Divine Temptation (Black Butler Sebastian X MC Fanfiction)

🖤Chapter 6🖤

Sebastian lay on the floor, momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Isabella slowly stood up and reached out her hand to him, her expression calm and composed.

"Come on, we still have tasks to do," she urged, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"O-of course," he replied, taking her hand. As he did, he noted how small and delicate her hand felt in his.

"Something the matter, Sebastian?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Nothing, Your Grace," he responded, regaining his composure. He stood up with her assistance, brushing off his coat.

Now that he thought about it, her hand felt almost fragile in his own. It was an odd sensation for someone like him, used to dealing with far rougher circumstances.

Sebastian agreed to her helping him. They resumed their tasks, working in a surprisingly harmonious rhythm. Sebastian couldn't help but occasionally glance at Isabella, intrigued by her determination and adaptability.

"You're quite adept at household chores for someone of your rank," Sebastian remarked, his tone genuinely appreciative.

"I had to learn. Sometimes, it's the simple tasks that keep one grounded," Isabella replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Sebastian nodded, a newfound respect growing for the Archbishop. Despite their differences, there was a mutual understanding developing between them.

As they continued their work, the air seemed lighter, the shared efforts creating an unspoken bond. And though Sebastian couldn't quite place it, there was something about Isabella that was slowly breaking through his usual composed exterior.

After completing their tasks, Sebastian and Isabella made their way to the study room, where Damiano and Ciel were still in the midst of their game.

"The preparations for dinner are complete," Sebastian announced smoothly.

"A dinner in the Stone Garden, eh?" Damiano replied with a smile. "I've been looking forward to that."

He glanced at Ciel. "Let's continue the game later, then. Although, I can already see myself losing, so perhaps there's no need to finish..."

"I'm not one to leave a game unfinished," Ciel stated firmly, standing up and walking towards Sebastian and Isabella. He took in Isabella's maid outfit and quickly understood. He was familiar with her whimsical tendencies.

"What a child..." Damiano muttered under his breath, earning a sharp look from Ciel.

"Ah, a childlike flexibility of mind is essential for creativity," Damiano corrected himself. "That's why Phantomhive has become the country's foremost toy manufacturer. I'm impressed."

As Ciel and Damiano headed to the garden, Sebastian and Isabella followed closely behind.

"I really can't stand that guy," Isabella whispered to Sebastian.

"Now, now, Your Grace. Aren't followers of God supposed to be loving and tolerant?" Sebastian teased.

Isabella shot him a glare. "That's true, but there are certain individuals who test my limits. Especially people like him."

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Don't worry, the young master can handle him."

In the garden, the setting was picturesque with carefully arranged rocks, a koi pond, and traditional Japanese elements enhancing its serene beauty.

"Today's menu, prepared by our chef Bardroy, is Beef Tataki Bowl," Sebastian announced with a flourish.

"Bowl?" Ciel and Damiano echoed in surprise.

Isabella quietly giggled, recalling Bardroy's rather simplistic preparation earlier. "He just cut the meat and put it on top," she mused.

"Is this the dinner?" Damiano asked skeptically.

"Yes. Did you know?" Sebastian began with a touch of drama, "It is a traditional cuisine passed down from generation to generation in Japan! A feast served as a token of appreciation and gratitude to those who have completed a day's work! It's called a rice bowl."

"What an amazing dish!" Damiano exclaimed, clearly intrigued.

"It's a token of gratitude for Mr. Damiano for all he's done for the Phantom Corporation. I've prepared this little snack to show our appreciation," Sebastian explained with a polite bow.

"As expected of Mr. Sebastian," Finny whispered, hidden in the bushes alongside Tanaka and Bardroy, who were also observing.

"Nice follow-up!" Bardroy added, impressed.

"What a unique snack!" Damiano exclaimed with glee, spreading his arms wide. "As expected of the Phantomhive's class one hospitality."

The dinner continued smoothly, despite a minor mishap caused by Mey-Rin. Sebastian responded with grace and wit, resolving the issue seamlessly. Even Isabella found his performance amusing, a smile playing on her lips.

"I'm delighted, Count Phantomhive. Your butler is quite multi-talented," Damiano remarked.

"He's just doing what needs to be done as my servant," Ciel replied curtly.

"It is as my master said," Sebastian interjected, glancing at Ciel before turning to Damiano. "I'm just one hell of a butler, after all."

Ciel shot him a knowing look but said nothing.

After dinner, Ciel and Damiano returned to the study. The Phantomhive servants headed back to the kitchen, where Sebastian was preparing tea and refreshments with Isabella's help.

"Well, that was quite the show you put on," Isabella remarked as she placed a snack on the trolley. "You truly are one hell of a butler," she added with a hint of admiration.

Sebastian paused and glanced in her direction, his expression thoughtful. He really feels that Isabella knows more than she let on.

Isabella noticed his gaze and looked at him. "Something the matter, Sebastian?"

Sebastian flinched when her eyes met his, quickly looking away to compose himself. "Nothing. I just noticed... a bit of dirt on your face," he lied, feeling uncharacteristically flustered. Normally, his contract with Ciel forbade him from lying, but this was different.

"Really?" Isabella put down the cup and wiped her cheeks. "Is it gone?"

Sebastian watched her and felt an inexplicable urge to continue the charade. He smiled and gently touched her soft cheek. "Here, let me help you."

There was no dirt on her face, but Sebastian couldn't resist the opportunity to touch her. He wanted to feel that warmth again, the same warmth he felt when she fell on top of him earlier. This was an unfamiliar sensation, one that only Isabella seemed to evoke in him.

Sebastian stared into her green eyes, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity.

"What has this bishop done to me?" he wondered, struggling to understand his own feelings.