Reborn As Papa Silva

Castle Silva, Patriarch's Office:

"You wish to go to Kiten?" Nathaniel repeated Acier's words coldly, his silver eyes fixed on his daughter and Sebastian, who stood before his desk. His expression was unreadable.

Moonlight streamed through the windows, illuminating his figure in the dimly lit room, heightening his imposing presence in their eyes.

Acier swallowed a silent gulp and nodded impassively. A beat later, Sebastian mirrored her gesture with equal composure.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Nathaniel's knuckles lightly rapped against the edge of his desk. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Because I wish to fight," Acier replied, her tone simple and concise. She avoided any long-winded explanation, knowing it wasn't necessary. Though her father was often silent and seemed distant, she had come to understand that he was always present in her life in some way—always watching, analyzing, and protecting her.

The lack of surprise on his face and the fact that he hadn't immediately lashed out at her intention to join the war confirmed her thoughts.

Both her father and Sebastian had long seen through her inner struggles and desires. Nathaniel had anticipated this moment, waiting for her to come to him on her own terms rather than pressuring her.

He didn't need an elaborate justification; he already understood her reasoning. All he sought was her answer, and she had given it.

Nathaniel studied her in silence for a moment before shifting his gaze to Sebastian. "And you?" he asked with the same indifferent tone.

Sebastian inclined his head slightly and replied politely, "Because Acier is going."

Acier immediately fought down the heat rising to her cheeks. She hadn't expected Sebastian to be so blunt—especially with her father. Internally, she groaned in exasperation. Couldn't you have said something like you want to help save lives?

But Sebastian wouldn't. He, like Acier, knew that the reclusive Silva Patriarch was no socially inept recluse. Nathaniel was sharp and observant, a seasoned politician who could see through most lies with ease. Attempting to deceive him was not an option.

So, Sebastian simply told the truth. If 90% of Acier's motivation to fight stemmed from her own convictions revolving around him, then 99% of Sebastian's reason for going was tied to her—and ensuring her safety. Perhaps the remaining 1% was a sense of duty to the kingdom.

He wasn't ashamed to admit it. Since the day he first danced with Acier, Sebastian had come to terms with his selfishness. He met Nathaniel's gaze unflinchingly, even as the Patriarch's piercing silver eyes bore into him.

Moments later, Sebastian bowed deeper. "Please grant us your blessing to go to Kiten, my lord."

Acier followed with a respectful curtsy. "Please, Father."

Nathaniel continued to tap his knuckles against the desk, his gaze shifting between the two. Finally, he nodded. "Very well."

That easy?! Sebastian and Acier exchanged brief, stunned glances. They had expected at least some resistance—if only for Nathaniel to maintain the image of a dutiful patriarch. But they had underestimated his disdain for unnecessary theatrics.

Nathaniel had no illusions. Unless he resorted to his father's oppressive tactics of chaining and confining his daughter, Acier would find a way to leave for Kiten, with Sebastian in tow. Rather than endure that headache, he chose to grant them his blessing and send them off properly.

War wasn't just a battle of bodies; it was a battle of minds and spirits. Mental clarity was crucial. If Acier and Sebastian left in secret, their state of mind might be compromised, leading to reckless decisions that could cost them their lives.

So, he allowed them to go.

Sebastian and Acier quickly regained their composure and politely voiced their gratitude.

Well, Sebastian did. "Thank you, my lord," he said with a respectful bow.

Acier, being Acier, took a different approach. "Thank you, Daddy!" she chirped before leaning across the desk and planting a kiss on Nathaniel's cheek. The gesture left him momentarily frozen in comical stiffness.

After a brief pause to collect himself, Nathaniel spoke to her as though nothing had happened. "I've granted you permission as your father, not as Lord Silva. You have two parents. If you want my blessing as the head of this house, you'll need to convince your mother yourself."

Acier froze mid-thought, her smile faltering. But Nathaniel wasn't finished.

"And your sister," he added with a pointed tone.

Acier's expression blanked as she blinked at him, her mouth opening slightly in disbelief. She swallowed her regret. Maybe I should've behaved, she thought ruefully.

She had a nagging suspicion her father was being uncharacteristically petty in response to her teasing. If she hadn't leaned in for that kiss, Nathaniel probably wouldn't be making these demands. But there was no use crying over spilled milk.

Forcing a smile, Acier nodded and turned to Sebastian. "Come on, Sebby, let's go see my mother and sister."

"Didn't I say to do it yourself?" Nathaniel's cold voice stopped her mid-step. She glanced over her shoulder, only to flinch at the icy gaze he leveled at her. He was dead serious.

Swallowing hard, Acier nodded again and shifted her focus to Sebastian, her expression turning awkward.

Sebastian offered her a soft smile and shrugged. "This is your problem."

Acier's stiff smile tightened further as she turned and walked out of the room, opening the door and leaving.

Now, only Nathaniel and Sebastian remained in the darkened office. Sebastian straightened his posture, prompting Nathaniel to raise an eyebrow.

"Is there anything else?" Nathaniel asked.

Sebastian nodded, placing his right hand over his chest. "Sir, I seek your blessing on another matter."

Nathaniel's other brow lifted in mild surprise. Over the months, Sebastian had adopted a habit of addressing him as "My Lord" when referring to him as Lord Silva, and "Sir" when speaking to him as Acier's father.

Because of this distinction, Nathaniel's icy demeanor softened slightly. He gave a faint nod. "What is it, Sebastian?"

Sebastian hesitated for a moment, a slight tremor betraying his nerves. Gritting his teeth, he finally found his resolve and opened his mouth.

"Please allow me to…"

June 10, 1601

Sebastian had no idea how she managed it, but Acier somehow convinced both Amara and Aurelia.

When he asked her about it, she simply stuck her tongue out at him and quipped, "None of your business."

Sebastian shrugged.

June 11, 1601

Sebastian officially shut down the clinic, announcing the news to their patients.

Some were disgruntled and upset; others offered polite well-wishes and prayers for his safety. Most of his regulars, however, gave him sincere and heartfelt words of hope that he and Acier would survive.

Acier wasn't with him that day. She was back home, training, preparing, and spending time with her family.

June 12, 1601

Sebastian purchased a larger camping bag and began packing for the trip.

June 13, 1601

Sebastian visited Éclat de Gemmes again. He left a few hours later, his cheeks faintly rosy.

June 14, 1601

Sebastian spent the entire day in the royal library, poring over texts, jotting down notes, and cramming as though preparing for an exam. He was determined to memorize any information that might prove useful.

—

Acier looked up from her bed at the sound of a polite knock on her door.

A moment passed, and she felt a familiar mana that made her stomach churn. Her mouth thinned into a grimace before she sighed. She didn't ignore him, nor did she turn him away.

"Come in, Grandfather," she said.

The door creaked open, and Acier's breath caught.

She had known for some time that her grandfather's health had been declining since their fight and his confrontation with her father. But now, as she truly looked at him, she realized just how frail he had become.

Nicklaus, once a powerful figure, now stood trembling in the doorway, leaning heavily on a walker. He was a shadow of his former self—thin, sickly, and haggard. Were it not for his noble attire, one might mistake him for a starving beggar.

Behind him, Alfred stood at attention, ready to assist or catch his master if he collapsed.

Nicklaus lingered at the threshold, making no move to enter her room. Acier's chest tightened. Give me space. She remembered those words—her years of pleas—and felt a pang of bittersweet gratitude. He had finally listened. Yet seeing him like this, so broken, stirred an uncomfortable guilt.

The dark bags under his eyes and his sunken cheeks told her he hadn't eaten or slept in days. Word must have reached him about her impending departure, and he could no longer hold himself back.

Acier bit her lip and inclined her head, remaining seated on her bed. "What is it, Grandfather?"

Nicklaus's lips trembled as tears filled his eyes. His voice cracked as he stammered, "A-Acier… I-I'm sorry… s-so sorry to you… I-I'll never appear before you again… s-so please… please… d-don't go… This is madness! Y-you'll die… Please, stay here… where it's safe—"

He broke off into a fit of weak coughing, but his watery gaze never wavered from hers.

Acier held his gaze and saw the same look she had seen so many times before. Those eyes weren't searching for her—they were searching for someone else. Someone she wasn't, had never been, and would never become.

Her shoulders sagged. She turned her attention to the figure behind him. "Alfred, please escort my grandfather back to his room."

Alfred bowed. "Yes, my lady."

Nicklaus panicked. "W-wait! A-Acier, I-I'm begging you… Please, I'll never a-appear before you again—"

Bang!

Nicklaus's words were cut off as Alfred waved a hand, and the door shut with an invisible force.

Acier slumped back onto her bed, pressing her hands over her ears as she tried to block out the hoarse pleas coming from the other side of the door. His voice grew weaker and weaker as Alfred dragged him away.

When the noise finally ceased, Acier let out a shaky breath. Gripping her hair in frustration, she brought her hands to her face.

Tears escaped from under her palms as she muttered, "Fucking jerk." Her voice trembled, but only for a moment.

Steeling herself, she wiped her eyes, pulled her blanket over her shoulders, and tucked herself in for the night.

June 15, 1601

Castle Silva, Front Gates

Acier stood by the grand gates of Castle Silva, a large backpack hoisted over her shoulders. Beside her were her family, the Vermillions, and a line of Castle Silva's countless servants, all gathered to see her off.

As the crowd murmured softly, she froze, her breath hitching. Sebastian had just come into view.

She wasn't the only one to pause—many others in the gathering quieted as well.

Sebastian looked the same as always, but his attire was strikingly different. For the first time, he wore the garments of House Silva.

Ignoring the gazes on him, Sebastian awkwardly stopped in front of Acier, running a hand through his hair.

"H-how do I l-look?" he asked hesitantly, his voice uncertain.

Acier blinked at him, taking in the sight, before her face broke into a radiant smile. "Fitting. So very fitting and perfect! They look great on you, Sebby!"

Sebastian glanced down briefly, mumbling, "Silva…"

Her smile faltered, a brow rising in confusion. "What?"

"It's Silva," he said, louder this time, his cheeks faintly tinged with pink. "Sebastian Silva from now on."

Acier blinked, frozen in place. She slowly turned to look at her father, Nathaniel, who gave her a light nod of confirmation.

It sank in—Sebastian had been officially added to the Silva family register and tree.

Acier's face brightened impossibly further as she leapt at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders.

Sebastian stiffened, his face flushing deeply, before he cautiously returned the hug. He briefly considered clarifying that his addition to the family wasn't specific to her immediate family but rather the larger Silva clan. Yet as Acier beamed at him, he decided against it.

When they pulled apart, the two finally noticed the various expressions among the onlookers.

Ignatius and Nathaniel remained as stern as ever, while Amber smirked teasingly. Florian and Amara gave soft, approving smiles, and Aurelia gushed loudly before lunging at Sebastian herself.

"That's great, Brother!"

Sebastian froze again as Aurelia hugged him tightly. After a moment, he let out a small, fond smile and returned her embrace.

The warmth of the moment didn't last, however, as the Silva servants bowed in unison, their voices echoing.

"Welcome to the family, Young Master!"

They remained bowed, and Sebastian stared at them blankly, his brow twitching. Slowly, he turned to Nathaniel, hoping the patriarch would dismiss them. Nathaniel's face remained unreadable, offering no help.

Sebastian glanced at Amara, who showed no reaction, then at Acier, who wore a smug, teasing grin. Aurelia beamed at him encouragingly.

Biting his lip, Sebastian let out a resigned sigh. "…Thank you. You're dismissed."

The servants rose but didn't leave just yet. Instead, they bowed and curtsied once again.

"We wish you safe travels and a safe return on your journey, Young Master and Princess!"

Acier's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded firmly. "Mm-hmm."

Sebastian swallowed another sigh when she made no effort to respond further. Reluctantly, he nodded and repeated himself.

"Thank you. You're dismissed."

The servants' faces lit up with bright smiles before they turned to bow politely to Nathaniel, Amara, Aurelia, and the Vermillions. Finally, they began to disperse, leaving the premises.

All except for Alfred, Hilda, and Jeeves, who remained behind, standing at attention.

Sebastian and Acier turned to face her parents. Amara's eyes glistened, her slight trembling betraying the concern, worry, and fear for her daughter she had kept carefully suppressed over the past few days. It seemed on the verge of breaking free in an instant.

Acier opened her mouth, ready to reassure her mother—but Sebastian acted first.

Stepping in front of Acier, he ignored the curious looks directed at him. Suppressing his own embarrassment, he focused solely on Nathaniel and Amara. Then, lowering his head, he bowed deeply.

"Sir, Ma'am," he began, his voice steady despite the anxiety and nervousness in his heart, "please don't worry. I'll make sure your daughter returns safe and sound."

Acier's face turned a vivid shade of red as she stared at Sebastian's bowing figure, her heart skipping a beat. Around them, the Vermillions and Aurelia exchanged soft smiles, the moment enveloping the gates in silence.

Nathaniel's voice finally broke through, firm yet even.

"It's not just Acier we care about."

Sebastian blinked in confusion, slowly straightening as he processed the words.

"Huh?"

Standing upright, he froze, his breath catching when he noticed Amara's gentle smile and Nathaniel's typically indifferent expression, tinged now with something unreadable.

"Make sure you're with her when she comes back," the Silva Patriarch said. His tone carried no warmth, yet the meaning was unmistakable.

With that, Nathaniel turned and walked back toward the castle. Amara followed, her gaze lingering for a moment, her smile soft but bittersweet. Aurelia trailed after them, her face glowing with encouragement.

The Vermillions and the remaining servants quietly dispersed soon after, leaving Sebastian and Acier standing alone at the gates. A few kind parting words drifted to Sebastian's ears, but he barely registered them.

His focus remained fixed on Nathaniel's retreating back, his thoughts swirling.

A soft tingle at his side snapped him from his trance. Glancing down, he found Acier's left hand slipping into his right, her fingers intertwining with his.

She giggled lightly, drawing his attention fully to her. "Daddy is very strange, isn't he?"

Sebastian blinked before giving a small nod.

Acier tilted her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Ready to go?"

Sebastian nodded again, a flicker of determination sparking in his eyes.

Hand in hand, they turned and set off, leaving Castle Silva behind. Their destination: Kikka and the grand Magic Knights' Colosseum.

—

Kikka, Magic Knights' Colosseum

In the center of the ancient stone stadium, its circular walls echoing with hushed whispers and murmurs, Sebastian and Acier stood amidst a group of about thirty individuals. The assembled crowd was a patchwork of different lives and trades: blacksmiths, carpenters, adventurers, mercenaries, and even ordinary citizens driven by desperation or the lure of coin.

Each person carried a packed bag, ready for the journey ahead, their eyes holding varying degrees of resolve and confidence.

The group unconsciously parted, creating a respectful distance around Sebastian and Acier. Their attire was unmistakably fine, exuding wealth and class, and their identities weren't hidden. For those familiar with silver hair, the implication of their heritage was clear.

From the stands, where onlookers had gathered to bid farewell or wish these "heroes" success, many pairs of eyes widened as they spotted the pair. Yet, there were no whispers of scorn, no fawning reverence.

This was Kikka, where the duo was recognized as the beloved "Twin Masks." They weren't royalty here—they were figures of admiration, respected for their deeds.

The space around them wasn't born of disdain or servility but a silent acknowledgment.

A moment later, a slightly chubby man with fluffy salmon-pink hair stepped in front of the group. His perpetual smile, framed by noble attire, faltered as he raised his hand in a somber salute.

Three fingers pressed together in the gesture of the Magic Knights, yet instead of resting over his chest, he raised it over his head. Behind him, large golden twin doors shimmered into existence, swinging open to reveal a gleaming silver spatial gate.

His voice carried across the gathering, solemn and steady.

"Know this: because of the war and the risk of compromise, once you pass through these doors, you will not be granted return until the war ends. This is your final chance to turn back. No one will judge you if you choose to leave now."

The group stood firm, not a single soul retreating.

The man's smile returned, softer this time. "Thank you for your service. I wish you the best—a swift victory and an even swifter return. For the Kingdom!"

The group saluted as one, voices roaring in unison. "For the Kingdom!"

With that, they began to file through the silver gate, moving in a solemn, steady line.

Sebastian and Acier lingered at the rear, their eyes meeting briefly before following suit.

Sebastian's back foot had barely cleared the gate when the golden doors swung shut behind them. The spatial magic shimmered, then vanished entirely.

There was no going back now.

—

Kiten

Kiten was more than a border town; it was a vital stronghold for the Clover Kingdom, standing as a bulwark not just against the Diamond Kingdom but other neighboring powers as well.

Strategically positioned on land rich in natural resources, Kiten attracted the eyes of rival kingdoms. Its value wasn't merely economic—it acted as a lure, drawing enemy ambitions toward its defenses instead of the heart of Clover. The town's wealth and strategic position made it the perfect bait, a calculated sacrifice to prevent the war from reaching the capital.

The Diamond Kingdom's fixation on Kiten was no mystery. Taking it would secure vital resources and land, giving them a foothold to encroach further into Clover's territory. It was far safer to focus on Kiten than to risk a full-scale assault on Clover's capital and provoke a devastating counterattack.

However, this fixation came at a cost. Diamond's armies were forced to confront Kiten head-on; circumventing it meant crossing treacherous Grand Magic Zones or deadly strong magic regions, a gamble with too high a price in lives. And with their limited spatial magic capabilities, mass transportation of troops was not an option.

Kiten had become a battleground, both for its tangible value and as a symbol of the Clover Kingdom's resolve. The kingdom had poured immense resources into fortifying the town: towering stone walls for sentries, an intricate magic barrier that allowed attacks to exit but not enter, and infrastructure rivaling that of the royal capital.

But as Sebastian, Acier, and their group passed through Kiten's gates, none of that pride was visible.

The ground trembled beneath their feet, drawing startled murmurs from the group. Many thought it was an earthquake, but the truth became clear moments later. The rumbling ceased, and as they surveyed the town, the source of the disturbance revealed itself.

Where once stood a proud settlement of towers, bustling streets, and solid defenses, now lay rubble and ruin. Buildings were reduced to debris, bloodied citizens scrambled to pull survivors from wreckage, and cries of pain and urgency filled the air.

Sebastian and Acier froze for a heartbeat before leaping into action. Acier began clearing debris, her grimoire glowing as she extracted survivors, while Sebastian tended to the injured, his magic stitching wounds with precision.

The rest of their group quickly followed their lead. Some hauled the injured from the wreckage; others triaged wounds and carried the most gravely injured to Sebastian for healing. The air buzzed with urgency, but a chilling silence hung over the people of Kiten.

It was an eerie, unnatural silence.

Sebastian and Acier exchanged uneasy glances as they noticed it. Not a single sound of relief or gratitude came from the survivors. Instead, their eyes reflected nothing—no light, no emotion, no hope.

The people they saved gave small, mechanical nods of acknowledgment before wordlessly walking away to continue clearing debris. They moved with a rhythm that spoke of familiarity, a grim routine honed by relentless catastrophe.

Sebastian's and Acier's group faltered as they grasped the truth. For the people of Kiten, this destruction was normal. The indifference in their eyes wasn't apathy—it was resignation, born of endless cycles of survival and rebuilding.

Acier opened her mouth to speak but stopped as the ground rumbled again. This time, the tremors were accompanied by a faint crackle in the air.

Their heads snapped upward, and a collective gasp escaped as they saw it.

The nearly invisible barrier surrounding Kiten, their supposed shield, was under siege. From the skies, a relentless barrage of magic rained down—a chaotic symphony of lightning, cutting wind, roaring flames, torrents of water, crushing boulders, and more.

The barrier shuddered under the onslaught, fracturing like glass.

Below, disheveled Magic Knights in tattered uniforms gritted their teeth, countering with spells of their own or pouring their mana into reinforcing the barrier. Yet their efforts were drowned by the sheer volume of Diamond's attacks. The invaders unleashed wave after wave of magic, merciless in their ferocity, chipping away at Kiten's last line of defense.

Sebastian and Acier stood frozen for a moment, their gazes fixed on the cracking barrier above. Then, as another wave of destruction struck, they snapped back into motion, preparing for what felt like an inevitable collapse.

"Mommy… is the suffering over? Do we finally get to die?"

The soft voice froze Sebastian's and Acier's group in place. They turned toward the source: a little girl, frail and starved, dressed in tattered rags that hung off her like they belonged to someone twice her size. She clung to the leg of a tall woman who looked just as malnourished and broken, her expression vacant.

The woman glanced down at the girl, her lifeless eyes meeting the child's. Gently, she patted her head. "Sweetheart, I'm not your mommy. She died yesterday, remember?"

Acier felt her stomach twist into knots as the girl blinked slowly, her lips parting. "Oh." A moment later, she nodded with chilling indifference. "That's right."

The girl's gaze drifted upward to the top of the dome-like barrier overhead, cracked and flickering under relentless bombardment. "Auntie, do we get to die now?"

The woman's lips curved into a deranged smile, her fingers threading softly through the child's hair. "Maybe," she whispered. "Isn't that exciting?"

The girl smiled back, an eerie brightness in her hollow expression. "Yeah, it is. I'll get to see Mommy again, and Daddy, and Big Brother, and…"

Her voice trailed off as she began listing names, perhaps of friends or family lost, each one landing like a hammer blow to the stunned group.

"I… I wanna go home!" a mercenary in their group suddenly cried out, the panic in his voice breaking the silence.

"Me too!" another echoed.

"W-where did that fat bastard go?! Bring him back! Get us out of here!"

The people of Kiten, who had been silently clearing debris and tending to the wounded, turned to the group. Many of them wore twisted smiles, their expressions dark and mocking.

"Oh look… new faces."

"Think they'll last longer than the last ones?"

"Doubt it. The last group held up pretty well, but the one before? Dead within hours."

"Oh, right. Remember that young man who thought he'd be a hero?"

"Yeah, poor idiot. I heard he set a record for fastest death on the battlefield."

"A shame. Looked like he came from a good family."

The conversation was casual, almost conversational, yet it carried a horrifying undertone. The Kiten citizens didn't just pity the newcomers—they saw them as doomed.

The comical lament of their words suffocated the group. Faces drained of color as the realization sank in: the people they'd once looked down on as pitiful now pitied them.

Acier bit her lip, trembling. What have I dragged Sebby into?! Shame and panic churned inside her until she felt a familiar warmth—Sebastian's hand slipping into hers.

She turned to him, and his steady gaze met hers. In a low voice meant only for her, he whispered, "Relax. Nothing is set in stone yet. Your father knows what's happening here. He wouldn't send us if there wasn't hope."

Acier's breath hitched as her mind latched onto his words. Daddy didn't seem worried… he must have a plan.

Her trembling eased as Sebastian's calm steadied her. But their group wasn't as composed. The panic in their ranks grew louder, many of them ready to lash out at the citizens of Kiten when a new voice cut through the chaos.

"You don't have to be afraid."

All eyes turned to a small boy perched on a pile of cracked bricks. Unlike the other Kiten residents, his eyes still held a faint glimmer of light.

"This happens every day," he continued, his tone eerily calm. "It's normal. But nothing too bad will happen. Lord Wizard King won't let it."

The group hesitated, following his pointing finger to the barrier overhead.

Their breath caught.

A colossal projection materialized in the sky above Kiten, an illusionary yet tangible card that seemed to radiate power. At its top, the letters XVI gleamed. The card's imagery was unmistakable—a tall tower built on unstable ground, struck by lightning and engulfed in flames, while a man and woman leapt from its windows in desperation.

As the card appeared, the assault on the barrier intensified. The relentless storm of magic—lightning, fire, wind, water, earth—grew fiercer, each strike cracking the barrier further. Then, with a deafening shatter, the barrier collapsed.

Sebastian and Acier froze as the unrestrained wave of magical fury bore down on Kiten. Acier's grimoire flipped open, and a gleaming silver shield materialized before them. She planted herself protectively in front of Sebastian, bracing for impact.

But it never came.

Sebastian and Acier peeked over Acier's shield, their breaths hitching as they saw the storm of attacks suspended in midair, frozen a mere meter above them.

Their eyes widened in disbelief. The giant card that had loomed over Kiten was no longer upright. It now hung upside down, and unlike before, it had fully materialized, no longer flickering between illusion and reality.

From the card emerged the inverted tower itself, its ominous structure floating high in the sky. As if drawn by an unseen force, the myriad attacks that had once threatened the town now redirected upward. Like rockets, they soared toward the floating tower and struck with explosive force.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion shook the air. The sky lit up with fiery brilliance, as though an arsonist had orchestrated a destructive display of fireworks. The tower was obliterated, reduced to rubble. Yet, any remaining debris that could have rained destruction on Kiten vanished before it reached the ground, disintegrating into nothingness.

Just as the boy had promised, despite the barrier's collapse, everyone in the town remained unscathed.

Acier's heart raced as awe replaced her fear. Is this the power of a Wizard King? The ability to divert calamity, to transform certain tragedy into safety—she felt like a star-struck fan seeing her idol in action.

But the spectacle wasn't over.

As the tower card dissolved, another card appeared in the sky. Smaller than the first but still enormous, it bore the letter K at the top. The image depicted a faceless king sitting regally on a throne that floated above a vast sea. He wore a blue tunic and a gold cape, holding a cup in one hand and a scepter in the other.

A figure descended from the clouds, a speck that grew larger as it floated in front of the card.

Sebastian squinted, unable to make out the figure's details. Then, magical projections appeared all over Kiten, zooming in on the scene and displaying it for everyone to see.

There he was—the Wizard King, Alden Arcana, standing before the card in all his glory. His aqua hair shimmered like waves in the sunlight, and his ethereal green eyes seemed to pierce through the screens.

Rather than something emerging from the card, this time Alden himself entered it.

The projections followed him as he appeared before the featureless king, calmly taking a seat on the throne. The faceless figure began to change, its form morphing to match Alden's appearance. Or perhaps Alden wasn't merging with the king—he became the king, adopting its attire: a flowing gold cape, a blue tunic, and the golden scepter in place of his own red one.

Alden pointed the scepter outward, toward Diamond's forces, his voice resonating with compassion and authority.

"There has been enough bloodshed for today. Please retreat to your camps. We'll reconvene tomorrow."

Sebastian blinked. Is this guy for real? Scheduling a battle like it was a casual meeting? He wanted to roll his eyes—

"Oh, and my people are hungry," Alden added, his tone still kind. "Please leave some rations as well."

Sebastian froze, his thoughts derailed. What?! His confusion mirrored the stunned expressions of Acier and the rest of their group.

Then, through the projections, they watched something impossible unfold. Diamond's massive army—well over a thousand strong and clearly holding the upper hand—began to turn around. Without hesitation, they marched away from Kiten.

Even more shocking, they left behind carts and crates of food.

Sebastian gaped, his brain struggling to process what he was seeing. Why would you feed your enemy?! Are they even serious about this war? If Diamond had let Kiten starve, surrender might have been inevitable. Instead, they'd just handed the town enough supplies to endure another week.

"I need some volunteers to retrieve the supplies," Alden's gentle voice rang out again, this time directed at the people of Kiten.

Sebastian stiffened as a strange sensation washed over him. A pull. A desire to obey, to follow Alden's every word. An inexplicable wave of love and loyalty surged through him toward a man he had never met.

Cold sweat prickled his skin. Mind control?! It was the only explanation that made sense. How else could Alden compel Diamond to act against their own interests? Yet it didn't feel absolute—Diamond hadn't surrendered outright. If Alden could control minds completely, he could've ordered their enemies to self-destruct or forced Kiten's citizens to swear undying allegiance to him.

There had to be some sort of limit, or else this war would've ended long ago, with Clover's victory.

No, this spell wasn't domination. It was something subtler. Persuasive. Charismatic. A masterful blend of diplomacy, compassion, and magic.

Perhaps it had something to do with how Alden secured a peace deal with Heart so quickly.

Sebastian bit his lip, his unease growing. What kind of magic is this?!

He had no time to dwell on the question. Alden's voice boomed once more across the town.

"May the new arrivals please report to the town hall immediately for onboarding and delegation."

Sebastian exchanged a glance with Acier, who looked just as bewildered as he felt. Together, they followed their equally dazed group toward the opposite end of the town.

Author's Notes:

[1] I had a brain fart today, I forgot where I was going with this… this is what I get for not writing down notes and trying to store everything in my head. I'll do better next chapter. 

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