#Manga O!Ciel is thought of by many who abandoned this series after the twin reveal as weaker but that is so plainly not what I see

[azuresins]

The juxtaposition between these two scenes with his respective aunts is really something... (ramble under the cut)

There's so much that can be said surrounding the circumstances of both of them, before these separate interactions occurred. ... I have to wonder, if Madam Red were more sincere, and supportive of his choices, if he would have been a little more receptive to her head-pat, concern, and motherly affection... The answer is yes. Aunt Francis praised him for his bravery and support sincerely, and he was receptive to her touch and affection and let him call her 'son', he said nothing about coddling because he didn't perceive it as such. She wants him to continue on his path and to gain strength... He's also happy and grateful that the servants thought of him and put together a birthday party. I'm also paying attention to Sebastian's expressions, as well. And I find it interesting that Madam Red had a conversation with Sebastian and asked him to stay by Our!Ciel's side, after her respective interaction with her nephew... While Francis, prior to her own interaction with Our!Ciel, was ASKED, by Sebastian, to be Our!Ciel's exemplar. A firm role model. Because he doesn't want Our!Ciel to get to arrogant and mistaken in his belief that he can't lose.