That Butler, Isekaid (Modern!Reader Insert)

That Butler; Pride

In Sebastian, _________, and William's tent the demon and Grim Reaper stare each other down with tension in the air so thick it's suffocating the poor servant in between them.

"Come on guys, let's not fight... Sebs can take the bed on the other side if that makes Ya feel better? How 'bout it Will???" _________ asks William, suggesting to keep the two as separated as possible. The suggestion making William soften his gaze a tad for the young one. "That would be best, do you prefer the bottom bunk or the top?"

"I'm fine with whatever, just as long as you and Sebs don't start fighting..."

"Fighting? Oh perish the thought dear ________, I am a gentleman. I will do my best to not cause unnecessary troubles." Sebastian retorts with a sly smile, causing William to scoff.

_________ sighs in relief as William and Sebastian agree to separate beds, hoping that it will alleviate some of the tension between them. They watch as Sebastian confidently reassures them that he won't cause any unnecessary trouble, his sly smile only adding to the air of mystery surrounding him.

"I'm glad to hear that, Sebastian," _________ says, grateful for his assurance. "And William, I appreciate your willingness to make this arrangement work. I'll take the bottom bunk, if that's alright with you both."

William nods, his expression softening slightly. "That's fine. I prefer the top bunk anyway."

With the sleeping arrangements settled, _________ takes a moment to observe their surroundings. The tent is small but cozy, with simple furnishings that provide a semblance of comfort. They can't help but feel a slight sense of relief, knowing that they have a place to rest for the night.

As they settle into their respective beds, _________ can't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and trepidation for the days ahead. They hope that their presence within the circus will yield valuable information about the missing children, and that they can assist Ciel in uncovering the truth. Closing their eyes, _________ drifts off into a restless sleep...

In the morning, Freckles awakes an over-sleeping Ciel and Alois reminding them that it is the second-tier members' duty to prepare breakfast. Ciel hastily covers his right eye and grabs his eyepatch. Without Sebastian or _________'s aid, Ciel dresses slowly and sloppily and fumbles with his clothing. Freckles yells that he's too slow and goes on ahead. Sebastian is amused when he sees how Ciel dresses himself and notes that he's unaccustomed to changing his own clothes. This prompts Sebastian, in the breakfast tent, to redo the knot on Ciel's eyepatch. The other circus members stare at this odd behavior and Freckles mocks him, stating that Sebastian is not his mother. This embarrasses Ciel, who orders Sebastian to leave him alone.

Ciel is given the job of peeling potatoes, which he does poorly, making the skins too thick and not leaving enough potatoes. Freckles says they cannot make anything with it, but _________ saves breakfast by deep-frying them and making them into fish and chips and Freckles states that he loves those. The circus members then make a dive for breakfast, and Ciel is not able to get much besides bread. Pitying him, Freckles shares the food he was able to get. He says that __________ is good at cooking and says that he has heard that _______ was an ex-servant of some noble and he made Ciel's failed potato peels tasty. Freckles then finishes eating and urges that they go practice, a giggling Alois following behind.

After breakfast, the circus members go back to the practice tent, where Ciel's failures at balancing and other simple acts are revealed. Freckles questions why he is doing so poorly now when he succeeded at the entrance exam. William, ___________ and Sebastian, on the other hand, are superior performers, which impresses Freckles.

After a hard work out, Freckles takes Ciel and Alois to go shower, saying it is best to do it during the day, so they will not catch a cold. It is revealed that the showers are public and Freckles cheerfully tells Ciel to strip as he'll help him wash his back. Ciel is appalled that they're doing this outdoors in the dead of winter. Freckles says that if they splash themselves with water and wipe immediately, they'll be fine. He adds that aristocrats said that ice swimming is good for him. Ciel resists Freckles' attempts to help him, which causes them to fall into a bucket of water, soaking them both. Freckles tells him to give it up, since they are both already soaked, and lifts up his shirt, which reveals his slave mark on his back. Ashamed and upset, Ciel runs away and hides, while the other circus members wonder what is wrong with him. Sebastian and Lumine come to his aid, his maid draping a towel over him, and Ciel complains, saying that this life is making him feel unsafe.

"If you wanna leave now, I can call for Tanaka to come take you back to the manor..."

"My, surrendering already? To feel unsafe from this, isn't like you to be so weak young master..."

Sebastian taunts him, saying he's weak for this. ______ wanting to intervene, but the butler shakes his head. His words ring true, it isn't like him to act like this. And for ________ to see the state he's in? That's even worse. He needs to push through, if not for the mission, then for his pride...

Ciel's eyes narrow at Sebastian's taunting words, a mix of frustration and determination welling up within him. He refuses to be seen as weak, especially in front of _________. He takes a deep breath, regaining his composure, and glares back at Sebastian.

"I am not weak, Sebastian," Ciel says, his voice laced with determination. "I will not let this circus break me. I am the head of the Phantomhive family, and I will not allow myself to be seen as anything less than strong."

Sebastian smirks, clearly amused by Ciel's fierce determination. "Very well, young master. I shall support you in whatever decision you make. But remember, the path ahead may become even more treacherous. Are you sure you're ready for it?"

Ciel's gaze hardens, his resolve strengthening. "I am more than ready, Sebastian. I will uncover the truth behind the missing children, no matter what it takes."

With that, Ciel turns away from Sebastian and ________, his mind set on proving himself and overcoming any obstacles that come his way. He wipes the wetness from his face with the towel ________ had given him, determined to put on a brave face and push forward...