[ Sebastian laughs fondly, even bringing a hand up to politely cover his mouth as he nods. Even if he definitely wasn’t a father, he could relate, in a sense. Being Ciel’s caretaker was difficult, even for him, because Ciel was very determined to find all the trouble he could. Granted, he had to, but still. Nevermind that Sebastian calling himself Ciel’s caretaker was technically true, but more in the sense of how a farmer is a caretaker for their beef cattle…
He follows Vander’s gaze to also look at one of the lanterns, and interest caught as well, starts to approach. The question gets Sebastian to laugh again, though the softness is definitely gone and replaced with a more sardonic note. ]
Well… London is one of the largest cities in the world, and with that comes certain problems, especially as of late. [ Meaning like, the past two centuries, but ] So do forgive me if I do not paint the most flattering portrait of the city.
[ It’s a disclaimer up front, since truly, he’s not sure if he’s ever seen London worse than it was at the time. He gives a polite nod to the shopkeeper as the approach, but he explains it coolly as he takes an interested look at the artistry of the lamps. ]
It is the capital of an empire, and so it has brought people from all over the world looking to make their way. It is rather constantly changing, both to accommodate all of these people and to update itself with new technology. Many new lights such as these dot the streets, new bridges to cross the Thames River, a tunnel to go underneath it… There are marvels to be found.
[ The “but” is clear in his voice, and his expression turns a bit more thoughtful as he continues ]
It is not a very beautiful city, though. Between the naturally grey weather and the smoke and filth of factories and chimneys, it is more often a rather depressing place. To say nothing of its character. The most unbounded wealth is the neighbor of the most hideous poverty. That is the polite way to describe the city as a whole, I think.
[ With that glowing review, he looks to Vander and gestures to him generally. ]
And what of you, Mr. Vander? I would not call London my home, exactly… But I do hope yours is a bit more cheerful.
no subject
He follows Vander’s gaze to also look at one of the lanterns, and interest caught as well, starts to approach. The question gets Sebastian to laugh again, though the softness is definitely gone and replaced with a more sardonic note. ]
Well… London is one of the largest cities in the world, and with that comes certain problems, especially as of late. [ Meaning like, the past two centuries, but ] So do forgive me if I do not paint the most flattering portrait of the city.
[ It’s a disclaimer up front, since truly, he’s not sure if he’s ever seen London worse than it was at the time. He gives a polite nod to the shopkeeper as the approach, but he explains it coolly as he takes an interested look at the artistry of the lamps. ]
It is the capital of an empire, and so it has brought people from all over the world looking to make their way. It is rather constantly changing, both to accommodate all of these people and to update itself with new technology. Many new lights such as these dot the streets, new bridges to cross the Thames River, a tunnel to go underneath it… There are marvels to be found.
[ The “but” is clear in his voice, and his expression turns a bit more thoughtful as he continues ]
It is not a very beautiful city, though. Between the naturally grey weather and the smoke and filth of factories and chimneys, it is more often a rather depressing place. To say nothing of its character. The most unbounded wealth is the neighbor of the most hideous poverty. That is the polite way to describe the city as a whole, I think.
[ With that glowing review, he looks to Vander and gestures to him generally. ]
And what of you, Mr. Vander? I would not call London my home, exactly… But I do hope yours is a bit more cheerful.