Reborn As Papa Silva

March 2, 1601

Kikka, Grand Cemetery

Sebastian and Acier stood in silence, dressed in black, before a sizable gravestone that read:

Here Lies

Jack Holloway & Jonas Holloway

Loving Brothers, Sons, and Friends

1595 – 1600 & 1594 – 1600

RIP

They remained wordless in front of the grave for an hour as the rain began to fall. The sky was clear, the sun bright as ever, yet water ran down their faces—and so it rained.

It was definitely raining.

March 3, 1601

Acier began taking Sebastian's self-defense lessons more seriously.

Sebastian didn't protest, no matter the pain or how many times she threw him to the ground.

March 5, 1601

Many visitors to Sebastian and Acier's clinic stiffened today. Neither wore their usual disguises—nor would they anymore.

The Twin Masks were gone.

It didn't take much to connect the dots and uncover their origins. When people realized, many—especially those who frequently cursed the nobility and royalty in their presence—froze.

Then, they hung their heads in shame. That shame only deepened when Sebastian and Acier treated them as they always had: wordlessly without judgment. Without charge.

March 6, 1601

Acier found Sebastian staring silently at a tree near his house. To her, it looked like he was praying.

She asked him what he was doing.

He shook his head and said nothing.

Acier remembered—it was his parents' death anniversary.

She tried to offer prayers of her own, but no words came. She felt nothing.

She wanted to offer some solace, but again, nothing.

Acier bit her lip.

March 8, 1601

A mass vigil was held in front of Kikka Cathedral to honor the souls lost during the winter. It was also a moment of solidarity among the common people of the kingdom—a pledge to endure and survive.

Sebastian attended in silence, and Acier silently followed.

March 11, 1601

A mass vigil was held in front of the Basilica of St. Luminous to pray for those who had lost their lives in the war—and for those still fighting.

It was a rallying call to lift spirits and garner support for the cause. There was also a recruitment speech.

Acier attended in silence, and Sebastian silently followed 

March 15, 1601

Acier no longer spent her mornings with Sebastian at the clinic. Instead, she trained.

She had asked him if it was okay.

Sebastian lied and said yes.

March 18, 1601

Sebastian had dinner with the Silvas—it was Amara's 53rd birthday.

He brought her a simple bracelet.

The dinner was calm and uneventful, a pleasant evening where Acier quietly rested her head on his shoulder as they ate.

Afterward, Acier asked if he'd stay the night.

Sebastian did—but not in her room.

April 3, 1601

Old Stein passed away of old age.

April 5, 1601

Sebastian and Acier attended his funeral.

April 8, 1601

The man who had stolen the Holloway brothers' tent was publicly hanged today.

Sebastian and Acier watched without emotion, indifferent to the pleas of his wife and daughter. They barely registered the deathly glare the grieving family shot them after the deed was done.

April 13, 1601

Sebastian and Acier attended the 8th birthday party of Count Vardy's son, Thomas.

They gifted him a pony.

The boy seemed to like it, and Sebastian and Acier exchanged soft smiles.

April 27, 1601

Sebastian, Acier, and Aurelia had dinner with the Vermillions to celebrate Ignatius and Amber's wedding anniversary.

At one point, Amber teased Sebastian, asking when he planned to marry Acier.

Sebastian didn't respond.

Acier went quiet.

Sebastian avoided her gaze.

April 30, 1601

Acier had been giving Sebastian the silent treatment since that dinner.

It ended abruptly when he dragged her into an alley, pinned her against a wall, and kissed her deeply.

She smiled after that.

May 1, 1601

Lux invited Acier to his upcoming 19th birthday.

Sebastian couldn't quite understand where he got the audacity.

May 7, 1601

Acier attended the party, and Sebastian invited himself as her plus one.

When Lux asked Acier to dance, she turned him down.

She didn't turn down Sebastian.

The two danced for a long time—slowly, in fact—and kissed scandalously under the watchful eyes of the nobility.

They left the party with wide smiles.

Nathaniel scolded them harshly afterward.

They didn't care.

May 9, 1601

William Verda, the son of the former King's second-ranked concubine, was found guilty of Alexander's death.

Sebastian and Acier couldn't help but wonder how Nathaniel had managed to pull that off.

William was swiftly brought to the gallows and hanged before a large crowd. The dissatisfaction and anger the masses had directed at Augustus shifted to his two remaining half-brothers. Many believed this was part of a grand scheme they were complicit in.

Thankfully, Alden's earlier words had kept the three remaining princes in check, preventing the bloody phase of the succession war and thus civil conflict from reigniting.

However, Augustus's two remaining half-brothers could only delay the inevitable. With each passing day, their hopes of securing the throne seemed to grow dimmer.

They began counting their days in frustration and sorrow.

As for the people, they dared not riot. They knew the nobility's frustration with the commoners' "nonsense" had reached its peak after nine months of unrest. The nobility, in turn, were itching for an excuse to retaliate.

The lowborn kept their heads down and behaved. They wouldn't give the nobility the chance.

May 12, 1601

Sebastian visited Castle Vermillion again for Florian's birthday.

He and Acier applauded and cheered as Florian and Aurelia danced.

Sebastian and Acier didn't dance that night. Instead, they sat together in silence, hand in hand.

May 14, 1601

Sebastian and Acier strolled through the royal capital, occasionally stopping as Acier pointed out various sights.

In front of a dress store, she gestured to a wedding dress on display and asked how he thought she'd look in it.

Sebastian told her she'd look pretty in anything.

In front of a bakery, she pointed at a wedding cake poster and casually remarked that it would taste nice.

Sebastian noted that most cakes do.

In front of a jewelry store, she admired the diamond rings on display and asked which one would suit her best.

Sebastian reminded her she already had a ring.

May 20, 1601

Sebastian had dinner with the Silvas again to celebrate Nathaniel's 54th birthday.

He gave Nathaniel a light coat as a gift.

After dinner, Nathaniel asked Sebastian to accompany him on a walk. Sebastian agreed.

It was a long, silent walk to the cemetery, where they stopped at Acier's grandmother's grave.

Sebastian stood quietly as Nathaniel placed a single lily at the base of the grave after an hour of wordless reflection.

They returned in the same silence. Sebastian felt deeply uncomfortable but didn't say a word.

His discomfort eased slightly when Acier asked him to stay the night again.

He agreed—but not in her room.

May 25, 1601

Sebastian and Acier didn't go to Kikka today because of a rainstorm.

Instead, they stayed in his shack. By nightfall, Acier decided not to leave. She wanted to stay the night.

Sebastian froze and tried to find an excuse to send her home. He couldn't.

Acier pointed out that the storm had worsened and asked if he would really make her leave in such weather. She hadn't brought her broom, either—it wouldn't have been a pleasant trip.

Before Sebastian could argue, she contacted her father in front of him.

Sebastian froze when Nathaniel's voice came through the transponder, granting her permission to stay.

Stumped, Sebastian relented.

So, Acier stayed the night… in his bed.

Sebastian slept on the floor and got no sleep.

Neither did Acier.

May 28, 1601

Neither Sebastian nor Acier could explain what was wrong with them today.

They felt like dancing, so they danced.

They felt like teasing, so they teased.

They felt like flirting, so they flirted.

They felt like embracing, so they embraced.

They felt like kissing, so they kissed.

It was only when they felt like doing more that they stopped abruptly and parted ways.

They didn't see each other the next day.

June 1, 1601

Across the royal capital, noble and royal children aged 15 excitedly and nervously made their way into the grimoire tower to take the next step in their magical journeys.

Sebastian and Acier were among them.

Acier was the star of the show, all eyes fixed on her as she received her grimoire.

Many let out sighs of regret when they saw it had only three leaves.

Acier didn't. She was happy. Her talent and achievements were the results of her hard work, not luck.

She gazed at her silver-hued grimoire, adorned with purple floral embroidery, with satisfaction.

It was fairly large, contained plenty of spells, and had ample space for more.

Clenching her fist, she felt a complex emotion stirring within her. Soon... soon!

Her gaze shifted to Sebastian, and her smile blossomed as he received his grimoire—a sizable one, filled with several spells.

Acier had never doubted him; she simply felt pride for him.

Sebastian, however, was confused as he flipped through the pages of his grimoire.

He was sure he was a support mage. Most of his spells were of the recovery, binding, and barrier types, confirming his belief.

But then there were three creation spells. Two were offensive, a rarity for a support mage. That should have made him proud—a support mage with the means to defend himself and launch attacks was uncommon.

However, as his eyes landed on one of the spells, his expression shifted.

Acier, peeking over his shoulder, also froze.

Water Creation Magic: Sea Serpent's Charge

They both blinked, then exchanged a look.

Is this some kind of sick joke?

Sebastian and Acier hated snakes.

Their attitude toward them would take a complete 180 in the future.

June 2, 1601

Under the starry sky, Sebastian stood emotionlessly as he watched Acier train herself to the brink of exhaustion on his plot of land.

His eyes narrowed.

June 3, 1601

As they worked at their stall, Sebastian repeatedly caught Acier's gaze drifting toward the notice board.

His fist clenched.

June 4, 1601

There was no grand celebration or momentous occasion, but Sebastian showed up at Castle Silva for dinner.

He was warmly welcomed.

June 5, 1601

"Hey, Acier?"

"Hmm?"

Acier looked up from the newspaper she was reading, seated across from Sebastian on her private terrace.

"Yes, Sebby?" she said, tilting her head curiously.

Sebastian rapped his knuckles lightly on the table, schooling his expression. "When are you joining the Magic Knights?"

Acier froze for just a moment before offering him a sweet smile. "What do you mean?"

He continued rapping his knuckles, his tone steady. "Well, your dream is to become Wizard King, right? So, when are you joining the Silver Eagles?"

Acier, a princess and the daughter of the Captain of the Silver Eagles, was already stronger than most senior Magic Knights. Now that she had her grimoire, she could join whenever she wanted.

But Acier shook her head. "No, I won't be doing that."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why's that?"

Placing a hand on her chest, Acier replied firmly, "I don't want any handouts. I'll take the Magic Knight's Entrance Exam in six months, like everyone else. If I'm to join the Silver Eagles, I'll do it on my own merit—not through the backdoor because of my lineage."

How honorable of you... Sebastian narrowed his eyes, masking his sarcasm and disbelief.

"Is that so… Is that really the only reason?"

Acier hesitated again. Sebastian didn't miss it but chose not to comment as she countered with a question of her own. "Of course. What other reason would there be?"

Sebastian remained silent, his gaze fixed on her.

Under his scrutiny, her confident smile wavered, and an embarrassed flush crept over her face. "W-well, there is one more reason," she admitted.

"What is it?" Sebastian pressed, his voice even.

Acier blushed deeper. "You!"

Sebastian froze.

"I'm not in a rush to join the Magic Knights if it means losing time with you," she confessed, looking bashful. "I'd rather savor the next six months with the man I love."

But Sebastian's heart didn't race, nor did he blush. He knew her well enough to detect an act.

Instead, his blood ran cold. It took every ounce of his willpower to make the disgust he was currently feeling.

Schooling his expression once more, he calmly replied, "Are you sure? There's a war going on. There might not even be a Magic Knight's Entrance Exam this year."

Acier paused, her tone shifting slightly. "There will be. Father mentioned the losses in Kiten are immense. The Blue Rose and Purple Orca are desperate for new recruits. New… blood."

The Crimson Lions and Silver Eagles could go for some fresh legs as well to help with guarding the Kingdom.

Then, as if brushing off the somber thought, she beamed playfully. "And even if I'm wrong, I'd still rather be here, spending time with you, my dear Sebby!"

Sebastian blinked. "Is that so?"

His rhetorical tone carried a thread of skepticism, which Acier immediately picked up on. She frowned, leaning over the table.

"Of course it is. Now stop being weird," she said, pinching his nose.

Sebastian remained impassive even as she leaned in and gave him a light peck on the lips.

"I have training to get back to. See you at dinner!" she said brightly, turning to leave.

"See you at lunch..." Sebastian murmured absently, his wave halfhearted as she disappeared from view.

The moment she was gone, he slumped forward, his hands dragging roughly through his hair in frustration.

Her voice echoed in his mind.

"And even if I'm wrong, I'd still rather be here, spending time with you, my dear Sebby!"

He bit his lip until it bled, sitting upright once more as he stared across the empty terrace.

His voice, hoarse and quiet, broke the silence.

"I'll hold you to that."

June 6, 1601

"Acier, I booked a reservation at this restaurant. Let's head out and—"

"Sorry, Sebby, I've got training! Maybe another time, alright?"

"...Alright."

June 7, 1601

"Acier, Florian and Aurelia are going to see a play. They invited the two of us—"

"Sorry, I can't right now."

"Training?"

"Training."

After a pause, Acier added, "You should go join them. Have fun, and make sure to tell me all the details, alright?"

"...Alright."

Sebastian didn't go.

June 8, 1601

"Mmm... ooh... mmm..." Acier's soft sounds of delight filled the air as she lay beneath Sebastian on his bed, their tongues tangling in a heated kiss.

But suddenly, her eyes snapped open. What am I doing?

She pushed Sebastian off with such force that his back hit the wall.

"Acier?" he asked, startled.

She shot up on the bed, hurriedly wiping her mouth.

"Sorry, Sebby!" she stammered, her face flushed. "I—I have to go train."

Sebastian said nothing. He just nodded silently, his expression unreadable.

Acier hesitated, guilt flickering across her face, before leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for being so understanding. I—I'll make it up to you another day."

Without waiting for a response, she slipped on her sandals, hurried to the door, and bolted outside, running back home.

Sebastian sat still for a long moment before letting out a deep, tired sigh. He sank onto his bed, pressing his palms into his face. His nails dug into his cheeks as frustration bubbled up inside him.

"Nothing I do works... nothing at all."

He stared blankly at the ceiling, feeling utterly defeated. He prayed that he was misreading everything, that she'd change her mind, that things would somehow shift.

But all he could do was hope—and pray.

It was another sleepless night.

June 9, 1601

Acier stood in front of the notice board, her quiet but intense gaze locked on the flier in front of her.

She reached into her satchel, pulling out a quill pen and an ink pot. Dipping the pen in ink, she steeled herself, her hand trembling slightly as she raised it to add her name to the recruitment list.

Before the pen could touch paper, a familiar hand clamped around her wrist.

Acier stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, almost mechanically, she turned her head to the right—and froze.

Never before had she seen him like this. Not when she forced her way into his life, not when she purposefully injured herself, not when she broke their friendship, not when she let herself rot away, not ever. But now, Sebastian stood there, his face dark with fury, his eyes burning red with raw emotion.

"I knew it!"

His voice was a sharp hiss, trembling with anger and something deeper—something that made her chest tighten. His grip on her wrist tightened just enough for her to drop the pen, though it was more from shock than pain.

Acier swallowed hard. He had seen through her. She'd suspected he might, but she had hoped—prayed—that she was wrong.

Her reasons for delaying her Magic Knights enlistment weren't what she had claimed. It wasn't about earning her spot on the Silver Eagles or proving herself. The truth was simpler and more painful: the Silver Eagles were bound to the noble and common realms. They couldn't leave to fight.

If she wanted to go to Kiten, to fight against the Diamond Kingdom, she had to enlist as a civilian. This was her only way.

But Sebastian had figured it out. He had read her mind like an open book.

Under different circumstances, she might have blushed, might have been giddy at how in sync they were. But not today.

Because what she saw in his eyes wasn't just anger—it was hurt. It was fear.

And that... that was what stung the most.

Acier hated seeing that look on her Sebby's face.

She lowered her gaze, noticing the curious stares from passersby. Her cheeks flushed with shame. Bowing her head slightly, she bit her lip and murmured, "Can we talk about this somewhere else?"

She didn't bother denying his accusation. She had already lied to his face for too long, and if he'd known all along but held back until now, denying it would only deepen her guilt.

Sebastian studied her for a moment, his grip firm but not cruel. Without a word, he dragged her away from the slowly gathering crowd, his steps quick and deliberate.

They left the notice board behind, moving through the royal capital, heading toward his house.

Acier didn't resist.

As they walked, Sebastian's lips pressed into a tight line. His jaw clenched as he held back a sneer.

Oh, we'll talk alright.

—

Inside Sebastian's cramped shack, Acier sat nervously on the edge of his bed. Her eyes followed him as he paced the single-room space in tense, circular motions, muttering unintelligibly under his breath and yanking at his hair in frustration.

Suddenly, he stopped, shooting her another dark, piercing glare.

Acier swallowed hard, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap, as Sebastian strode toward her. Without a word, he dropped down beside her on the bed.

The silence between them was suffocating. Seconds dragged into what felt like hours. Acier's heart raced, and a bead of sweat slid down her brow before Sebastian finally broke the stillness.

He grabbed her right hand with his left, squeezing it firmly, while his other hand tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Acier trembled slightly as he leaned closer, their faces now level. His red-rimmed eyes locked onto hers, and when he spoke, his voice was hoarse but sharp enough to cut.

"Are you an idiot? Do you have a death wish?"

Acier gritted her teeth, her resolve hardening. "I won't die—"

"HOW?!" Sebastian's voice exploded, cutting her off.

His hands shot to her shoulders, pushing her back onto the mattress as he hovered over her, his anger boiling over.

"How can you say that?!" he spat, his forehead vein pulsing with barely contained rage. "How can you guarantee something like that? This is war! Anyone can die—even the Wizard King! Compared to him, you're nothing! NOTHING!"

Acier didn't flinch. She raised her hands, cupping his face gently. Her touch was steady, even as his fury loomed over her like a storm.

"I know," she said softly. "I know that not even my father or Ignatius could guarantee their safety, just like Lord Alden can't. But even so, I need you to trust me. I won't die. I'll come back to you—"

"You expect me to let you go—let the woman I love walk into a warzone—on blind faith?!" Sebastian's voice cracked, his words trembling with emotion. "Do I look insane to you?!"

Acier could feel his whole body shaking as his anger bled into anguish. His red eyes, wild with rage, betrayed the tears threatening to fall, the raw fear he was trying to hide.

Her chest tightened at the sight, but she forced herself to stay calm. Lowering one hand to her chest, she placed it over her heart.

"No, Sebby," she said gently. "You're the smartest person I know." Her voice softened into a whisper. "But even so... I have to do this."

Sebastian didn't yell this time. He didn't argue. Instead, he collapsed onto her, his weight pressing against her as he shook violently.

Acier wrapped her arms around him, her hand moving to rub slow, soothing circles along his back. He buried his face into her neck, his voice breaking as he pleaded.

"Why? I... I need to know why. Please, Acier. Just give me a reason."

She ran her fingers through his hair, holding him tightly as she answered, her voice steady despite the ache in her chest.

"I come from a lineage of proud Magic Knights," she began. "When the kingdom suffers, House Silva doesn't barricade itself behind castle walls—we fight. I'm the heiress of this house. The next Captain of the Silver Eagles. It's my duty to fight."

"Pride?" Sebastian's voice was weak, almost disbelieving. "You're marching to your death over pride?"

Acier shook her head, her hand still stroking his hair. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "No... That's just a very small part of it."

Sebastian said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

Her gaze drifted upward to the wooden ceiling, her fingers threading gently through his dark locks.

"My time with you has changed how I see this world," she said, her tone wistful. "You pulled me out of the entitled (dis)comfort and ignorance my grandfather sheltered me in."

"I've seen the cruel reality of this world—the best and the worst of human nature. I've heard the cries of the lowliest peasants and street rats, seen their desperation. I've listened to their stories as I treated their wounds, handed out rations and blankets with the Church."

She took a breath, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "I've seen far too many lives snuffed out like candles in just three months. People I knew, even if only a little."

"Noblesse oblige," she continued softly, "is the duty of those with power to protect those without."

Sebastian shifted slightly, his voice skeptical. "Isn't that just pride again?"

Acier smiled faintly, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his head. "I'm not done, my love."

"I've come to understand something," Acier said, her voice soft but steady as she cradled Sebastian in her arms. "It's not just peasants and commoners who suffer and struggle. Nobles do too."

Sebastian stayed silent, his head buried against her shoulder, as she continued.

"I've read through my father's reports—the casualties among the Purple Orcas and the Blue Rose Knights, all nobles. It's horrifying. The so-called entitled, heartless nobles are living like dogs on the front lines, fighting day and night, begging for scraps and rations from the capital."

She paused, her gaze distant. "These are people used to luxury, born with everything handed to them, acting like they're gods' gift to humanity—yet here they are, fighting for their families, for this kingdom, even for the peasants they once scorned. Can you believe that?"

Sebastian said nothing, and Acier held him tighter.

"Maybe you've only focused on the tears of the commoners," she murmured, "but you haven't noticed the anguish in the nobles' eyes. At the balls, at the parties—after they've learned of a son or daughter, a father or mother, a husband or wife, who won't be coming home."

Her voice trembled. "It's not just one class suffering. It's not just one class slaving away for this war. It's everyone... everyone except the royalty. The highest of them all."

She let out a bitter laugh. "In fact, we're to blame for all of this. If those three useless leftovers could stop bickering and allow my father or Ignatius to act, this war could end in a single night."

Her voice hardened. "But they won't. And I can't stand it. I can't sit on the sidelines anymore."

Sebastian shifted slightly, but he still didn't speak.

"Yes, pride has something to do with it," she admitted. "I won't lie to you about that. But it's more than pride. It's about dignity. Morality. Human dignity and morality."

She smiled faintly. "Before being a princess, before being a noble, I'm a human being. A subject of this kingdom. If so many others can make sacrifices—peasants, commoners, even nobles—then so can I. And I should. In the way I know best: fighting."

Her voice softened as she looked down at him. "I might not make a difference. I might die. But I have to fight. How can I even dream of becoming Wizard King if I can't serve as a proper human being first?"

"I'm going, Sebby," she said firmly. "I'm going to Kiten. I'll dedicate my grimoire, my magic, and all that I am to this cause. So things can go back to the way they were. So people can return home. So they can stop crying." She cupped his face in her hands, her voice breaking. "So you can stop crying. So you can smile again. Because that's what matters most to me."

A long moment passed before Sebastian finally stood, his red-rimmed eyes meeting hers. "You're doing this... for me? Out of love?"

Acier hesitated, then nodded. "Maybe it's selfish of me, but yes. Ninety percent of this is for you. You are my Clover. My kingdom. I want you to be free and happy again."

Sebastian pressed a hand to his temple, his teeth gritted as he rasped hoarsely. "I didn't ask for this…"

Acier nodded slightly, her expression somber. "You didn't have to. Your body and soul did. Just like you can see through me, I can see through you. I've heard your inner pleas, and I'll do whatever it takes to end this war."

Sebastian's lips quivered. "Y-you think this will make me happy? We've been over this… you are my life. You and only you. It doesn't matter if you succeed—if you don't come back to me in one piece, I'll never be happy. I'll loathe myself. D-don't put this on me. I want nothing to do with it!"

Acier's hands reached up again, cupping his face tenderly. Her lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. "The person I loathe most in this world once told me that's what love is: toxic and selfish, giving when no one asks for it, giving more than you should." Her voice cracked. "Maybe it's not really about you. Maybe it's self-gratification or me trying to soothe my own heart. But I'll give, Sebby. I'll keep giving you all the same."

Sebastian lowered his hand to cover his mouth, narrowing his eyes. "You do realize you're acting exactly like your grandfather right now, don't you?"

Acier's eyes filled with tears as her lips curled into a trembling, ugly smile. "I know. Do you hate me?"

"No," Sebastian said, shaking his head. "I love you. I'll always love you…" He trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-is this my fault?"

Acier froze, her eyes widening as Sebastian spoke, his voice trembling slightly. "Is this because of the marriage talk? The things you've been bringing up? My hesitation to commit? If that's the case, you don't need to go, I'll—"

"Don't do that."

She silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips, her expression darkening. Shaking her head, she frowned heavily. "Please don't ever return my feelings out of guilt. Don't force yourself to go along with my whims just to keep me happy or by your side."

Her words trailed off as realization struck her. Her eyes widened even further, her mind racing. Sebastian's recent change in actions—becoming more affectionate, more open—seemed to align suspiciously with the moment she first began harboring these intentions.

"Oh god…" Acier's voice trembled as she looked up at Sebastian, gaping. She mumbled, her words tangled in disbelief, "Did you… when… to… just so I…"

Though her thoughts were fragmented and incoherent, Sebastian understood her. He nodded slightly.

Acier's stomach churned violently, a wave of nausea rising in her throat. I think I'm going to be sick.

She couldn't hide the look of disgust that flickered across her face. She was about to push Sebastian away, desperate for air, but he held her firmly, his gaze steady and serious.

"That was just one part of it," he admitted. "Maybe that's how it started, but afterward... I just loved being closer to you. Hugging you, dancing with you, holding your hand, kissing you—especially kissing you. Your lips are soft, you taste amazing, and—oh, you smell incredible too. Really nice—"

Acier hurriedly clamped a hand over his mouth, her face flushing bright red.

Steam practically escaped her ears as her heart raced uncontrollably. Her head spun, and her voice came out as a stammer. "S-Sebby, p-please c-control yourself… a-and watch your words, p-please…!"

Sebastian stiffly nodded, his lips still pressed against her palm.

A moment later, Acier slowly removed her hand, taking a deep breath to collect herself. Sebastian stayed close, his presence warm but unwavering. When she finally rose from her spot, he didn't stop her.

Soon enough, they were back where they started—both sitting at the edge of Sebastian's bed. Only now, Acier's head rested lightly on his shoulder.

The silence between them was comforting, yet heavy. Finally, Acier broke it, her voice soft but determined. "I... I need to go. I need to tell my father and mother about my decision. I just hope they won't fight back... too much."

Sebastian sighed, glancing at her. "I'll come with you."

Acier paused, shaking her head. "You don't need to do that." But the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.

"Of course I do," Sebastian said firmly. "Official Silva or not, your father is My Lord. I need his permission and blessing if I'm to go to Kiten."

Acier nodded at first. "I see. That makes sen—"

Her voice faltered, her pupils dilating as she turned to look at him, alarm spreading across her face. "Sebby... w-what did you just say?"

Sebastian met her gaze unwaveringly. "I said I need your father's permission to take an extended trip outside the Silva territory."

Acier stared at him, trying to make sense of his words. Finally, she parted her lips hesitantly. "To... Kiten?" she asked, her voice laced with desperation, hoping she had misunderstood.

Sebastian nodded. "To Kiten."

Her hopes shattered like glass, leaving only silence between them.

Acier gaped incredulously. "W-why?"

Sebastian blinked at her. "I think, more than warriors, they need doctors and healers right now. If anyone's going, it should be me."

Acier froze, then shook her head. "No, you can't. You run a clinic—there are countless people here relying on you—"

"Don't care." Sebastian cut her off. "If I want to help more, then I'll protect the soldiers protecting their homes."

"Absolutely not!" Acier yelled in fury. "It's far too dangerous. I won't allow it—"

"More dangerous than the one who's actually doing the fighting?" Sebastian interrupted her again with a sly smile, making her freeze as he continued.

"You'll be on the front lines, while I'll be safe within Kiten's walls. If you're afraid for my safety, then simply don't die. Simply don't lose. Keep on living, secure victory, and I'll come back home safe and sound."

Acier clenched her fists in indignation. "Didn't you just hear my whole speech?! I'm fighting for you, your safety and happiness. How can I do that while you're in danger?"

"Like I said, nothing you're doing is making me happy," Sebastian responded coldly, causing her to stiffen before he carried on.

"If you get to be selfish, so do I. If you get to be a hypocrite about safety and happiness, so do I. We've had this talk before. You're my light, and wherever you go, wherever you run, I'll follow and chase—even to the darkest, deepest pits of hell. That is my right, and your fault for making me so helplessly and hopelessly in love with you."

"If anyone's to blame, it's you and you alone, Acier Silva."

Acier went speechless, gaping as Sebastian continued. "You can still stop this. Pull back now, and so will I. But if you go, I'll follow. You can fight with everything you have, but I'll be there to ensure your life is never truly on the line… even if it kills me. So… Acier Silva, my love, what's your decision?"

Acier blinked before her face contorted into an array of bewildered and frustrated emotions. It took a moment before she regained her composure. Then, she smiled and chuckled.

"Soulmates and partners always stick together, I guess."

Sebastian grinned. "That they do."

Acier beamed. "Alright, let's go talk to my father—"

She was cut off as Sebastian pinned her onto his bed once more.

"S-Sebby?" Acier quickly heated up.

Sebastian smiled. "You still owe me from before, remember? Your father can wait."

Acier flushed beet red as Sebastian leaned in. She closed her eyes shyly, her lips slightly puckering.

—

Kitten

Within the mayor's office in the large, overlooking tower, an old man with an aura of vibrant youth sat with his eyes closed. He had aqua hair, wore a cyan fur cape, and held a thin, pointed scepter adorned with a red, royal cape.

His eyes snapped open, revealing ethereal green pupils. For a moment, they appeared muddled and lifeless, as though his mind were elsewhere.

Suddenly, a small projection appeared before him, solidifying into a card labeled X at the top.

At the center of the card was a strange wheel marked with eight cryptic sigils. Atop the wheel sat a sphinx, while on its left a serpent seemed to fall, and on its right, a humanoid creature appeared to carry it.

In the four corners of the card were an angel, an eagle, a lion, and a bull.

The card began to spin counterclockwise, whirring for several minutes before coming to an upright stop.

As the wheel stilled, the man's dull eyes grew vibrant, glowing a brilliant green. A soft smile curved his lips.

"Nearly time to strike back… Acier… Sebastian… I look forward to meeting you two."

The man stood and exited the room. As soon as he stepped out, two guards flanking the doorway—a man and a woman, in Purple Orca's and Blue Rose Knight's robes respectively, both disheveled and bruised—bowed deeply.

"Lord Wizard King!"

Alden Arcana smiled briefly before his expression hardened, his gaze sharp yet slightly sly and conniving.

It's your move, Goldstein.

Author's Notes:

[1] Before I had a plan for them to have a huge fight, and break their friendship and relationship, before mending it and so much more in Kiten, but I opted not to do so at the last moment, that's why this chapter took so long despite being so short. 

I just couldn't bring myself to commit to that depressing stuff, despite planning it for so long, even knowing the payoff would probably be worth it.

[2] Well I guess the silver lining is no tears for any of you this chapter, no punches in the gut or so.

[3] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar