Kaiser Granvorka walked through the Purple Orca base. He passed the gardens, terraces, dorms, and sleeping quarters, his gaze briefly drifting to the dining room, kitchen, and other familiar spaces.
Everywhere he went, he saw his squad. They were chatting, laughing, some playfully bickering, but the camaraderie was undeniable—a harmonious rhythm that brought life to the base.
And then, like fading spirits, they vanished.
His steps became heavier as he headed to the Captain's office. Without hesitation, he let himself in, his eyes falling on the desk. For a fleeting moment, he saw Captain Vortigarn bent over paperwork or barking orders at subordinates, while Vice-Captain Marcel stood nearby with his ever-present gentle smile.
They, too, flickered away like ghosts.
Kaiser stood in silence, rooted to the spot. Then, with an emotionless expression, he rounded the desk and dropped into the Captain's chair.
For a brief moment, he sat upright, rigid, as if trying to maintain composure. But the façade broke. Leaning forward, he buried his face in his arms, his shoulders trembling. The usually indifferent and composed young man began to weep, tears seeping through the gaps of his fingers.
His voice cracked as he whispered into the still air, "C-Captain… I c-can't do it… I just can't."
—
At the Blue Rose base, outside the Captain's office, Lily leaned against the wall, her arm wrapped protectively around Chloe. The younger twin trembled uncontrollably, muffled sobs shaking her frame as a loud, anguished cry echoed from within the office.
"B-Big S-Sister… y-you promised to c-come back and play with me… h-how could you die…" Chloe trembled, as the voice from inside broke further. "M-mama and P-papa are s-sad, please come back!"
Lily's crimson-tinged eyes glistened as she rubbed her sister's shoulder. She bent down slightly, whispering softly into Chloe's ear.
"We won't take any more outside missions… Once Ellenor is strong enough, we'll have her take over, and then we'll both retire. Alright?"
Chloe gave a weak nod, burying her face in her older sister's chest. Lily continued to soothe her, lightly tracing circles on her back as her younger sister clung to her, grief weighing them both down.
The twins felt their hearts cracking as Ellenor continued to weep.
—
Shortly after word arrived from Kiten declaring Clover's victory, the kingdom was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions.
The commoners and peasants heralding from the forsaken realm rejoiced. Tears of relief and joy flowed as they realized they could finally return home—the war with Diamond was over. Kikka and other overcrowded areas in the common realm quickly emptied as refugees began their journeys back to villages, towns, and settlements.
Some chose to move all the way to Kiten, a now-desolate city abandoned by its residents during the conflict. These settlers took on the burden of rebuilding, recovering bodies of the fallen, identifying them, and ensuring they were sent home to the noble realm.
But for the families and friends of the Purple Orcas, Blue Roses, and the late Alden, the atmosphere was one of devastation. The loss of loved ones hung heavy in the air.
Wives become widows. Children became orphans. Sisters mourned brothers, brothers grieved sisters. Parents wept for children they'd never see again. Nieces and nephews would never hear the voices of their aunts and uncles again. The sorrow was unrelenting, infecting the nobility and aristocracy alike.
That grief curdled into seething rage, directed at two groups: the people of Kiten who had fled to Heart, abandoning their defenders, and Diamond, the enemy who had orchestrated the chaos. Many nobles believed their loved ones had died in vain, protecting cowards who had simply run away. They began to demand retribution and called for the complete annihilation of Diamond.
This call for war gained momentum, fueled by those who had lost someone or something in the conflict. But the rest of the nobility, the Church, and the royalty ruthlessly stamped it out. Clover's military was already crippled—they had lost two entire squads and their Wizard King.
With only the Crimson Lions, Silver Eagles, a few smaller organizations, and reserve forces left, Clover couldn't afford any further losses. Instead, they sent a representative to Diamond's new king, Edelstein, to demand reparations.
Edelstein, a pragmatic man, had ascended to the throne immediately after Diamond's defeat. His father, Goldstein, always cautious, had ensured a smooth succession should he fall by mercilessly slaughtering nearly the entire royal family save for his son, the Queen, and a few others, before leaving for battle.
Prince Edlestein became King, with little to no pushback.
When Edelstein inherited the crown, he faced no illusions about his country's condition. Diamond was shattered, needing at least a decade to recover, perhaps longer to regain even a fraction of its former strength.
To appease Clover and stave off further conflict, Edelstein unearthed his ancestral coffers and nearly emptied the royal vault. He sent mountains of gold, jewels, and treasures to Clover. Many of the "devastated" and "enraged" nobility of Clover suddenly found solace in this wealth. Their grief gave way to proclamations of resilience as they vowed to "live bravely for the fallen."
Meanwhile, the Magic Knights were in turmoil. The Purple Orcas and Blue Roses teetered on the brink of collapse. Though a few opportunistic nobles joined these squads to bask in their newfound fame, the numbers only restored about a third of their former strength.
Faced with desperation, both squads made an unprecedented decision: they loosened their restrictions and qualifications. For the first time in the kingdom's history, commoners were admitted into the Magic Knights. They entered in droves, filling ranks that would otherwise have remained empty.
The aristocracy was outraged, decrying the "dirtying" of their noble ranks. But necessity prevailed. To appease the upper classes, only commoners from notable families—those bordering on nobility or vassal families of noble houses—were admitted.
Kaiser's father, the former Captain of the Purple Orcas and Vortigarn's predecessor, came out of retirement to lead the squad until his son could recover from his trauma and reach the necessary level to uphold their dignity.
Lily, meanwhile, stepped in as the interim Captain of the Blue Roses. She would hold the position until the late Captain's younger sister, Ellenor, was ready to take over.
Acier, hailed as the "hero of the war," was swiftly welcomed into the Silver Eagles upon her return.
As for the throne of Clover, the kingdom faced yet another crisis. With both their King and Wizard King gone in a single year, Clover was desperate for a leader. The Pope was unsuitable, as his appointment would only stir dissent. Augustus' brothers were scapegoated for the kingdom's civil unrest and the losses in Kiten. They were swiftly executed.
With the full support of the Church and House Kira—and the neutrality of House Vermillion and House Silva—Augustus was finally crowned king.
His first act was a bid to win public favor. He sought to demonstrate his gratitude and benevolence by rewarding the survivors of Kiten.
House Wallflower was elevated to the rank of county, with Lily crowned Countess. House Granvorka was made a march, with Kaiser already being addressed as the Young Marquess. Acier received the official epithet of "Steel War Princess," while Owen and Sebastian were knighted.
They were all granted wealth and fame, though none of them cared much for such rewards.
Lily, exhausted from juggling her duties as both a countess and a captain, leaned heavily on Chloe, who helped manage the county and took charge of guiding Ellenor's training.
Kaiser, battling his depression, found solace in the company of a young lady he fancied.
Owen, having obtained his official doctor's license, joined the Magic Knights as an independent healer.
As for Acier and Sebastian...
—
June 25, 1601
"Acier, honey, you're drooling."
Amara spoke awkwardly to her daughter from across the dining table as they sat down for breakfast.
Well, everyone but Acier did.
Amara and Aurelia watched in mild disbelief as Acier, her plate untouched, sat with a dreamy smile plastered on her face. She was completely enraptured by the new ring on her left hand, occasionally shooting goo-goo eyes at Sebastian, who sat stiffly on her right, trying to eat his breakfast in peace. Meanwhile, a thin line of saliva dripped from Acier's mouth.
At the head of the table, Nathaniel ate with his eyes closed, chewing calmly, as if determined to pretend none of this was happening.
There was an almost comical image of red hearts shooting up from Acier as she gazed at Sebastian, causing him to sweat under her lovesick stare. The illusion popped like a balloon when Acier abruptly looked across the table, her excitement spilling over.
"Guess what! Sebby said he'll marry me!" she declared with a radiant beam.
The room froze.
Amara and Aurelia stared at Acier in shock. Nathaniel's eyes snapped open, his expression cold and unreadable.
In perfect unison, all three of them craned their necks to look at Sebastian.
Nathaniel's face was icy and indifferent. Amara looked stunned. Aurelia, however, smiled brightly.
Sebastian clenched his jaw, looking increasingly flustered. "I said when I turn 21! Don't make them misunderstand!" he hissed at Acier.
Aurelia pouted slightly.
Amara let out a sigh of relief.
Nathaniel's frosty expression thawed just a bit.
Acier, entirely unaffected by the reactions around her, turned her gaze back to Sebastian with a dreamy grin. "A promise is a promise. No take backs!"
Sebastian opened his mouth, seemingly at a loss for words, but his expression softened as he whispered quietly, "I won't."
Acier's eyes practically turned heart-shaped.
Sebastian sighed, trying to ignore her as he awkwardly turned back to face her family.
Aurelia was still smiling.
Nathaniel and Amara, now calm, fixed their eyes on Sebastian, their expressions unreadable.
Sebastian met their gaze, his face tense with determination. "Is that... alright with you?"
Nathaniel and Amara exchanged a glance.
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed, focusing on Sebastian's hair for a moment before his expression softened. He responded coolly, "You're asking the wrong people."
Sebastian froze, confusion flickering across his face before comprehension dawned in his ocean-blue eyes. Slowly, he turned to look at Acier.
Her earlier dreamy smile had been replaced with a soft, gentle one. She nodded.
Sebastian couldn't hold back his grin, foolish and wide, nearly matching the lovesick look Acier had worn earlier.
But Acier's expression shifted, her smile turning sly.
Sebastian froze, his grin slipping as a sinking sense of panic took over.
Acier turned back toward her family, her mouth parting. "Did you know we slept—mmph!"
Sebastian slapped a hand over her mouth, cold sweat breaking out across his forehead. Nathaniel's frigid stare returned with a vengeance, cutting into Sebastian like shards of ice.
Without saying a word, Sebastian scooped Acier into his arms and bolted for the door, the twin panels swinging wildly in his wake.
Nathaniel's eyes lingered on the doors for a moment before he sighed heavily and returned to his breakfast, his expression neutral.
Amara, on the other hand, looked scandalized.
Aurelia, her face beet red, leaned forward slightly and whispered, "Looks like I might be an aunt soon."
Both Nathaniel and Amara stiffened.
—
June 28, 1601
Sebastian and Acier were back in Kikka, tending to passersby at their clinical stall. Acier wouldn't officially begin her Magic Knight duties for another month.
—
August 15, 1601
"Hey, Sebby?"
"Hmm?"
Sebastian turned from his desk to look at Acier, who was lying on his bed, engrossed in a book.
His brow twitched as he caught sight of the title. Forcing himself to look away from the shameless smut in his girlfriend's hands, he pasted on a strained smile.
"What is it?"
Acier set the book down and sat up on the bed, casually twirling a strand of her hair. "I've been thinking…"
Sebastian didn't press her to continue, letting her take her time. She bit her lip before meeting his gaze.
"I don't think I want to be Wizard King anymore."
Without hesitation, Sebastian got up, walked across the room, and sat beside her. He placed a hand on her lap, his expression calm but attentive.
"Why?" he asked simply, his blue eyes locking onto hers.
Acier held his gaze, her voice soft and steady.
"I admire the Wizard Kings. I really do—maybe I even idolize them. Even Alden, despite his cold-hearted decisions... I think he made the best choices he could. We Magic Knights are soldiers, and we're supposed to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the kingdom if it's necessary."
She paused, her expression clouded as she continued.
"As for the people of Kiten—the commoners and peasants who suffered in the war… the ones who died unjustly—it's pitiful, and it's tragic. But I don't think it was wrong of him to sacrifice them. The needs of the many outweigh the suffering of the few."
Sebastian listened quietly, his hand warm on her lap, but his eyes searching hers.
"That being said," Acier went on, her voice faltering slightly, "I don't think I can make decisions like that. I can't order people to die, or give up their lives. And… I don't think I even have the courage to die anymore."
She lifted her left hand, the rings on her fingers catching the light as she smiled softly.
"I want to spend my lifetime with you. I don't want to die. If being Wizard King is rooted in sacrifice, then I don't think I want that anymore."
Her voice grew resolute.
"I'm going to choose the path of life and live it with you—until we're gray and old."
Wordlessly, she leaned into Sebastian's chest. He sat still for a moment, wide-eyed, before wrapping his arms around her tightly.
Sebastian's heart raced. Best birthday ever.
—
August 31, 1601
Acier blinked in confusion, pointing to the towering stack of lumber, planks, screws, bolts, and tools piled behind Sebastian's small shack.
"What's all this, Sebby?"
Sebastian, holding a large piece of paper in his hand, glanced at her nervously. The paper held a rough sketch of what looked like a cottage.
He folded it and stuffed it into his pocket, scratching his cheek as a faint blush crept across his face.
"Well… a princess can't live in such a tiny place, right? I need to upgrade."
Acier froze, her face a blank slate.
Sebastian coughed into his fist, his blush deepening as he avoided her gaze. His voice softened.
"Want to build a house with me?"
For a moment, Acier stared at him. Then her cheeks flushed crimson, and before Sebastian could react, she leapt at him, pinning him to the grassy ground.
"Wha—?!"
Before he could finish his startled exclamation, she captured his lips in a fierce kiss. Her hands tangled in his hair as her tongue explored his mouth with unrelenting passion, leaving him breathless.
Sebastian flailed weakly, silently pleading for air, but Acier paid him no mind. Her heart pounded as she deepened the kiss.
Best birthday ever.
September 1, 1601
Sebastian joined Acier's family to pay homage to King Octavian's 1 year death anniversary.
—
September 5, 1601
Building a home was hard work, especially when neither of them really knew what they were doing. They relied on instincts, trial and error, as they mapped out the terrain, leveled the ground, and hauled beams and planks to their designated spots.
Sebastian blinked in disbelief as Acier effortlessly twirled heavy beams in her arms like they were paperweights. No matter how many times he saw it, the amount of power packed into her small frame never failed to baffle him—even with the use of magic.
They made countless mistakes. Their process was often out of order, forcing them to backtrack, unscrew beams, and redo entire sections. Thankfully, Sebastian had plenty of money saved, and he was especially grateful that Acier never brought up paying for anything herself.
—
September 12, 1601
Sebastian and Acier sat on the hill in front of his shack, a picnic blanket spread out beneath them and a straw basket between them. The basket held neatly wrapped, triangular sandwiches.
Sebastian picked one up, studying the contents squeezed between the bread: ham, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mustard, mayo, and a variety of other ingredients.
He glanced at Acier, who lay beside him nervously, fidgeting with her hands.
"You made this?" he asked softly.
Acier nodded meekly, her voice trailing off as she replied, "I haven't tasted them or anything… so they're probably not very good…"
Sebastian noticed she hadn't told him not to eat them, like she had with the chocolate before. His gaze narrowed slightly, catching the care she'd put into the wrapping, trimming, and overall presentation.
Today was their first day off in a long while—no work on the cottage, no magic knight mission, no medical duties. By all accounts, this was their first official date, and she had clearly put a lot of effort into it.
His eyes lingered on her new sundress and the bun her hair was tied into, before he smiled gently.
"I'm sure they're great."
Acier's breath hitched as she watched him take a bite. He chewed slowly, his face unreadable—neither lighting up with delight nor twisting into a grimace. She waited anxiously for his reaction, but instead of saying anything, he wordlessly devoured the rest of the sandwich.
Then, to her astonishment, he reached into the basket, pulled out the other sandwich—her portion—and began eating that as well.
Rather than being upset, Acier's heart soared. Sebby likes them that much?! W-well then, as his f-future wife… I-I should bring him meals every day from now on—
Her thoughts screeched to a halt when Sebastian wiped his mouth and hands, then placed them firmly on her shoulders. His piercing blue eyes locked onto her pink irises.
"Acier."
"Yeah, Sebby?" she replied, beaming brightly.
His expression turned somber, his voice grave as he inclined his head.
"Never cook again."
Acier froze, her radiant grin vanishing in an instant.
Before she could respond, Sebastian collapsed onto his side, twitching violently as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. Foam bubbled at the corners of his mouth.
"Sebby?!" Acier screamed, snapping out of her shock as panic took over.
Once again, Sebastian would spend a week confined to his bed with severe food poisoning. Acier stayed by his side, crying dramatic tears of guilt and regret.
When Aurelia came by and asked if she was alright, Acier shook her head, her voice trembling as she replied, "I almost made myself a widow…"
—
September 30, 1601
With all their other work, responsibilities, and duties, Sebastian and Acier had only just managed to finish the outer frame of their cottage.
Standing side by side with an arm wrapped around each other's waists, they admired their progress, soft smiles gracing their faces.
Acier leaned closer to Sebastian, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered slyly, "Hey, Sebby, let's celebrate."
Sebastian immediately backed away, crossing his arms into an X and shaking his head firmly. "Virginity is cool. Stay away."
Unfazed, Acier leapt at him, pinning him to the ground once more as a broad grin spread across her face. "There are many other ways to celebrate."
Before he could respond, she claimed his lips in another passionate kiss.
—
November 17, 1601
Rumors began spreading across the Clover Kingdom: Undine's contractor and the current Heart Queen—who had been at the peak of health—had suddenly passed away. In her place, the previous queen, her mother, swiftly resumed power.
Perhaps if the Clover or Diamond Kingdoms had been in a better position militarily, Heart might have been facing an invasion of its own.
—
December 25, 1601
Another Christmas with Acier's family.
This time, Sebastian kissed her the way she'd wanted under the mistletoe.
—
December 31, 1601
As the clock inched closer to midnight, welcoming in the new year, a small, hooded figure, perhaps a child, made his way through the noble realm, heading toward the reclusive aristocratic estate of House Novachrono.
As he walked, his black hair lightened to blonde, and the perverse smile on his face melted into something softer and more genuine.
—
Elsewhere, in the Saint Luminous Basilica, Pope Benedictus knelt in pious prayer before the primeval cross. Slowly, he opened his eyes, his mouth tightening into a grimace as his gaze darkened with a somber light.
—
January 1, 1602
Nathaniel sat coldly at his desk, pulling a tissue away from his mouth. The red blotch on the fabric didn't faze him.
Without hesitation, he flicked open a lighter, setting the tissue ablaze. Once it was reduced to ash, he emptied the remnants into the waste bin beneath his desk. If someone were to inspect the bin, they would find it filled entirely with ashes.
—
January 3, 1602
Inside the bedroom of the newly built cottage, Sebastian sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fondly following Acier. She hummed softly as she unpacked a small pile of her clothes and folded them neatly, placing them in their shared dresser.
Without thinking, Sebastian lightly patted his lap.
Acier froze mid-step, blinking at him, before a broad smile lit up her face. She walked over and straddled his lap, resting her arms on his shoulders.
"Now what?" she whispered in his ear, her voice dripping with mischief.
Sebastian gulped, his hands coming to rest gently on her back. "I… I want to kiss you…"
Acier's lips brushed against his ear as she teased, "Only kiss?"
He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No. Not only kisses."
Acier leaned back slightly, her arms still wrapped around his neck. "But you won't do it?"
Sebastian nodded without hesitation. "Not yet. It's… irresponsible."
Her smile softened. "Yeah, it is. Fine then. Just kiss me."
And so, she leaned in, her lips meeting his.
—
January 17, 1602
Once again, Sebastian joined House Silva, House Vermillion, and other esteemed families to celebrate Aurelia's birthday.
This year marked an especially significant occasion—her coming-of-age ceremony.
While it wasn't as grand as Acier's, since Aurelia wasn't the heiress of House Silva, the event was still lavish. As a princess of House Silva—and with some already referring to her as Princess Vermillion—it came close.
As the guests of honor were being introduced, Sebastian descended the staircase proudly, arm linked with Acier, officially presenting himself as her date and suitor. He paid no attention to the glares of disapproval directed his way.
Lux didn't attend this time, leaving Augustus to represent House Kira and the throne by himself.
At the center of the ballroom, Nicklaus—looking even thinner and sickly than before—kept his gaze fixed on Aurelia as she waltzed joyfully with Florian to a melody from The Nutcracker. Nearby, Count Vardy watched with a nod of satisfaction.
From start to finish, the Old Duke refrained from bothering either Sebastian or Acier.
When the dance concluded, Sebastian and Acier joined the crowd in a thunderous round of applause.
After Aurelia was officially titled a noble lady, the group sat down to dine. For a while, the table was filled with content silence, broken only by the clinking of silverware—until an aged voice broke through.
"Children."
All heads turned toward Pope Benedictus, who sat at the far end of the table with a warm, jovial smile. His gaze, however, was fixed solely on Sebastian and Acier.
The couple inclined their heads respectfully. "Yes, Your Holiness?"
The pope waved a hand dismissively. "No need for such formality, young ones. In the eyes of the Lord, we are all equals, and this is no place of worship."
Relaxing slightly, Sebastian and Acier straightened in their seats as Benedictus extended his hands, revealing two plain cross brooches resting in his palms.
Confused, the couple accepted the brooches as the pope's grin widened.
"The two of you have done so much for the common people over the past year," he said warmly. "Even going so far as to join a war that was never your battle to fight. I know this is but a small token, but I hope it reflects the clergy's gratitude. If ever you find yourselves in need, no matter what it is, please don't hesitate to ask. If it is within our means, we will provide."
Sebastian and Acier exchanged a brief, puzzled glance before turning back to the pope with polite smiles.
"Thank you, Your Holiness! We'll treasure them!" Acier said cheerfully, with Sebastian nodding in agreement.
Benedictus beamed at their response, leaning back contentedly in his chair.
At the head of the table, Nathaniel's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, his expression carefully neutral. Though the pope's words had been directed at both Sebastian and Acier, Nathaniel noted how the old man's gaze lingered longer on Sebastian than was necessary.
It was as though Benedictus had been speaking primarily to him, with Acier included only to avoid suspicion.
Nathaniel's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his simmering unease going unnoticed by everyone.
—
As Acier slept soundly that night, she didn't sense the figure standing over her bed.
Nathaniel held the cross brooch in his hand, turning it over thoughtfully as his sharp eyes scrutinized every detail. Finding nothing unusual, he placed it back down silently on her bedside table.
His gaze shifted to his daughter, her face serene and blissfully unaware as she slept.
She's still too green… he thought, sighing inwardly. But his lips curved into a soft, fond smile. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Despite being a seasoned warrior with highly attuned senses, Acier didn't stir. Perhaps her body hadn't registered the slightest hint of a threat, leaving her instincts untriggered. And so, she continued to sleep undisturbed.
Nathaniel disappeared in an instant, vanishing through the wide-open windows.
—
In the guest room where Sebastian slept, Nathaniel appeared again. This time, he examined Sebastian's brooch with the same intensity.
His silver eyes flickered briefly before he set the brooch down as quietly as he'd picked it up. He turned his attention to Sebastian, his gaze thoughtful and unreadable.
Reaching down, Nathaniel plucked a single strand of Sebastian's hair with deft precision, careful not to disturb him. His eyes narrowed, the heat in his gaze intensifying as he disappeared once more.
Just like Acier, Sebastian remained completely unaware of his presence.
—
February 14, 1602
Acier handed Sebastian a box of store-bought chocolates without a word. He took it, holding the box tightly as his gaze fell on her face. Her eyes betrayed a hint of hurt that struck him deeply.
Biting his lip, Sebastian reached into his satchel and pulled out a gift-wrapped rectangular bar.
Acier blinked in surprise, her breath hitching as she accepted the gift. Unwrapping it carefully, her eyes widened at the sight of roughly shaped chocolate cubes. They weren't pretty, but a rich, creamy aroma wafted from them.
Her voice came out in a soft whisper. "You… made this…?"
Scratching the back of his head, Sebastian nodded sheepishly.
He opened his mouth, his tone earnest. "We're a couple. We cover each other's weaknesses. You're strong, and I'm not. You're rich, and I'm poor. You can fight, and I can heal. It's okay if you can't cook or bake. I'll do that for you because I'm your other half… is that okay?"
Acier's eyes watered as she took one of the chocolate cubes and popped it into her mouth. A soft crunch gave way to a creamy, milky sweetness. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was good—simple and comforting.
She held another cube at the edge of her mouth and tapped her lips lightly, her voice teasing. "I'll forgive you if you do this."
Sebastian smiled, gently placing a hand behind her head as he leaned in. Their lips met in a tender kiss.
Afterward, they shared all the chocolates—both Sebastian's homemade ones and Acier's store-bought batch. By the time they finished, they were walking hand in hand back up toward the noble realms.
Both their stomachs ached slightly from the indulgence, but they didn't care.
As they ascended toward Castle Silva, a little boy walking with a blonde-haired woman pointed at them.
"Look, Mommy! They're holding hands in public! They're going to hell!"
Sebastian and Acier froze in unison, their expressions comically stiff.
The woman quickly picked up the boy, scolding him gently. "It's not nice to point, Timmy."
However, she made no effort to correct his comment about hell.
—
February 29, 1602
Sebastian and Acier stood side by side, dressed in black under the clearing winter sky. A chilling breeze swept through, heralding the arrival of fall as they gazed at a sizable gravestone in solemn silence.
—
March 6, 1602
Acier perched on a tree stump, her watchful gaze resting on Sebastian as he knelt before a tree, his hands clasped tightly in silent prayer.
Moments later, he rose and approached her. She stood, letting him take her place on the stump before settling herself comfortably in his lap.
Running her fingers gently through his hair, she whispered, "Praying for your parents?"
Sebastian tilted his head up to meet her eyes and shrugged lightly. "A bit."
Acier narrowed her eyes, her expression probing, but she didn't press further.
—
March 8, 1602
The door to the cottage slammed open as Sebastian bolted out, his face flushed crimson.
Inside, Acier stood halfway through changing, watching the door with a blank expression.
For the first time in his life, Sebastian made his way to Saint Luminous Basilica, heading directly to the confession booth.
Inside, Cardinal Anslem Veritas watched impassively as the young man entered, his face drenched in cold sweat.
"Father, I have sinned…" Sebastian began shakily.
The cardinal blinked, his expression neutral but faintly amused. I'm a cardinal, you know. Shouldn't you be saying 'Eminence'?
—
March 18, 1602
Sebastian found himself joining Acier's family once again, this time to celebrate Amara's birthday.
He wasn't enjoying it.
Under the table, Acier decided to amuse herself by playing footsie.
With an agility that seemed inhuman, she angled her leg and ran her foot up and down Sebastian's leg. Her toes twirled mischievously over his crotch, stroking and teasing him mercilessly.
Sebastian's back was drenched in cold sweat as he strained every muscle in his body to maintain an air of calm, pretending nothing was happening under the table.
When the night finally ended, Nathaniel's cold, piercing glare as Sebastian departed made it clear he hadn't been as subtle as he thought.
That night, Sebastian had his first wet dream. Waking in the early hours, he stared at the ceiling, overcome with a wave of self-loathing. He had never felt more disgusted with himself in his life.
—
April 3, 1602
Since that night, Acier had begun sleeping over at their cottage more frequently, effectively cohabitating with him.
Even though she rarely tried anything overt, simply sharing the same bed drove Sebastian to the brink of madness. The warmth of her presence beside him filled his chest with a strange, unfamiliar fuzziness.
Walking past the bath area and hearing the gentle splashing of water made his groin tighten uncomfortably, no matter how hard he tried to focus on something else.
This isn't good for my heart… he thought, silently despairing.
—
April 6, 1602
To Sebastian's relief, Acier departed for her first mission outside the kingdom since the war in Kiten.
A dungeon had appeared in neutral territory, equidistant from Clover, Heart, Diamond, and the Witch's Forest. Acier would be gone for a few days.
—
April 10, 1602
Sebastian's excitement to welcome Acier home quickly turned to dread the moment he saw her.
The Silver Eagles had successfully captured the dungeon despite competing with multiple parties, and Acier herself looked nearly untouched.
Nearly.
Thin cuts marked her arms—none lethal or even remotely serious for someone of her strength—but the sight was enough to make Sebastian's heart sink.
Without a word, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to their cottage. There, he meticulously tended to her injuries and insisted she stay the night.
That night, Sebastian clung to her like a child holding a beloved teddy bear, falling into a peaceful sleep.
Meanwhile, Acier lay wide awake, her face flushed crimson and utterly blank as she stared at the ceiling.
She didn't get a wink of sleep.
—
April 13, 1602
Sebastian and Acier attended Count Vardy's son's birthday party once again.
Everything was going smoothly until Acier, by accident, drank a little alcohol.
She couldn't hold her liquor.
In no time, Acier was completely drunk, staring at Sebastian with an intense, almost predatory gaze that sent shivers down his spine. Just as it looked like she was about to do something outrageous, Sebastian swiftly delivered a chop to the back of her head, knocking her out cold.
Without a word, he carried the drunken Acier back home, bridal style. The blank stares of her family and the amused looks of House Silva's servants didn't faze him as he carried her all the way to her room and set her gently on her bed.
And then she began to drunkenly strip.
Sebastian tried to flee, but a drunken Acier grabbed him by the neck, forcing him to stay. She dragged him into bed, sleeping on top of him—completely nude.
Sebastian passed out within seconds, his nose bleeding from the sheer mortification.
At dawn, he stirred awake, carefully rolled a still-unconscious Acier off him, and darted out of the castle. His destination? The Basilica, and the confessional.
Cardinal Veritas was starting to think he deserved a raise.
—
May 7, 1602
Once again, Sebastian and Acier attended Lux's birthday celebration.
Once again, Acier turned down Lux's invitation to dance.
Once again, she accepted Sebastian's.
Once again, the two of them shamelessly made out in full view of the nobility.
And once again, they left the party with wide smiles, arms linked.
Acier shot Sebastian a sly grin. "We should do this every year."
Sebastian laughed. "Next time, for sure."
There would never be a next time.
—
May 12, 1602
Sebastian visited Castle Vermillion for Florian's birthday.
Once again, he and Acier applauded and cheered as Florian and Aurelia danced.
And once again, Sebastian and Acier didn't dance themselves. Instead, they sat quietly together, hand in hand, the silence between them comfortable and warm.
—
May 20, 1602
After Nathaniel's birthday dinner, Sebastian joined the man for another stroll through the Silva cemetery.
They stopped in front of Nathaniel's mother's grave, standing silently for an hour.
This time, Sebastian didn't feel as uncomfortable. Before leaving, he placed a small daisy of his own by the gravestone.
June 19, 1602
The entire kingdom observed a moment of silence to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Clover-Diamond War's end.
Sebastian joined Acier's family to attend the mass vigil at Saint Luminous Basilica.
—
August 6, 1602
"Aww, isn't he cute, Sebby?" Acier cooed, holding Mereoleona in her arms and pointing forward.
Sebastian followed her finger to the tiny, pudgy, and wrinkly ball of flesh with a soft tuft of vermillion hair cradled lovingly in Amber's arms.
Fuegoleon Vermillion had been born just the day before, and he, Acier, and Aurelia had come to congratulate Amber and Ignatius on their newborn son.
Sebastian nodded, bowing politely toward Amber, Ignatius, and Florian, who stood nearby, smiling warmly. Aurelia squealed in joy beside him, clearly smitten with the baby.
"Yes, he is. Congratulations on the new addition to your family," Sebastian said sincerely.
Florian waved him off with a chuckle. "You don't have to be so formal, brother. It's weird."
Amber and Ignatius exchanged soft smiles as they nodded.
Sebastian relaxed, his heart warming at the sight of the happy family. He was just beginning to smile softly when Acier ruined the moment in typical fashion.
"Sebby, I want one. Let's make one."
The room fell into a stunned silence. Ignatius, Amber, and Florian stared wide-eyed at Acier. Aurelia, on the other hand, looked thrilled.
Sebastian's neck craned stiffly toward his girlfriend. Forcing a polite smile, he said, "Wait six years."
"I want one now," Acier pouted, crossing her arms.
Sebastian held his ground, smile intact. "Wait six years."
Acier snorted with a harumph, turning away.
Sebastian sighed, only to stiffen when the one-year-old Mereoleona shot him a glance over Acier's shoulder—a look of pure disdain, as if she found him utterly pathetic.
Sebastian blinked.
—
August 15, 1602
Sebastian walked into his room—and immediately froze.
Acier stood there, practically naked, wrapped in gift wrap like she was a birthday present.
"Happy birthday—"
She didn't get to finish. Sebastian bolted out of the house at lightning speed, heading straight to Saint Luminous Cathedral.
Once again, he found himself in the confessional.
Once again, much to Cardinal Veritas's growing displeasure.
—
August 31, 1602
Acier stared blankly at her birthday gift from Sebastian.
It was a book.
She read the title, rubbed her eyes, then read it again:
"How to Behave Like a Proper Noble Lady: Etiquette, Morals, and Ethics for Women of High Society" by Naoya Zenin.
A vein popped on her forehead as she slowly looked up at Sebastian, her expression dark.
"Sebby, this is your one and only chance to take this back as a joke."
Sebastian crossed his arms, standing firm. "No take-backs."
Acier's smile turned into something that was definitely not a smile.
That day, Sebastian learned what it meant to be manhandled.
Acier tossed him onto their bed, chained him down, sealed his mana, and tore his clothes off like they were nothing. Her hands roamed freely, exploring every inch of him without hesitation.
She spared his virginity, but not his dignity.
When she finally left, she wore a content smile.
Sebastian, on the other hand, cried himself to sleep.
—
September 1, 1602
Sebastian attended King Octavian's second death anniversary memorial with the Silva and Vermillion families.
He made sure to sit far away from Acier, positioning himself between Nathaniel and Ignatius.
The two men blinked at him in mild confusion.
Nathaniel took one glance at his daughter's blooming smile and gave Sebastian a single pat on the back.
Ignatius followed suit.
—
October 11, 1602
Acier and Sebastian lay in bed in comfortable silence.
She traced soft circles on his chest with her finger while he absentmindedly ran a hand through her hair.
A gentle smile curved her lips as she rested her head against his chest. In a quiet voice, she whispered, "I love you."
Sebastian blinked, his heart skipping a beat, before wrapping his arms around her. He whispered back, "Love you too."
—
November 15, 1602
In a private booth at an upscale restaurant, Acier's foot slid teasingly along Sebastian's lap under the table.
She froze, though, when she felt a touch on her own leg.
Looking down, she noticed Sebastian's foot mirroring her movements.
Acier's face lit up with a mischievous grin.
A game is only fun if everyone plays.
—
December 25, 1602
Another Christmas, another kiss under the mistletoe.
No virginity was lost, but their hands wandered up and down each other's bodies, turning the simple kiss into something far more intimate and heated.
Around the corner, Aurelia peeked at them, her face bright red with excitement. "Soon… very soon."
Meanwhile, Hilda trembled, biting her lip in worry. "Please don't do anything foolish, Princess. Please don't let her lead you astray, Young Master."
Jeeves, standing nearby, blinked blankly. Should I inform Sir Pennyworth?
—
December 31, 1602
A black-haired, hooded boy stood atop a clock tower, gazing toward the Silva estate.
He tapped his cheek rhythmically with a finger, adopting a thoughtful, almost pensive expression, as though weighing a decision.
Then, he smiled—a wicked, almost perverse grin—before walking away.
As he moved, his hair shifted back to blonde, and the unsettling smirk faded into a purehearted, innocent smile.
—
January 1, 1603
Nathaniel sat in his office, coughing weakly into tissues, his hands stained red with blood.
Elsewhere, Nicklaus lay frail and thin on his bed, doing much the same.
Both father and son wore cold, stoic expressions, as though nothing had happened.
—
January 17, 1603
Aurelia's birthday arrived, and to everyone's surprise, the Pope himself made an appearance, despite it being a relatively casual milestone.
As the Pope observed the unsuspecting Sebastian from afar, a fleeting look of relief crossed his face.
Nathaniel, noticing this, clenched his fist tightly, his jaw set in tension.
—
February 14, 1603
Another Valentine's Day, another playful exchange of chocolates between Sebastian and Acier.
The evening ended with them clutching their stomachs in pain, their overeagerness leaving them too full to move.
—
February 29, 1603
Once again, the couple dressed in black and stood in front of a sizable gravestone at the Grand Cemetery in Kikka.
They shared nostalgic smiles, as if seeing the ghosts of two little boys running around, pestering them for sweets.
—
March 6, 1603
Sebastian stood before the tree on his hill, his hands clasped as he prayed.
Acier stood beside him, mirroring his actions.
My thoughts go out to who he's truly praying for, she whispered in her heart.
—
April 1st, 1603
"Sebby, I want to make love."
Sebastian's head snapped up from his desk, his quill freezing mid-word as he stared at Acier standing across from him.
He forced a strained smile. "This is where you say 'April Fools,' right?"
Acier crossed her arms, a wide grin lighting up her face. "Guess."
—
April 13th, 1603
Sebastian felt like he was on the edge of madness, teetering on a razor's edge of self-control.
Acier was driving him insane.
Every day, around their cottage, she wore increasingly revealing outfits—flimsy fabrics and scandalously short hemlines that left little to the imagination.
How was a princess even allowed to wear such… indecent clothing?
And then, just when it seemed she was about to bare it all, she would do the opposite—slip into the most modest, conservative attire imaginable.
Oddly enough, that only made his heart race more.
It wasn't just the outfits. She would do things.
She'd casually walk in on him while he was bathing, leaning against the doorway with a sly smirk, making no effort to avert her gaze as she chatted like nothing was out of the ordinary.
She teased him mercilessly in public—leaning close, whispering things, giving him looks that made his heart pound in the most inappropriate settings, like during Sunday mass.
Yet in private, when there were no prying eyes and no risk, she acted like a perfectly demure lady, all restraint and decorum.
Each time she slipped into that proper, composed demeanor, something in Sebastian unraveled. He found himself obsessing over her—her every move, her every word. His dreams, his thoughts, were consumed by her.
Not even trips to the confessional could save him. He begged Cardinal Veritas for purification, for an exorcism, but the man simply performed the rituals with a blank face, clearly questioning Sebastian's sanity.
Sebastian pleaded with Acier to stop.
"Please," he said, his voice desperate. "We're walking a dangerous line."
But she would only tilt her head, giving him an innocent look, as if she had no idea what he was talking about.
The warnings didn't stop her, and Sebastian's resolve was crumbling. He wasn't a saint or an ascetic. The logic and self-control that had guided him so far were slipping further into the background with each passing day.
—
April 27th, 1603
Sebastian lay on his bed, his face flushed and his breathing uneven.
Acier was on top of him, straddling him. That part wasn't new.
The problem was that this time, she was completely naked.
His body betrayed him, his groin tightening painfully as she reached down and began to unbutton his shirt.
"A-Acier," he stammered, his voice shaky, "t-this is a bad idea. W-we can't do this—"
She silenced him with a finger pressed gently to his lips. "Shush."
Her face was as red as his, but her eyes burned with determination as she leaned in close, her breath hot against his ear.
"I'm done waiting, Sebby," she whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "You told me, 'If I lived, you'd do whatever I wanted.' Well… this is what I want."
Sebastian's breath hitched as Acier nibbled lightly on his ear, her words fanning the flames in his chest.
"I'm tired of hearing you say you love me," she murmured. "I want to feel it… inside me."
She sat up, licking her lips, her eyes now filled with an almost dizzying intensity. "So go wild, boy."
The last frayed thread of restraint in Sebastian's mind snapped.
He didn't resist as she stripped him, nor when she leaned down and claimed him completely.
On that day, Sebastian became a man, and Acier became a woman.
Omake:
A toddler Noelle ran up to Sebastian, who was holding a small baby with silver hair and a mix of purple and aqua in his eyes.
"Hey, Daddy!"
Sebastian smiled down at his daughter as she grabbed his thigh. "Yes, honey?"
Noelle beamed, and placed a finger on her lips, fidgeting, "W-why did you and Mommy get married?"
Sebastian blinked, "why? Not how?"
Noelle bobbed her head up and down.
Sebastian looked across the room to Acier sitting on their bed, with two babies in her arms: one boy with silver eyes and hair and another girl with curly purple hair and lavender eyes.
Acier, surrounded by Nebra, Solid, Dorothy, and Nozel, was smiling, until she heard Sebastian speak up.
"I had to take responsibility."
Acier's smile faded as she stiffened only to tremble further as Noelle's unsure voice came.
"Take responsibility? ….Why?"
Acier hurriedly handed the babies off to Nozel and Dorothy, who took them with a startle.
"You see Mommy rape-"
Sebastian was silenced, as Acier darted across the room and clasped his jaw shut with her hand.
Noelle blinked, as she cocked her head in confusion, "rape?"
"Roped! He said roped sweetheart! I roped him in because Mommy is really pretty, understand?!"
Noelle giggled and hugged Acier's leg. "Mommy very pretty!"
Acier sighed in relief before freezing as she saw her other children looking at her in undisguised horror.
Acier craned her head back to Sebastian as she hissed venomously, "You're so dead…"
She clenched his jaw further, drawing tears from his eyes, while their grandson in his arms clapped upwards in joy, thinking it was some sort of game.
Across the room, Nozel was frozen solid, as he murmured to himself incredulously.
"....I'm a bastard…?"
His baby brother lifted his pudgy arm upwards and pinched his cheek, looking like he was consoling his eldest brother.
Dorothy, Nebra, and Solid, all shot Nozel an apologetic look.
Author's Notes
[1] Did not think there was a worse hater out there on Web Novel besides Tedmosby, apparently, I'm responsible for the review bombing, shoutout to Kurdi123.
[2] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar
That Kurdi guy on Web Novel decided to review-bomb me with countless fake accounts, aiming to bring me down to 1 star, supposedly teaching me a lesson for hiring bot reviewers. I find that funny, he would think I would spend money on a Fanfic that has garnered me a grand total of $0.00.
I also find it funny that someone could hate a fanfic so much… just because the MC won't be the strongest in a verse. I've been a power scaler for a while, and I don't remember our fanbase being this toxic.
Anyways this does make me more interested to know, just who it was that review-bloomed me up to 4.8 stars.
—
Sebastian lay naked on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Acier, equally bare, rested atop him with a satisfied smile. Their bodies, flushed and glistening with sweat, radiated heat from their earlier exertion.
The silence stretched until Sebastian, his expression almost haunted, broke it with a weak whisper. "Y-you stole my precious thing…"
Acier's smile widened as she shifted up on his chest, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"I'll take responsibility."
Sebastian lay still, silent for a moment, before shakily raising an arm.
"...I-I need water… so thirsty…"
Acier chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Just one more round, and then we're done, alright?"
Without waiting for his response, her hand drifted downward toward his crotch.
Sebastian's arm fell limply back to the bed as the light in his eyes dimmed further. He didn't believe her for a second.
—
The Very Next Day:
Acier gagged and retched into the garderobe for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. When her stomach finally stopped convulsing, she straightened up, her body feeling bloated and uncomfortable despite her having eaten nothing. She stared blankly into the distance, her thoughts spiraling.
Oh no…
"Princess."
Acier flinched, jerking back at the sound of Hilda's voice. She hadn't noticed her approach—a fact that unnerved her.
Before Acier could muster a response, Hilda's incredulous expression cut through the tension.
"Please don't tell me you did what I think you did."
Acier opened her mouth to reply but no sound came out. After a moment, she forced a shaky smile.
"...Surprise…"
Hilda's knees buckled as she dropped comically to the floor.
—
April 29, 1603
In the dim confines of Owen's private office at the Magic Knight headquarters, Acier sat stiffly on a stool across from him. Hilda stood behind her, her presence a mixture of tension and exasperation.
Owen held up a small glass container filled with a yellow liquid. It had a cloudy surface and a faintly milky hue. The smell alone was unmistakable: urine.
Setting the container down with deliberate care, Owen gave Acier a strained smile. He nodded slowly. "Yes, you're definitely pregnant."
Hilda's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed in a heap behind Acier.
Acier barely noticed. Her gaze remained fixed ahead, blank and unfocused. She chewed absently on a fingernail, lost in thought.
—
April 30, 1603: Acier's Bedroom
"You're pregnant?" Aurelia repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, her voice laced with disbelief.
Acier, lying weakly on her bed, gave a small nod.
"I'm going to be an auntie?" Aurelia's tone shifted, a spark of excitement creeping in.
Another nod.
Aurelia squealed in delight, but the sound abruptly stopped as she frowned and leaned closer.
"It's Brother's, right?"
Acier's expression darkened, and she hissed through clenched teeth. "Of course it is. Who else would it belong to?!"
Unbothered by her sister's sharp tone, Aurelia squealed again. Before the sound could grow into a full scream, Acier reached out and grabbed her wrist, freezing her mid-celebration.
"Aurelia… you can't tell anyone. All right? I need to talk to Sebby first."
Aurelia blinked in disbelief. "You haven't told Brother yet?"
Acier shook her head weakly. "I've… kinda been avoiding him. I've been telling him I'm swamped with Magic Knight duties and missions."
Aurelia's face twisted into a look of pure disgust, making Acier wince and shrink back.
"I-I know!" Acier stammered, biting her lip. "Sebby's really smart… he's going to figure it out eventually. But I just—until I know how to tell him—I can't face him."
Aurelia's unimpressed glare stayed fixed on her sister, who squirmed under the heat of it.
"Please, Aurelia. Just give me a little more time to figure this out. This will change his entire life. I can't just… drop it on him casually. Please."
Matching her sister's pleading gaze, Aurelia sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Alright, Sister. Your secret is safe with me. But if you keep dragging this out, I'm not going to keep quiet for long."
Acier gave a grateful smile.
—
May 1, 1603: Silva Manor Dining Room
Amara glanced at the empty seat across the table and muttered, "Where has that girl been these past few days? Always skipping breakfast…"
It was a rhetorical question, but Aurelia panicked nonetheless. Her hands trembled as she forced a shaky smile.
"Hah hah hah, y-you know Sister. S-she's a real go-getter. Early bird gets the worm and all that! She's probably off training or on a mission. A-am I right?"
Aurelia was a terrible liar.
Nathaniel, their father and Captain of the Silver Eagles, looked up from his meal. He knew the whereabouts of all his subordinates, and Acier had not been assigned any missions. He narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing.
Amara, meanwhile, just blinked at Aurelia, her expression skeptical. "I see…"
—
Sebastian strode through the Silva family's private garden, his steps quick and deliberate. When he reached the round table at the center, he found Amara and Aurelia seated together.
"Ma'am," he greeted, bowing slightly toward Amara.
Amara set down her teacup, her brow arching. "Yes, Sebastian? Is something the matter?"
Sebastian hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you know where Acier is?"
Amara tilted her head, her brows rising higher. "She's on a mission… didn't she tell you?"
Sebastian froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Then, with a stiff bow, he mumbled, "Thank you for your time," before spinning on his heel and rushing out of the garden.
Amara watched his retreating figure with a raised brow. She slowly turned her attention back to Aurelia, who was seated across from her.
Aurelia's posture was rigid, her hands shaking slightly as she avoided her mother's gaze.
"Aurelia Nathaniel Silva."
"Eeep!" Aurelia jolted upright at the sound of her full name, spilling her tea in the process.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" Amara leaned forward, her voice calm but her gaze piercing. "Something concerning your sister?"
"I… uh… I… no… yes… no… I… uh…" Aurelia stammered, sweat beading on her brow as her words tumbled over one another.
"Spill it," Amara ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.
—
May 2, 1603: Kira Estate Garden
In the grand garden of the Kira estate, the noblewomen of the Clover Kingdom gathered for their annual tea party.
Amara, seated among the highest-ranking ladies, stared blankly into space.
Amber, who had long been on a first-name basis with her, reached over and tapped her shoulder. "Is everything all right, Amara?"
Amara blinked, snapping out of her daze, and smiled—a dumb, goofy, happy smile that was utterly unlike her usual composed demeanor.
"Y-yes, everything's just… swell. Marvelous, even."
Amber's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Oh my, I sense gossip. You must fill us in on the big news."
At the head of the table, all eyes turned toward a blonde-haired woman with a regal bearing. The former Queen, widow of the late King Octavion, raised her gloved hand and placed it gently atop Amara's.
"Come now, Duchess," the Queen Dowager urged with a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Spill it."
Amara opened her mouth, then shut it again, looking utterly speechless. She struggled to keep her words in check, but the eager expressions of the noblewomen around her chipped away at her restraint. Finally, against her better judgment, she parted her lips.
—
Meanwhile: Silva Manor Hallways
Aurelia froze mid-step as she rounded a corner and nearly bumped into Nathaniel. He stood towering over her, arms crossed, his expression as indifferent as ever.
"G-greetings, F-Father…" she stammered, attempting to bow and slip away, but his voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Aurelia."
She stiffened, looking up at his impassive silver eyes.
"Y-yes, F-Father…?"
Nathaniel narrowed his gaze slightly, his tone blunt and unwavering. "You will tell me what's going on with your sister. Right now."
Aurelia gulped audibly.
—
Meanwhile: Sebastian's & Acier's Cottage
Standing in front of their cottage, Sebastian crossed his arms and gave a single nod. "I see."
Acier blinked at him, her expression shifting from shock to incredulity. "I see? I SEE?!" She spread her arms wide, her voice rising in exasperation. "How can you be so casual, Sebby? I'm pregnant. Pregnant! With your child!" She jabbed a finger lightly against his chest.
"How can you be so nonchalant?!"
Sebastian scratched his reddening cheek awkwardly. "W-well… you, uh, squeezed me dry for more than I had… five times in a row. Then once more after I finally got a glass of water. We didn't use protection either, so…" He shrugged, his voice quiet. "If you didn't get pregnant, I'd probably be worried I was infertile."
Acier's face flushed crimson as she sputtered. "Y-you expected this?!"
Sebastian nodded bashfully, muttering under his breath, "I did warn you we were walking on dangerous ground…"
Acier cringed, biting her lip. Her voice softened. "Y-you're not mad?"
Sebastian raised a brow, genuinely baffled. "Why would I be mad?"
Acier froze as he continued, his neck dusting pink. "I-I want to start a family with you, too… That feeling is mutual."
Acier's face burned even brighter as she shook her head. "B-but I forced this on you. You wanted to wait, and now all your plans are ruined." Her voice wavered as tears gathered in her eyes. "I-I always push you into things… ever since we first met. I force you to go along with my whims, and now I've—"
She was cut off as Sebastian stepped forward, pulling her into a tight embrace. She stiffened, her trembling ceasing as he whispered softly into her ear.
"Listen to me, Acier. If I really hated what happened, I'd have told you. I would've pushed you away." He tightened his arms around her. "Yes, I wanted to wait a few years, but I shouldn't have invited you to live with me so soon if I wasn't ready for this. It's no one's fault—neither yours nor mine. If anyone's to blame, it's both of us."
His voice softened further. "I love you, and I'll love this child with everything I've got. Whatever happens from now on, I'm staying by your side—for the highs, the lows, the good, and the bad. Even if it's hell, as long as it's with you, it'll feel like heaven to me."
He pulled back slightly, placing a hand on her stomach. "So… will you let me raise this baby with you?"
Tears spilled from Acier's eyes as she nodded, her voice trembling. "Of course, you idiot. What kind of stupid question is that?"
Sebastian smiled, gently wiping away her tears. "Good. I'm done being polite with you. You're the mother of my child now, so I'm going to be even more selfish with you from here on out. I'll insist on being part of everything—so you'd better not feel ashamed for anything you've done with me."
"Mmm-hmm," Acier murmured with a meek nod, her tears subsiding.
They held each other for a long moment before Acier's lips curled into a sly smile. She leaned closer and whispered into his ear.
"I heard it's safe to have sex while pregnant. So… how about another round?"
Sebastian's face turned beet red as he backed away slightly, sputtering incoherently. Just as he was about to protest, he froze.
Acier stiffened, her playful grin fading as she turned her head to the side, following his gaze.
Nathaniel Silva stood there, arms crossed, looking different from his usual composed self. Not cold or indifferent, but furious.
His face was dark, livid, a storm of disappointment and betrayal. It was a look neither of them had ever seen from him—or earned—and the sight of it made their stomachs churn with self-loathing.
Acier bit her lip, her voice desperate as she stepped forward. "W-wait, Daddy, just listen—"
"Don't even." Nathaniel cut her off, his voice sharp and unyielding. He shook his head, his tone rising. "I gave you two space. I respected your privacy. I didn't interfere with what you did in your own time because I trusted you. I trusted in your better judgment, that you wouldn't cross a final, stupid line. But clearly, I was a fool."
Sebastian's head dropped, shame radiating off him, while Acier trembled. "I-if you'd just let us explain—"
"Acier!" Nathaniel's voice cracked like a whip, his face flushing red as he stepped closer. "He's still a boy by noble customs. Do you even understand what you've done?!"
Acier's breath hitched as Nathaniel continued, his anger unrelenting. "Of all the people to confide in first, it should have been me—not your sister! And now, word has already spread across the aristocracy. Your reputation has plummeted in seconds."
Acier's mouth fell open in shock, speechless, while Sebastian felt his heart sink. Trembling, he stepped in front of Acier, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "S-sir, if anyone is to blame, it's me—"
"Be quiet." Nathaniel's gaze snapped to him, just as fierce as it was toward his daughter.
"When I gave you that letter," Nathaniel growled, "I gave you my trust. When you asked me, before leaving Kiten, for permission to give her that—" He pointed at the promise ring glinting on Acier's hand. Her throat tightened, and Sebastian winced.
"When I said yes, I gave you so much more. A blessing. A vow. An acknowledgment that you could pursue and court my daughter as openly and boldly as you pleased. But that did not mean I gave you permission to do something this reckless! Or did you miss that unspoken message? Perhaps I'm to blame for not spelling it out for you!"
Sebastian opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. He had no retort.
Nathaniel sneered, tilting his head back toward the darkening sky. The sun was slipping behind heavy clouds, thunder rumbling faintly in the distance. He lowered his gaze back to the two of them and pointed sharply at their cottage.
"You have five minutes to gather whatever you can think of—anything you value—before we leave. The only roof you'll be allowed to live under together again is Castle Silva's."
Both Sebastian and Acier froze, staring at him in shock.
"Well?" Nathaniel barked, his patience running thin. "If you have nothing to take, then we'll just leave now—"
He didn't finish. The two of them scrambled into the cottage, darting inside like children caught in a storm.
Nathaniel sighed heavily, rubbing his temple as he watched them disappear. A dull ache throbbed behind his eyes.
"Just another mess," he muttered under his breath.
—
Sebastian and Acier felt their hearts sink as they approached the front gates of Castle Silva. It wasn't just the rows of Silva servants and retainers gathered to watch them with curious eyes—it was the equally large crowd on the Kira and Vermillion sides, their expressions just as scrutinizing.
The noblewomen departing from Castle Kira to return home for the evening cast scandalized, disapproving glances toward Acier, their judgment as sharp as daggers. Acier lowered her head, shame burning her cheeks.
Sebastian clenched his fists and stepped in front of her, blocking their view. He said nothing, knowing any response would only draw more attention and worsen the scene.
Acier glanced at Sebastian, a flicker of warmth easing her heart at his silent support, but it quickly faded. Her spirits dropped further when she noticed disdainful looks now directed at him.
Sebastian didn't seem to care, his expression calm, but that only made Acier feel worse. She bit her lip and dropped her gaze again as they continued forward.
As they passed, Sebastian suddenly felt a pull to glance upward at Castle Kira. A foreboding feeling settled in his chest as his eyes found Lux Kira staring down at them through a window.
Their gazes locked. Lux's expression was dark, his mouth curling into a perverse smile. Without a word, he spun on his heel and disappeared from view.
Sebastian's brows furrowed, but he kept silent, his eyes drifting toward Castle Vermillion. Standing in front of its gates, the Vermillion family observed the scene. Florian, Ignatius, and Amber offered him awkward, consoling nods.
Sebastian appreciated the gesture and returned the nod, his eyes catching on little Fuegoleon, who sat curiously in his mother's arms, gazing out at the world.
A fond smile began to work its way across Sebastian's face—only for him to stiffen comically when he spotted Mereoleona. The nearly two-year-old toddler was perched on top of her father's head, shooting Sebastian a smug, approving grin. She punctuated it with a thumbs-up.
Sebastian blinked, dumbfounded, before quickly averting his gaze as they reached the front doors of Castle Silva.
The Silva servants all bowed and parted for Nathaniel as he strode forward. Sebastian and Acier trailed behind him, climbing the stairs toward the entrance hall.
There, Amara and Aurelia stood stiffly, their faces etched with guilt and regret.
Amara bit her lip and lowered her head. "A-Acier… we're sorry."
Acier forced a smile, waving them off. "No biggie… I mean, pregnancy isn't something you can hide. Unless you run away or get an abortion, right? Everyone would find out sooner or later… It's fine."
She was joking about the abortion—she had never once considered it, nor had Sebastian. The thought was unthinkable to either of them.
Her forced smile, however, churned Amara and Aurelia's guilt into something heavier, their expressions of self-loathing slowly mirrored Sebastian's own.
If only they had kept their mouths shut, the two of them could have gotten married quietly and avoided all of this. It might have raised some eyebrows, but there would have been no concrete proof of a baby out of wedlock.
Even if the baby came quickly, it wasn't unheard of for births to occur in as little as six or seven months. The aristocracy would have no evidence to accuse Acier of impropriety.
At most, the scandal would have been about Acier marrying a sixteen-year-old "boy." Even that could have been mitigated.
Sebastian clenched his jaw, regretting the day he'd accepted his noble title. If he hadn't, he could have shrugged off royal and noble customs entirely. Among commoners and peasants, boys married as young as fourteen all the time. Sebastian had been practically one of them before his knighthood. They would have had no justification to condemn Acier.
But now, that path was closed.
—
Sebastian and Acier sat awkwardly beside each other in her room, the silence between them thick and heavy. The only sound was the storm outside, rain pouring relentlessly against the glass window, adding to the somber atmosphere.
Eventually, Sebastian tried to break the tension with a weak joke. "Well, you've finally pulled me into your room—and your house—permanently."
Acier forced a smile. "Hilarious."
Sebastian's smile faltered, but he slowly wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her into an embrace. She stiffened at first but didn't pull away, letting him hold her close.
Her head rested on his shoulder for a moment before she stammered hoarsely, "I-I'm sorry…"
"Shush." Sebastian shook his head, cutting her off gently. "None of that. I'll be fine. If anyone deserves an apology, it's you. You've done more for this kingdom in two years than any of those entitled nobles, and yet they turn on you just because you took your first step into motherhood. It's ridiculous."
Acier sniffed and cracked a wry smile. "It's not ridiculous—it's tradition. Noble tradition. I'm a princess and heir to a royal house, a traditional royal house. I've been defiled. If I were a Vermillion, it might have been different. But as a Silva—and a war hero—the expectations to uphold noble dignity and honor are even higher. I let them down."
"Don't defend them." Sebastian's voice was firm. "If it weren't for you, Kiten would have been lost, and we'd still be suffering through war and depression. The comfort they enjoy now is thanks to you. Don't defend those thankless people."
Acier let out a weak laugh. "I'm not defending them. I'm just explaining why things are happening the way they are."
"I don't care." Sebastian shook his head again. "Tradition can go stuff itself. Those are customs, not rules. You haven't done anything wrong. I don't care what they think—unless it's positive."
Acier rolled her eyes but stayed silent as Sebastian hugged her tighter. They sat that way for a moment, the quiet returning.
Then, suddenly, Acier found herself rolled onto the bed, with Sebastian kneeling over her.
"S-Sebby?!" Her cheeks flushed red, but she froze when she noticed the somber look in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"Huh?" Acier raised a brow in confusion.
Sebastian leaned in closer, repeating the question. "Are you okay? Your reputation just went up in flames. The same people who praised you yesterday stabbed you in the back today. Are you okay?"
Acier froze, her lips parting as she processed his words. "It hurts," she admitted after a moment. "I never expected anything from them. I always knew their praise was empty. They weren't interested in me—they wanted to cozy up to House Silva or bask in my fame."
She sighed, her voice growing quieter. "But now that my fame is gone, and I clearly belong to someone else, they've turned their disapproval on me. It hurts, even though I expected it. But that's all there is to it."
Acier took Sebastian's hand and placed it gently on her stomach.
"This means more to me than anything. Even if I lose everything, as long as I have you and this child, I can handle it."
Sebastian smiled, leaning down to kiss her lips briefly before raising his hands to caress her face. "That's good. That's the strong Acier Silva I know and love."
Acier flushed, her heart skipping a beat, but Sebastian wasn't done.
"But you know, Acier, just because you're strong doesn't mean you can't be sad. You don't have to keep up appearances with me. If the disrespect gets to you, let me know. Don't be afraid to cry—or get angry."
It's not me I'm worried about. Acier thought inwardly, the memory of the disdainful looks aimed at Sebastian flashing in her mind. Forcing a smile, she replied, "Like I said, Sebby, I can handle anything. A little name-calling won't break me."
Sebastian frowned slightly, knowing her smile was fake. He always felt a pang in his chest when she gave that forced smile—the same smile others found enchanting.
Before he could call her out on it, a sharp knock interrupted them.
Rap! Rap! Rap!
Both Sebastian and Acier turned their heads toward the door. Acier narrowed her eyes. "What is it, Alfred?"
The head butler's voice came through the door. "Would the Young Master be so kind as to come with me?"
Before they could question him, Alfred continued. "The Old Master wishes to see you. This is merely a request, Young Master—you need not humor it."
Acier's expression hardened. "Absolutely not—"
"I'll be right out." Sebastian cut her off, surprising her.
"Sebby?" Acier's voice wavered.
Sebastian smiled, leaning down to kiss her neck softly. She tilted her head back as he whispered in her ear, "This is something I need to do. We'll be living under the same roof now, seeing each other more often. If I can't even face him… then I'm not worthy of being the father of your child."
Acier stared at him seriously, her tone firm. "If he tries anything funny or extreme, don't indulge him. Promise me."
Sebastian nodded, giving her another kiss before standing. "Yes, my dear wife."
Acier blushed, a shy smile on her lips. "Come back soon, dear husband. I'll be waiting for you."
Sebastian grinned, closing the door softly behind him as he left.
Acier lay back on the bed, but the memory of the disdainful looks directed at Sebastian lingered in her mind, refusing to fade.
—
"You beast! You couldn't keep it in your pants for a few more years, and now you've defiled my granddaughter! Out of wedlock, no less!"
Sebastian blinked as the rainstorm outside intensified, the sound of pounding rain echoing through the room. Would you believe me if I told you I was the victim here? He kept the thought to himself.
Acier's reputation with the kingdom was already in tatters; the last thing he wanted was to tarnish her image further in the eyes of her family.
"Ack." The sickly, frail Nicklaus coughed up a mouthful of blood, prompting Sebastian to press his lips together in discomfort. The Old Duke glared at him from his bed, vengeance burning in his sunken eyes.
"Do you even realize that some scum are already calling her a whore?!"
Sebastian's pupils dilated, and his fists clenched tightly. "Who?" he asked darkly.
For the briefest moment, a flicker of approval crossed the Duke's face, but it was quickly snuffed out by his fury.
"What can you possibly do about it?!" Nicklaus spat, his voice hoarse and trembling. "You're a nobody! A mere knight without even a doctor's license! No power, no authority, no influence! Acier will have to live the rest of her life with her good name ruined—all because a gigolo like you led her astray!"
Sebastian remained silent, his expression hardening. He had no rebuttal because, deep down, he knew the old man, the man he hated most, wasn't entirely wrong.
I should've been smarter, he thought bitterly. I should've insisted on protection, even if I gave in. But I wanted it to be real, raw, unfiltered… just her and me. I let my desires take over, and now she's paying for it.
His thoughts drifted as the Duke's words faded into the background. His mind was already focused on the growing life in Acier's belly.
I need to study pregnancy—figure out how to make this as smooth and painless for her as possible. Keep her healthy, ensure she's getting the right rest, exercise, fresh air… Her mood will matter too. And the baby… Will it be a boy or a girl?
God, I hope it's not a girl. I can't let myself project Aurora onto her like this old man did with his wife and Acier…
"Are you even listening to me, boy?!" Nicklaus's shout tore him from his thoughts. The Duke wheezed, his gaunt frame shaking with rage. "Acier will be treated like soiled goods, a slut—and you're just standing there in your own world, not giving a damn! Do you want to die?!"
Sebastian blinked blankly at the old man, remaining silent.
Nicklaus, livid, raised his bedside cane high into the air. His frail hands trembled as he reinforced the cane with what little mana he could muster. Even knowing it might drain what was left of his life force, he brought it down with all the strength he could muster.
Sebastian didn't flinch. He watched the cane descend, his expression almost bored.
Forget it. This guy will be dead in a few months anyway. There's no point in starting a fight with him. He's Acier's grandfather, and she still loves him. Let him blow off some steam.
He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the impact. But it never came.
Opening his eyes, Sebastian froze at the sight before him.
Nathaniel stood beside him, gripping the cane firmly in his hand before it could strike. His father's attack was stopped as though it were nothing more than a trivial nuisance.
Nicklaus trembled in shock, his lips parting as though to speak, but Nathaniel cut him off with a cold, steely voice.
"Father, there are many things I can tolerate from you, but striking my daughter's lover and the father of my future grandchild is not one of them."
With a sharp crunch, Nathaniel snapped the cane in his grip. The fragments flew across the room, yet not a single piece touched any of them.
Nicklaus wheezed, his chest heaving as Nathaniel pressed him back onto the bed with one hand, forcing him to lie down.
"Just spend your remaining days in peace," Nathaniel said harshly, his voice low but menacing. "The affairs of my family are no longer your concern. Understand?"
Nicklaus's watery eyes glistened with unshed tears. His voice cracked as he murmured, "Aren't I family too? It feels like this is our first conversation in two years."
For a fleeting moment, emotion flickered in Nathaniel's eyes, but it was quickly extinguished. His tone remained devoid of pity.
"Family can discipline family," he said coldly. "But they don't tear into one another to fulfill petty vendettas. You've crossed that line far too many times. To me, you'll always be my father… but when I think of my family as a whole, you're never in the picture unless everyone else is frowning. Go to sleep, Father."
Nicklaus whimpered, but Nathaniel ignored him. With a final glance of disdain, he turned and grabbed the still-frozen Sebastian by the arm, dragging him out of the room and shutting the door with a loud bang.
The two walked in silence, Nathaniel gesturing wordlessly for Sebastian to follow. Awkwardly, Sebastian fell into step beside him, his mind reeling from the encounter.
A moment later, Nathaniel broke the silence. "Why didn't you dodge?"
Sebastian shrugged, his voice low. "It wasn't worth it—"
"It is worth it." Nathaniel cut him off sharply, his tone cold. "Above all else, you're joining this family for Acier's sake—my daughter's sake."
Nathaniel's gaze pinned Sebastian in place. "You getting hurt will only make her sad. Don't do something so stupid again."
Sebastian nodded stiffly, his movements awkward. The two continued walking, rounding corner after corner in silence. Nathaniel watched as Sebastian's posture grew increasingly rigid, his demeanor reserved and overly polite.
The change didn't sit well with him. The slow, steady progress Sebastian had made since the events in Kiten—shedding the guarded shell he wore around the Silva family—seemed to have unraveled entirely. He'd reverted to the distant, formal attitude of when they were strangers.
Nathaniel didn't like it.
Abruptly, he stopped mid-step. Sebastian, startled, froze as well.
He stiffened further when he saw Nathaniel raise his broad hand. A flash of anxiety crossed Sebastian's face, and he flinched, squeezing his eyes shut as though bracing for a blow.
But the impact never came.
Instead, he felt a warm hand rest on his head.
Sebastian's eyes snapped open as Nathaniel ruffled his hair lightly, the hand shifting to pat the top of his head with an odd rhythm. His head tilted up in shock, catching a rare sight: Nathaniel's expression was awkward, his cheeks faintly flushed. It reminded Sebastian of the shy, warm look Nathaniel wore whenever Acier kissed her father.
"Sebastian…" Nathaniel began hesitantly. "This might be shameless of me to say. After all, in some way, I was complicit in the injustice, greed, and madness that drove your parents to take their own lives. But…" He took a steadying breath. "Please think of us as your new family. Think of me as your father."
Sebastian's pupils dilated, his breath hitching.
Nathaniel continued, his voice soft yet firm. "None of this overly polite nonsense anymore, alright? The circumstances that led to this might not be what anyone would wish for, but you are now an undeniable part of this family. No one can take that away from you."
He removed his hand from Sebastian's head, only to cross his arms as he looked him in the eye. "If you want or need something, just ask. The worst that'll happen is Amara or I will say no. If you feel a certain way or have something you want to say or do, you don't need to ask for our permission. We're your parents, not your masters."
Nathaniel's voice softened further. "You don't need to walk around on eggshells. No one's going to kick you out for your past mistakes or anything that might happen in the future. You're here. This is your home now—Castle Silva is your home. So act like it. Understand?"
Sebastian's throat tightened, his eyes stinging.
The word father had always conjured the image of a thin man with a permanent scowl, one who demanded more from him at every turn. He remembered being beaten under the guise of "building strength." It was hard to imagine father meaning anything else.
But here Nathaniel stood, saying the word with warmth.
Sebastian wondered if this was what Acier felt every time she looked at her father. He hoped that his future child—or children—would feel the same way about him.
His lips twitched faintly, and he nodded—not stiffly, but casually, a natural bob of his head. "Okay."
Nathaniel let out a soft sigh, his relief palpable. He retracted his hand, a satisfied look crossing his face as they resumed walking.
—
"S-Sebby, w-what has got into you-aah…" Acier moaned in delight, as Sebastian kissed her neck, running his hand up her nightgown, and began peeling it off her figure.
He cupped her breasts, tracing her areolas with his fingers, as he pinched and twisted her nipples, before spreading her legs wide.
"S-Sebby?!" Acier flushed red, while Sebastian smiled slyly, "Didn't you want to 'have sex'?"
"T-that… t-that… t-that…" Acier sputtered unintelligibly, as Sebastian untied and lowered his pants, to free his penis.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Sebastian asked calmly, causing Acier to freeze before nodding meekly.
"I'll be doing the moving this time", Sebastian declared with a grin, as he rubbed the tip of his member against her sacred entrance for a second, eliciting moans of delight and trembling of her slender yet athletic body from her. His arms trailed up hers, slowly guiding her hands to intertwine their fingers with his, holding them tightly together, as he thrusted into her with a passion.
The two moaned and groaned in unison, a mixture of pain and delight, screaming in passion as he rapidly picked up speed, he grew thicker, harder, and longer inside of her, sliding past her G-spot, heightening her arousal before finally making contact with her cervix.
The mental state of a woman is one of the prime factors in a healthy or unhealthy pregnancy or delivery. He hoped "working hard" would be enough to keep Acier's up.
Pregnant women are fickle and prone to mood swings, Sebastian would soon come to understand, that it was near impossible to keep one happy.
Author's Notes:
[1] Those who want explicit sex scenes, that's the most you'll get out of me here, remember they're 16, and I don't want to be on an FBI watchlist. Or some other organizations blacklist.
[2] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar
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