Chapter 14: Changing Fate (3)
The high moon cast its brilliant glow down on the quaint village of Hage. All its villagers had retreated into their dwellings for the night; however, the cobbled streets were not completely deserted.
The clicking of boots, echoed rhythmically, off the cobblestone, as Sebastian and Dorothy, made their way through the village. Although they walked in silence, their footsteps unconsciously grew quicker, as the midnight breeze, brought a chill to their bodies.
It was time to go home.
The sleepwalking Dorothy suddenly snapped awake, her eyes fluttering open groggily. It took her a moment of blinking, to understand her situation. She began to look around, scanning her surroundings, while rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and snapping back into focus.
A sheepish smile crept onto her face, as she awkwardly scratched her cheek, realizing she had fallen asleep once again.
Clearing her throat, she turned to the right, just now processing she was walking side by side, with her father.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" She pushed through her quavering voice and stuttering, to satisfy her curiosity.
Noticing his daughter's pause, Sebastian slowed his pace just a little for her to catch up to him, before giving her a light nod.
"Great!" And just like clockwork Dorothy's tired countenance, snapped back to her chipper mood, as she flashed him a grin of congratulations.
But that's all she did. She didn't press for more information, or details, despite her interest, as she respected his privacy. That was something Sebastian could appreciate, he already vowed not to lie to her, so if she truly insisted on knowing, he'd be pretty helpless.
In reality, telling Dorothy of his transmigration, probably wouldn't matter to the girl, that much. Because the only Sebastian she's ever known or cared for, was him, but still, he rather not broach that topic till his hand is forced. So hopefully never.
So, they just continued walking on, in sync, nearing the village outskirts as they steadily increased the distance between them and the demon skull. But soon, Dorothy's curiosity brought her to another topic, as she looked upwards to the night sky, feeling that it wasn't long till sunrise.
She furrowed her brows, and with her eyes trained forward, on the winding road, she spoke. "Why're we walking?" Dorothy was genuinely puzzled. Understanding her question was a bit vague, she elaborated. "I mean, it's getting pretty late, shouldn't we be flying back to the kingdom? It's pretty far away."
Sebastian, his eyes also facing forward, answered. "We will, but not until after we leave Hage."
Looking to the side, and seeing the confusion dancing on her face, he stifled a chuckle and explained. "Because it's very late, people are asleep. If we fly now, we might startle some people awake."
Seeing, her not really understanding, he further clarified. "Unlike the witches' forest, common realm, and noble realm there's no such thing as nightlife, here in the forsaken realm. People here greatly value their sleep, so they can wake up early to tend to their fields and crafts. It'd be quite inconsiderate for us to wake them, just to spare a few minutes."
Dorothy gave a nod of comprehension, and Sebastian briefly considered something, before adding on an afterthought. "It's also for you."
And her puzzlement was back, more bewildered than before. "For me? What do you mean?" Her brows were scrunched as she studied her father closely, focusing some mana on her eyes to better improve her vision under the dark curtain of the night.
Sebastian sighed softly, before answering her with a calm and measured tone. "The noble realm… is quite luxurious…has many nice things, and high-end stores and items…but it's also quite stuck up and stiff. Once you enter that world, your life will change, and not always for the better. I know you didn't escape one cage, just to be thrust into another, at least the witch's forest wasn't filled to the brim with folks walking with proverbial sticks up their ass."
Dorothy let out a light giggle, as Sebastian continued. "So…I thought I'd give you a chance to relish in your freedom, and relaxed peace once more. Trust me, you'll miss the days when you were free to act as you please, without having to constantly think of etiquette, decorum, how every word you speak, and action you take, can be interpreted and used against you. So, take your time, to enjoy this little walk, because you're rarely going to get chances like this in the future."
Dorothy paused briefly, before quickening her stride and dashing forward, twirling around to face Sebastian, arms tied behind her back. Her heart was filled with warmth, and she couldn't stop the grin creeping up onto her face at the consideration, nor would she want to. Smiling deeply, utterly content, her eyes closed as she spoke. "Thanks, Dad."
"Of course," Sebastian nodded stiffly and replied with a steady voice, appearing as unphased as always with his usual calm, and indifference.
Keyword appeared.
As Dorothy fell back into step beside him, he kept his eyes trained forward, not daring to look at her, because he knew his composure would fall apart. And the poised mental image he built for her, crumble along with it.
Why? Because someone just called him dad. Dad! Men are simple creatures, especially those from modern society. Nothing about Sebastian Silva's personality or memories could change his soul enough that he wouldn't be phased by that form of address.
Like many men before him, he was no exception, as he had a dad fetish. Not some weird kink, for his wife or girlfriend to call him daddy, but for his children to do so, in a purely paternal and parental manner. As of today, he is no longer just a father, but a dad too.
Silence engulfed, them once more, as they continued their walk, infinitely approaching the village exit. Sebastian kept his gaze lowered on the road, to calm his inner turmoil, when he felt a gentle elbow nudge into his ribs. It was soft and brief, but it instantly broke his reverie.
That's the third time.
Sebastian lifted his gaze to the side, to focus on Dorothy once more. He frowned heavily, intending to inform her that playful actions like these would be okay when they were alone, or inside Castle Silva, but otherwise, decorum was highly valued in the noble realm. Although he was the Patriarch of House Silva, who could bend many rules to his liking, it was also because of that he was held to a much higher standard, as a symbol of the higher classes.
Moreover, Dorothy will be facing a lot of stigma, and oppression in the future, for those who will envy her for being adopted into House Silva, and they'll use every little thing she does against her in an effort to break her spirit. So, he had to make it clear things like these, are a no-go, when in front of others.
But just as he was about to chide her, he stilled. He noticed she wasn't even looking at him. Rather he made out a serious expression on her face, eyes narrowed, and lips pressed into a thin line, as she pointed forward.
Following the direction of her finger, Sebastian was puzzled by what the fuss was. All he saw, was the Church resting on its plot like always. But then his eyes narrowed as he made out a silhouette in the distance, lurking around the church.
Channeling his mana in his eyes, in an effort to make out the figure, all he could identify was a hooded person, in a gray cloak. It was far too dark, to see anything that could give away any outstanding characteristics, he wasn't even sure of their gender.
Watching the figure moving stealthily, trying to peer inside the church through the holes in the wall, and the glass windows, Sebastian felt a churn in his stomach.
A wave of dread washed over him; his mind raced with concern. Did someone discover his donation? He instantly equated the figure to a petty thief who was after the gold he left, behind. Although that pouch was junk change for House Silva, it was enough for the average peasant family to climb the social ladder, to at least commoner status. Forget a single individual.
Sebastian didn't care much for the money; however, he knew this little gold was enough to drive the average peasant red-eyed, with greed. That desperation could make them do some pretty extreme things to get their hands on the money. This means Orsi, Yuno, and Asta could easily be put in harm's way. Especially the priest would likely be killed, to silence any reports, because only the dead can't speak.
And the Kingdom wouldn't invest much effort into investigating the perpetrator and bringing them to justice, besides putting up a vague wanted poster, that could point to anyone. Since this was a pretty common scene in the forsaken realm.
Feeling a chill run down his spine, he and Dorothy exchanged a silent glance. Regardless of just meeting a few hours ago, they had a tacit understanding of one another. No words were needed, they silently agreed to sneak up on the thief and restrain them before they could do something stupid.
But before they could make a move, the thief began to scan their surroundings as well. The thief seemed to be quite cautious, and alert, so naturally they wouldn't miss two silhouettes approaching them in the distance.
Sebastian felt the thief snap their head in their direction, and besides the darkness blackening out their face, he was quite confident their eyes locked with one another.
The thief stiffened, and without warning, spun on their heels and bolted over the crooked church fences into the forest. Their cloak billowed, behind them as they ran.
Shit! Sebastian wasn't willing to ignore them and let them get away. Thieves rarely give up, they'll just come back another day, one where he doubts, he'll be there to stop them, so he needs to settle this now.
Once more, Sebastian and Dorothy exchanged a quick glance. There was no hesitance in their response, their actions were immediate. A cloud of vibrant pink and lavender colors popped beside Dorothy and spat out a broom. She immediately hopped onto it, launching herself high into the air, with swiftness, soaring above to track the thief from the sky.
Meanwhile, Sebastian, took off on foot, coating his feet in reinforcement magic, to quicken his pace. In just a few big strides he already halved the gap, between them and entered the forest. In turn, this caused the thief to increase their speed as well, but it only slightly delayed the inevitable. Sebastian could sense the sloppy magic control, making him very confident, that they were no decent mage.
This wasn't some xianxia novel, so he didn't really have to worry about something like 'playing the pig to eat the tiger', but nonetheless he wouldn't let his guard down. Because desperate people, ready to risk it all for an opportunity are the most dangerous.
"Who are you?! What are you after?!" Sebastian demanded as he narrowed the distance further to about 11 yards. He considered just shooting them down from far away, but if they weren't that malicious, and had a good reason, he would probably regret it for life, so he tried to use words.
It was then the sprinting thief glanced back over their shoulders and broke their silence. Without breaking their stride, they yelled, "Stay away!", with a voice laced in fear.
There were a few things, about this that made Sebastian abruptly pause and stiffen. It wasn't so much the distinctly female voice. Sebastian doesn't care for gender or age, when it comes to crime, a criminal is a criminal, and no one gets a pass for having a pretty face or being young. If you're old enough to hurt, you're old enough to understand that you intend to hurt, and should be judged for it.
No there were two bigger things, that made him pause, the strangely familiar voice, the fear in her voice didn't so much as seem as if she was begging for mercy, but rather she felt scared…for him. Like she was warning him of some unseen danger. A frown furrowed his brow, as he resumed his chase but much slower this time, the distance between them widening once more, as he tried to piece together what she was trying to tell him.
Alas, it seemed not everyone is as patient as him.
Before he could voice any of his thoughts, a blur of motion shot overhead—Dorothy, high above on her broom, descending rapidly toward the figure. "Dorothy, wait!" he shouted, a note of urgency lacing his voice, but it was too late. As she neared the cloaked woman, something went awry. Dorothy suddenly lost her balance, the broom wobbling beneath her as if caught in a sudden gust of wind, and then, with a startled cry, she fell.
"Dorothy!" Sebastian screamed in worry, instinctively conjuring a water eagle to catch her. But just as Dorothy fell onto the creature, something strange happened. The water eagle trembled violently, its form breaking apart into countless droplets, failing to cushion her fall as she hit the ground hard, the sound echoing painfully in the still night air.
The cloaked figure screamed, her voice sharp with fear, and she stumbled backward, instinctively trying to put some distance between herself and the fallen girl. Yet she stopped abruptly about ten meters away, hesitating, her gaze locked onto Dorothy as she lay on the forest floor.
But once again, the fear seemed to be for Dorothy instead of herself. The cloaked woman's voice trembled as she spoke, her concern evident. "Is she alright?"
But Sebastian wasn't in the mood to respond to her right now. Sebastian rushed to Dorothy's side, his heart pounding in his chest. He knelt beside her, cradling her in his arms as he assessed the damage. "What on earth happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he began to cast healing magic over her.
Dorothy, winded and dizzy, grimaced, her face twisted in pain. "Dad," she moaned, "I—I don't know… My mana…" Her words trailed off, and he could feel her energy draining away like sand slipping through his fingers. He focused more of his mana, into her spell, bathing his daughter a brilliant ocean blue hue, trying to rapidly refill her dwindling mana reserves, with his own.
But it felt like every time he added a drop to a drying lake, someone came by and took a bucket of water out. Sebastian stiffened, the urgency of the situation hitting him like a cold wave. He resumed his spell, focusing intently on her.
Strangely, as the cloaked woman, took another step back, he could feel the drain on Dorothy's mana, stopping.
Sebastian felt a sigh of relief before a nagging feeling drew his attention back to the cloaked woman. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is your name… Richita?"
The cloaked woman trembled slightly at the sound of the name, her eyes widening with surprise. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she reached for her hood, pulling it back to reveal her face.
Sebastian felt his breath hitch in his throat. The woman before him was strikingly familiar—a slim figure with striking green eyes and medium-length, ash-blonde hair. A single strand protruded upwards from the center of her head, creating an uncanny resemblance to Asta.
She gazed down at Sebastian and the now-healed Dorothy, wonder etched across her features. "How do you know my name?" she asked softly.
Sebastian held her gaze for a brief moment, before gently helping Dorothy back up to her feet. The poor girl stumbled a bit, her legs unsteady, as she leaned on Sebastian for support. Her face was pale, her body weak, but she managed to stand with his help. He glanced down at her to make sure she was alright before turning his attention back to Richita.
His voice was calm but laced with curiosity and empathy as he spoke. "There's an urban legend," he began, "about a woman who lived on the outskirts of a nearby village. They say she had a unique constitution, something that caused her to drain mana and lifeforce from others around her."
Richita paused for a moment, a grimace working its way onto her face, pulling her thin lips into a deeper frown. She looked at Dorothy with a strange mix of guilt and sorrow. Her reaction was enough to affirm Sebastian's statement.
Sebastian further studied the woman, not paying much attention to the regret smeared on her face, but rather how far she was standing. He'd say about 10 meters, nearly 11 yards. Perhaps that's how far her affliction reaches, and anyone caught in that range, has their mana drained from them. That's also why she probably waited till I was that close to tell me to back off.
She probably doesn't like talking about her condition much, but the fact that we insisted on chasing her, left her with no choice.
As if reading my thoughts Richita, rubbed her right arm, and slowly and hesitatingly spoke. "My drain…reaches 8 meters…the extra two…just to be safe." She admitted quietly her voice tinged with shame.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly at her response, noticing how oddly she spoke. There was a stilted, awkward quality to her speech like she wasn't used to holding a conversation. It was as if the words themselves felt foreign to her, like someone unused to social interaction. He quickly surmised that her long isolation had likely made her speech rusty, and disjointed. This might very well have been her first real conversation with another person in years.
He inwardly guessed that this stilted communication would continue—at least until the day Liebe, the devil she would later care for showed up in about four years and popped into her life. Until then, it seemed she would remain trapped in this lonely bubble, rarely speaking with anyone, always keeping her distance
Sebastian felt a deep sense of pity for the woman. Humans are creatures, reliant on social interaction, it is in our natural instincts, to pursue connections, and forge deep bonds with one another. Even introverts can only last so long locking themselves away in their rooms, and even then, at least in modern society, they have screens so they can connect with people around the world.
But to live, in this era, utterly isolated from the world for nearly their entire life, he doesn't understand how Richita survived till now. He would've long been driven insane. Perhaps only some monks or gurus could do what she's doing, but their situations are utterly different. Those guys choose this path, to cut ties with the material world, sever their karma, and pursue enlightenment, and reincarnation. They have a goal, a purpose. But she doesn't, she's had this life forced on her.
Richita rubbed her arm harder, scratching it lightly, as she peered through the gaps in the trees towards, Hage, towards the church. Guilt was written on her face, her voice uncertain. "I wasn't… I wasn't doing anything bad back at the church," she said, trying to defend herself. The weight of years spent in isolation and suspicion made her wary, even when there was no reason to be.
Sebastian quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture, his tone calm and reassuring. "I know," he said gently. "I trust you."
Those simple words seemed to reach deep into Richita. Her posture softened, her tension easing. Trust was something she hadn't felt in so long—certainly not from a stranger. Her eyes briefly flickered with emotion, but she quickly turned away. "I should probably get going," she muttered, her voice small, almost defeated. She began to walk away, her figure lonely and distant, fading into the night.
Watching her go, Sebastian felt a heaviness settle in his chest. There was something so tragically solitary about her—years of exile, of living on the fringes of society, all alone. He sighed; his voice quiet but deliberate as he called after her. "I visited the church this morning," he began, his words soft yet carrying weight. "I held a cute boy with ash-blonde hair and green eyes… who looked just like you."
Richita abruptly stopped in her tracks, her body going rigid. For a moment, she didn't move, as though the world had frozen around her.
Sebastian continued, his gaze never leaving her still form. "His name was Asta."
At the mention of her son's name, Richita trembled. Her entire frame shook violently, and though Sebastian couldn't see her face, he knew—he could feel it—she was fighting back tears. Years of separation, the pain of having to leave her child behind, all of it must have flooded back to her in an instant.
Richita wiped at her eyes, her shoulders shaking as she turned back toward them. Her red-rimmed eyes glistened in the moonlight, the raw emotion she had been holding in for so long finally bubbling to the surface. "How… how is he?" she asked, her voice trembling with both hope and fear. "How's Asta doing?"
Sebastian's expression softened, and he spoke gently, his words a balm to her aching heart. "He's doing fine. He's well cared for, loved, and perfectly healthy."
Hearing this, Richita's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by relief. "Oh, thank goodness," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Tears streamed down her face as she sat there, her body sagging with the weight of her long-held guilt.
Dorothy felt a pang of guilt, in her chest, as she understood the woman she had pinned for a thief, had a much different goal in mind.
Sebastian looked down at the woman, who broke into a mess of tears, offering some words of solace and comfort. "The forsaken and common realms are going to be receiving a lot more money from the capital in the future," he said softly. "You won't have to worry about the church lacking the funds to care for your son."
Richita blinked through her tears, looking up at him with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "How… how do you know that?"
Without a word, Sebastian slowly reached up and pulled back his hood, revealing his silver hair, which shimmered faintly in the moonlight. He wondered briefly if he would need to explain his lineage, considering how long she had been cut off from the world. But he didn't have to. The moment she saw the silver hair, she stilled, her eyes widening in recognition.
"You're… from House Silva," she said, the realization dawning on her. She made a small movement as if preparing to bow, instinctively falling into the customs of nobility.
Sebastian quickly waved her off, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm not into those formalities," he said with a touch of humor, though inwardly, he was already beginning to dread how often this would happen when someone comprehends his identity. The constant bowing and reverence—it was going to get old really fast.
Richita paused, her uncertainty lingering, but she nodded slowly, her eyes still filled with quiet wonder.
Sebastian took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts as he decided to break the ice with an introduction. "I'm Sebastian Silva," he said, nodding respectfully toward Richita. With a gesture, he pointed to Dorothy standing by his side. "And this is my daughter, Dorothy Unsworth."
Richita blinked in surprise at the different names. Seeing how different they looked, she pinned Dorothy for an illegitimate daughter. Seeing Sebastian adorned in a cloak, she pinned him for a noble with many mistresses and affairs, who sneaked away to check up on a stray child of his. Well, at least he's better than many nobles out there, at least he admits she's, his daughter. I heard many nobles never acknowledge or accept their bastard children,
Sebastian was unaware Richita's opinion of him dropped so much, from a single sentence.
Dorothy, keenly aware of the tension that hung in the air, broke the awkward silence with a question of her own. "Are you sneaking around the church to see your son?" Her voice was gentle but probing, trying to penetrate the layers of Richita's sorrow.
Richita nodded slowly, her head hanging in shame. "I know I shouldn't," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just being in my presence could kill him." There was a deep-seated regret in her words, the burden of a mother's love mixed with the guilt of her actions. "That's why I steeled my resolve and gave him away." Her shoulders slumped as she continued, "But I felt so lonely. I just wanted to see him one last time. Not to dare touch him or hold him—just to get a glimpse of his face, to watch him while he sleeps."
Dorothy watched Richita, her heart aching as she noticed the woman's hands clenching and unclenching, a physical manifestation of her sorrow. There was a deep pang of pity for the mother who had sacrificed so much. Yet, within that pity also stirred a faint wave of envy. Dorothy longed for a mother who could love and yearn for her so deeply, even if it meant enduring the pain of separation.
Does Mother feel anything from my absence? It doesn't have to be longing, but at least a bit of annoyance would be nice, irked by losing a wizard with great potential.
"I don't dare enter Hage during the day," Richita explained, her voice cracking under the weight of her confession. "When people are up and about, it could risk killing them. So, I snuck in late at night, thinking I could just take a peek. I didn't think it'd cause such a huge…misunderstanding"
Sebastian and Dorothy felt a twinge of guilt and embarrassment at that. Sebastian cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Looks like we all made a mistake, you did something risky…and the two of us were prejudiced." Pausing for a moment, he continued. "However, I don't think any of us should feel ashamed as our actions and reactions all stemmed from care and the desire to protect or shield something, or someone from something."
"Moreover, love and yearning are the rights of all humans, there's nothing to feel guilty for wanting to see your son."
Dorothy, snapping back into her playful spirit, echoed her father's sentiment with a light-hearted nod. "Yeah! It's okay to want to see your kid! We all want to feel connected, right?" Her innocent enthusiasm was infectious and broke the tense atmosphere.
Richita looked at them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Gratitude shone through the layers of her sorrow, a fragile smile forming on her lips. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion.
As the woman, began to slowly stand, Sebastian regarded Richita with a curious intensity and voiced a question dancing in his mind.
"What's your last name?" he asked, his tone gentle yet insistent.
Richita blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Why do you want to know?" she replied, her brows knitting together in confusion.
Sebastian's expression softened as he explained. "I'll stop by the church and tell its priest. He can add it to Asta's name."
The words hung in the air, and Richita furrowed her brow, still unsure of his reasoning. "Why would you do that?"
"Because" Sebastian continued, "although you might not think of it, it could mean the world to Asta. Just knowing that somewhere out there, he has a place of origin, a family, a bloodline. For a boy born with nothing, raised with very little, something as simple as a full name could make all the difference."
Richita paused, her mind racing. She hadn't considered it from that perspective before. "I never thought about it that way," she admitted slowly, her gaze drifting to the ground. "But maybe it's better this way. If Asta knew he was abandoned by a living family, it could break him even more. He should just be Asta, start his life from there, and make his own family."
Sebastian shook his head, a hint of firmness creeping into his voice. "That's a decision the boy should be allowed to make for himself when he grows older. When he fully understands the significance of having a last name."
In his past life, after his parents passed away, and he and his younger sister were sent to an orphanage, he experienced firsthand the envy of some kids, for having something as simple as a first name. He never really valued it himself, until he watched some kids invest so many hours, naming themselves. It gave them a sense a belonging.
He'll never forget the way some of his fellow orphans, lit up, when the director said they can share his name. Although he never cared for it, it obviously meant the world to them.
Richita took a deep breath, her mind turning over his words. After a moment, she nodded, a sense of resolution washing over her. "My last name is Staria," she said quietly, the name slipping from her lips like a secret finally set free. [1]
Sebastian nodded in acknowledgment, feeling like he got an answer to a long-debated mystery. Too bad I don't have any Wi-Fi, those subreddits would go crazy. "What about Asta's date of birth?" he asked, keen to gather as much information as he could, and add it to the boy's portfolio.
"October 3rd, 1618," Richita replied, her voice steady but tinged with emotion.
Sebastian's heart sank momentarily as he absorbed that detail. He nodded, but internally, he was shocked. Asta had been left at the church on October 4th, meaning Richita had forced herself to stand up and travel a vast distance on foot almost immediately after giving birth. The realization struck him like a thunderbolt.
Even if this is a world of magic, where people have much more resilient and powerful physiques, for her to pull that off, was nothing short of insane. Moreover, Richita is no decent mage, her magic aside, she's probably not stronger than the average woman her age, from his world.
Richita felt an awkward wave of discomfort, seeing Sebastian study her closer, narrowing his eyes. Did I say something, wrong? Did I anger him? She was well aware of the fickle nature of many nobles, she feared that she had done something to upset him.
Richita was just about to turn around once more when Sebastian called out to her, stopping her in her tracks. "Wait," he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
To her astonishment, he tossed her a sleek device that glimmered in the moonlight. Richita fumbled to catch it, her fingers trembling as she held it up, staring in disbelief. She had never seen anything like it, let alone held one. "What is this?" she asked, bewildered.
Sebastian smiled softly, watching her reaction. "It's a magic transponder," he explained. "A communication device. You can use it to talk to someone far away."
Richita's eyes widened as she examined the gem embedded in the device, its polished surface reflecting the moon's silvery glow. The realization struck her like a wave crashing against the shore. This tiny object was worth more than everything she owned. "But… why are you giving this to me?" she asked, still struggling to comprehend the gesture.
"Because" Sebastian said, his tone earnest, "even if you may never be able to see Asta face to face, that's no reason why you can't hear each other's voices."
At his words, Richita stiffened, a tremor running through her body. She felt herself tearing up at the unexpected kindness. It was more than she could ever ask for. More than she would ever dare ask for. Up till now, everyone in her life had avoided her like the plague, well except that man. When her magic awakened at 5 years old, her parents hadn't hesitated to kick her out, only leaving her with the clothes she wore on her back.
Her uncle thought, secretly tossed her a dagger from afar, and told her about a place in the forest where there were little magic beasts, and a stream nearby with clean drinking water and fish to catch. A place she would later call home.
That was the only kindness she'd ever received in life. Yet now here, someone here was someone she never met, casually giving her a ticket back into her son's life.
Richita Staria wanted to know why.
Sebastian continued, his voice steady and reassuring. "I'll give another device connected directly to the church for Asta's use. I'll explain it to the priest so he can help facilitate your conversations. Moreover, I'll hire a painter to create monthly portraits of Asta. They'll be left at an agreed-upon location for you to pick up, so you'll always know what your son looks like and how he changes."
Tears began to flow unbidden down Richita's cheeks as the reality of his offer sank in. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you so much. You don't know what this means to me."
Sebastian nodded indifferently, inwardly deep in thought. He had given her his transponder and not asked for Dorothy's because that was the first thing he's ever given her. It might be an easily replaceable gift for someone of his wealth, but Dorothy might already have a strange sentimental attachment to it.
Although it would be easier and less work to ask Dorothy to hand her over to Orsi, since they were directly connected already, he would just have to return to the noble realm and get a new one instead, to give to the priest.
He's not so lazy to take something back from his daughter, just to avoid an additional trip. He hasn't sunk that low yet.
Breaking the silence, Richita looked at Sebastian with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to understand his motives.
Sebastian shrugged, a casual gesture that belied the complexities swirling in his mind. "Asta's a cute kid," he replied, his voice light but sincere. "He deserves to have a mother in his life. Even in a different form. That's what any child should have."
Richita might have been thankful, but Sebastian didn't think he'd done any worthy of gratitude. It might have been grand from her viewpoint, but to him, it was worthless. It's just a pair of transponders, he wanted a better one anyway. When he gets home, he'll have a slicker custom mage, perhaps a wearable one like a bracelet, or headphones, maybe even a chain. Anything that doesn't look like an antique microphone.
No, if Sebastian Silva was a good person he would've told Richita she didn't have to stay away from Asta, because he has no magic, no mana, to drain to begin with.
So why didn't he? Well for a bunch of small vain reasons, and one good one. I guess the biggest reason is the plot. Asta would not be Asta, and Yuno would not be Yuno if they didn't grow up together.
They are one another's deepest motivation, and rivals, that push one another to be stronger, kinder people. Richita can care for Asta, but that's it. She won't be able to enter the village and be around other people, which would in turn cause Asta to have to grow up isolated as well. So, no Yuno in his life and no sister Lily to tell him the story of the wizard king.
Richita could but it wouldn't have the same effect, because Asta growing up isolated, with a caring mother, wouldn't know what it was like to be bullied, and oppressed for his social class. Richita could tell him, but it would only be words, that wouldn't hit the same, as experiencing it firsthand.
No Asta would go through his childhood, the most impressionable years of his life, that would shape him, as a kid, who was not aware in the least of the dark reality that is the Clover Kingdom. He likely wouldn't have the same resolve to be Wizard King. And he wouldn't inspire Yuno to have that goal either.
Yuno and Asta might still make it to Kikka to become Magic Knights, but they wouldn't be the same people. Their growth would be a lot slower, which would mean that forget Lucius, we would probably tap out when faced with Lucifero, maybe even the Dark Triad.
Now what is the big reason? Well, it's Liebe, knowing the kind of people Asta and Richita are they wouldn't hesitate to add the devil to their family. Which is sweet and all, but oh so dangerous.
When Lucifero possesses Liebe, an utterly magicless and defenseless but brave Asta would try to intervene and save his brother only to join his mother as a corpse.
After that Liebe can curse this world for centuries, gaining enough Anti Magic to engulf the world, but it'd be pointless and no threat to Lucius if there was no one out there able to channel that power and use it against him. And the only other person who could is at the other end of the world.
And that's a future Sebastian is not willing to see. He can change many things in this life, and take many risks, but playing with people's lives, people that he has greatly admired is not one of them.
Asta cannot, Asta should not die unless it's of old age, surrounded by family and loved ones. Especially so miserably before even getting a chance to discover his dream and passion.
For the sake of the story he envisioned, Asta needed to grow up in Hage, enduring hardships without a loving mother. He needed to find strength within himself, surrounded by a caring but imperfect family. Living under the protective wing of a devoted mother might spoil that vital process.
For now, he'll just have to settle, for his mother's voice. For now. Sebastian narrowed his eyes, further.
Richita's situation is an affliction, not a curse, meaning that the Agrippa method to turn a curse into power, will not work here. However, her illness is very similar to a curse that plagues a certain slow-speaking, boy.
If I can guide Nathan to treat Henry, then he may have some inspiration to cure Richita. Perhaps even turning her illness into strength so when Lucifero does possess Liebe, she can handle the situation more effectively, without having to lose her life in the process and seal Liebe away to save him.
As for Anti-Magic, he'll just have to find another way to traumatize Liebe, make him curse everything, and guide him into being Asta's partner.
Sebastian rubbed his eyebrows in exhaustion. It felt like every time, he knocked something off his list, something else was added. Hire the Agrippas and Faust? Check. Now you have to support Conrad in some societal reforms. Find Dorothy Unsworth? Check. Now you'll have to explain to your family in a few hours why did you return with a fiancée for the eldest son. Get a power-up? Check. Now you have to figure out how you're going to change three fates, without messing up the future too badly, and accidentally ridding the world of the Big Bad Boss's greatest threat. Oh, and I also still have to uncurse my wife, stop some extremist loyalists from turning this timeline into an Injustice rehash, and maybe replace the reigning monarch without staging a bloody coup.
Sebastian Silva was tired. Dead tired. He literally hasn't slept a wink in over 48 hours and hasn't eaten much of anything either. One doesn't really have an appetite when your wife looks like a corpse. He was literally running on fumes and adrenaline, right now.
But many of these things were his choice. No one forced him to do it. So, he'll just have to live with the price that comes with his decisions. The plus side is, unlike the other urgent tasks, this one at least has 5 years to be addressed, so he can take it slowly. Just a bit. Sebastian didn't dare raise a flag.
"It's time for us to leave," he announced, turning to Richita with a gentle nod.
Richita nodded appreciatively, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Sebastian. Thank you both," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
"Take care Ms. Richita, I'll come visit you sometime!" Dorothy beamed, with her typical cheerful youth, before picking up her broom once more.
Just as she was about to hop on, she felt her father's hand clamp on her shoulder. Turning to face him, she was met with his impassive gaze.
"No more magic for you young lady, till your reserves are fully replenished. Understand?" He voiced it like a question, but his tone made it clear it was a command.
Dorothy seemed to pick up on that, so all she did was pout cutely, before nodding her head.
Sebastian was satisfied, his grimoire floated before him, and he cast his spell once more. Water Creation Magic: Sea Eagle. Just like a moment ago, an eagle of water materialized in front of them, this time not falling apart shortly after manifesting.
It landed on the ground, bending its back for Dorothy and Sebastian to step on. After ensuring Dorothy was secure, they gave Richita one last wave, for the eagle soared through the night sky, its flight steady, as they headed back to the capital.
Standing on the eagle's back, Sebastian began to think, that maybe instead of portraits he should just have some magic projection tools gifted to Richita and the Church. That way the mother and son, can communicate from afar, like a Zoom call. He nodded thinking it was a good idea. But it's not something he'd personally have to do. After all, what's the point of having a loyal butler, if you won't use him?
Author's Notes:
[1] Staria is Asta's last name, from the original Black Clover one-shot. You might see it used often in fanfiction
[2] There first ever chapter made with zero AI, whatsoever
Omake:
Studying Richita closely, there was one more question on his mind, that he was hesitant to voice.
"What is it?" Richita asked calmly, this man had given her so much, it's only right to give something in return.
Sebastian cleared his throat, trying to ignore his daughter beside him, he then spoke. "How…did you become pregnant with Asta?"
Richita, looked at him in confusion, he has a daughter and a noble education, surely, he knows how reproduction works, right?
Sebastian scratched his neck awkwardly, grit his teeth, and went on. "No…I mean how did you get pregnant? I mean, your curse kills anyone in an 8-meter range right, so how were you able to "do it", with someone?"
Seeing Richita flush her cheeks, Sebastian pressed on. "Like are you of virgin birth or something? I doubt it. But otherwise, how could this work? Like was some guy so into you that he didn't care about dying and decided you know 'get busy', with you regardless. And was he so down bad, for you, that he could finish inside, in under a minute? Like cause I'm pretty sure that's the longest he could last, before dying?"
"I guess what I'm trying to say who is Asta's father? And where is he buried?"
Richita paused, her flush was broken, and her face turned black, she gave him a smile that wasn't a smile, and started walking forward. All her gratitude was lost.
"W-wait s-stay back! Ahhh-"
The Next Day:
A paper boy is seen throwing some newspapers around the kingdom, and people madly competing to get a copy.
"Extra Extra, the Clover Times! Get your copy!"
He began reading out some lines, to attract more attention.
"Sebastian Silva, Patriarch of the Silva Family, dies of mysterious origins. "
"One purple-haired, eyewitness says, Dad has a loose mouth and got what was coming to him!"
"In related news, Sebastian Silva also has a bastard love child!"
Although it wasn't how he intended, that day Sebastian Silva made a name for himself, that would go down in history.
Chapter 15: Daughter or Daughter-in-law?
The bright sun shone over the cloudless sky, casting its warm shine over Castle Silva. At the edge of the estate, in Acier's private villa, the sunlight filtered into her room through the expansive Victorian windows.
The room was silent, like crickets, not even a gentle breeze to rustle the curtains. Nozel like usual sat at his mother's bedside, his Silver Hair glowing bright, as he sat in the spotlight, cradling his baby sister, in his arms.
Despite the calm and pleasant scene, the boy's mind was anything but at ease.
"Where is he?" Nozel murmured softly, breaking the still silence, his voice was barely a whisper, but his tone was tinged with a mix of frustration and anxiety, highlighting his growing impatience.
His gaze flickered to his mother, just yesterday he felt like he walked in to see a miracle, with his mother up and about, talking to him, without any sign of sickness or frailty. However, that joy was short-lived, in large part due to his father's complete absence yesterday, returning her to a weak state. Not nearly as weak as before, mind you, but it was an unpleasant feeling for him to watch his mother return to a sickly state, after just showing signs of getting better.
Nozel knew he should be used to his father's absence, that man was barely a stranger in his life, yet for some reason he let himself believe that seeing him two days in a row, was a sign of change. A new normal. Where a child would see his father every day, a father trying to be part of his children's lives, a husband being there for his wife.
It wasn't asking for much, but it seemed just like always Sebastian Silva, had let him down. Nozel couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed.
Acier sitting up on her bed, turned her tired eyes, to her son, despite her clear exhaustion she held Nozel's gaze, and demanded his attention.
"Your father left two nights ago," Acier said softly, her voice calm but weak. "He mentioned something about needing to go to Hage... it's a fair distance from here. He seemed in a rush." She paused for a moment, her eyes clouding with thought. "Don't be surprised if he's late getting back."
Nozel's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's almost ten," he replied tersely, shifting Noelle in his arms as his irritation grew. "We don't have time for him to be gallivanting across the countryside. The appointment is soon, and the Agrippas and Fausts will be here any moment."
He stood up, the tension in his shoulders visible as he paced by the side of the bed. "Father has to return and set up the barrier. We can't risk being exposed, especially not with everything that's going on." His voice took on a sharper edge as he turned to face his mother. "I don't care what reason he has. You should be his first priority, Mother."
Acier watched her eldest son, spiral into a mess of anxiety, she furrowed her brows, and opened her mouth to speak in an effort to calm him. "Nozel…" she began, but he cut her off.
"I didn't dare to let the Fausts in yesterday, without his presence. With Mereoleona, out and about, we have no protection if Draven and his wife dare to do something. Although father is no warrior, the Fausts at least take him seriously, and won't try anything stupid in front of him."
Whereas they utterly disregard me. Nozel tightened his hold on Noelle, before continuing.
"His absence caused us to miss both appointments yesterday. Forget treating your 'situation', you couldn't even get your daily healing session," Nozel snapped, his eyes narrowing. "We can't afford to keep waiting on him. He has to get here now."
Acier sighed, her chest rising and falling with the slow, deliberate breath of someone who has experienced the vicissitudes of life. "I don't know why he left so suddenly, Nozel," she admitted, her voice softer now, almost resigned. "But I'm confident it has something to do with... us."
Nozel stopped pacing, and turned to her, his brows knitting together, trying to understand where this blind faith comes from. He then paused, recalling the scene two days ago, where Father sent Alfred away to see some task 2, to address an issue Draven brought up.
Just like his father, the head butler has also been behaving quite uncharacteristically these past few days. Nozel is no noisy person, although nobles love to spread rumors and gossip, he knows from his etiquette lessons that such actions are unbecoming of royalty. However, Nozel can't help his curiosity, when it comes to the life of one of his most precious people.
He exhaled sharply through his nose, thinking back to the past few days. "Alfred's been acting strange," he muttered, half to himself. "I overheard some of the staff talking. Apparently, he left the estate a few minutes after returning last night. He's been running around like a madman for days now. Barely spends any time here anymore, and Jeeves has been handling everything in his place."[1]
Acier's eyes widened slightly at this, but she said nothing, allowing Nozel to continue his tirade.
"No one dares ask Alfred what he's up to. Not even the staff." Nozel's tone turned bitter. "Only Father or you have the authority to question him, and now the entire household is growing suspicious." He paused, recalling another detail. "Jeeves put a lockdown on rumors, and threatened everyone's jobs if they let a word slip outside the estate."
Acier chuckled softly, though it was laced with exhaustion. "Jeeves is very reliable, he's Alfred's assistant, and future successor for a reason. You don't have to worry of word getting out with him on the watch."
"It worked," Nozel admitted with a short nod. "Everyone's kept quiet, but it's not enough. Even I tried asking Jeeves if he knew what was going on, and he denied knowing anything. He didn't seem like he was outright lying… but his face... it was too calm. He's hiding something. They are hiding something."
Nozel returned to his, seat, with Noelle placed securely in his lap. He ran a hand through his silver hair in frustration. Growing tired of being left in the dark, despite being one of the main parties involved in this whole mess. You would think if there was anyone his father would confide in it would be him and his mother, but it appears that man finds the butlers more trustworthy than his family.
"It's like Father and Alfred are playing some secret game with one another, refusing to let anyone else join in. The last I recalled, Alfred wasn't so fond of Father, his loyalty was to you, and you alone, so why has he not told you?!" Nozel's question was more a demand, he was close to losing it but held himself back to not startle Noelle.
"Because I never asked."
Nozel snapped his head up and studied his mother in bewilderment. "You…never asked?" He reiterated those words in utter disbelief, finding them ludicrous.
But his mother's light nod was all he got in return, a clear sign that he hadn't misheard.
Without waiting for his response, Acier locked her son's gaze with hers once more. "As you said before, as the matriarch of House Silva, it is in my right to question Alfred, and he wouldn't hold the truth back from me."
"So… why haven't you?" Nozel had to restrain himself from spitting out those words, the one person he'll never treat with disrespect in this life is his mother.
"Because I trust your father." Acier shrugged and said those words, casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "If he wanted me or you to know, he would've just been forthright about it. It's clear he wants to handle this himself and keep it in between him and Alfred, so we should respect that."
"Why… mother?" Nozel needed an answer, any answer. Where does this blind faith come from woman?! Nozel was tempted to drag in some mages from House Francois and have them poke around his mother's memory to see if his father had cast some hypnosis spell or something on her.
You would think his mother would learn from 16 years of a failed marriage to at least raise her guard and be more skeptical of the man. But these past few days she's been acting utterly bewitched by his father, following his lead without the slightest hint of hesitance.
His mother gave him a soft smile, that shone bright over her sickly visage. "Your father is no magic knight Nozel, he's an aristocrat a politician?"
And what does that have to do with anything? Politicians are the least trustworthy people of them all!
As if reading her son's thoughts her smile grew fonder, and she let out a sly chuckle. "It's because of that he's much more equipped to handle back door deals, and keeping things on the down-low. Whatever he and Alfred are doing, it's very sensitive, and the easiest way for their actions to be exposed is by expanding the social circle."
Taking a slight pause, to catch her breath, Acier continued. "Have you forgotten that your father is the Patriarch of Hose Silva, the head of a royal family? And Alfred the head butler, which makes his status above most nobles, even many royals have to show him respect. The two of them rarely dirty their hands, always ordering someone to do things for them. If they are running around the Kingdom to complete a task themselves, it's very important."
"Not telling us what they're doing is also a way to protect us. So just trust your father Nozel. He cares for us in his own way. Whatever he's doing, it's for our sake," she finished softly.
Nozel just let out a sigh of resignation, ever since his father had shown up three days ago, it felt like a gap opened up in his relationship with his mother. Whatever tacit understanding they had for each other, seemed to go down the drain whenever it came to his father. Nozel has really struggled to try to get back on the same wavelength as Acier.
Sometimes, he wonders if they're even talking about the same man. Honestly, what has his father done to inspire so much trust from his mother?
Noelle began to stir lightly in Nozel's arms, her small body wriggling as her eyelids fluttered. Nozel, distracted from his growing frustration, looked down at his baby sister and smiled fondly. It was a rare softness, one reserved only for moments like this, when the burdens of the world could momentarily fade. He gently adjusted her, the warmth of her tiny form grounding him in the present.
Acier, noticing her youngest child waking, reached out with arms that trembled faintly but were much steadier than they had been in days. "Let me hold her, Nozel," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with yearning.
With careful precision, Nozel slowly transferred Noelle into his mother's embrace. He watched as Acier cradled her, her fingers brushing gently over Noelle's rosy cheeks. Despite her weakness, Acier smiled, a tender, almost ethereal smile, and began to coo softly at the baby, eliciting soft giggles from Noelle. Just two days ago, she hadn't been strong enough to hold even a spoon, but now, here she was, rocking her daughter, her strength seemingly returning, if only for this fleeting moment.
Nozel's chest tightened with conflicting emotions as he observed them. His heart ached with warmth at the sight of his mother and sister, but his mind was still tangled in knots over his father's absence. Even if Sebastian was keeping secrets, even if Nozel despised him for all the years of neglect, if he could somehow make moments like this possible, allowing his mother to feel this brief happiness, then perhaps—just perhaps—Nozel could forgive him. Maybe not entirely, but enough to let go of the bitter resentment that had built up over the past sixteen years.
The peaceful scene was interrupted by a knock at the door. Nozel immediately stiffened, his body tensing as his eyes darted toward the entrance. Acier, too, went rigid, her arms instinctively tightening around Noelle. She was just about to hand Noelle back to Nozel and slip back into the facade of frailty she maintained for the household when a familiar voice called out from behind the door.
"It's me. May I come in?"
Relief washed over both Nozel and Acier. The tension melted from their bodies, and Acier remained cradling Noelle. It was Sebastian. They exchanged a glance, knowing it was safe, though Acier couldn't respond verbally—her illness was supposed to be too severe for her to speak much, and any nearby maids or butlers might overhear. Nozel took a deep breath and answered instead.
"Enter."
The door opened slowly, and Sebastian slipped inside, moving with regal poise and grace like he was the rightful heir of House Silva. Whereas Acier's usual softness and laid-back attitude would confuse those who don't know better, and think she was the one who married in. He closed the door behind him carefully, his eyes sweeping over the scene with a moment of fondness as he took in the sight of Noelle nestled in Acier's arms.
"My apologies for my tardiness," Sebastian said, his voice low but sincere. "And for my absence yesterday."
Acier smiled at her husband, her eyes softening despite everything. "It's fine," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. She paused for a moment before adding, "Did you… find what you were looking for?"
Sebastian's expression shifted into a quiet smile, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly. "I did," he replied softly, his eyes meeting hers. "I found her."
Her? Nozel and Acier exchanged bewildered glances, this whole time they thought Sebastian was searching for something, not someone.
Without warning, a cloud of swirling colors—pink, lavender, and shimmering hues—materialized beside Sebastian. The air seemed to ripple, and from the vortex, a small figure was spat out onto the floor. Nozel's eyes widened in shock.
A young girl—perhaps fifteen, with a petite frame and an impish expression—now stood before them. She had tousled purple hair, a cheeky smile, and an air of mischief about her.
Nozel abruptly shot to his feet, his royal composure cracking as he demanded, "Who is this? What is the meaning of this intrusion?" His voice was sharp, his tone laced with authority and confusion.
Acier, equally stunned by the sudden appearance of the girl, frowned at her son's outburst. Despite her own shock, she couldn't abide Nozel shouting in front of a child, no matter how unexpected the situation was. She glanced down at Noelle, whose face scrunched up in distress at the sudden loud noise. Noelle's lip quivered, and within seconds, she let out a wail, her tiny voice piercing the room.
Acier immediately began rocking Noelle gently, shushing her softly as she tried to soothe her back to sleep. Nozel, feeling the weight of his guilt, glanced at his sister with regret. He lowered his gaze and clenched his fists, then turned back to the girl, his tone calmer, though his face remained composed with regal indifference.
"I apologize for my... tone," Nozel said, his words clipped but respectful. "Whoever you are, it was not my intention to frighten you."
The girl simply smirked, unfazed by the situation, and flashed a playful peace sign. "No biggie," she said with a lighthearted shrug, as though it was all a casual misunderstanding.
Nozel blinked, momentarily thrown off by her carefree attitude. Acier, though still recovering from the shock, couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief at the girl's nonchalance. It was almost refreshing, in a way.
Sebastian, however, didn't fall for Dorothy's chipper attitude. He knew her well enough to know when it was genuine and when it was a facade. And the way her legs lightly trembled and shook, and he spotted tiny beads of sweat running down her neck, he knew it was the latter.
Dorothy was trying to hide her internal nervousness about meeting her new family with a playful persona, like nothing in the world could phase her. That way if she was rejected, she could deceive herself and convince herself, that she didn't really care, that it didn't bother her. To fool others, one must first fool oneself.
Nozel's eyes narrowed. "What exactly is going on, Father?"
Before Sebastian could answer, Dorothy, in her usual lively manner, twirled on her heel and pointed to herself with a grin. "Let's just say I'm here to help! And trust me, you're going to need it."
Sebastian moved behind Dorothy, his imposing figure standing tall above the petite girl, his hands resting on her small shoulders with a gentle but firm grip. "This," he began, his voice calm and steady, "is Dorothy Unsworth."
Nozel and Acier remained silent, their eyes fixed on Sebastian as they waited for him to continue. It was clear he had more to say, something more significant than just an introduction. Acier's brow furrowed slightly in curiosity, while Nozel crossed his arms, his expression growing more serious by the second.
Sebastian took a breath and continued. "Starting today, she will be a constant presence in Castle Silva." He glanced between his wife and son before adding, "You can be casual and comfortable with her. She already knows about our situation."
Nozel's frown deepened immediately, his silver brows drawing together in disbelief. "You told her? You told a stranger about our greatest weakness?" His voice was low but brimming with anger, barely restrained.
Sebastian didn't flinch at his son's reaction, though he expected it. "I told her," he confirmed, meeting Nozel's piercing gaze. "Because her power is absolutely indispensable to heal both you and your mother."
Contrary to her son, Acier remained completely composed, as she narrowed her eyes on Dorothy, studying the girl more closely. Lavender eyes lavender eyes, as Acier eventually focused on the hat sitting atop Dorothy's head. A witch hat. Acier recalled the unconventional manner in which the girl popped into the room and came up with a guess.
She's from the Witch's Forest. Acier immediately devised Dorothy's origins, because only in the Witch's forest will you find such esoteric magic from those outside nobility, and it was clear based on the girl's clothes she was no noble. Moreover, it was only the unconventional that could help them deal with something as strange as devils.
Nozel, however, wasn't as easily convinced. His skepticism was written all over his face as he stared at Dorothy. "How can a child possibly help us?" His voice dripped with doubt. "When it comes to a supreme devil, I fail to see how she—" he gestured toward Dorothy, "—could be of any use."
Nozel worded his accusation carefully, cautious not to say anything that could directly point to Megicula, keeping his words vaguer, to prevent triggering his curse.
Sebastian's grip on Dorothy's shoulders tightened slightly as if to both reassure her and emphasize his point. "Dorothy's magic is no ordinary magic, Nozel," he explained, his tone patient but firm. "She can access a separate dimension, far beyond the reach of she-who-should-not-be-named. With her help, we can finally begin the treatment for both you and your mother—safely. With her none the wiser"
Nozel gawked and studied her more closely, she was obviously not nobility by her clothing and attitude, so was she a commoner or a peasant? No only nobility could pull off something like that. Nozel immediately equated her to a child from a fallen house or a love child of House Vaude.
Ledior Vaude didn't hesitate to remarry after his previous wife passed away, it wasn't inconceivable for such a man to have some additional affairs.
Well, if she's nobility it's understandable. Nozel's skepticism slipped, and he let his recognition show. Very well I'll show you some courtesy and give you the benefit of the doubt.
Dorothy, noticing the shift in Nozel's expression, smirked and folded her arms across her chest with smug confidence, clearly enjoying her moment of recognition. Perhaps if she knew Nozel's line of reasoning she wouldn't be as satisfied.
Seeing his son's skepticism fade, Sebastian added, "If you're still concerned, rest assured. Our secret is safe with Dorothy. She's one of our own now."
Acier blinked in confusion. "One of our own?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and suspicion.
Sebastian smiled faintly. "Yes," he said. "Starting today, Dorothy is officially a member of the Silver Eagles."
As if on cue, Dorothy snapped her fingers, and the air around her shimmered once again. The dream-like cloud of pinks, purples, and blues appeared beside her, swirling with playful energy before spitting out a neatly folded squad robe—the signature uniform of the Silver Eagles. Dorothy grinned and quickly donned the robe, giving it a dramatic swirl as she adjusted it over her shoulders. She looked up at Nozel with a playful smirk, clearly enjoying her little display of magic.
Nozel quickly tried to analyze her magic. Father mentioned a separate dimension, so it makes sense she can store things inside there. I wonder how big that space is?
Acier, however, wasn't fully convinced. "Being a member of the Silver Eagles is not reason enough for us to trust her completely," she said gently, her tone apologetic. She glanced at Dorothy, who didn't seem offended by the remark, though her cheerful demeanor wavered for a moment. Instead, Dorothy began to fidget awkwardly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable.
Both Acier and Nozel noticed the change in the girl's attitude, and they exchanged puzzled glances as Dorothy looked over her shoulder at Sebastian, silently asking for some kind of reassurance.
Sebastian coughed awkwardly, clearing his throat as he stepped forward, still gripping Dorothy's shoulders. "There are... two bigger reasons why you can trust her," he said, trying to sound casual, though his voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.
Acier raised an eyebrow, her tone turning dry. "And what are these 'two bigger reasons,' Sebastian?"
Forcing a smile, Sebastian spoke nonchalantly, "Well... starting yesterday, Dorothy has officially become our daughter... and Nozel's fiancée."
An awkward, deafening silence fell over the room.
Nozel stared at his father, his face frozen in a mixture of shock and disbelief. Acier blinked, clearly too stunned to react. Even Dorothy, who had been brimming with confidence moments ago, now stood with wide eyes, her face reddening as she nervously glanced between the family members.
The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity, until finally, Dorothy broke it with an awkward laugh. "Heh... surprise?" she said, giving an exaggerated shrug.
Nozel slowly turned to face his father, his eyes narrowed in a deadly calm manner. "Apologizes Father, it seems I misheard you. It appears that run-in with that sound mage on my last mission damaged my ears more than I realized. Care to repeat that?"
Acier blinked, and her grip around Noelle loosened. It was fortunate that she was on her bed, her hold already low, so Noelle merely plopped into her lap.
The baby began to giggle and cry for her mother to do it again, obviously confusing this as some new kind of play.
Before anyone could say anything, Sebastian quickly added, "And, um, though the second part—about the fiancée thing—is still up for debate... I already added Dorothy to the family registry." He gave a nervous chuckle, clearly trying to diffuse the tension. "So, well... there's no takebacks on her parentage."
Nozel face turned crimson red, not of embarrassment but of sheer fury. How dare he?! How dare this leech, this parasite, pop back into their lives without a care for the world, and decide something so momentous for this family as if it was his right?!
Nozel was about to explode. Screw the decorum, the etiquette, the expectations, this man needs to learn his place! But just as he was about to unleash his outrage, someone beat him to the punch.
"Sebastian Theodoros Silva." The dull tone, utterly foreign to that beautiful voice, caused Nozel to be still. And then after a short pause, he smiled, feeling all his tension leave him. Oh, this is going to be good.
Sebastian flinched as if struck, feeling a chill run down his spine. He swallowed hard, trying to keep up his unphased bravado. "Yes?" he forced himself not to stammer out those words, knowing full well that tone—the tone that meant trouble.
Acier didn't respond to his question. Instead, she handed Noelle back to Nozel, her movements calm but deliberate. She then turned her gaze toward her son, her expression softening slightly, though there was still an undeniable firmness behind her eyes. "Nozel," she said gently, "please wait outside."
Nozel blinked. Nozel wanted to watch. Nozel wanted to argue. But his mother's smile which clearly wasn't a smile, made him quite obedient. Without a word, he cradled Noelle carefully in his arms and made his way to the door, giving a sideways glance towards Sebastian before stepping out.
Acier's gaze then fell upon Dorothy, who was standing awkwardly by Sebastian's side. She fidgeted under Acier's gaze, looking at her with wide, uncertain eyes. Her previous confidence melted away, leaving that vulnerable girl.
Acier felt her heart soften as she watched the girl, and called to her. "Dorothy", her voice was commanding yet gentle. "Could you please wait outside as well? I need to speak with your… father."
The way she enunciated "father", lacked any sort of visible affection. Rather it seemed more like a curse than a title, rotting with venom.
Dorothy glanced nervously up at Sebastian, who gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's alright," he said gently, though his own voice wavered slightly. "Nozel's outside. Play nice, okay?"
Dorothy gave a shaky nod, before spotting Acier looking at her gently and reassuringly, for some strange reason she felt this conversation wouldn't go in the direction she feared most. She already felt her confidence returning as followed Nozel out the door.
As the door shut closed, leaving Sebastian alone with Acier, Sebastian was left unsure. He avoided looking at Acier who continued to smile at him eerily. He had tried to return a smile of his own, but it always faltered before he could muster one. He could tell Acier was not the least bit pleased, and doing so would be like pouring salt on her wound. Insulting her on top of screwing her over, after she gave me her unconditional trust.
Damn, I really overstepped this time, didn't I? Sebastian understood his mistake, but he never regretted it. So, he just waited in silence, for her to let all her anger out. 16 years of bottled-up frustration and hurt, from being constantly tricked, deceived, manipulated, and played with.
But it never came.
Rather than explode in anger or frustration, Acier let out a deep sigh, her tension slipping away as she slowly sat up on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling over the side. She patted the empty spot next to her with a resigned expression.
Sebastian blinked, clearly puzzled by her reaction. He hesitated for a moment but eventually moved toward the bed, leaving a decent space between them as he sat down. His brow furrowed in confusion, unsure of what to expect.
Acier let out a soft, wry chuckle and, without looking at him, said, "Come closer, Sebastian. I'm not going to eat you."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly, before shifting over until they were sitting side by side. Expecting at least a slap on the face, or a heavy conversation, he was not the least bit prepared for what came next.
Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised whatsoever if she demanded a divorce then and there, but rather all she did was slowly raise her right hand before… resting it gently on his left thigh.
Sebastian gawked at her, completely thrown off by the unexpected touch. His heart skipped a beat as he turned to look at her, but Acier's gaze remained fixed on the wall ahead. She sighed again, her other hand rubbing her forehead in clear resignation, before finally speaking.
"Tell me you didn't adopt a child and give away our son's hand in marriage just to cure me and Nozel," she said, her voice tired but calm.
Sebastian stared at her in disbelief, his lips parting slightly. "Is that… what you were worried about?" he asked, his voice soft with surprise.
Acier shrugged. "What else could it be?" she asked, her tone carrying the weight of the situation. "It's too cruel to that girl, Sebastian. You can't just casually give someone a family like it's some kind of cheap transaction."
Sebastian shook his head, his expression firm. "It's not casual at all," he promised, the weight of his sincerity apparent. "I already see Dorothy as my daughter. I will love and care for her, no matter what."
Acier studied him quietly, her eyes softening at his words. She could see the resolve in his face. He wasn't doing this lightly.
"She's a good person," Sebastian continued, "and she would've helped regardless of anything. But after hearing her story… I couldn't leave her alone. I wanted to be a father to her."
Acier gave a small nod, understanding but still conflicted. She sighed, not pressing further. "I already told you, Sebastian," she said quietly, "I trust your judgment. No matter what you do in the future. But please when it's something as outlandish as this, the least you can do is give me a heads-up. A call ahead so I can at least prepare myself and have time to gather my thoughts and feelings. " Her voice was gentle, filled with trust, but also a wry sense of exasperation.
Sebastian felt a warmth stir in his chest. He placed his hand over hers, squeezing it gently. "After the appointment, I'll tell you the whole story, I promise," he said softly. "You deserve to know."
Acier nodded in acknowledgment. She didn't need all the details right now, but she appreciated the offer. However, Sebastian's next words made her blink in surprise.
"I'm the one who adopted Dorothy," Sebastian said, his brow furrowing slightly. "It has nothing to do with you if you don't want to accept it. When the time comes to announce her to the world, I'll just say she's an illegitimate daughter from an affair I had with some witch. That way—"
Before he could finish, Acier, her face suddenly a mix of irritation and amusement, reached up and pinched both of his cheeks, pulling them hard. "Don't be stupid, Sebastian," she scolded him with a slight pout. "We're husband and wife. Naturally, we have the same children."
Inwardly Acier was quite surprised that Sebastian was willing to go as far as to have his reputation smeared just to be considerate of her feelings and raise Dorothy.
Sebastian already faced a lot of stigma in his life for being the patriarch of a lineage of Magic Knights, without being one himself. All he had going from it was his career as a cold-hearted politician, that would cow anyone who'd dare to insult him.
However, if this got out, he would not only be a failed Mage but also a failed politician. Nobility having affairs and illegitimate children is a different thing than being exposed for having them. If Sebastian admitted this his, political career would go up in flames and he would lose all the decade's worth of power, he struggled to build for himself in the royal palace.
All the power he held over the Kingdom and the sway his words held in the courts would be lost. Many people especially House Kira were stalking House Silva like a wolf already waiting for her demise, if its Patriarch had a scandal now, well let's just say the future for House Silva would look bleak.
Branch families demanding his removal as family head, and power struggles to usurp succession from the main family, would be the least of their worries.
Sebastian winced under the playful but firm pressure of her fingers; his eyes wide with surprise. "Ouch, okay, okay!" he muttered, half-laughing through the pain.
She let go of his cheeks, her expression softening into something more thoughtful. "I'll admit, it'll be strange… an adjustment," she admitted, looking away from him as if embarrassed to continue. "But… I find the little girl quite adorable."
Her words hung in the air for a moment before she looked back at him, her eyes still holding that playful edge. "You promised her a family, didn't you? Not just a father. If that's the case, Dorothy's going to need a mother too."
Sebastian's heart warmed at her words, a smile spreading across his face. He squeezed her hand tighter, realizing now more than ever just how much Acier meant to him. This is where Noelle gets her tsundere personality, he thought inwardly, chuckling softly.
But Acier's expression soon changed. The playful pout vanished, replaced by a dark, serious gaze. "Parenthood is one thing, Sebastian," she said firmly, "but stepping into our children's love lives is another. No matter how much I may come to adore Dorothy in the future, I will never accept one of our children marrying unwillingly, and certainly not having their partner decided for them."
Sebastian raised his hands in placation, nodding quickly. "I swear," he promised, "I'll only marry Nozel to Dorothy if they genuinely develop feelings for each other. Until then, they'll just be fiancées, and she'll be the nominal daughter-in-law of the Silva family."
After a slight pause, he added. "If it looks like it's not meant to be, I'll immediately break the engagement and fully adopt Dorothy into the family as our child. Giving her the Silva name."
Acier's eyes studied him closely, searching for any hint of deception. After a moment, she nodded slowly. "Alright," she said, her voice calm but still serious.
After a brief silence, Acier tilted her head, asking dryly, "And how do you plan to explain all this to Nebra and Solid?"
Sebastian groaned, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "I'll… figure something out," he mumbled, clearly dreading that conversation.
Realizing the time, he reluctantly stood up and made his way to the door. "It's 10:00 now," he said, taking a deep breath. "I'll let them back in."
As he opened the door, Sebastian felt satisfied, although they had their issues, it seemed like family was finally starting to form.
A Few Moments Ago:
As Nozel stepped outside into the hallway, he spotted Dorothy doing the same. The short girl closed the door softly behind her. He studied her closely disbelieving, that she of all people was his fiancée.
Nozel Silva was not one to chase romantic relationships, but he was confident if he ever had daydreamed of a woman in his life, he wouldn't have envisioned her face.
"So," Nozel said rhetorically, "you're my fiancée huh?"
Dorothy nodded absentmindedly, not even sparing him a look, as she walked towards him. Her attention was fully on Noelle, who was squirming slightly in Nozel's arms. Without hesitation, Dorothy bent down, gently pinching the baby's plump cheek. Noelle giggled, her soft coos filling the hallway as she responded with unreserved delight to Dorothy's attention.
Nozel blinked in surprise, feeling a sudden, inexplicable surge of jealousy rise in his chest. Why does Noelle react to her like that? The sight of Dorothy effortlessly coaxing laughter from his baby sister while completely ignoring him left him feeling both embarrassed and irrationally annoyed.
It's the same with Father. How can these strangers bring utter delight to Noelle so casually, while he despite being by her side since day one, had to wait months before she was even comfortable enough to snuggle in his arms? Even now, she rarely giggles for him.
What is he doing wrong? Traitor. Nozel instinctively thought looking down on his baby sister. Nozel never considered that if he could be bothered to so much as show her a smile and play with her, he could get the same reaction out of her.
His expression hardened, and without thinking, he took a large step backward, widening the gap between them. Noelle, sensing the sudden distance, immediately began to fuss, her tiny face scrunching up in displeasure as she prepared to wail.
Before the baby could even get out a proper cry, Nozel quickly popped a pacifier into her mouth, silencing her. Her little hands instinctively grabbed onto his sleeve, and she settled back down with a contented hum. Nozel exhaled in relief, only to feel Dorothy's eyes on him.
Dorothy, having straightened up, sighed dramatically, her gaze moving lazily from Noelle to Nozel. She muttered aloud, her tone half-amused, "Is this what Dad meant by him being a Siscon?"
Nozel's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock. The fact that she had casually referred to his father as "Dad" left him reeling. He demanded, "Siscon? What does that even mean?"
Dorothy shrugged as if his outburst was of no concern. "Don't worry about it," she said dismissively, turning away from him and leaning against the wall as if the conversation was pointless.
Nozel was growing very tired of being utterly disregarded by everyone he met. Be it that damn Vanica Zogratis, Draven Faust, or his father, but at least the three of them are people of strength and status.
This girl is a nobody! How dare she?!
As Dorothy stood there, her back against the wall, her posture casual, Nozel could only clench his jaw in frustration. He wasn't used to being brushed off so easily, and certainly not by someone who had just been thrust into his life in such an unexpected and overwhelming way.
If you're my fiancée, is it so much to ask for a proper conversation?!
Nozel stood in the hallway, trying to keep his frustration in check. He could feel the anger bubbling up, threatening to spill over, but he knew causing a scene now would only attract attention. So, with a resigned sigh, he mirrored Dorothy's casual stance, leaning against the wall opposite her. His gaze rested on her face, outwardly indifferent, though his thoughts ran much deeper.
She's a bit cute, he admitted, his mind momentarily distracted from his mountain of frustrations. Marrying her wouldn't be the worst thing. Sure, her attitude could use some refinement, but that was something etiquette classes could easily fix. After all, she wasn't a noble, and once she learned the ways of high society, she'd adapt.
Besides she seems to have powerful magic, so she'd be worthy of being House Silva's future Matriarch.
But more than anything, Nozel's thoughts centered on his mother. Dorothy was the key to saving Acier, and the surest way to guarantee her cooperation was to tie her to the Silva family, permanently. If Dorothy became a true member of the family, if Acier became her mother as well, she would have no choice but to use her magic to its fullest to help.
Clearing his throat, Nozel straightened up slightly. "Ahem."
Dorothy, still leaning against the wall, lazily glanced over at him, her expression unreadable.
Nozel met her gaze with his usual composed demeanor, though his words carried the weight of his decision. "Very well," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I will marry you."
Dorothy blinked, but otherwise remained unfazed, her face giving nothing away.
"You should pick a date for our engagement reception," Nozel continued, watching for any reaction. "The venue, the food, the music, the guest list—you can handle all of it, if you wish. I only have one condition." He paused, his tone growing slightly more authoritative. "You will respect the Silva dress code."
His words hung in the air for a moment, and he couldn't help but add, "If you don't trust me, we can skip straight to the wedding."
Inwardly, Nozel considered the implications. It would raise eyebrows in noble society, skipping the engagement entirely. But what do I care? It was a small price to pay if it meant guaranteeing his mother's safety. Traditions and appearances meant little to Nozel compared to Acier's life.
Dorothy studied him for a moment, her expression still frustratingly nonchalant. She didn't seem bothered by his sudden proposal or his conditions. She only raised an eyebrow, as if contemplating his words, but gave no immediate response.
Nozel waited, his gaze steady, wondering if this girl truly understood what she was getting herself into.
Dorothy blinked at Nozel, genuinely confused by his sudden declaration. "Wait, when did I ever say I'd marry you?" she asked, her voice laced with bewilderment.
Nozel stiffened, his grip tightening slightly around Noelle. He leaned forward and whispered in a sharp, hushed tone, "You were introduced to me as my fiancée!"
An awkward smile tugged at the corners of Dorothy's lips. "Yeah… about that. It's just a promise for now," she explained with a casual shrug. "Dad said that if I don't feel anything for you, I can break the engagement and just be adopted into the family. You know, as your sister."
Nozel's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as she dismissed the whole engagement as if it were nothing. He barely registered her promise to help save Acier, his mother's life seemingly secondary to the irritation he felt. "It's like you're acting as if our engagement is doomed from the start," he snapped, his voice barely concealing his growing frustration. "What do you mean by 'not feeling anything' for me?"
Dorothy tilted her head, genuinely puzzled that he didn't seem to understand. Scratching her head, she sighed softly. "You know, unless you can make me fall in love, I'm not marrying you."
Her words hit Nozel like a slap to the face, but she seemed unfazed, continuing as if they were discussing something as mundane as dinner plans. "Look, don't sweat it. You don't even want this engagement, right? So, we can just tell Dad and move on—become siblings."
Nozel's irritation flared, the indifference in her tone grating on his nerves. It wasn't just the casual dismissal of their engagement; it was the sheer audacity she had to suggest it was already a lost cause as if he had no chance whatsoever. "So, what you're saying is you want some Prince Charming, huh?" he said, his voice taking on a challenging edge.
Dorothy blinked again, taken aback by the shift in his tone.
"Very well then, Dorothy Unsworth!" Nozel declared dramatically, pointing at himself with one hand while balancing Noelle in the other. "Prepare yourself to be swept off your feet by none other than me, Nozel Silva!"
In his arms, Noelle suddenly began clapping, giggling in delight at her brother's passionate declaration. Dorothy, however, looked utterly bewildered, her eyes wide as she stared at him.
What in the world…? she thought, scratching her cheek in confusion. Among all the daydreams and fantasies, she'd ever had about marriage proposals, not once had she imagined someone would challenge her to a battle rather than woo her heart. "Uh, okay," she muttered, still perplexed. "Do… whatever you want, I guess."
Nozel clenched his fist, determination settling in his eyes. He had long since finished all his etiquette lessons, and he had mastered the fine arts of wooing and courting women. He scoffed inwardly, confident that Dorothy would be no match for his charms. She was just a little girl, after all.
If that good-for-nothing father of mine could seduce the Acier Silva, he thought with a smirk, then I, who inherited much of his looks, can easily tame someone like her.
Dorothy, meanwhile, glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, still utterly confused by how things had escalated so quickly.
Just then, Sebastian opened the door, signaling for them to come back inside. But as soon as he stepped into the hallway, he froze, immediately sensing the awkward tension hanging in the air. Nozel was staring intensely at Dorothy, his eyes locked on her like a hawk preparing to strike, while Dorothy awkwardly glanced to the side, mouthing "help" at Sebastian with a pleading expression.
Sebastian's face darkened, a storm cloud of disappointment settling over him. Did Nozel already bully her? he thought, utterly exasperated. He'd barely left them alone for a few minutes, and his son had somehow managed to create this uncomfortable situation.
Nozel's oblivious intensity didn't help matters either, Sebastian clenched his jaw, preparing to give his eldest an earful. He had expected better.
Authors Note:
[1] Jeeves, full name Reginald Jeeves (nicknamed Reggie), is a fictional valet created by P. G. Wodehouse, first appearing in 1915. He serves the idle Londoner Bertie Wooster, and is featured in Wodehouse's works for 60 years, ending with Aunts Aren't Gentlemen in 1974. Jeeves is known as the epitome of a manservant, inspiring similar characters and lending his name to services like Ask Jeeves. Though often mistaken for a butler, Jeeves is a valet, responsible for serving an individual rather than managing a household. However, he occasionally steps in as a butler when needed.
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hmak27230
hmak27230
I tried fixing it, if it still doesn't work just go read it on fanfiction or archive of our own.
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