#chapter 140

After this, "Ciel"/Joker gives "Sebastian"/Beast his scarf, wrapping it around the latter's neck. While it is a kind, affectionate gesture, it is a poor substitute for what "Sebastian"/Beast really wants. (Edited to add: The scarf around the neck could also symbolize the effective "collar" around "Sebastian's"/Beast's neck, leashing them to the will of their respective masters; by doing this, "Ciel"/Joker is reasserting his dominant position under a veil of care.) After giving away his scarf, "Ciel"/Joker shuts the conversation down and walks away, ignoring "Sebastian"/Beast crying out for him. (A foreshadowing of an eventual rift or separation between Sebastian and Ciel?)

When Sebastian shows up to seduce Beast, he uses sympathetic words to make Beast feel seen and understood (while stroking the scarf...), but is he also essentially describing himself in the future? That is, how Sebastian may grow to feel about Ciel: who, like Joker, may show himself to be similarly "cruel", hellbent, and incapable of returning the affections of their companion?

It's interesting that Sebastian himself admits that he doesn't actually understand Beast's (his own?) feelings! But he says that is only "as of yet", indicating that this lack of understanding may change in the future.

Side note: Beast demanding to know what Sebastian could possibly understand about her situation reminds me of an exchange with Undertaker later on (panel at the end of this post.)

Will Sebastian grow to feel similarly trapped and hopeless with Ciel, watching him go down a dark path, unable to convince his stubborn companion to change course? How much, and what kind(s) of emotions will Sebastian be able to tolerate or not? Sebastian speaking of accumulated hurts implies that the suffering will not be due to a "one-time" event, but that the road will be paved with recurrent pain if they continue down this path. (Sebastian, "you poor thing"...)

Beast's physical attributes are like Sebastian's; they are both attractive, wear black, have dark hair and red eyes, and wear dark nails. As Sebastian seduces her, Beast is even shown to wear black stiletto boots that are reminiscent of Sebastian's demon form, as she quite literally likens Sebastian to the devil that he is. And here, Sebastian appears to be removing the scarf given by Joker to Beast - symbolizing a loss of, or rejection of, "Ciel's"/Joker's kind gesture that was nevertheless "not enough" for "Sebastian"/Beast? A mere consolation prize from the "cruel-and-kind" man... (Edited to add: If the scarf (a "collar") represents "Sebastian's"/Beast's subjugation to their masters ("Ciel"/Joker), removal of the scarf may symbolize "Sebastian"/Beast freeing themselves to follow their own will.)

Then there's this devastating line from "Sebastian"/Beast, on the pain of harboring one-sided feelings.

On the surface, Sebastian uses sex to get information from Beast, exploiting her vulnerable, heartbroken emotional state (I kinda hate you for this one, Sebastian...) This scene reinforces the two characters' parallel natures; through sexual union, Sebastian can symbolically "take on" Beast's emotions and pain, foreshadowing the eventual change in Sebastian's own emotional state regarding his relationship with Ciel.

Finally, Beast accusing Sebastian of not understanding her reminded me of Undertaker later telling Sebastian that he could "never understand" why he could not bear to lose another Phantomhive. Undertaker is likely assuming that a demonic "beast" like Sebastian would simply not have the capacity to grasp the deep emotional motivations/attachments that drive Undertaker's actions. (Are you sure about that, Undertaker??)

[...]

"What was our relationship?"

"We both acknowledged each other's usefulness and agreed to use each other appropriately with mutual consent." And other than that, "A tour guide and a disgruntled customer. Ah, you're the guide."

"...What?"

"Also, I'm raising Sesung's hunter's child. You came to save me once when I was taken away by a dragon and somehow we ended up dancing together. You even risked one arm and an eye for me. We also participated in an auction house. That time, you were the customer and I was the product. In addition, you made me eggs sunny side up."

"Is this nonsense?"

"All of it was 100 percent pure truth. We also caught two SS-rank monsters together as a bonus, you know?"

Sung Hyunjae's eyes opened wide and he laughed silently. Maybe it was because of his mood, but he looked younger than usual.

"Did I say that I fell in love?"

"You even gave me roses."

"When?"

"When I destroyed the Hunter Association Building. You weren't there; I invited you to come and see, but you rejected me."