Reborn As Papa Silva

Chapter 55: Their Story (5)

Nathaniel's Office:

Is that a grimoire in your pants, or are you just excited to see me?

Nathaniel stared at the offending line for the umpteenth time, then sighed and raised his head. Alfred stood stiffly in front of the desk, his expression a mix of discomfort and unease.

The Silva Patriarch's tone was as cold as ever. "My daughter said this to that boy?"

Alfred gave a curt nod. "Yes, Master."

Nathaniel scratched at his beard, his brow furrowing in thought. "Who else knows?"

"No one, Sir." Alfred bowed slightly. "Thankfully, the words were spoken on Silva property. The only barrier mages aware of this incident are Silva-loyalists."

The barrier mages, tasked with maintaining the protective magic around Clover Castle, were divided into three cells: Vermillion, Kira, and Silva loyalists. Each faction managed its respective House's section of the barrier, ensuring privacy and security for their secrets.

Had Acier spoken those words at the gates of Castle Clover—where she had struck Sebastian in the jaw—the entire kingdom would be buzzing with the scandal. And Sebastian? He wouldn't even know how he died.

But fortune had intervened. She'd uttered the line on Silva territory, and Alfred had swiftly ensured the barrier mages kept silent.

Nathaniel gave a slight nod, his voice steady but indifferent. "My daughter traveled to Kikka this morning—a bleeding mess—to be treated by that boy. Who else knows?"

Alfred straightened. "By some miracle, Sir, due to House Kira's resources and the nobility's focus on His Majesty's failing health, no one paid much attention to Princess Acier's movements. The only ones aware are House Vermillion and ourselves, through the Princess' guards and our spies."

Nathaniel's quill hovered over the parchment, but Alfred pressed on, his voice trembling slightly. "Master, I must insist we dispose of that boy immediately. Such heavenly luck will not favor her again. He is a threat to the Princess' safety and honor—"

"Alfred."

The butler froze at the interruption but continued, his fists clenched. "Forgive me, Master, but I cannot accept any misfortune befalling the Princess. Even if it costs me my life, I will eliminate that boy—"

"Alfred."

This time, Nathaniel's voice was louder, though not cold. Instead, there was an odd weight of somberness in his tone.

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. "Do you truly believe such a fortunate coincidence would favor my daughter and her... friend?"

Alfred hesitated, brows furrowing.

Nathaniel leaned forward. "Do you also believe my daughter would risk her freedom—or her friend's safety—over reckless, thoughtless acts?"

Alfred opened his mouth, but Nathaniel didn't wait for an answer. He pointed a finger at his butler. "Remember this, Pennyworth. Do not let your affection for my daughter—or her soft appearance—cloud your judgment. She is not some fragile glass slipper waiting to shatter."

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. "Acier is accustomed to leveraging her looks and position to get what she wants. She's not above playing the helpless, pitiful princess—shedding a tear here or there to tug at heartstrings and rally others to her cause. Don't let yourself fall victim to her emotional games. Learn to differentiate when she's truly hurting and when she's not, or you'll be the one who gets burned."

Alfred blinked, caught off guard. "S-Sir... I-I don't understand—"

"Never let down your guard around my daughter." Nathaniel's voice was sharp now, like an icicle driven into the ground. "Acier may seem well-behaved and sheltered, but when she sets her mind to something, she will go to any lengths to attain it. She will cross me, my wife, or even my father if necessary. She has chosen that boy, and nothing will stop her from adding him to her collection of treasures."

Alfred stiffened, his hands trembling.

"She will not jeopardize her time with him," Nathaniel continued. "Do not be fooled by her appearance. My daughter is a noble heiress, raised not just in courtly grace but in the venom and poison of aristocratic life. My father ensured she understood these things so she wouldn't let herself get hurt."

Nathaniel raised a single finger. "And because of that, like her father and grandfather, she's a schemer. Schemers only play the part of the reckless or innocent."

A chill ran down Alfred's spine as the image of Princess Acier in his mind shifted, the purity he once associated with her now tinged with a darker edge.

Nathaniel returned to his paperwork, picking up his quill as if the conversation had never happened. Without looking up, he added, "As always, Alfred, my father and wife have no need to know what my daughter is up to."

Alfred swallowed hard, his lips dry. "O-of course, Sir."

—

August 15th, 1600

Sebastian blinked at Acier, who was perched beside him at his stall, her soft smile radiating a carefree charm.

He mulled over his words, carefully choosing how to speak without coming across as cold, giving her the wrong idea, or—worst of all—hurting her feelings.

"Acier...?" he questioned softly.

"Yes?" Acier beamed, leaning in closer.

Sebastian stiffened, the sudden proximity and her intoxicating scent leaving him frozen for the briefest moment. He swallowed hard, forcing his words out.

"It's nearly two. Shouldn't you be returning to the castle for lunch?"

Acier shook her head with a mischievous grin. "No!"

She rested her head on the stall ledge, gazing at him with playful eyes. "Want to know why?"

Sebastian hesitated before nodding.

Acier's smile widened. "My parents and grandfather are all busy and occupied with too many things to pay attention to me right now. They probably won't return to the Silva estate until midnight. And that means..."

She sat up straight and placed her hand on his chest, making him tense as her smirk deepened.

"That means I can spend the entire day with you! Isn't that great?"

Sebastian blinked, feeling an odd warmth bloom in his chest. He coughed awkwardly into his fist and nodded. "I suppose it is."

Acier's lavender eyes sparkled as she hopped off her seat and placed her hands on her hips. "Alright, Sebastian, let's get going!"

He frowned in confusion. "Get going? What do you mean, Acier? Where are we going—"

"To lunch, silly!"

Before he could protest, she placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. Her hair flicked over her shoulder as she struck a playful yet mock-fragile pose.

"And don't even think about saying no. If you refuse to come along and eat, then I won't eat either!"

Sebastian opened his mouth to retort, but Acier grabbed his chin, gently lifting his face to meet her determined gaze.

"Are you really going to let a princess starve? Or eat in this... dirty place?"

The words he'd been about to utter lodged in his throat. He looked away, his gaze narrowing on the tools and herbs scattered across his stand.

Acier's smile softened, and her tone turned soothing. "Relax, Sebastian. We're not going far. Just there."

She pointed across the street, drawing his attention to the café overlooking Kikka's bustling marketplace. Her voice lilted in his ear as she continued.

"We'll only be gone for an hour, tops. You don't need to close up for the day. If any emergency patients arrive, you can spot them from the balcony and help them right away."

Sebastian's tension eased slightly, but he still felt hesitant. Lunch wasn't something he usually indulged in; it was either a quick bite at the stall or skipped entirely during peak hours.

Then he looked back at Acier and froze. Her excited expression was tinged with nervousness, and for once, she didn't seem as self-assured.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch steady but pleading. "Please."

Sebastian sighed, the resistance draining from him. He couldn't say no to her.

With a reluctant nod, he agreed.

—

Sebastian glanced curiously around the café. It wasn't as though he'd never been to a place like this before—he had, in fact, been to this very shop a handful of times since the day his life was turned upside down.

Not that he'd frequented it enough to be considered a regular. His purchases were sparse: maybe a bagel, a muffin, or a modest cup of coffee to sustain him through the day. Still, he was no stranger to the bustling atmosphere of its lunchtime peak hours, when the café would overflow with customers, seats filling quickly and many left to settle for takeout.

And that's why he was confused.

The bottom floor was packed as usual, with people vying for seats and barely enough space to move around. Yet here on the upper level, where he and Acier were seated, it was eerily empty—save for the two of them and a waiter.

Sebastian turned his attention to Acier, seated across from him at the large circular balcony table. She rested her cheeks in her hands, elbows propped on the table, and beamed at him playfully.

"I bought out the upper floor for the duration of our stay," she said lightly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Sebastian blinked, sitting back in his chair. Royals sure are different, he mused inwardly.

After a moment, he leaned forward, glancing toward the waiter. He raised a hand, ready to call him over. "Sir—"

"What're you doing?" Acier cut in, her amused tone catching him off guard.

Sebastian paused, taking in her mischievous expression with a tinge of bemusement. "I was just about to order..." he replied awkwardly, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. After all, waiters weren't mind readers.

But Acier stifled a laugh, leaving him furrowing his brow in puzzlement.

"What's so funny?" he asked, carefully keeping his voice free of annoyance.

Shaking her head, she giggled. "Nothing, nothing. It's just—I already ordered for the two of us."

Sebastian blinked, sitting back in his chair. "Oh," he murmured. When did she do that?

Acier must have sensed his unspoken question because her smile turned smug, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. The feeling of incomprehension churned in Sebastian's stomach, growing stronger when the waiter gave him a cheeky wink before disappearing into the back room.

Sebastian stayed silent, tamping down any reaction. He was being treated to a meal, likely the finest he'd eaten in a long time—and possibly the finest he ever would. There was no need to be rude, and besides, he didn't want to dampen Acier's mood.

If she's happy, that's all that matters. He could take a harmless prank or two. Compared to what fate had thrown at him, this was nothing.

A moment later, the waiter reappeared, pushing a gleaming metal trolley. At its center sat a large platter hidden beneath a dome lid.

Sebastian's brow arched as he shot Acier, a look that clearly asked, What did you order?

The sweet aroma hit him before the platter was even placed on the table. It was something extravagant, that much was obvious—far more than two people could reasonably finish.

Acier only shrugged cheekily, her expression saying she wasn't about to ruin the surprise.

The waiter carefully placed the platter at the center of the table and, with an amused smile, lifted the dome.

"Sir, Madame, your meal is served."

Sebastian's eyes widened, and he froze, staring at the contents of the platter.

Arranged in a vibrant display were an assortment of fruits: strawberries, clementines, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes, and slices of cantaloupe. But it wasn't the fruit that held his attention.

Encircled by the colorful array was a round, decadent, layered white cake.

His name was scrawled across the surface in elegant red frosting, and nestled beside it were two numbered candles that read "14."

Before Sebastian could react, the waiter snapped his fingers, igniting the candles with two small, flickering flames.

Sebastian barely noticed. His gaze was locked on Acier, who tilted her head slightly, giving him a dreamy look.

"Happy birthday, Sebastian," she said softly. "I hope you like vanilla."

His heartbeat quickened ever so slightly.

Sebastian felt an array of emotions crash over him, disbelief and incredulity chief among them. He'd never had a birthday celebrated before. To him, it was just another marker of time—a reminder to reflect and assess where he stood in life. A cake, much less one from someone he'd only officially befriended yesterday, was beyond his expectations.

His mouth parted in stunned silence before he managed to voice the obvious. "You... planned this all out?"

Acier smiled brightly and nodded. "This morning. I talked to the owner and had everything arranged."

Sebastian sighed, closing his mouth as his brows knitted together. "Why?"

"Because you're my friend!" Acier beamed, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "And friends celebrate each other's birthdays!"

Do they...? Sebastian bit his lip, lowering his head. His voice dropped to a murmur, just loud enough for her to hear. "I can't celebrate yours."

I don't have any money, he thought bitterly, and for the first time, insecurity coiled tightly in his chest. He hated the idea that he couldn't repay her.

"He he he."

Sebastian's head shot up at her laugh, his frustration mounting as he saw her grinning. Here he was, a knot of unease in his stomach, and she was laughing her heart out.

"What's so funny?" he hissed, biting his lip to contain his irritation.

"Ha ha ha!" Acier giggled louder, stifling herself with a hand as she wiped an exaggerated tear from her eye. "Sebastian, I know you're poor."

Sebastian froze, his expression blank as her bluntness hit him like a brick. Do you have to be so direct about it? he inwardly groaned.

She didn't seem to notice his discomfort—or didn't care—as her gaze softened. Reaching out, she placed a hand on his cheek, making him tense under the unexpected touch.

Her voice softened. "I'm a princess. I don't need money or wealth. There's very little in this kingdom I can't buy with my status, but friendship? True friendship? That's priceless."

Sebastian stiffened, unsure how to respond, as she continued with a gentle smile. "Don't feel like you owe me anything. Friendship isn't about keeping score or balancing scales. It's about leaning on each other, about giving because you want to, not because you expect something back. The fact that you've accepted me as your friend, even knowing the kind of man my grandfather is, already means the world to me."

Her voice softened further. "So please, don't think you're beneath me or undeserving of my friendship just because of a little cake."

After a moment, she cracked a lighthearted grin. "Honestly, with my allowance, I could buy this place fifteen times over. Treating you to lunch is nothing to me."

But it's everything to me. Sebastian sighed inwardly. A pause hung between them before he smiled faintly and nodded.

"Alright."

Acier lit up, her joy so radiant that Sebastian couldn't help but feel he'd made the right choice.

She pointed to the flickering candles atop the cake. "Now make a wish!"

Sebastian blinked at the two small flames, momentarily lost. He'd never done this before, so he simply shrugged and obeyed. "I wish you happiness and joy," he said nonchalantly before blowing out the candles.

As the flames vanished, his eyes lingered on the numbers etched in the wax. When he looked up again, he froze. Acier was gaping at him, her face flushed red.

Did I do something wrong? Panic bubbled up as he straightened and cleared his throat. "Is... something the matter?"

"You idiot!" Acier shrieked, her voice cracking as she slammed her head down against the edge of the table, hiding her face in her arms.

How can this guy say something like that so easily?! Steam practically poured from her ears as her chest fluttered with an emotion she couldn't quite place.

She was never one for superstition, so the whole don't tell anyone your wish or it won't come true thing didn't even cross her mind. But the sincerity in Sebastian's voice—the way he so genuinely wished for her happiness—made her heart race.

Dammit, it's his birthday. Why is he making a wish for me?!

After a minute of silence, Acier finally lifted her head. Sebastian was watching her with a mix of concern and mild terror—the same look she'd worn when she realized she'd offended him earlier. Her heart softened at the sight.

She shook her head quickly. "Forget it. You're forgiven."

Sebastian let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as they both reached for their cutlery, wordlessly digging into the platter.

—

They only managed to eat about a third before they were too full to continue. Acier had the rest packed up for him, and though Sebastian was tempted to insist she take a piece, he knew it would only come off as hypocritical. Instead, he accepted the package silently.

Before they could head downstairs, Acier stopped him with a tap on his shoulder. Raising an eyebrow, Sebastian turned to see her holding something out to him.

"Go change into this," she said with a smile.

Sebastian unfolded the fabric, his breath catching as he realized it was an expensive-looking black silk button-up shirt paired with blue linen pants.

"Acier..." he started stiffly, clutching the clothes. "I can't accept this—"

She silenced him with a finger pressed firmly to his lips, frowning heavily. "There are few things ruder than turning down a carefully chosen gift."

Sebastian bit his lip, torn between guilt and gratitude. She smiled knowingly, leaning on a different argument. "A doctor's appearance is just as important as their skills. No one will trust you with their lives if you look like a street beggar. A clean, polished look leaves a better impression."

Her logic left him no room to argue, so with a resigned sigh, he relented. Clutching the clothes tighter, he headed to the washroom to change.

When he stepped out, Acier's face lit up as she looked him over. Without hesitation, she reached up and gently brushed back the strands of hair that hung in his face.

"Very nice!" she beamed, her delight unmistakable.

Sebastian's heartbeat quickened further, and he swallowed hard, unsure how much more he could take.

—

The rest of the day passed in relative silence between them—a comfortable silence. Acier sat quietly beside Sebastian as he tended to patients, her presence surprisingly calming. As the sky darkened and the sun dipped below the horizon, Sebastian decided it was time to call it a day.

"It's time to go," he said, glancing at Acier. She smiled softly and slid off her chair, stretching a little.

Sebastian took his time carefully packing up his tools, herbs, ointments, and other items. When he turned back around, he blinked in surprise.

Acier was holding a broom.

"Where'd you get that?" he asked, pointing at it in bafflement. He hadn't seen her with it before.

Acier smiled mischievously. "Does it matter?"

Sebastian hesitated but ultimately shook his head, prompting her grin to widen. She poured mana into the broom, causing it to levitate horizontally. Without missing a beat, she hopped onto the front end, standing with perfect balance.

"Hop on!" she said, gesturing to him.

Sebastian stared at her, puzzled. "...Why?"

"Well," Acier began with a knowing grin, "you're probably afraid to walk back with me to the noble realm, right?"

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, his hesitation betraying the truth. He was afraid. Having Acier with him in Kikka already felt like walking on eggshells; the idea of strolling back together through the noble realm was unthinkable. The sight of a nobody like him alongside a royal princess would undoubtedly lead to outrage—or worse, accusations of "dirtying" her with his presence. He'd likely end up in the gallows, or worse, before the night was through.

If she'd insisted they walk together, he would have had to refuse, no matter how guilty or selfish it made him feel. But fortunately, Acier wasn't an idiot. She had a solution ready.

"I'm one of the few people allowed to fly over the noble realm," she explained, scratching her head. "No one will see us, so we can return to the Silva estate together!"

The barrier mages will definitely see us, Sebastian sighed inwardly. Still, he climbed onto the broom.

He seated himself cautiously, gripping the slender frame tightly. Unlike Acier, who stood on it with ease, he was painfully aware of how precarious it felt.

"Is this... safe?" he whispered, his concern genuine. Few people could control a broom mid-flight before receiving their grimoire, and though he didn't doubt Acier's skill, he wasn't sure if that extended to carrying a passenger.

Acier smiled reassuringly but didn't answer. Then, without warning, the broom shot into the sky like a rocket.

Sebastian let out a startled gasp, clinging to the broom as if his life depended on it. He shut his eyes tightly, the wind whipping against his face as they climbed higher and higher. The sensation of rapid ascent was overwhelming, but as suddenly as it began, it stopped.

Tentatively, Sebastian cracked his eyes open—and his breath caught in his throat.

They were soaring high above the kingdom, the broom gliding smoothly through the horizon. The clouds were so close he felt he could reach out and touch them. To his right, the setting sun painted the sky in breathtaking hues of orange, red, and gold, creating an ethereal tapestry that stretched endlessly.

It was stunning, but Sebastian's gaze wasn't on the sunset for long.

He looked ahead at Acier, standing tall at the broom's front. Her arms were outstretched, her eyes closed, and her smile serene. Her hair, now loose and cascading down her back, fluttered gently in the wind like silk curtains caught in a breeze.

"Beautiful..." The word slipped out before he could stop it, his voice barely above a whisper.

Acier turned to him, her smile brightening. "It is, isn't it?" she said, twirling a strand of her hair absently. She sighed softly. "I haven't been this high in a while..."

Just another thing that was forbidden to me, she thought bitterly, pushing the thought aside as she continued.

"Watching the sunset from my window is enchanting, but nothing beats being up here, seeing it so close." She reached out a hand toward the sun, her fingers framing the fiery orb as if she could hold it in her palm.

"The sun is so beautiful," she murmured, her voice tinged with quiet reverence.

Sebastian lowered his head, furrowing his brow. He was grateful for her misunderstanding of his earlier comment. But more than that, he was grateful he could finally identify the emotion she had stirred within him all day.

Because now he knew what he had to do.

Love and vengeance don't mix, he thought grimly. And feeling love for the target of vengeance? That's a recipe for disaster.

He clenched his jaw, silently willing the emotions to leave him as the broom continued its gentle glide across the painted sky.

—

Sebastian raised a brow when, instead of descending in front of Castle Silva, Acier abruptly veered left, steering the broom down the length of the Silva estate.

"Where are you taking us?" he called out, his voice edged with suspicion.

Acier glanced over her shoulder with a cheerful smile. "You live at the end of the estate, don't you?" she asked rhetorically before turning back to face the front, accelerating the broom. "You don't have clearance to fly over the estate, so it must be quite a long walk. I'll drop you home."

Sebastian stiffened. He fought to keep his panic from seeping into his voice as he replied casually, "You don't have to do that."

"I want to," Acier said with a laugh, not bothering to look back. That was a small mercy for Sebastian, who was already breaking into a cold sweat.

Please don't be here yet, please don't be here yet, please don't be here yet. He bit his lip, repeating the silent prayer over and over.

But fate had never been kind to Sebastian. It had never once gone his way.

As they neared the edge of the estate, Acier began slowing the broom, her sharp eyes making out a tiny speck in the distance—Sebastian's house. Or rather, what passed for a house.

The sight made her breath catch.

Acier had known that Sebastian's family home had been seized to pay off his parents' debts. She just hadn't realized the depths of his circumstances.

What lay before her was less a home and more a dilapidated shack, perched precariously on a hill near the forest. The structure was small, rugged, and visibly worn down by time and neglect. Acier frowned, her mind racing. Why hadn't this been included in Alfred's report about Sebastian? She'd assumed his living conditions weren't worth mentioning, but now she wondered if the omission had been deliberate—perhaps to spare House Silva's reputation.

Is this what they wanted to hide from me? she thought bitterly. A Silva, even an unnamed bastard, living like this...

Her stomach churned with guilt, anger, and something she couldn't quite place. Maybe I should buy him a house... The thought flickered in her mind for only a moment before she froze, her eyes narrowing.

They were close enough now for Acier to spot two figures loitering near the shack.

Acier's lips parted in shock as she watched one of them spit on the already crumbling structure, kick it carelessly, and then lean against it as if it were their personal property.

Her sharp gaze took in their lack of Silva attire or characteristics—they weren't Silva retainers, nor were they family. These were trespassers, intruding on Silva land and defiling her friend's home.

Acier's blood boiled, rage clouding her vision. Her grip on the broom tightened as she prepared to dive down and deal with them herself. She wasn't sure whether she'd scare them off or strike them down, but at that moment, she didn't particularly care.

Before she could act, however, a firm hand rested on her shoulder.

Startled, Acier turned to see Sebastian behind her. His expression was complicated, his lips pressed into a thin line.

He let out a soft sigh, his voice quiet but steady as he pleaded, "Please don't interfere... just leave this to me. Please."

Acier's fury didn't dissipate, but she studied his face carefully. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of emotions she couldn't quite place.

For a long moment, she remained silent, torn between her anger and the trust Sebastian was asking of her.

—

"Mr. Brown. Mr. Kale."

Sebastian approached his broken shack of a home, his voice cutting through the still air to grab the attention of the two men loitering nearby.

The so-called Mr. Brown turned first. He was short and unkempt, reeking of booze and cheap perfume. His scraggly black hair looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks, and his hazel eyes were bloodshot. The stench he carried was revolting, and judging by his staggering gait, he'd come straight from a brothel.

Sebastian clenched his fists, fighting the urge to release years of pent-up fury as Mr. Brown spat toward him, staggered to the side of the shack, and began retching noisily before urinating on the structure.

Mr. Kale, by contrast, was a picture of composure. Tall and lean, he was neatly dressed in a jacket, shirt, and cargo pants, paired with polished dress shoes. He removed his top hat to reveal impeccably combed blond hair and piercing blue eyes. The contrast between the two men couldn't have been more stark.

With a look of disgust, Mr. Kale pinched his nose at the sight of his companion. Without hesitation, he delivered a swift, mana-enhanced roundhouse kick to Mr. Brown's head, knocking the smaller man unconscious.

"Why did the boss insist I drag this filthy trash along?" he muttered, shaking his head in disdain.

Turning to Sebastian, Mr. Kale's lips curled into a mocking grin. "I see you're getting smarter, boy. At least smart enough not to leave any coin in this trash heap you call home."

He spat at Mr. Brown's unconscious form and added with a sneer, "That pissed this idiot off. He wanted to take a 'little extra' so he could go waste it on more whores. Again."

Sebastian swallowed his anger, bowing his head low. "It's all thanks to your advice, sir," he said evenly, hiding his true thoughts. To bury my earnings in a safe location, far from prying hands.

Mr. Kale chuckled, raising a brow. "Oh? Does that mean you're ready to show your gratitude? Maybe even tell me where you're hiding your treasure?"

Sebastian shook his head, and Mr. Kale's laughter deepened.

"Smart boy," he said with a shrug, his expression shifting to something more somber, though not entirely devoid of smugness. "Alright, then. You know the drill—it's collection day. The boss won't take excuses, and I won't risk my neck for you. Hand it over."

Extending his hand, Mr. Kale made a lazy "gimme" motion with his fingers.

Sebastian complied silently, reaching into his right pocket. The faint jingle of coins caught Mr. Kale's attention as Sebastian handed over everything he had: one silver and five copper yule.

Mr. Kale studied the coins for a moment before dropping them into the leather pouch at his side. His sharp gaze flicked over Sebastian, noting the lack of a money pouch or anything else of value on his person.

"You really are learning, boy," he said with a sly grin. "You're getting smarter."

Sebastian didn't respond, keeping his expression neutral as Mr. Kale hoisted Mr. Brown's limp body over his shoulder.

With a final look at Sebastian, Mr. Kale turned away. "See you this time next month, boy."

Sebastian gave a short bow, watching in silence as the two men disappeared into the night.

Five minutes later, the sound of a slight gust of wind drew his attention. He glanced up to see Acier descending gracefully on her broom. She landed in front of him, and it was only then that he noticed her dark expression.

Without a word, she tossed a coin pouch at him—his coin pouch, the one he'd entrusted to her earlier.

Sebastian caught it, tying it to his waist as he met her gaze. She stood there with her arms crossed, a heavy frown creasing her face.

Her voice was icy when she finally spoke. "Explain."

—

Sebastian held Acier's gaze for a moment before sighing and speaking softly. "Those aren't trespassers. They're here officially and legally. No one—not even you—can interfere without proper cause."

Acier sneered, her tone sharp. "I have cause. They wrecked a friend's dwelling—a Silva's dwelling. As your friend and the heiress of this House, I'm well within my rights to give that dwarf a beating."

Sebastian didn't respond immediately, though a flicker of something complicated passed through his eyes.

Acier jabbed a finger into his chest, frustration bubbling over. "What do you mean they aren't trespassers? Who are they?"

Sebastian's expression remained steady, and his voice was soft when he replied. "Debt collectors. From the Clover Bank."

Acier froze, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Why are debt collectors from the national bank knocking on your door? Did you take out a loan or something?"

Sebastian hesitated, biting his lip before finally answering. "You've no doubt done your research on me before approaching me. Surely, you already know about my parents'... foolish financial decisions."

Acier stilled, her brows raising in disbelief. "Are you telling me you're paying back their loans?"

Sebastian opened his mouth, then stiffly nodded.

Acier flushed crimson with fury, her voice rising. "WHAT NONSENSE ARE YOU UP TO?!"

Sebastian flinched at her tone but remained silent as she jabbed another finger into his chest, her mana flaring in her anger.

"Those beasts you call parents—they took on more debt than they could repay in multiple lifetimes! They're dead, Sebastian! And I don't know if you understand how debt works, but debt isn't inherited! Their loans were settled the moment your home and belongings were taken. Settled!"

Her voice cracked with fury as she jabbed him again. "Do you know what that means? That's not debt collection—it's extortion!"

Acier began pacing, her mana crackling around her in angry bursts. "They're stealing from you! They're thieves! I'll get your money back from those bastards. I'll force them to cough up every last yule they've taken from you—and then some—"

She turned sharply and began storming toward the direction the debt collectors had gone, but Sebastian's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist firmly, stopping her in her tracks.

She turned to look at him, her blazing eyes meeting his steady, emotionless gaze. His grip was firm but not forceful, and his expression was calm, almost unnervingly so. He didn't speak, but his meaning was clear.

No.

Acier stood still, her gaze softening as she studied him. Then, with an audible exhale, she pulled her hand free and turned to face him fully.

Her voice was quieter now, but her eyes burned with intensity. "Why?"

That single word held so many questions. Why are you letting this happen? Why are you letting yourself be cheated? Why are you stopping me? Why won't you stand up for yourself? Why won't you let me help you?

Sebastian regarded her for a moment before shaking his head. "It's not theft," he said quietly. "It's perfectly legal."

"What do you mean?" Acier hissed, her tone incredulous.

"Because..." Sebastian began hesitantly, locking eyes with her. "I'm not just paying back my parents' debt. I'm paying back mine, too."

Acier's eyes widened as her breath hitched.

Sebastian continued, his voice hoarse and tinged with pain. "My parents cosigned all the loans in my name."

Acier's pupils dilated as the weight of his words sank in. The world around them seemed to still, even the wind pausing in its dance.

Sebastian's voice wavered as he pressed on. "I suppose... they were afraid. Afraid that if I ever became successful—if I ever lived up to or surpassed their expectations—I'd resent them for everything they did. So they tied me to their sinking ship, ensuring I'd never escape."

His words hung heavy in the air, raw and vulnerable.

Acier's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. Her throat tightened as her friend, her unshakable, resilient friend, sounded anything but. He sounded hurt. Weak. And it made her blood boil.

She took a shaky breath and whispered, her voice trembling with restrained anger. "Your parents were terrible people."

Sebastian paused, then nodded. "Yes."

Acier's fists tightened further, her knuckles whitening as she whispered again, this time with an edge of despair. "But you won't hate them. You'll love them, and you'll hold them in your heart anyway."

Sebastian hesitated but then nodded once more. "Yes."

The admission struck Acier harder than she expected, her composure faltering as she looked up at him with watery eyes. For a moment, she said nothing.

Then, quietly, she whispered, "You're a fool, Sebastian."

Sebastian nodded, his expression calm but resolute.

Acier hesitated, biting her lip before shaking her head. "Even so, co-signing a loan without your presence or approval is still a crime—"

"I was present," Sebastian interrupted, his tone even.

Acier blinked, stunned. Sebastian explained as she stared, "The first couple of times, I didn't know what I was signing. I thought it was just a way to earn more money and get new things for my family, so I happily did as my parents told me."

Acier's breath caught as he continued, his voice steady but tinged with a quiet pain. "By the time I was eight, I understood what was happening. But I still signed. My parents' word was law, and unless I wanted a... reeducation, I obeyed."

His lips thinned as he added, "By the time I was eleven, I didn't particularly fear them anymore. But by then, I didn't care about much of anything. I just signed whenever they needed me to, so they'd leave me alone. So they'd stop bothering me."

Acier gritted her teeth, seething silently. Why didn't Alfred tell me about any of this?!

Shaking herself back into focus, she retorted, "That's irrelevant. Coercion or forcing someone to sign a loan under duress is still a crime. If we can prove you were coerced, you'll be free—"

"And how exactly do we prove that?" Sebastian interjected with a bitter chuckle. "The only people who could confirm it, the only evidence, are dead. I have no case."

Acier faltered, but her resolve didn't waver. "If I vouch for you—"

"Acier, that's meaningless." Sebastian's tone was firm, and she froze as he continued, "Your word holds no weight here. This is the national bank. Evidence is all that matters. You can't vouch for me based solely on what I say."

Even Acier's father, the Lord of House Silva, couldn't challenge the Clover Bank on a whim. The bank wasn't just a financial institution; it was the core of the nation's economy, managing the royal treasury and safeguarding the financial interests of every royal and noble house, the church, the Magic Knights, and every citizen of the Clover Kingdom.

Acier realized this, her shoulders sagging with resignation. She exhaled sharply and asked, "How much do you owe?"

Sebastian didn't answer right away. Instead, he stepped back, letting go of her wrist as his brows drew together in suspicion. "Why?"

Acier crossed her arms. "I just want to know."

Sebastian leaned forward, jabbing a finger into her chest, causing her to tense and wince. His voice was low, but his words were sharp. "Let me make one thing abundantly clear, Acier Silva."

She stiffened, parting her lips. "What?"

Sebastian bent slightly so their eyes were level, his ocean-blue gaze locking with her lavender one as he hissed, "You will not be paying back my debt. This is something I will settle on my own."

Acier froze for a moment before she exploded, her voice rising. "WHY THE HELL NOT?! DIDN'T WE JUST TALK ABOUT FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS—"

Sebastian silenced her by placing a finger to her lips, a move straight out of her own playbook. He shook his head.

"That's not the same thing, and you know it, Acier," he said firmly. "This wouldn't be you helping me. It would be me shamelessly taking advantage of you. And I won't accept that."

Acier tensed, her hands curling into fists as she hissed, "Why?! I want to help you, so just shut up and take it—"

"It might mean nothing to you," Sebastian interrupted, his voice steady but passionate. "It might be nothing more than a trivial problem you can fix on a whim. But to me? It's everything. It's bigger than life itself."

He straightened, his tone final as he declared, "And because of that, this is something I have to handle on my own. So drop it."

Acier felt a surge of frustration rise within her, so strong she almost wanted to pull her hair out. Why is he like this? She paused, staring at him before letting out a disbelieving chuckle.

"Is this about pride, you idiot? Are you too cool or above accepting help and handouts?"

Sebastian didn't flinch at her words. Instead, he shrugged with maddening indifference. "Maybe."

Acier sneered immediately, her tone sharp. "Are you an idiot? People pity and want to help those less fortunate than them. It's just that most people aren't in a position to actually do it. But you and I are! So drop your juvenile pride and accept the care I'm showing you, Sebastian."

Sebastian's lips quirked into a smug grin. "No."

A vein visibly throbbed on Acier's forehead as she narrowed her eyes. Her expression twisted into a nasty smirk. "Oh, is that so? Maybe I should just head down to the bank and settle your debt without your permission, my dear Sebastian."

Sebastian kept his infuriatingly smug grin. "Not possible, my dear Acier. You don't know my account number, and even if you did, you'd have no authority to make a payment on my behalf without my signature. I also doubt the bank—or your House—would allow Princess Acier Silva to engage in illegal or shady practices."

Acier froze for a split second, then lunged at him, tackling him to the ground. She straddled him and grabbed him by the neck, her hands tight around his throat.

"Tell me your bank number!"

Sebastian shook his head fiercely, his voice strangled. "Never!"

Acier tightened her grip, shaking him up and down as she punctuated each word. "Let. Me. Help. You. Idiot!"

Sebastian wheezed, struggling for air. "N-never! J-just... drop it!"

With a frustrated growl, Acier let go of his neck. His head hit the ground with a soft thud as they both lay there, panting, sweat rolling down their faces.

For a moment, all was silent until Acier whimpered, breaking the quiet. "Why won't you let me help you? You have nothing! You shouldn't be ashamed to take advantage of others—especially when that person wants you to take advantage of them!"

Sebastian stared up at the night sky, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. He sighed softly. "You think I don't know that?"

Acier bit her lip, her fists trembling as she lightly pounded them against his chest. "Then what's the problem?!"

"It's different," Sebastian murmured, shaking his head.

"What's different?" Acier demanded, her voice rising in exasperation.

Sebastian's gaze snapped to hers, his voice suddenly booming. "YOU'RE DIFFERENT!"

Acier froze, wide-eyed, as the words hung heavy in the air. Sebastian's expression softened as he bit his lip and looked away, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The one person I can't take advantage of is you... So please, Acier. Please, just drop it."

Her face flushed red, and she blinked rapidly, processing his words. Slowly, she stood, brushing herself off.

Sebastian stayed where he was, lying on the grass, his gaze fixed on the small shack he called home. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden clang.

A money pouch—heavy, bulging with gold—had been dropped beside him.

Sebastian's pupils dilated as realization struck. He opened his mouth to protest, but Acier's voice cut him off, soft and insistent.

"There's thirty gold in there. I know what you're going to say, but just listen to me for a moment."

Sebastian snapped his mouth shut, his jaw tightening as she continued.

"You don't have to use the money," she said gently. He stiffened, but she pressed on. "Just keep it with you. If you ever face an emergency—if you have nothing left—this can help you out of a tough spot."

Her voice softened even further. "Please?"

Sebastian's gaze lingered on the pouch. His vision blurred slightly as he blinked back an unfamiliar sting. Without moving or looking at her, he gave a small, wordless nod.

For a fleeting moment, he feared the gesture might be mistaken for a shake of his head. But then, her voice came, light and melodic.

"Thank you."

Without another word, Acier turned on her heel, mounted her broom, and shot off into the night, heading back toward Castle Silva.

Sebastian remained on the grass, staring at the starry sky.

"Why is she so good to me?" he whispered hoarsely.

Sebastian hated debt.

But for the first time, he hated it with a bitter, unfamiliar disgust—because this time, the debt was owed to someone he truly cared about.

And he knew, deep down, this was a debt he could never repay. It wasn't the kind that asked for repayment.

Sebastian hated debt.

Author's Notes:

[1] Slower, more detailed Chapter, but that's because it's essential as it holds a lot of key information and plot points that will be settled throughout the flashback. For those of you yearning for fights, don't worry there will be a few fights over this flashback, and one at a relatively high level, so that should excite you.

There will also be mystery, plots, schemes, and intrigue, just like in the present timeline, just wait for a few Chapters. Next Chapter will be a fast paced one like the one before.

[2] I bet you guys never thought it was Sebastian who actually caught feelings first, heh heh heh

[3] As always feel free to join the discord at: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar