Deep dive into O!Ciel’s relationship with his family
I’ve seen many people claim that Vincent and Rachel didn’t love O!Ciel. but in my opinion, that interpretation isn’t accurate. Their child was sick during a time when asthma was considered potentially fatal. Given the circumstances, what else could they have done besides limit his physical activity and keep him from going outside? They didn’t have the medical options we have today, and their actions were driven by a desire to protect their child, not neglect him.
As you see in picture, whenever his health allowed him to participate in family activities or play outside, his parents never denied him those opportunities. This suggests that they weren’t trying to isolate him, but rather to balance his safety with his happiness.
R!Ciel, on the other hand, was the heir to the family. He was expected to take over the Phantomhive household should anything happen to Vincent. Naturally, he received more attention in terms of training and preparation. This wasn’t favoritism, it was a reflection of the immense responsibility he was meant to inherit. He needed to be prepared for a role that demanded strength, composure, and leadership.
It’s true that this dynamic had a negative emotional impact on O!Ciel. From his perspective, he felt like he was living in his brother’s shadow. However, that perception doesn’t necessarily reflect the intentions of the adults around him. As a child, he couldn’t fully understand that their actions were rooted in concern and protection.
We see this clearly in moments involving Francis and Vincent. When they discuss the possibility of something happening to R!Ciel, Francis shows concern for O!Ciel’s well-being, particularly given his fragile health. She doesn’t want to burden or stress him unnecessarily. At the same time, she expresses concern for R!Ciel after his return as a bizarre doll, emphasizing that he should prioritize his health and avoid overexertion. Her concern is directed toward both twins, which indicates that she prioritize the twins well being than the title or family name.
Vincent himself is a complex character, but there are clear indications that he cared for O!Ciel. For example, when the Baron arrives at the party, Vincent doesn’t follow his more outgoing son. Instead, he stays beside O!Ciel, who appears shy and uneasy, placing a reassuring hand on his head. This gesture conveys both protection and affection. Additionally, when Diederich appears and the twins interrupt his conversation with Vincent, it is implied that they were discussing O!Ciel’s future, further evidence that Vincent was actually thinking about both of his sons.
We also see, in the chapter “With Father,” that Rachel mentions her health has improved after she saw her son is in a well health too.Vincent playfully tells her not to overexert herself. This moment suggests that while Vincent and R!Ciel were occupied elsewhere with Dee , Rachel and O!Ciel were spending time together. It also explains how O!Ciel was aware of certain events and later recounted them to Sebastian, despite not being directly involved.
What O!Ciel didn’t fully understand is that he and his brother were not the same. Their personalities differed, and so did their physical conditions. It’s natural for parents to respond differently to children based on their needs. A sick and timid child would require more protection and caution, while a healthier and more confident one might be given more freedom and responsibility. This doesn’t indicate favoritism, it reflects adaptive parenting.
Rachel and Vincent were not perfect parents, but portraying them as unloving or neglectful oversimplifies a much more nuanced reality.
Let me hear your thoughts!!
