Sebastian stood on his seat, before focusing on the surrounding barrier, a faint blue hue pulsing with protective magic. With a measured flick of his wrist, the barrier rippled and opened, forming a narrow gap in its seamless form. Draven, Nathan, Nozel carrying the sleeping Noelle, and Mereoleona stepped towards the gap, their expressions stern yet patient.
"You can leave now," Sebastian spoke calmly, his voice steady and authoritative. "Acier needs privacy for her examination."
Mereoleona nodded, her fiery expression shifting as she glanced back toward Acier's frail form. Without a word, she led the way out, Nozel trailing silently behind with his precious burden.
Sebastian turned to Nathan and Draven. "Stay hidden in Draven's shadow. Don't let anyone in this villa know of your presence—especially not the maids or the butlers."
House Silva will maintain no official ties or affiliations with House Faust or the Agrippa family for the foreseeable future. As such, there must be no evidence of their involvement whatsoever.
Draven nodded immediately, his usual rebellious attitude replaced with understanding. Nathan, expressionless as always, simply offered a silent acknowledgment. In the blink of an eye, the two melted into the shadows, vanishing from sight.
With a wave of his hand, Sebastian restored the barrier, sealing off the room from any prying eyes or ears. The faint hum of magical energy reassured him that no one outside would be able to witness what was about to unfold.
Now the room was empty, save for Acier lying weakly on the bed, Lilith silently studying her, and Jonna standing nearest to the doorway, hovering over her with a concerned expression. The air felt still, almost tense, as the next steps became clear.
Acier, pale and far too thin, struggled to lift her trembling hands to remove her shirt. Jonna and Lilith exchanged a glance, stepping forward to help. But before they could reach her, Sebastian was already at her side.
"I've got it," he said quietly, his large hand gently lifting the fabric from her weak shoulders. Acier stiffened at the touch, her body instinctively reacting to the unfamiliar contact. But Sebastian's movements were slow, methodical, careful not to cause her discomfort.
Her breath hitched, but her eyes softened as she saw his focus—Sebastian wasn't even looking at her with anything beyond a healer's precision. His eyes were closed as if concentrating on his magic, not the task of disrobing his wife.
With a wave of his hand, Sebastian summoned a faint glow of water magic, the soothing droplets cleansing Acier's skin, washing away the sweat that clung to her like a second layer. Her body shivered under the cool touch of the spell, but relief soon followed, her once-sticky skin now feeling refreshed.
"Thank you," Acier whispered, her voice weak but sincere.
Sebastian didn't look at her directly, his voice a bit indifferent. "You need to start eating more," he said plainly, his tone almost clinical, though an undercurrent of concern laced his words.
Acier chuckled dryly, a self-deprecating sound. "I wasn't exactly in the mood to eat before. I thought I was a goner." She glanced away, her voice softer now, vulnerable. "Everything tasted bland... as if it didn't matter."
But then her expression changed, a smile tugging at her lips that seemed almost too bright for her haggard condition. "But now..." Her smile widened, warm and determined. "I'll eat. I'll exercise. I'll do whatever it takes to get better because... there's hope now."
Sebastian shook his head subtly, a rare, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's not something as fragile as hope," he corrected. "Healing you is certain. Nothing will go wrong, Acier. Soon, you'll be holding Noelle, playing with her—and living your life with all your children again."
And maybe this time, with me by your side, Sebastian thought, keeping any trace of his quiet longing hidden.
For a moment, Acier's eyes widened, locking onto his with a quiet intensity. She hesitated, as though contemplating something before a teasing glint sparked in her gaze.
"Are you going to feed me again, Sebby?" she asked, her voice deliberately playful, knowing full well how he despised that nickname. She half-expected a cold glare in response, especially with Jonna and Lilith still present.
But instead, to her surprise, Sebastian lightly scratched his cheek, a hint of color rising to his usually impassive face. "Only if you want me to," he replied, his voice softer, almost... awkward.
Acier blinked, taken aback before her own face flushed as she quickly looked away. "I... I'd like that," she murmured, her tone uncharacteristically shy. "Only until I'm strong enough to eat on my own again."
Sebastian gulped slightly and nodded, looking equally unsure of how to respond.
Jonna and Lilith exchanged glances, their expressions caught somewhere between amused and bewildered. They were witnessing a moment that felt more like two teenagers awkwardly navigating their first date than a married couple with four children.
Lilith cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "Ahem... Shall we get started?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral.
Sebastian and Acier immediately composed themselves, their expressions shifting to feigned indifference, as though the previous exchange had never happened. Their poker faces would've fooled anyone who wasn't in the room.
Lilith, sweat-dropping slightly at their obvious pretense, sighed. "Acier, I need you to lie down."
Acier wordlessly turned to Sebastian, a silent request for his help. The simple gesture conveyed how much she had come to rely on him, how accustomed she had grown to his presence in just a single day.
Sebastian responded immediately, his hand gently gripping hers as he helped her settle back onto the bed, his touch firm but comforting. There was an unspoken understanding between them—a bond forged through shared struggle and the hope of healing.
Lilith glanced at Sebastian, seeking permission. "May I begin?"
Sebastian's gaze flicked toward Acier, silently asking for her approval.
Acier nodded. "Yes... let's begin."
Lilith moved to Acier's bedside and gently took her wrist, pressing two fingers against the pulse point. Her eyes closed, her brows knitting together in concentration. She muttered something inaudible under her breath as though making sense of something complex.
Without warning, a single drop of Acier's blood emerged from her wrist, floating just above Lilith's palm. It shimmered in the dim light, unnaturally still.
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly as he folded his arms. "Blood magic?" he asked, the surprise clear in his voice. "I didn't expect that."
Lilith chuckled softly, a hint of mockery lacing her tone. "Is there actually something you don't know, Sebastian? I'm stunned." She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "What about that surprises you?"
His gaze remained fixed on the hovering drop of blood. "I assumed, with Draven using Shadow magic, that Morgen must've inherited his Light magic from you."
Lilith's smile softened, a trace of thoughtfulness seeping in. "A reasonable guess," she acknowledged. "But no, neither my husband nor I have any idea where Morgen's Light magic came from. Magic attributes skipping generations is common, but there's nothing remotely resembling Light magic in our entire lineage."
She paused, her smile twisting into a wry grin. "If his twin brother hadn't inherited their father's Shadow magic, Draven might've accused me of being unfaithful
Jonna, Sebastian, and Acier exchanged awkward glances, clearing their throats almost in unison, shifting the conversation back on track.
Acier, ever focused, spoke up, her voice hoarse but curious. "Why did you pull the drop out of me?"
Lilith's gaze shifted back to the drop of blood in her hand, her voice adopting a clinical tone once more. "Vanica Zogratis, the Devil Host, wields blood magic as her innate attribute. Given that, I surmised her devil power was likely channeled through your blood during your confrontation, enabling her to curse you so effectively. Without that connection, she wouldn't have been able to draw upon sufficient power. The gate to the underworld is still closed, and by listening to our husbands' conversation and Sebastian's recounting of your battle with Vanica, I grasped that she was merely a newly minted host, meaning her access to devil magic would have been quite limited."
"So the only way for Vanica to reduce the mighty Acier Silva to this feeble state was by combining her blood magic with that devil's curse-warding magic."
Acier nodded, her pale face thoughtful. "I never considered that."
"Devil hosts may be powerful," Lilith continued, "but their powers still exist within the realm of reason. They're not invincible, nor are they untouchable. It's simply about knowing where to strike, and how." As she spoke, the drop of blood hovering above her hand began to darken, turning an ominous pitch black. It writhed as though alive, a malevolent force seeking to escape her control.
Lilith's expression remained indifferent despite the sweat forming on her brow as she channeled more mana to contain the cursed blood. "Right now," she explained, "your entire bloodstream is filled with this—sentient blood, eating away at your recovery system and draining your mana and life force."
Acier felt a subtle squirm in her chest, her breathing shallow. She swallowed hard before speaking. "How do we even begin to treat it?"
Sebastian, rubbing his forehead, sighed. "Will we have to blood-let you, Acier? Drain you dry and replace all the cursed blood with fresh blood?" His voice was filled with trepidation, though he tried to keep his expression calm.
Acier, her lips trembling, tried to force a smile, though it came out more grim than confident. "I can handle that... I can handle the pain." The image of herself bleeding dry flashed through her mind, but she pushed it aside.
Lilith shook her head, her usual stoicism slipping as she cast a glance at Acier, awe in her eyes. "This curse is far more sophisticated than Nozel's. 'She-who-should-not-be-named' wouldn't leave such a glaring weakness. I'm almost certain she cursed your heart as well, causing you to continuously produce this cursed blood."
She hesitated, then murmured to herself, "Honestly, Acier... how are you even alive?"
Sebastian stilled, his sharp gaze flicking toward her. The thought had crossed his mind many times, but hearing it aloud made it all the more poignant. Acier had survived through sheer will, enduring pain that would have killed anyone else.
Lilith seemed lost in her own thoughts for a moment. If it weren't for Conrad's and Julius's existence, and Acier's lack of interest in the position, she would have been the Wizard King, she mused inwardly.
Acier, unaware of the silent praise, looked worried. "How do we treat this?"
Sebastian agreed, his arms still crossed, his mind racing. "If we try to treat all the blood in her body, 'she' will sense it immediately. Anything we do to tamper with the curse will be detected, especially something as delicate as her heart."
Lilith was about to respond when Sebastian suddenly stood up, a determined look crossing his face. "Let me try something."
He extended his hand toward the writhing drop of blood and cast a recovery spell. His mana flowed into the drop, and for a moment, the blackened blood stilled, calming, and returning to its natural red color. Sebastian felt a brief surge of satisfaction as he pulled his hand away.
But the relief was short-lived. The moment he ceased his spell, the blood turned black again, writhing violently as it tried to escape from Lilith's hold. She was ready, quickly freezing the drop in place with her blood magic once more.
Lilith shook her head. "It won't work unless you can treat all the blood in Acier's body at once. You'd need to be constantly treating her—every second of every day. You'd die from the strain on your mana reserves and life force long before the curse is broken."
Sebastian began pacing back and forth, frustration evident in his every step. He wasn't one to give up, but this situation felt like it was slipping out of his control.
Acier watched him, her earlier hope fading as she realized the enormity of the task before them.
For the first time, Jonna spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "Lilith seems to have a plan."
Sebastian and Acier both turned toward Lilith, who stood there with a small, confident smile.
"Indeed, I do," she said, her voice steady. "There's another way to treat this... but it's going to require something unconventional."
"Unconventional how?" Sebastian asked, his pacing halting as he fixed his eyes on her.
Lilith's smile widened. "You're not going to like it, but it's the only option we have."
Lilith's enigmatic smile lingered as she prepared to reveal her plan. "We'll need more time to find a permanent solution," she began, her tone measured but confident. "And even more time to figure out how to treat Acier without 'her' realizing. But for now, we can at least stop Acier's condition from getting worse."
Sebastian's brow furrowed as he crossed his arms. "How?"
"We placate the blood in her body," Lilith replied smoothly.
Acier frowned, her frail hand clutching the sheets. "Placate?" she echoed, confusion slipping into her voice.
"Yes." Lilith nodded. "Because the curse is sentient, it has thoughts and instincts. We can trick it. The curse will believe it's still doing its job—draining your life force, weakening you—and continue sending that false information back to its caster. Meanwhile, it'll remain dormant, behaving like regular blood inside your body."
Acier blinked, impressed but skeptical. "That sounds... almost too good to be true. None of us have magic like that."
Lilith's grin widened, and she slowly reached into her tunic, pulling out a delicate, heart-shaped locket. She clicked it open, revealing a family photo on one side, and on the other, a small bundle of strange dark hair. "That's where you're wrong."
Sebastian's eyes flickered with sudden recognition. His calm demeanor wavered for just a moment as he spoke. "You're a devil host." He tilted his head toward the bundle of hair. "That belongs to your devil, doesn't it?"
Lilith chuckled softly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Exactly. My devil is nothing like Azazel, and forget about 'her.' She's regarded as weak and low-ranking, almost a laughingstock in the underworld. While her magic can't inflict direct harm, it's perfectly suited for situations like this."
Acier and Sebastian exchanged glances. While the notion was convenient, it also stirred some unease in them. "A low-rank devil, handling a curse this powerful?" Acier asked, doubt creeping in.
Lilith's expression remained confident. "It's precisely because of her magic that we stand a chance. Illusions, trickery—that's her domain. We can fool the curse and, more importantly, 'her' and her devil host."
Sebastian studied Lilith for a moment, his arms uncrossing as he let out a slow breath. He looked at Acier, who was clearly weighing her options. After a tense pause, Acier nodded.
Sebastian turned back to Lilith. "Summon your devil."
Lilith's lips curved into a faint smile. She held up the locket and channeled her mana. The air grew heavy, darkening with an eerie energy. From the shadow of her locket, a small figure materialized on her shoulder—a pitch-black silhouette no taller than a child. It had long, dark hair cascading down its back, and a single horn jutted from its forehead. Its colorless eyes seemed to drink in the room's light, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly presence.
"This is Cimeies," Lilith introduced, her voice filled with quiet pride. [1]
Sebastian watched the small figure carefully, hiding the unease that settled in his chest. Despite the devil's size and unimposing figure, the mana radiating from it was undeniable. "Even for a low-rank devil, her mana is impressive," he muttered under his breath.
Cimeies stood atop Lilith's shoulder, holding the air in a mock curtsy. Her voice was soft but elegant as she addressed her mistress. "How may I serve, Mistress?"
Lilith smiled fondness in her eyes. "I need you to handle that." She gestured toward the cursed blood drop floating in her right hand and then motioned to Acier.
Cimeies' gaze flicked to the blood, her expression indifferent. "To do this effectively, we will need Devil Union."
Lilith hesitated, but before she could ask for approval, Sebastian stepped forward. His voice was steady, resolute. "Do it."
Lilith nodded without missing a beat, her eyes flashing with determination. The room grew even quieter, heavy with anticipation as Lilith and Cimeies prepared for what was to come.
Lilith's lips curled into a faint smile as Cimeies melted into her chest. Her mana surged, not overwhelmingly like Draven's power, but enough to rival that of an average royal. Her transformation began subtly at first—the air thickening with an otherworldly aura. Lilith's hair untied itself, growing longer and more animated, flowing down like liquid darkness until it brushed against the floor. Her simple dress twisted into a more seductive, devilish form, adorned with sharp spikes and intricate patterns that gave it the allure of a Succubus. Blackened lips and ghostly pale skin heightened the transformation, her facial features sharpening just slightly, fangs peeking from beneath her upper lip like a vampire's.
Her elven-like ears tapered elegantly, and her eyes narrowed with a devilish glint. Despite the other changes, she maintained a strikingly human appearance, with no tail or wings, no claws marring her fingers—just long, razor-sharp nails. The most striking alteration was the way her already slender body became unnervingly thin, reminiscent of Acier's weakened form, though Lilith's presence remained one of dangerous vitality.
"Mode: Deceivement," she declared with an almost playful tone, revealing the name of her devil union form.
A witch's staff materialized in her left hand, the head shaped like a snarling, devilish skull. Without wasting time, she pointed it directly at Acier, her gaze serious. "Are you ready?" Lilith asked Acier one last time.
Acier, her body frail but her eyes determined, nodded in silent affirmation.
The mouth of the staff's skull slowly creaked open, releasing a swirling, sparkling mist. The gas moved swiftly, covering Acier's body in a shimmering haze before sinking into her skin, seeping through her pores. Acier stiffened as the mist flowed through her bloodstream, fusing with her cursed blood and heart. The cursed blood, which had been aggressively gnawing at her life force, suddenly slowed. It fell into a daydream, an illusion that it was still devouring her strength, when in reality it now drifted harmlessly like normal blood.
Lilith smiled softly, pulling her staff away as her devil union form dissolved. Her appearance returned to normal in a blink, as if nothing had happened.
Acier blinked in astonishment. "Was it really that simple?"
"How do you feel?" Lilith asked, a knowing gleam in her eyes.
Acier's eyes widened as she took a moment to assess her body. While she still felt weak, the constant pain—the curse tearing at her insides—was gone. She no longer felt that oppressive weight. "The pain… it's gone," she said in disbelief, her voice tinged with awe.
Sebastian, standing nearby, reached for Acier's wrist, his hand gentle as he checked her pulse. He channeled a small amount of water mana, letting it flow through her bloodstream to confirm. He nodded. "Your blood is circulating normally," he confirmed, a small sense of relief creeping into his usually stoic tone.
Acier's gaze softened as she looked at Lilith. "Thank you," she said earnestly.
Lilith gave a quiet nod in return. "I'll need to recast the spell weekly to maintain it and avoid any unnecessary risks," she explained, her voice returning to its calm, practical tone.
Lilith then turned to Sebastian, her expression sharpening. "If you treat Acier daily, ensuring she eats well and gets rest, she should regain enough strength to at least move around, though full recovery will have to wait for further research. We Fausts and the Agrippas will still need time to investigate this blood, and fully analyze the curse" she added, gesturing to the still-floating droplet in her palm.
Sebastian nodded. His eyes flicked to the cursed blood. "Before that, I want another sample—something I can study independently."
Lilith smiled warmly at him, clearly appreciating his curiosity. "The spirit of a researcher, huh?" With a flick of her fingers, she deftly extracted another drop of Acier's blood. This time, it hovered obediently as she pulled out a beaker from her grimoire satchel, sealing the drop inside with a cork. She handed it to Sebastian, who accepted it with a nod of thanks.
As the tension in the room finally began to ease, Jonna blinked, her presence almost forgotten amidst the intensity of the moment. Inwardly, she wondered why she had been summoned here at all.
Author's Note:
[1] Regarding Cimeies: In various grimoires, Cimeies is depicted as a lesser-known demon characterized by her stunning beauty and mastery of illusion. Often portrayed as a captivating woman adorned in shimmering robes, she possesses long, dark hair and eyes that sparkle with an otherworldly light. Cimeies wields a staff or wand that aids her in conjuring complex illusions, which she can use to deceive or mesmerize others for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. Additionally, she is invoked for guidance and protection, offering knowledge at a price that often leads to moral dilemmas. Symbolizing the duality of light and darkness, Cimeies embodies the seductive nature of knowledge and temptation, reminding seekers that their desires can entrap them in a web of illusions, much like the mythical sirens of lore.
It appears I never made, it clear before, so let me be abundantly clear now. I am a university student, I have a job, I have a life. It already put's me back to take the time out of my day to write a chapter every day. I don't also have the kind of time to edit, and revise myself. So I use Grammarly AI, as my editor. If you guys, want consistent decent quality, you'll have to bare with it, otherwise I can give you daily garbage, if that's your cup of tea. This if a fanfic, not a novel, I don't consider myself an author, whatsoever, this is just a hobby to express an idea in my head. Please don't turn this into an annoyance or burden for me. I really want to see this story through, and not drop it like my previous one, after getting bored.
As the golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting warm, fading light across the room, Sebastian stood beside Acier, who was now fully clothed. The two exchanged final pleasantries with the Agrippa and Faust couples. The day had been long, filled with discussions, plans, and cautious optimism. Yet, there was a palpable sense of unease as they all prepared to part ways for the night.
Acier, whose strength was slowly returning but still fragile, sat with Sebastian by her bedside, her eyes steady but her body still betraying the toll the recent events had taken. Draven, ever the enigmatic presence, waved his hand, causing a shadowy portal to swirl open on the wall behind him. It rippled like ink in water, dark and foreboding.
"We'll meet every day," Sebastian declared, his voice calm but firm. "From ten to eleven in the morning and again from three to five in the afternoon. We need to reconvene, discuss our research, and monitor Acier's and Nozel's conditions. These are delicate times. We can't afford to lose track of the next steps in their treatment."
The Agrippa couple nodded in agreement. Their worry was visible in their furrowed brows, but they said nothing more, understanding the weight of the situation. With a last glance at Acier, they stepped into the shadow portal, vanishing into its depths. Lilith, from the Fausts, followed soon after, her eyes lingering on Sebastian before disappearing into the dark passage.
Draven, standing at the edge of the portal, prepared to follow his wife, but just as he was about to step through, Sebastian reached out, stopping him mid-motion.
"Wait," Sebastian said, his tone holding a subtle edge.
Draven turned, a quizzical eyebrow raised. "Why?" he asked, his voice low and steady, not accustomed to being questioned or delayed.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and after a pause, he spoke with a cryptic warning. "Nacht may be talented, but he's too young—too reckless—to tame a supreme devil. It's dangerous, more than you know."
Draven's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he froze. Sebastian knew about Lucifugus, the devil they had been trying to subdue. But then again, Sebastian seemed to know everything, even the things that should've been hidden deep within the Faust family's dark dealings.
Draven's eyes grew sharp, his gaze like steel. "I know my limits," he responded coolly, his voice dripping with indifference. With a curt nod, he stepped into the swirling darkness, the portal snapping shut behind him before Sebastian could utter another word.
For a moment, Sebastian stood there, staring at the now-blank wall, wondering if Draven truly understood the danger. He sighed softly, his thoughts swirling. "Does he really get it?" he muttered to himself.
Finally, he turned around. The room had grown quieter, the remaining light dimming as night fully took hold. On the bed, Acier sat up, her form still delicate but her resolve visible in the way she held herself.
Now, it was just the two of them, alone.
As the room grew quiet, the absence of two key figures tugged at Sebastian's mind. He glanced toward the now-closed portal and then around the empty room. "Where are Nozel and Mereoleona?" he wondered aloud, frowning slightly.
Acier, still seated on the bed, smiled softly at his concern, her voice gentle but amused. "Nozel took Noelle to the maids so she could sleep peacefully. He's been away for a while, so he decided to return to the Silver Eagles. Took on a mission, I hear." She paused, her smile fading into something more thoughtful. "He needs to vent some stress."
Sebastian nodded, understanding Nozel's desire to dive back into his work. It was, after all, a common coping mechanism. But before he could dwell too much on Nozel, Acier continued. "As for Mereoleona, she left to head home for a bit. Preparing before she goes off to the grand magic zones again for training. She's always pushing herself."
Sebastian's brow furrowed at that. "That woman can't stay put," he muttered under his breath, a touch of frustration in his tone. There were still things he wanted to request of her. Mereoleona's strength and ferocity were legendary, and he had hoped she might give him some advice—or better yet, train him. He wanted to spar with her, test the gap between their strengths. Despite the memories he'd gained after transmigrating into Sebastian's body, he couldn't fully trust them. Sebastian, as he had come to know, was arrogant, blind to his weaknesses and his place in the world, much like many of the Clover Kingdom's nobles and royals.
Acier, catching the drift of his thoughts, smiled knowingly. "Mereoleona took one of our communication transponders," she said, breaking through his musings. "If we need her, we can reach out. No need to send another risky letter and expose ourselves."
Her words brought a hint of relief to Sebastian, though he kept his expression composed. Acier continued, her voice calm and reassuring. "Granted, the chaotic mana in some of the grand magic zones might interfere with the signal. But at least we won't have to worry about the distance. The magic communication tools we use are the best this kingdom has to offer."
Sebastian exhaled, feeling the weight of that reassurance settle in. His memories, though tainted by the arrogance of the previous Sebastian, allowed him to gauge the truth in Acier's words. The tools they possessed were indeed of the highest quality. And if Mereoleona had one of them, he knew she could be contacted when the need arose.
"Good," he said, nodding. "That eases my mind a little." But inwardly, he couldn't help but wish he had the chance to face her, to spar and get a real sense of his standing. Despite the memories, he needed to feel it for himself—to know exactly where he fit in this world of immense power.
As the room settled into a quiet lull, Acier shifted the conversation, her curiosity evident in her tone. "Why those specific times for the meetings?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Sebastian, still standing near the window, turned to her, his expression calm and measured. "It would be too suspicious if Solid and Nebra were constantly absent from the Silva estate while their mother is supposedly on her deathbed. The last thing we need is someone poking around. So, I'll summon them myself during their royal etiquette and magic lesson times. That way, they won't know about your or Nozel's situation, and they won't accidentally let something slip to the wrong person."
Acier listened, her face thoughtful, but she couldn't help adding, "You really think they'll be in the mood to attend lessons? They're going to be worried, thinking I could die at any moment."
Sebastian shrugged with a detached air. "I'll just order them to attend. As long as you and Nozel don't back them up, they won't have the courage to defy me." His voice carried that familiar coldness—the one that matched the cruel persona he'd built over the years.
Acier frowned slightly, tilting her head as she studied him. "Won't that be just as suspicious?" she questioned, her voice filled with concern.
Shaking his head, Sebastian responded firmly. "No. It's perfectly in line with the reputation I've earned. Everyone expects me to be ruthless, to be indifferent to even my own family's suffering. No one will question it."
There was a brief silence as Acier considered his words. She didn't deny it. His reputation had long been established as one of mercilessness, and this would fall right into line with that image. Still, a part of her ached at the thought of how much it cost him—and their family.
"But," she warned softly, her voice steady, "Nebra and Solid never cared much for you before. If you go through with this, they'll probably hate you with a passion."
Sebastian shrugged again, as if their hatred meant little to him. "I'll find a way to make it up to them once you're better. And if I can't... well, I'll just live with it. I don't care who hates me, as long as my family is safe."
Acier's gaze softened as she looked at him, her voice quieter when she asked, "Even if that someone is Noelle?"
Without hesitation, Sebastian nodded. "Even Noelle," he replied firmly, his resolve clear.
A beat passed before Acier's next question, her voice tinged with both curiosity and a quiet intensity. "And what if that someone is me?"
Sebastian's eyes flickered, but his response came swiftly. "That's not a matter of 'if.' You already hate me."
Acier didn't argue. She turned her gaze toward the window, her expression pensive as she stared into the deepening night. "The wounds you've inflicted on this family will take time to heal. And some of them... Nozel, Nebra, Solid... me... they may never fully recover from the scars you've left behind."
Sebastian nodded solemnly, accepting the truth in her words. "That's my sin to bear," he admitted, his voice low. "But as long as you don't shut me out of your lives completely, that's all I can ask for."
There was a long pause, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air between them. Then Acier turned back to him, her smile soft but filled with a quiet strength. "Just don't take Noelle for granted," she said gently. "She's the only one you haven't hurt yet. You weren't there for me, or for Nozel, Nebra, and Solid. But with Noelle… you still have a chance. You can be more than just a father to her. You can be a dad."
Sebastian's expression flickered, her words hitting him harder than he cared to admit. He paused, as if weighing the promise he was about to make. Then, with quiet determination, he said, "I'll do my best."
Acier's smile lingered, a mixture of hope and sadness, as she nodded. There was no need for further words; they both knew the weight of what lay ahead. For now, the silence between them felt less like a gulf and more like an unspoken understanding, one born from shared pain but also from the possibility of healing.
As Sebastian stood in the quiet room, his mind began to churn, reflecting on the softness he had shown in the past few moments. This was fine behind closed doors, or in front of those they could trust explicitly, like the Agrippas and Fausts. But to show any vulnerability in front of others, especially prying eyes, would raise far too many eyebrows and draw dangerous attention. Attention that could jeopardize Acier's treatment and recovery.
His gaze shifted downward, settling on Acier, who was now resting more comfortably. He steeled his resolve, pushing aside any lingering tenderness in his expression. His voice, steady and firm, broke the silence. "I'm going to continue treating you and the children indifferently—like garbage—in front of others," he stated with cold conviction, his eyes hardening. "It's a mask I have to wear."
Acier's eyes flickered with understanding, though a shadow of sadness crossed her face. "Is it really worth it?" she asked, her voice soft yet piercing. "Playing the role of the bad guy, drawing all the ire toward yourself, just to keep attention away from me?"
Sebastian didn't hesitate. "Yes," he replied firmly. "It's worth it."
A dramatic pause filled the room, thick with the weight of his decision. The silence between them stretched on, but there was an unspoken understanding, a shared burden they were both silently carrying.
After a moment, Acier spoke again, her voice gentle but unwavering. "You won't have to justify your actions to me in the future," she said, her eyes locking with his. "I have faith that, from now on, the only thing that will be a lie is your cruelty—not your love like before."
Sebastian stiffened at her words, feeling a strange mix of relief and guilt wash over him. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod of gratitude. Her faith in him was like a tether in the storm, something to hold onto even as he prepared to continue playing the villain for the world's sake.
Acier's expression grew more complex, a mixture of emotions flitting across her face. She hesitated before speaking again, her voice quieter, more introspective. "There's something I want to talk to you about," she said, her gaze shifting to the window. "But… after I get better."
Sebastian frowned slightly, questioning why they had to wait. "We're alone now," he replied, his tone more curious than demanding. "If it's on your mind, just say it. What's stopping you?"
But Acier shook her head, her resolve firm. "No, not yet," she insisted. "I need time. Time to gather my thoughts, to really understand what I want to say. When I'm ready, I'll tell you."
Sebastian nodded, outwardly indifferent, but inwardly, his thoughts began to churn once more. He could tell that whatever Acier had to say wasn't going to be simple. It would be heavy—a conversation that would demand more than just cold logic or indifferent answers. He knew he had to prepare himself for it, to be ready for whatever truth she would eventually lay bare.
Sebastian let out a slow breath, canceling the protective barrier that had been engulfing the room. His cold exterior softened for a brief moment as he turned to Acier. "I'll be back in a moment," he said, his voice low. "I just need to take care of something first."
Before Acier could respond, there was a knock at the door. Sebastian's expression immediately sharpened, his regal mask snapping back into place as the door creaked open without waiting for an invitation. He barely had time to compose himself.
A maid stepped in, rolling a trolley of food. "It's time for Lady Acier to eat," she said, her voice faltering as she glanced up. Her eyes widened the moment she saw Sebastian standing there, the temperature of the room seeming to drop instantly. She stiffened, then immediately bowed deeply. "My lord," she stammered, her voice trembling.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed, cold and cutting. "Leave the trolley," he ordered, his tone void of warmth. "And be gone."
The maid's face paled, her hands shaking as she fumbled with the cart. She was about to obey when Sebastian's voice cut through the air once more, even icier than before.
"And listen carefully," he warned, his gaze piercing. "If I hear so much as a whisper about my presence here at this villa or in this room, I will make sure you regret it."
The maid visibly trembled, her breath catching in her throat. Sweat beaded at her temples as she clutched the handle of the trolley.
"I will be watching," Sebastian continued, his voice steady and menacing. "There is very little that can happen in Castle Silva without me knowing. You would do well to remember that."
The maid nearly collapsed under the weight of his words, barely managing to choke out, "I wouldn't dare, my lord," before scrambling out of the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
As she fled down the hallway, Acier frowned slightly, her gaze following the door before turning back to Sebastian. "You didn't have to be so harsh on the poor girl," she said gently, her tone carrying just a hint of reproach.
Sebastian shrugged, his expression unbothered. "Servants like her tend to gossip," he replied, his tone colder than before. "The last thing we need is for word to spread. People like that only remember their place when you remind them."
He walked over to the trolley, grabbed it with ease, and rolled it to Acier's bedside. "At the end of the day, she's a servant. And what master keeps a servant who complicates their life instead of being useful?"
Acier hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. She knew there was some truth to his words, though she still didn't entirely agree with his harshness. But for now, she said nothing more. As Sebastian positioned the trolley beside her, there was a tension lingering in the air—an unspoken understanding that sometimes cruelty was a tool, even if neither of them liked it.
Sebastian's eyes softened briefly as he looked at her, though his mask remained firmly in place. For now, appearances had to be maintained, no matter the cost.
Sebastian lifted the silver tray cover, revealing a platter of delicate sweets, tarts, pastries, and other sugary treats. His frown deepened immediately, an expression of pure disapproval etched on his face. The sight was almost offensive.
Acier noticed his reaction and raised a brow. "What's wrong?"
"There's little wonder you're not in the mood to eat if this is what they're trying to force down your throat," Sebastian remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. He glanced at her frail figure, so thin she looked nearly anorexic, and his expression hardened. "You need protein, fats, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, high-calorie meals, and vitamin supplements. Not this junk food and sugary nonsense."
Acier blinked at him, puzzled. "Protein? Carbohydrates?" She furrowed her brows at the unfamiliar terms.
Sebastian didn't bother to respond, his mind already elsewhere. His eyes darkened as he stared at the offending tray. It's time to replace the kitchen staff, he thought, irritated. They clearly lack the common sense to understand her condition.
"Did any of your doctors prescribe a meal plan?" he asked suddenly, his tone sharp.
Acier shook her head, confusion still written on her face. "No, they haven't."
Sebastian's frown deepened. He remained silent for a moment, inwardly lamenting the state of health knowledge in this world. Even though this was a world of magic, it was practically medieval in every other sense. Their understanding of nutrition and science was severely lacking, to say the least. He made a mental note to design a proper meal plan for Acier himself, something that could actually help her recover. Once that was done, Alfred would make sure the new kitchen staff followed it to the letter.
With a sigh, Sebastian resigned himself to the current meal. "You'll just have to bear with this for one more day," he muttered, picking up a spoon and scooping up a piece of strawberry cake. He held it in front of her, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Didn't you want me to feed you?"
Acier blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing lightly as she opened her mouth to take a bite. The sweet taste lingered, but it took her a long time to swallow. She hadn't eaten much in so long that her body had almost forgotten the sensation.
Sebastian said nothing, keeping up the steady rhythm of feeding her. Spoon to mouth, chew, swallow. The silence between them was punctuated by the soft clink of the spoon against the plate as he fed her bite after bite of the cake.
After finishing just one slice, Acier held up a hand, her voice soft. "No more. I'm full."
Sebastian frowned, about to chide her for stopping so soon, but then paused, remembering that it was dangerous to push too much food on someone who had been starved for so long. Her insides were weak, fragile even. Overloading her with food now could cause serious harm.
He let out a dark chuckle at the twisted thought that crept into his mind. I'd be very sad if Acier Silva survived a year of being plagued by a supreme devil's curse, only to die of indigestion and refeeding syndrome.
Shaking his head, Sebastian nodded and set the spoon down. He recovered the tray and pushed the trolley away slightly before taking a seat at her bedside. His eyes softened as he looked at her, but he kept his tone casual, as though the moment was nothing special.
Sebastian glanced at Acier, her frail form still lying in bed, and he could sense her exhaustion even though she tried to hide it behind her stoic expression. He took a deep breath and said softly, "Lie down, Acier. It's time for your daily healing treatment."
Acier nodded, allowing him to help her ease back onto the bed, but as she settled, she glanced at him with a faint look of curiosity. "Didn't you say you had something else to do?"
Sebastian shook his head, his expression resolute. "It can wait. You're more important right now."
She looked away, pretending to be indifferent, but her heart betrayed her, starting to beat faster at his words. She could feel something warm and unfamiliar stirring within her, but she wasn't sure what to make of it.
Sebastian's grimoire floated beside him, its pages glowing as he activated his spell. "Water Recovery Magic: Blessed Bath of Heavenly Healing." The air around them shimmered with magic as a cocoon of pure, radiant water formed around Acier. It was a strange sensation—the water enveloped her completely, yet it didn't make her wet or restrict her breathing. Instead, it gently seeped into her body, like a comforting embrace, flowing through her veins and soothing the deep aches she had been living with for months.
For three long hours, Sebastian poured every ounce of mana he had into the spell, his face etched with focus and concentration. The water's healing energy worked wonders, slowly but surely alleviating Acier's pain, mending what the curse had torn apart. By the time he finally released the spell, his body was drenched in sweat, and his limbs felt heavy. He slumped into the chair beside the bed, completely spent, his chest rising and falling with deep, exhausted breaths.
Acier stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. She blinked, feeling... lighter. The constant, crushing pain had subsided, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she could sit up on her own. Looking at Sebastian, gratitude filled her heart. "I feel... so much better," she whispered softly.
Sebastian glanced at her, offering a tired but satisfied smile. "Good. That's what matters."
With trembling legs, Acier slowly stood from the bed. Her body felt foreign—weak and unsteady—but the pain was gone. She took a cautious step toward him, her movements wobbly and unsure. Sebastian watched her closely, and when she stumbled, he immediately shot up, catching her before she could fall.
"Careful," he said softly, his hands steadying her. "You haven't walked in over a month. Your body isn't used to it anymore."
It was only then that he realized how close they were—her face mere inches from his, her breath warm against his skin. His throat went dry, and he awkwardly gulped, trying to create some distance between them. He gently kept her at arm's length, just enough to provide support without crossing that invisible line.
Acier stuttered out a soft, awkward, "Thank you." She reached for his shoulder, leaning on him for support as they slowly began to walk around the room together. Each step was hesitant at first, but with every minute, her movements became more natural, her balance returning as she adjusted to using her legs again.
For five minutes, they moved together in silence, her hand resting on his shoulder as he guided her. There was a quiet intimacy to it, a moment that felt heavier than either of them expected. When Acier finally managed to walk on her own, Sebastian let her go, watching as she took cautious steps without his help.
But inwardly, he felt a pang of regret. As much as he was proud to see her recover, part of him wished that moment—the closeness, the shared warmth—could've lasted just a little longer.
As Acier stepped out onto her patio balcony, the cool night air greeted her with a gentle embrace. She leaned against the railing, closing her eyes for a moment to soak in the quiet and the distant sound of rustling leaves. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos that had dominated her life for so long. Sebastian followed her, standing quietly beside her, his presence both calming and reassuring.
The moonlight bathed the landscape in soft, silvery hues, casting long shadows over the villa grounds. Sebastian, his gaze lingering on the horizon, broke the silence. "You know," he said softly, "it's only during moments like these—when no one's watching—that you can truly be yourself."
Acier sighed, the sound barely more than a breath. "I know," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
Sebastian turned his head to glance at her. "You shouldn't let anyone know you're getting better," he said, his tone firm but careful. "Tomorrow, I'll ask Lilith to cast another illusion over you. You'll still appear sick—worse, even. Like you're nearing death."
Acier frowned but didn't look at him. Her eyes stayed on the darkened landscape, her fingers tightening slightly on the cold iron of the railing. "I understand," she whispered, though the words felt heavy in her chest.
Sebastian continued, his mind already spinning with plans. "I'll reduce the patrols around your villa. No need to draw attention. I'll alternate with Alfred and Nozel to deliver your meals. That way, you can move around more freely, spend more time out of bed without anyone knowing."
She finally turned to face him, her expression softening. For the first time in a while, she gave him a genuine, beautiful smile, one that caught him off guard. "Thank you," she said, her voice gentle.
Sebastian felt his face heat up, and he awkwardly gulped, nodding in response. He looked away quickly, pretending to admire the view, trying to mask the slight blush creeping up his cheeks. The tension between them hung in the air, and for a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say next.
Just then, a soft buzzing sound broke the silence. Sebastian's magic transponder lit up, its glow pulling him back into the moment. He pressed his hand to the device, his voice cool and composed. "Yes, Alfred?"
The voice of the Silva Head Butler came through the line, calm and precise as always. "My Lord, I've found her."
Sebastian blinked in surprise, his mind racing to catch up. He hadn't expected results so soon. Alfred's efficiency was nothing short of remarkable. "Already?" he asked, amazement slipping into his voice despite himself.
"Yes, My Lord," Alfred confirmed.
Sebastian stood there for a moment, processing the news. He glanced at Acier, who had turned her gaze back to the night sky, unaware of the sudden turn in his thoughts. Alfred's discovery could mean a shift in their plans—another variable to account for. But for now, he allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
"Well done," he said into the transponder, his voice now carrying the weight of new possibilities.
One more exam, this monday, so probably no update this weekend.
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