Edited By: IWillFixHer
Silva Estate:
Sebastian glanced up from his tea, seated comfortably beside Acier's bed, echoing her question with a faint smirk. "What am I doing today?"
Acier, bathed in the soft light streaming through the window, studied his serene expression, the same way she'd study a chessboard. So, Sebby, what's on the schedule today? More regicide? Another stray adoption? Another child I don't know about? Or are you and Alfred wrapped up in some new scheme? Come on, spill it.
Sebastian felt his brow twitch, catching her thoughts as clearly as if she'd spoken them aloud. He sighed, glancing around the room. Nebra was twisting her hair absently in front of the mirror; Solid was awkwardly trying to hold a wriggling Noelle, who looked seconds away from escaping his lap; and Dorothy was fussing over Nozel, who looked like he'd just come back from a swim.
"How did you manage to get this wet?" Dorothy asked, patting her fiancé down with a towel. She'd left him alone for only twenty minutes, and now here he was, drenched.
Nozel averted his father's gaze, muttering, "I fell into the fountain."
Sebastian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction at the confession. But, his smugness was cut short when Dorothy snapped her head toward him, her eyes narrowing in a sharp glare. She snorted before turning back to Nozel, fussing over him even more. Sebastian felt his heart sink. Even after everything we've been through, you're siding with that punk over your old man?
Acier's eyes flickered with amusement as she observed Sebastian's expression shift. Finally, he answered her.
"Nothing," he said, shrugging.
She blinked in disbelief. "Nothing?"
"Nothing," he repeated, nodding.
Inwardly, Sebastian groaned. He'd only been in this world for eight days, but it already felt like he'd lived through a year's worth of drama and chaos. It's like I'm trapped in a Toaru novel. Every day there's another insane plot twist. Just give me one day of peace, please.
Earlier that morning, he'd received word that Conrad was planning a court hearing for some asylum seekers. Sebastian's response? He had wielded his authority as royal advisor to delay it until tomorrow—without so much as an excuse. With his power, he didn't need one. Unless the king intervened, things went as he pleased, and Augustus was far too occupied with his royal harem to object.
Conrad hadn't raised much of a fuss, either. The Kingdom was overwhelmed with matters, especially with the new construction project underway in the Forsaken Realm. This hearing wasn't worth the energy it would take to argue with Sebastian.
Besides, his wife had just returned from her "farewell mission," a dud of an assignment, and Conrad was eager to spend time with her and bring her back home. Little did he know, a pregnant woman's mood could be as unpredictable as the weather. A pregnant woman returning from a boring mission though? That was a whole other beast altogether.
Needless to say, Lovila was far from thrilled.
Sebastian met Acier's gaze, a gentle resolve in his voice. "I'm going to spend today with my family."
Acier's radiant smile and the subtle glances shared among the children told him he'd made the right call. He let his gaze linger thoughtfully on Solid and Nebra. Lilith should be completely drained, and Draven's likely preoccupied with his latest… "projects." It would be too much to summon them today, so why not give everyone a break? He'd have Alfred inform the Fausts and Agrippas that there'd be no need to come in—everyone was off duty. Everyone except Alfred, he thought wryly.
Turning to Solid and Nebra, he added, "The two of you can skip your classes today, if you'd like."
The nearly imperceptible narrowing of eyes from Dorothy, Nozel, and Acier showed that they'd understood his hidden message—there would be no appointment today. Dorothy tilted her head thoughtfully as she finished drying Nozel's hair. Looks like Dad did something big after we split up.
Solid and Nebra exchanged beaming smiles and spoke in unison, "Thank you, Father!"
Sebastian raised a finger, his gaze sharpening. "Only for today." This is a one-time deal.
Solid and Nebra nodded, showing no expectation of this happening again. But Sebastian noticed Solid casting a worried look at Noelle, who was squirming in his lap, her little face twisting in frustration, seconds from bursting into tears.
He let out a soft chuckle and, without getting up, offered a bit of guidance. "She's not a newborn anymore—she can hold herself up a bit. Holding her too tightly, especially since she doesn't know you well yet, can make her uncomfortable."
Nozel, watching this, narrowed his eyes in silent complaint. She didn't seem to mind when you did it.
Unaware of his eldest's silent protest, Sebastian continued, "Let her sit as she likes. Just support her at her hips so she doesn't fall."
Solid blinked, then carefully adjusted his hold, releasing the tight arm around Noelle's stomach. She scooted inward on his lap, settling in against him, and after a moment, he tentatively placed his hands on her hips to keep her steady.
"Like this…?" Solid asked, looking up at his father.
Sebastian kept his tone casual. "What do you think?"
Solid studied Noelle's face, noting that while she didn't look thrilled, she wasn't scowling either. Seems right.
"It's fine…?" he said hesitantly.
"Are you asking me or telling me?" Sebastian pressed, studying him closely.
Without missing a beat, Solid nodded firmly. "Telling you."
Sebastian gave him an approving nod, and Solid's face lit up with pride. Meanwhile, Nebra walked over to the crib beside her mother's bed. Since Noelle had been spending more time with Acier, Sebastian had quietly arranged for Hilda and Jeeves to set up a crib there, stocked with some of Noelle's things so that Acier wouldn't have to send her away whenever she needed a nap.
Nebra reached into the crib and pulled out a pink, rabbit-like plushie with stitched details, then walked up to Noelle, crouching down, before giving it a little shake in front of her.
"Fuffy!" Noelle's laughter rang out as she stretched her tiny arms toward the plushie, her giggles contagious. Nebra handed it to her with a warm smile.
Watching this, Nozel and Acier had conflicted expressions, their emotions difficult to read. Dorothy simply found it sweet.
Sebastian… well, he kind of felt like shit.
After a moment, Noelle's tiny stomach grumbled, and Acier felt the urge to take her from the children, but instead paused, watching Solid and Nebra with a hint of anticipation. She spoke softly, "Would either of you like to feed her?"
Both of them snapped their heads to her, nodding with a mix of excitement and awkwardness.
Acier smiled, then looked over at Nozel. "Why don't you show them how it's done, Nozel?"
Nozel nodded coolly, crossing the room to a food cart and lifting the lid off a large metal platter. An assortment of peeled apple slices, vegetable purees, strained broths, soft bread, and gruel made from barley and oats decorated the tray. He took out a soft cup, filling it with water from a metal pitcher, before giving his siblings a knowing look as he tore off a small piece of bread.
"She's picky, so we've got options," he explained. "You might need to mix and match until you find something she likes. She doesn't have to finish everything, just enough to fill her belly."
Solid and Nebra nodded as Nozel continued, "She's still breastfed, so there isn't milk here. For the bread and gruel, dip it in water like this to soften it." He demonstrated, then brought the piece to Noelle's mouth.
Distracted by her plushie, Noelle barely registered the food until it was already in her mouth. She blinked at Nozel with an amused expression, but swallowed it, leaving him looking satisfied.
Wiping his hand on a towel, he gestured to the fruits and vegetables. "These are fine as is, just cut them into small chunks." He paused, glancing at his siblings. "Alright, who's first?"
Solid hesitated, lowering his head. "I'm holding her, so…my hands aren't free."
What a weak excuse! Acier and Sebastian both thought in sync as Nebra glanced at the platter, unsure of where to start.
With her usual energy, Dorothy bounced over and patted Nebra on the back, making her jump. "Come on, Nebra—don't overthink it! It's easy!"
Playful as ever, Dorothy expertly took a knife, sliced off a tip of an apple, speared it with a fork, and offered it to Noelle. But Noelle, eyes still fixed on her plushie, turned her head away. Dorothy just smiled and cooed, letting her arm glow with a soft pink mana, though she kept it well away from the apple itself. The little display caught Noelle's attention, and with her eyes practically shining, she opened her mouth, allowing Dorothy to pop in the bite of apple. The infant began to chew, content.
Nebra pouted. "Sister, using magic is cheating." No one here has magic as pretty as yours.
Dorothy placed her hands on her hips and looked toward the ceiling, smug. "It's not cheating—it's experience!"
And she wasn't lying. Growing up in the Witch's Forest, surrounded by younger relatives, Dorothy had plenty of experience with infants. With the Witch Queen there only as a mother in name, Dorothy and the other girls had shouldered much of the responsibility for caring for the youngest. She'd fed and cared for dozens of babies back in the forest; so she had picked up more than a few tricks.
Just as Nebra reached for a banana slice, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She yelped, turning around to see her father's face with a visibly strained smile. "Y-yes, D-Dad?" she stammered, fidgeting under his gaze, wondering if she'd done something wrong.
Sebastian sighed, casting a glance past her toward Nozel and Dorothy, still holding their forced smiles. "You should wash your hands first before doing something like this—it's proper hygiene."
As a medical student and modern man, I can't tolerate germs and contamination to this degree!
He knew that handwashing wasn't unheard of in this world, thanks to his memories, and while he could stomach skipping it on occasion, there were limits—especially when it came to something that could easily make someone sick. Noelle hadn't awakened her magic yet; thus, for all intents and purposes, she was still a normal child. While people in this world had stronger physiques and immune systems, it didn't mean she couldn't catch something.
And should that happen, they'd have a serious issue. Magic, even healing magic, was unsafe for babies, whose bodies weren't yet acclimated to mana's pressure. Unlike a certain godly-physiqued muscle brain she may crush on in the future, Noelle wasn't as immune or resilient to illnesses. And because of the reliance on magic, practical medicine here lagged far behind even medieval standards back home. Infant mortality rates in the Four Kingdoms were disturbingly high.
The point is, he thought grimly, if Noelle were to get sick, it could be fatal. And if it came down to forgetting to wash hands, that'd be as ironic as it is tragic.
The kids exchanged a sheepish look before glancing over at Acier, who nodded, causing both of them to lower their heads in embarrassment, scratching at their temples. In their excitement, they'd completely forgotten the basics.
Realizing her mistake, Nebra nodded, then quickly exited the room, crossing the hall to her mother's private latrine, where she found a basin of water ready. She rinsed her hands, dried them with a clean towel, and hurried back.
Entering the room, she saw her father rinsing the cutlery with his water magic, drying each piece before handing her a fork. Nebra took the fork, speared a banana slice, and hesitantly brought it to Noelle's mouth, bracing herself for a fuss. But instead, Noelle simply blinked up at her with curiosity before clamping her mouth over the fork and pulling off the banana slice.
Nozel nodded in satisfaction. "Seems like she's in a good mood today."
Sebastian had a different thought. They say Noelle loves sweets. She hasn't had desserts yet, so bananas are probably like candy to her. Glancing at the banana slices, he thought, They look ripe to me.
Nebra smiled softly as she grew more confident, feeding Noelle slice after slice of banana, which the baby chomped down on without hesitation. Watching her, Solid wrapped his left arm around Noelle's waist, then reached out with his right hand toward the fork still in Nebra's grip.
Seeing his sister's puzzled expression, he pouted. "My turn."
Nebra speared another banana slice and handed him the fork. Solid brought it to Noelle's mouth, his face lighting up with joy as she happily chomped it down. Nebra patted Noelle's head, cooing, "Good girl."
Sebastian blinked at the scene. It's not like you're feeding a pet, you know?
Solid offered Noelle the last banana slice, but instead of biting, she turned her face away. He tried a few more times, but the baby wouldn't budge. He and Nebra exchanged a glance. Guess she's had her fill of bananas then?
Solid soon speared an apple slice, but Noelle kept her head turned, ignoring it.
"Maybe she wants something heartier?" Nebra suggested, scooping a bit of gruel and dipping it in water. She brought the spoon close, but Noelle swatted it away, her face scrunching up in distaste.
The adults watched wryly as the siblings looked helpless, trying to feed a suddenly uncooperative baby. Solid froze when Noelle finally turned around in his lap, nuzzling her face into his stomach and letting out a low whine. "Wah-wah."
Nebra backed off, guilt-ridden, while Solid looked around the room in shock.
Sebastian chuckled and reached out, lifting Noelle from his son's arms. He turned her around so she could rest her head on his shoulder and patted her back. "You two didn't do anything wrong; in fact, you did a great job. She's just full now, so she's getting droopy and fussy."
"So…it's nap time?" Solid tilted his head, uncertain.
Sebastian shook his head. "Not quite. First, it's burping time."
The children and Acier watched in silence as Sebastian paced slowly around the room, patting Noelle's back. The only sounds were the rhythmic ticking of the large clock and the gentle patting as he moved. After a few minutes, Noelle's tummy settled, and she let out a soft belch. "Urp."
Sebastian's expression softened. "Good job, Noelle—"
"Baboo." He froze as Noelle mumbled sleepily, nestling her head deeper into his shoulder.
For a moment, Sebastian stood still, barely registering that the baby had drifted off to sleep in his arms.
Nozel's eyes snapped to his sister, a fiery gaze burning in them. Traitor! You little—hah! He felt like pulling his hair and cursing. Up until now, Noelle had only spoken five words: mama, fuffy, yellow (for Hilda), poopy, and peepee. He'd always assumed her next word would be "brother"—or at least "bubber."
I was with you since day one, you little— Nozel slumped into his seat in resignation. Dorothy, on the other hand, paid her fiancé no mind, relishing the deepening blush on Sebastian's face as it worked its way to a bright tomato-red.
Nebra and Solid lowered their heads, stifling laughter, while Acier watched the scene with a different kind of intensity, wanting to commit every detail to memory.
Sebastian moved robotically to the crib on the other side of the room, gently placing Noelle down. He wrapped her in a blanket and, without sparing anyone a glance, walked across the room, gently opened the door, and slipped out.
Solid, Nebra, Dorothy, and Acier exchanged wry looks, trying hard to contain their laughter, lest they accidentally woke Noelle. Nozel sat there, still brooding in his defeat.
Outside, the Silva family servants trembled as they watched their master walk through the halls, his face expressionless, but flushed bright red. The servants exchanged looks of concern. Who upset the master this time?!
Helpless shrugs were all they got from one another, and they sighed in relief as Sebastian walked past, heading toward the main family's private garden.
In the garden, the gardeners quickly excused themselves with polite bows, but Sebastian paid them no mind as he walked to the center and sat on a beautifully crafted wooden bench. Leaning back, he rubbed his hands on the seat, a soft smile replacing his usual stoic expression.
Today was a good day.
After ten minutes of soaking in the fresh air, Sebastian stood, made his way back to the living quarters, and spent the rest of the day with his family as promised. The day passed pleasantly—uneventful, calm, and refreshingly unproductive. A nice change of pace.
That night, Sebastian went to bed, feeling none of the usual discomfort from the furniture. He drifted off peacefully, well-rested enough to face the undoubtedly hectic day that awaited him tomorrow.
Omake: What if Sebastian Transmigrated At The Start of Canon Part 3
Nozel Silva hurried through the Silva estate, as the Head Butler Jeeves followed after him. Without bothering to pay the trembling servants who parted ways for him, he slammed the ornate dining hall's door open.
He entered the room to welcome himself to the scene of his father sitting on the other end of the elongated table, directly across from the head seat, his seat, because, for quite a few years now, he'd been Lord Silva, not his father.
Nozel narrowed his eyes at his father who didn't so much as acknowledge him, continuing to slice and savor his steak, eyes closed, and felt his fury rising as he snapped his face to the trembling servants standing by the walls.
"Do you lot need an invitation?" Nozel coldly began, "Begone from here!"
The servants felt like they had been pardoned from an ensuing disaster and didn't need to be told twice, scurrying out of there.
Jeeves quietly stood on the other side of the door, closing it behind him, and standing guard to ensure no one tried to enter and disturbed the pending conversation.
After the doors shut, Nozel took his place, in the patriarch's seat, sitting regally across from Sebastian Silva. Setting his plate aside, he felt his patience thinning, as his father had yet to show even a sign of acknowledging his presence.
Biting his lip in frustration and grinding his teeth, Nozel spoke with undisguised sarcasm, "Always a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Father."
Sebastian opened his ocean blue eyes and locked his gaze with his son's, before nodding and wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
He nodded after a moment, and spoke indifferently, "The pleasure is mutual Nozel. Have you come to join me at the dining table? Better hurry, your food is getting cold, it'd be a shame to let that steak go to waste.."
"Heh." Nozel sneered, since when did you care about wasting food? Nozel shook his head, and returned with a jab of his own, "I seem to recall it being proper decorum for all members of House Silva to rise in their master's presence."
Sebastian was unbothered, and sliced another bit of the meat, chewing on the tasteless thing, as he soon spoke with his gaze trained on his plate. "Correct, but I also seem to recall the fact that previous lords were exempt from said rule."
Nozel rested his cheek on his right fist, and shot his father an eerie smile. "Also correct, but with the exception being when said previous lords' actions had bordered on treason and insubordination."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Nozel, "I don't recall doing such things."
Nozel cracked a knuckle, as his smile thinned before he clamped his hands together, and rested them in his lap, sitting upright in his chair. "Not even so much as acknowledging my presence as I enter the room, can be interpreted as so."
Sebastian rapped his knuckles against the table, "You seemed to be in a foul mood, I didn't want to take it upon myself to become the target of your fury."
"Oh?" Nozel sneered, "So you let the servants do it in your place, how benevolent of you."
Sebastian shrugged, "That is their role as servants of House Silva, to endure and tolerate all pain and burden for the sake of their masters. If they can't even handle a scolding, their presence is unneeded."
Pausing for a moment, Sebastian mirrored his son's posture, before smiling broadly, eyes closed, "I'll admit that was pathetic of me, but I'd say the one who lashed out at them in the first place is equally as pathetic."
Nozel's mana began to flare as he clenched the other end of the table, drowning the room in a suffocating pressure.
He expected to relish in the scene of his good for nothing father frothing and panting under the weight of his aura, but all he saw was his father remaining in his position, with the same mocking smile on his face.
Nozel narrowed his eyes. A bluff, he sneered and retracted his mana.
As the father-and-son pair locked gazes at one another, the former rapping his knuckles against the table while the latter was tapping his finger, Nozel sighed and spoke first.
"Enough games, Father," He emphasized "Father" with a sharp edge, gesturing to him, "I trust you know why I'm here."
Sebastian didn't hesitate to shake his head.
A vein bulged in Nozel's temple, as he spat, "Are you truly going to play dumb?!"
Sebastian sighed, and opened his weathered blue, and tired gaze, looking at Nozel in undisguised exasperation.
"Trust me Nozel, I want to be done with this uncomfortable conversation as quickly as you, so if you have something to say, or a point to make, do so. Stop speaking in riddles."
Nozel's gaze widened, This man actually has the gall to lecture me?! Nozel took a moment to breathe deeply, letting the tension flow out of him, as he resumed his calm poise. I won't sink to his level.
"It's about Noelle."
Sebastian raised a brow, "What about her?"
Nozel scoffed and crossed his arms, "What do you mean, "What about her?" You've never taken any interest in the youngest, nor any of us for that matter, in your life. So, color me surprised when I get a report on my desk, saying you supposedly paid her a visit today. Twice!"
"A report from whom?" Sebastian began to rap his knuckles against the table once more.
"That does not concern you." Nozel spat out, as he pointed to him. "Not only that, I was told that you gave her something, something that made her cry. What was it?!"
Sebastian's smile returned, as he repeated Nozel's words back to him. "That does not concern you."
Nozel slammed the table in fury, causing the plates and cutlery to fly from his indignation. "As the master of House Silva, I have the right to know every single thing that goes on within our walls, especially those concerning the main line. So it does concern me, in fact. Now tell me what you were doing!"
Sebastian studied Nozel for a moment, before nodding. "Believe it or not, I was simply seeing her off."
"Hah!" Nozel laughed in mocking amusement. "You're right. I don't believe it! Am I supposed to accept the fact that our dear old emotionless Sebastian Silva is suddenly becoming a doting father? Should I come to you in the future for life advice?!"
Sebastian nodded seriously, "If you need it, I won't turn you down."
Nozel blinked, thinking he heard wrong, as he watched Sebastian continue indifferently.
"Besides, I think the notion of Sebastian Silva being a secretly loving father isn't any more ludicrous than the idea of Nozel Silva secretly adoring the failure of House Silva."
"What do you mean?" Nozel narrowed his eyes.
"Exactly what I said." Sebastian locked their gazes once more, "What could you call your current actions, except as overly protective."
"That's also why you sent Noelle away to the Black Bulls, right? That squad receives the least missions, and if someone who can't control her magic like Noelle Silva insists on being a Magic Knight, the Black Bulls are the only option that can practically ensure her safety." Well that would be the case, if we weren't at the time of canon.
"However, proclaiming such a reason would shame House Silva, so you took it upon yourself to play the bad guy, ignoring Solid's and Nebra's abuse of Noelle, occasionally throwing in some words of your own, so that no one in the world could grasp the truth that the Nozel Silva, is a sucker and weak for his siblings, especially the youngest." [A]
Sebastian's smile returned, as he pointed to Nozel. "How am I doing so far, Son?"
Nozel blinked, as his pupils dilated. No one in his life had seen right through the torture he had put Noelle through since he was cursed, except her. The one other person in the Clover Kingdom who knew the truth of his mother's death and his plight.
Before Nozel could mouth a response, Sebastian continued. "Don't think too much Nozel, you may get your looks from your Mother, but your personality and mannerisms are all me. Whether you accept it or not, that's the truth."
Nozel watched as his father stood up from his chair and walked to his side, with his arms tied behind his back, speaking as he walked.
"You don't believe you're worthy to call yourself her brother, and I'm aware I'm far from deserving of acting like her father." Sebastian was now standing over Nozel, looking over him.
Nozel watched in shock, as his father's visage softened. "So let's just put aside our differences, at least when it comes to her, and try to heal her life of abuse and trauma we were both complicit in, okay?"
Nozel didn't respond, as his father then bent his back till they were face to face, and brought his hand to his throat.
All of Nozel's survival instincts told him not to let him, but for some inexplicable reason, he didn't stop his father as he narrowed his gaze and poked his throat.
The last thing Nozel heard as his father straightened up and walked away out of the dining hall were words that made him stiffen in his seat.
"There's a certain family of hex users in the common realm that could help with that."
You knew?! Nozel turned around in his seat, but all he saw was his father's disappearing back, as he exited through the twin doors.
Taking a moment to calm himself, and wipe his sweat, Nozel walked out of the room indifferently, stopping as the Head Butler greeted him.
"Jeeves."
"Yes Master?"
"Has my father been up to any strange things these past few days?"
The butler paused in thought, before shaking his head. "Besides a visit to the Royal Grimoire Tower, nothing comes to mind."
The Grimoire Tower? Nozel narrowed his eyes as he spoke aloud, "What was he doing there?"
Jeeves shook his head, "Apologies Master, I'm unaware. The Tower was supposedly deserted when the Old Master visited it; our network only recorded him entering and leaving. With no witnesses, his objective was unknown."
Nozel bit his lip, before sighing.
"Jeeves."
"Yes Master?"
"Make this clear to Nebra and Solid. Should they meet Noelle in the future, make sure they leave her be. I will not tolerate anything else."
"Of course, Master."
Author's Notes:
[1] Many of you may find this chapter boring, but this is what I meant by a slow, political, family dynamic fic, not every chapter is going to deal with insane drama, foiling schemes, and plotting. Some are going to be as uneventful as our daily lives.
[2] As per request I created a Google doc with Sebastian Spell's, that I'll try to update: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h76Qb41I0gtDE5KktUAudDwLrPJ6unZ2WWoV9FgB7_c/edit?usp=sharing
[3] No main chapter updates over the weekend because of an exam on Monday, you should get short stories or omakes, as promised
[4] As always join us in the Discord: //discord.com/invite/s3MME8X8ar
Editor Notes:
[A] So a tsundere + a sis-con, fire combo.
Asta and Noelle trailed after Vanessa through the bustling streets of Kikka's Castle Town, ignoring the stares from the townsfolk. Excitement sparked in their eyes as Vanessa rounded a corner, then paused and turned back to them with a gentle smile.
"Alright, we're here!"
"Ohhhh!" Asta's eyes lit up with excitement—until he realized what he was looking at. He blinked in surprise.
Noelle sweatdropped, glancing around in confusion. This is supposed to be someplace special? This is just an alley…
After completing their first mission in Saussy Village and earning their first wages, Vanessa had promised to take them somewhere exciting in Kikka after they stocked up on essentials like healing herbs and magical consumables. So they were understandably baffled when their "special place" turned out to be a quiet, abandoned cobblestone alleyway.
Just as their confusion deepened, Vanessa gave a playful flick of her wrist, beckoning them forward. "Right over here," she said and proceeded to walk straight through the wall next to a worn wine barrel.
"Huh?!" Asta and Noelle exchanged wide-eyed looks, then followed her lead, half-expecting to smack right into the wall. But to their shock, they stepped right through it—and into a hidden world.
A crooked line of makeshift stalls and ragtag shops stretched before them, cluttered with mysterious figures in hooded cloaks peddling every kind of strange item. Wands, skulls, rare herbs, bubbling potions, brooms—they could barely take it all in.
Vanessa put her hands on her hips and, without looking back, spoke softly, her voice ringing clearly in her juniors' ears. "Welcome to the Black Market."
"Woooooow." The sparkle returned to Asta's eyes as he eagerly took in the scene, ignoring the bird nestled on his head like it was his personal perch.
Vanessa gave a wave to a nearby shopkeeper sitting on the dirty ground. "It's a teensy bit dangerous," she said with a smirk, "but they've got some super effective stuff here."
She glanced over her shoulder at Noelle's slightly nervous expression. "Oh, and don't worry," she added casually. "Royals and nobles wouldn't be caught dead here. Too 'low-class' for their taste."
Noelle turned, her curiosity piqued.
"You still can't fully control your magic, right?" Vanessa continued. "The only spells you can manage are the ones that stay in place."
Noelle hesitated, clearing her throat. "Th…that's true, but why does that matter?"
Vanessa gestured to a cluster of shops selling enchanted accessories—cuffs, jewelry, wands, brooches. "They've got items that can help you suppress your magic. From what I can tell, you've got way too much mana, and you're not sure how to manage it. Find something here that suits you, adjust your magic a little, and you might just get the control you need."
The way Noelle's gaze widened told Vanessa she'd struck a chord.
As they walked through the market, Vanessa led the way with a certain shop in mind. Dominante better treat me to some booze for bringing her a customer, she thought, glancing sideways and catching Asta peering toward a small shop, where a torn rag draped over the entrance and loud voices poured out.
"That's a casino," Vanessa chuckled. "You two are still a bit young for that."
She narrowed her eyes at the scene inside, her gaze stopping on a familiar face. Seriously, does that virgin delinquent ever learn? She smirked to herself. Magna's going to end up going home in his underwear again.
Inside, just as Magna was about to bet everything on red, he suddenly felt a stab of irritation for some mysterious reason.
Moving past the casino, Vanessa noticed Asta by her side but realized Noelle was lagging behind. Huh? "Noelle, sweetie, what's up?" she called, turning to see Noelle rubbing her eyes, head lowered as though she was annoyed.
Is the dust getting to her that badly? Royals really do have fragile bodies, Vanessa mused, holding back the urge to say something that might offend the sensitive girl.
Asta and Vanessa exchanged curious looks as Noelle glanced past them, then rubbed her eyes and looked again. Her pupils suddenly dilated, like she'd seen something that shocked her. Just as they were about to turn to look, she shoved them both out of the street, pushing them behind a stall.
The stall owner, an old man with a shiny bald head, blinked in surprise before flashing a toothless grin. "Hey, kids, interested in buying a magic carpet—"
"Silence, insect," Noelle snapped, her tone icy, making the man shrink back as she removed her hands from Asta and Vanessa.
"Noelle…" Asta rubbed the back of his head, wincing where he'd been pushed up against the stall. "What was that for?"
Ignoring him, Noelle anxiously turned her gaze to Vanessa. "Vanessa! I thought you said royalty and nobles don't come here?!"
Vanessa blinked at her, taken aback. "That's… because they don't."
Noelle let out a groan, dropping her head against Vanessa's chest before looking back up at her. "Then would you please explain why, in the name of all things holy, my father is here?!" she whispered urgently.
Vanessa and Asta both blinked, stunned.
Your father? The words took a second to sink in, but Asta processed it slightly faster.
"We should go say hi." Asta stepped toward the main street, only for Noelle to yank him back.
"What are you doing, Noelle?" Asta felt dizzy with all the pushing and pulling.
"I should be asking you that, Bakasta!" she hissed. "You can't just go up to him like that!"
"Huh?" Asta tilted his head, bewildered. "Why not? He's your dad, right?"
"No!" Noelle's voice dropped to a tense whisper. "He's my father!"
Asta looked more confused. "Is there a difference?"
Noelle flicked her pigtails and scoffed. "Of course there is, Bakasta! Royals and nobles don't call their parents 'mom' or 'dad'—we say 'Mother' and 'Father.' It's only polite."
Asta blinked. That's kind of sad. In his mind, family was where you could be real, not formal and distant. You should be comfortable and casual with your family. Being overly polite was for strangers.
But still... Asta met Noelle's eyes, placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. He didn't even notice her face turning pink as he spoke with quiet seriousness.
"Dad or father, he's still your family. What's wrong with saying hi?" he asked, studying her face. It's like you've seen a ghost.
Noelle dropped her head, groaning in frustration as she grabbed him by the collar. "You wouldn't get it," she muttered, biting her lip. "It's... complicated."
Vanessa sighed inwardly. Looks like we've picked up another kid with family issues.
She tapped Noelle on the shoulder, making her turn. "So what do you want to do?" Vanessa asked. "This is the only way to where we're headed. Do you want to walk past him and hope he doesn't see us, or wait for him to leave? I'm good either way."
"Me too!" Asta fist-pumped, determined to support Noelle, even if he didn't understand why she wanted to avoid her father.
"No!" Noelle shook her head, and they both blinked. Did we read this wrong?
After a moment, she clenched her fists and stammered, "I-I'm not a-avoiding him… I-I just need a second to gather myself, and figure out what to say!"
"...Okay?" Asta and Vanessa still didn't get it, but they followed her lead, peeking over her shoulder to get a look at the man in question.
He wore a long brown robe that obscured most of his features, but they could make out silver-white hair, ocean-blue eyes, and sharp lines framing his profile.
Asta blinked. "Besides the silver hair, I don't really see the resemb—uff!"
He doubled over as Noelle elbowed him, barely glancing back as she spoke coldly. "Silence, Bakasta."
Asta was dumbfounded. What did I do to deserve that?
"Wooo." Vanessa let out a low, appreciative whistle as she scanned the man. "Looks like the Silva genes weren't a lie. Not bad, not bad at all. Me likey."
"Vanessa!" Noelle whipped around, tomato-red and glaring daggers at her. "Don't even think about doing whatever it is you do with other men—with my father!"
Vanessa chuckled. "Come now, sweetie, even though I wouldn't mind a sugar daddy—especially a loaded one—and even though I'm not that opposed to older men, there are limits. How old's your dad, anyway?"
"48!" Noelle forced her mana down, nearly shaking with restrained fury.
"So practically 50? Twice my age? Yeah, that's a no for me." Vanessa smirked, watching Noelle visibly deflate with relief. Besides, I already have my eye on someone else.
After a beat, Vanessa asked, "So, what's his name, anyway?"
"Sebastian," Noelle sighed, sounding very, very tired.
The trio returned to spying on Noelle's father, watching him stand in front of a stall as he spoke to a seated shopkeeper, arms crossed.
Thankfully, Sebastian wasn't whispering, so they could eavesdrop without sneaking up too close.
Sebastian eyed the rough-looking man behind the stall, who appeared a decade older, sporting a mohawk, a left-side eyepatch over a scar, and skull earrings paired with a purple nose ring.
"What can I do for ye, fella?" the man began, gesturing to an array of trinkets. "Interested in some poisons? Guaranteed to wipe out any who drink it—no trace left behind. Or maybe an aphrodisiac?" He leaned forward, smirking. "Makes women swarm you and helps you get-it-up, if you catch my drift."
Watching this exchange, Noelle began to tremble, her face turning crimson with fury as her fingers dug into the wooden stall they hid behind, cracking it with her strength. The old shopkeeper nearby recoiled in terror and scurried off, abandoning all his wares.
Asta and Vanessa took a cautious step back, hands raised as Vanessa tried to soothe her. "Um, Noelle, sweetie? Maybe calm down and tell us what's wrong. You're… kind of scaring me."
Asta gulped and nodded, feeling the bird on his head bobbing as if entertained by the whole scene.
"H-how dare that insect even insinuate my father would buy something like that?!" Noelle stammered, still seething, until Vanessa pulled her into a gentle hug from behind.
"Shh. Calm down, Noelle," Vanessa murmured. "This is just life in the Dark Market. I'm sure he says that to everyone who stops by."
Noelle's breathing slowed a little, relaxing as Vanessa's words took effect. Vanessa, though, began to have doubts. Does Noelle really have daddy issues? She's awfully protective of him.
Just as Noelle was settling down, Asta's voice cut through. "Yeah, Noelle, relax. Besides, your father's at that stall for a reason. I don't think he's just browsing—he's obviously here to buy something—"
Before he could finish, Vanessa flicked her fingers, stitching his mouth shut with her thread magic. Asta stumbled away, tugging at the thread in a panicked attempt to breathe, his face turning redder by the second.
Vanessa didn't feel a shred of guilt. He's got Anti-Magic; he can break out if he really needs to. Consider it a lesson for talking too much, kiddo.
As she held Noelle close, Vanessa sighed with relief when it became clear the girl hadn't even noticed Asta's blunder. Noelle's gaze was fixed on her father, following his every move, unblinking.
Sebastian didn't seem fazed by the geezer's offers, just narrowed his eyes and spoke coolly. "Stop wasting my time with these toys and bring out the good stuff."
Good stuff? Noelle and Vanessa exchanged glances as the shopkeeper lowered his head and muttered, "I don't know what you're talking about, fella. I'm just a humble shopkeep, selling poisons, potions, and cursed items."
Without a word, Sebastian reached into his cloak. The movement made the shopkeeper, as well as Noelle and Vanessa, tense up. Just as the shopkeeper prepared to grab his grimoire, Sebastian dropped a pouch onto the stall, its heavy jingle drawing the attention of nearby vendors.
The shopkeeper's pupils dilated as he shook the pouch, peering inside to find a heap of gold. Swallowing nervously, he looked up at Sebastian's steely expression.
"If it's coin you're worried about," Sebastian said evenly, "don't be. I'm good for it."
The shopkeeper visibly hesitated, glancing between the pouch and Sebastian, before pushing the pouch back across the counter, causing Sebastian to raise a brow.
"Sir, as I said before, whatever you're after, I don't have it. Now, please stop making my life difficult and walk away," the man insisted, motioning for Sebastian to leave.
Watching, Noelle felt her breath hitch. Father, what exactly are you trying to buy that would make even this crook—someone dealing in cursed items in broad daylight—refuse to sell it, even for a fortune?!
Her legs trembled as she silently pleaded, Please, Father, don't tell me you're caught up in something illegal. I don't know what I'd do if that were true.
As a Magic Knight, Noelle knew her duty to uphold justice, no matter who broke the law. Yet, she clenched her fist, battling the thought. I don't want to arrest you… not you, the only family member who's ever treated me kindly.
Vanessa, hugging the shaking Noelle, had a sense of what might be running through her mind. Narrowing her gaze at Sebastian, she thought, You better be innocent, because if you're not, and you hurt her, I'll cut 'it' off.
Sebastian, ignoring the money, glanced around before leaning in to the shopkeeper with a conspiratorial tone. "C.P. told me about this place," he murmured. "I won't snitch."
The duo watched as the shopkeeper's cautious look was replaced with a sly grin. Reaching under his stall, he pulled out a large leather bag.
Noelle's heart sank as she watched her father take a jar from the man, unscrew it, and pinch some white powder. With a subtle smile, Sebastian brought his fingers to his nose and took an intoxicated sniff, satisfaction spreading over his usually indifferent face.
Drugs. Noelle's heart cracked as she clenched her fists in sorrow and betrayal. Her father was using drugs. It may not be the worst crime, she thought, but it's a crime nonetheless. As a Magic Knight, I can't ignore this.
Vanessa's face grew grim as Noelle's trembling ceased, and the girl turned to her with a cold, dull look, her pink eyes now a steely gray. "Let's go, Vanessa. We have a criminal to apprehend."
Before Vanessa could react, Noelle slipped out of her grasp, her small frame radiating resolve as she walked towards her father. Vanessa bit her lip, emotions swirling as she took in Noelle's lonely silhouette.
You're a real piece of work, Vanessa thought, glaring at Sebastian. You're breaking her heart.
Sebastian, satisfied, closed the jar and set it on the ledge, waiting for the shopkeeper to bring out more goods. Caught off guard in his own moment of glee, he didn't register anyone approaching until both he and the shopkeeper were suddenly bound and restrained.
Hmm? Thread? Sebastian looked down at the restraints, surprised but not worried—escaping was within his power. But he paused, curious to see who had dared to ambush him and why. When he lifted his gaze, he was met with an unexpected sight: Vanessa, the Black Bulls' resident witch, and his own daughter, Noelle.
String shot from Vanessa's wand, securing both Sebastian and the shopkeeper in place. Sebastian blinked, a mix of awkwardness and surprise filling his expression. What are the odds? he thought wryly. The one day I come here, and Noelle and Vanessa do the same. As he glanced around, his brow furrowed. Where's Asta? Has canon changed this much?
Ignoring Vanessa, he focused on Noelle, who was glaring at him with an unimpressed expression. Clearing his throat, he tried to lighten the tension. "Noelle… Fancy meeting you here. Care to tell me why your friend has me tied up—"
"Don't." Noelle cut him off, her fists clenched. "Don't give me that father act, you crook!"
The street fell silent as nearby vendors awkwardly looked away. Sebastian blinked, taken aback. "Crook?"
"Don't pretend, Father! I saw everything—we know exactly what you were buying!" Noelle's voice trembled with fury.
Before Sebastian could answer, the shopkeeper snapped, "You were tailed?!"
"Yes, obviously, but—" Sebastian groaned inwardly. Can you not make this sound worse? I wasn't doing anything illegal, you punk. He felt like slapping the shopkeeper, who looked every bit the part of a rebellious street thug.
Instead, he sighed, looking back at Noelle, his tone softening. "Calm down, Noelle. Untie me, and let's talk about this. I'm afraid there's been a giant misunderstanding—"
"No!" Noelle's voice was sharp as Vanessa stepped over to the stand, inspecting the goods.
Sebastian's breath caught when he saw tears stream down Noelle's face as she dissolved into sobs. "I-I w-waited so long… to give you a chance, and now I saw everything. No matter what you say… I'm bringing you in."
While Vanessa unscrewed the lid of the jar to examine its contents, Noelle wiped her face, her words thick with tears. "W-why, Father? Why did this have to happen now, just as you were finally being nice to me? I-I don't want to d-do this."
Sebastian felt a pang of guilt—he hadn't long ago reconciled with Nozel, and now here he was, hurting Noelle all over again.
She wasn't done. "Why'd you have to do this, Father?! O-our family doesn't lack wealth. You didn't need to get into the d-drug trade!"
Drug trade? Sebastian exchanged a bewildered glance with the shopkeeper, then looked comically back at Noelle.
Noelle rubbed her tear-stained eyes. "Is it about the money, or… are you addicted? I-I'm sure there are magic items or spells that can help—"
"Noelle." Vanessa's voice cut through, and everyone turned to her.
"Y-yes?" Noelle asked, hoarse from crying.
Vanessa awkwardly held up the jar, her cheeks flushing as she spoke quietly. "This is… baking powder."
Silence blanketed the group as Noelle blinked, unsure if she'd heard right.
But Vanessa continued, pulling out two more jars from the leather pouch. She gave each a shake, setting them down one by one. "Salt and… black pepper."
Noelle blinked again before collapsing onto the floor, murmuring to herself as she drifted into unconsciousness, desperate to escape what she now hoped was a nightmare.
"Noelle!" Sebastian and Vanessa's voices echoed around her as she lost consciousness.
Author's Notes:
[1] Based on Manga Chapter 10, this little arc is going to combine contents with the first Light Novel, "Stubborn Bull Book"
[2] As always feel free to join the Discord: //discord.com/invite/s3MME8X8ar
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