely idle conversation as the boy ate his dessert.
