Black Butler: The Stellar Dove

7.2

  The next morning, Sebastian woke Ciel up with his normal routine—greeting him as he opened the curtains, pouring him a hot cup of tea while reciting the menu, and going through his schedule as he dressed him.

Except something was different. Sebastian usually had an aura of poise and control about him, but that morning he seemed rather distant.

"As you know, Lady Elizabeth will be visiting this morning, so you best prepare your mood. You will have plenty to keep her entertained, including the new game, and the gardens are in full bloom—"

"Sebastian," Ciel stopped his butler in the middle of his sentence as he was buttoning his shirt.

A little shocked, Sebastian stopped and looked up. "Yes, my lord?"

"Are you alright this morning?" he asked casually.

There was brief hesitation before he answered. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

His master frowned slightly as he studied the butler a bit closer, wondering if it was his expression or body language or tone of voice that made him wonder, but it all seemed usual to him.

"Something seems off about you this morning. But it must have been my imagin—" Ceil cut off as he looked down at his shirt. Some of the buttons were in the wrong holes.

Sebastian noticed it, too, and hastily worked to fix it. "My apologies, master," Sebastian mumbled.

"I can tell your mind is somewhere else," Ciel said as his coat was slipped on. Though he acted casual, his concern for the simple mistake was grave. "What, did you see a cat out the window or something?"

"No. I apologize, my lord. I promise it won't happen again." Sebastian answered simply as he tied a ribbon around his collar. After that, he turned to leave.

"Wait," Ciel called after him. Sebastian turned to face him. "I've never seen you act quite like this. If something has changed that I need to know about, please inform me immediately."

Sebastian bowed. "Yes, my lord. But I'm afraid there is nothing I can tell you."

Ciel continued to half-glare at his butler as he exited the room. Perhaps he was still agitated by having to care for the demon hound? His behavior during the most recent case was similar to this, but not as severe. Nevertheless, something was obviously going on. He just had to ask the right question.

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ome wit^?<>