red winter (Sebastian Michaelis x Reader)

His Butler, Immortal

"What if Ciel fell in love with Mey-Rin? What would society think of them?"
You slowly tilted your head awaiting his reply.

"The aristocracy would undoubtedly frown upon such a match. Ciel is an earl and Mey-Rin is a maid. A love affair between them would be seen as highly inappropriate and unacceptable".
His voice sounded bittersweet in your ears as you realised it wouldn't be different for you than for Ciel in this scenario.

"Exactly. But what if they really love each other? Why should it be wrong?"

"Unfortunately in the eyes of society, love alone isn't enough to overcome those barriers. The aristocracy has strict rules and norms when it comes to relationships, and a love between an earl and a maid would be considered out of the question. Even if Ciel and Mey-Rin truly loved each other, society wouldn't accept it, no matter the reason". Sebastian's face turned darker at every word he spat out but he maintained his composure.

Why did it have to be so difficult for you? Your lips began to tremble out of sheer hate towards the system.
"I don't want to marry some earl or viscount just because of the title"

"So you're not interested in being a traditional, dutiful wife, married to a lord for the sake of status and alliances?"

"I'm not! It's degrading in my opinion!" Yes that's what it was...degrading. Forcing someone to spend their life with a person they don't even like. How can Sebastian stay so calm?

"Interesting perspective. You see it as degrading to be forced into a marriage for the sake of societal standing and convenience. I can understand that. Being a pawn in the game of aristocracy and having to sacrifice your own desires for the sake of duty and obligation must be quite frustrating and unfulfilling"

"It is. And what if I already love someone else?"

He was taken aback by your sudden statement but still tried to answer:"So you're asking me what would happen if you fell in love with someone not approved by society? It could create quite a scandal!"

"If you were an earl and fell in love with a maid, what would you do?"

You could see him thinking carefully about that and still he was so fast with telling you his personal opinion.
"Well, I suppose I would have to decide whether I value my own happiness more than the opinions and expectations of society. Society would undoubtedly frown upon such a match, but if I truly loved that maid, I would have to choose between conforming to societal standards or following my heart."

"I just can't decide...well I can but my choice would just make it so complicated for everyone else. That's why I thought about stepping back from my title"

"That would certainly shake things up. If you were to voluntarily relinquish your title, it would be a bold move. Society would undoubtedly be taken aback and there would be a lot of questions and gossip. You would no longer be a noble and that would bring with it a whole new set of circumstances and challenges"

"But how would it affect Ciel?"

"It might not directly affect Ciel. However, it would certainly bring attention to the Phantomhive family and their reputation. The other nobles, who are often quite judgemental and narrow minded, would take notice of such an unconventional decision, and they would undoubtedly have opinions on how it reflects on the Phantomhive name. It could potentially lead to some unwelcome criticism and speculation, not only for you but the whole household"

"If it burdens Ciel, I can't do it. Even though I always wanted a husband I truly loved from the bottom of my heart to have a family with. I guess I'll just have to marry some idiotic noble once I turn 21...but I would rather die than do that"