Reborn As Papa Silva

Chapter 63: Their Story (13)

October 3rd, 1600:

The departing servants froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief as Acier strolled through the Silva estate. She was a picture of vitality, her appearance clean and healthy, her steps light as she hummed a soft, melodic tune. A faint, serene smile graced her lips as she all but skipped toward the dining room.

Their reaction was understandable. To their knowledge, Acier had been confined to her bed, a lifeless wreck, refusing visitors and shutting out her family entirely. As of two days ago, they felt it worsen further as only Hilda, Acier's loyal maid, had been permitted to enter and tend to her needs. To them, this sudden transformation seemed to come out of nowhere.

Acier's withdrawal had been deliberate. After her conversation with Sebastian, she hadn't dared leave her room the next morning. In her previous weakened state, facing her grandfather could have been disastrous if he attempted something more extreme. While she could have relied on her father's support, Acier had resolved to confront her grandfather herself, to say the words she'd wanted to for so long.

Over the past two days, she had thrown herself into secret recuperation and rehabilitation. Hilda, ever-devout, had ensured her meals were nourishing, her body clean, and her exercises carefully managed to restore her strength. By now, Acier estimated herself to be about 80 percent recovered—enough to make her stand.

She wore her most treasured item, the thought of which filled her with an inner calm and certainty. With it, she was confident she could protect what mattered most to her.

As she approached the dining room, her head held high, her expression briefly shifted to a sly smirk before she returned to her serene demeanor. With a decisive motion, she pushed open the double doors.

Inside, her family was gathered for breakfast. Her father, seated at the head of the table with his back to her, didn't turn at the sound of her entrance. He didn't need to. Nathaniel Silva recognized his daughter's mana signature as easily as his own. Few others would dare interrupt a Royal House at mealtime with such audacity.

Amara and Nicklaus, seated at Nathaniel's sides, reacted immediately. Amara gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as her eyes glistened with tears of joy. "Acier?!" she managed to whisper, overwhelmed by relief at the sight of her daughter's restored health.

Nicklaus rose abruptly, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Finally, my dear! It's about time you came to your senses!" he declared, his tone triumphant.

Nicklaus had been feeling funny these past few days, a certain weakness or ill feeling washing over him, like he lost something, but couldn't discern it for what it was.

That concern seemed to have washed away and retreated to the back of his mind, the moment his granddaughter walked in, all smiles.

At the far end of the table, Aurelia maintained her composure, her demeanor calm save for the light imperceptible sneer at her grandfather's nuance, as she took another bite of breakfast. Her father had already informed her of Acier's recovery, so the scene wasn't unexpected. Still, she couldn't resist a small, victorious grin as she glanced at her elder sister.

Acier, however, paid no attention to her mother's tears, her grandfather's exclamation, or her sister's quiet amusement. She had something more important to do, before anything.

Her gaze was fixed on her father's back as she approached, her steps steady and deliberate. Stopping behind his chair, a flicker of emotion crossed her eyes before she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, embracing him from behind.

The room went silent. Amara and Nicklaus stared in stunned disbelief, while Aurelia observed the scene with a look of silent amusement at the rare sight of their usually composed father tensing in surprise.

Acier's embrace tightened, her forehead coming to rest on his shoulder as her voice, soft and trembling, broke the silence.

"S-sorry for ever doubting you, Daddy. A-and thank you... for everything."

Amara and Nicklaus exchanged bewildered looks, unable to process what they were witnessing, while Aurelia suppressed a chuckle at the visible flush creeping up their father's usually impassive face.

Nathaniel's heart raced wildly, though he struggled to maintain his composure. After a moment, he exhaled deeply and reached up, his hand coming to rest gently on Acier's head. His voice, calm yet warm, carried through the room.

"If there's anyone you should be thanking, it's Aurelia. I only stepped in because she asked me to."

Nicklaus and Amara glanced between Nathaniel and Aurelia, who blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting her involvement to be revealed. Acier lifted her head, resting her chin on her father's shoulder as her eyes met her sister's.

"Oh? Is that so?" Acier's brow arched slightly in playful acknowledgment before she nodded.

"Well then, I suppose I owe her my thanks too."

Nathaniel barely had time to react before something warm brushed his cheek.

"Mwah."

The room froze again. Acier had kissed her father on the cheek, her voice dropping to a teasing murmur in his ear.

"That doesn't mean I can't thank you too."

Nathaniel sat as if turned to stone, his expression unreadable. Acier, clearly pleased with herself, stepped back and moved around the table. Her lively steps carried her to Aurelia, where she wrapped her arms around her younger sister from behind, catching her completely off guard.

"S-Sister?!" Aurelia squirmed in Acier's hold, her voice uncertain, but she froze as Acier leaned in to kiss her cheek as well.

"Mwah. There's your thank you, Aurelia."

Aurelia's face turned crimson as she stiffened in shock, but Acier wasn't done. She rested her chin on Aurelia's shoulder and began to dot her face with light, playful kisses, laughing softly.

"Heheheh. It's been so long since I did this—like when you were just a baby girl."

Aurelia's lips quivered, and she tried in vain to break free. "S-Sister, please, let me go! Conduct yourself with—" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Mwah."

Acier silenced her with another kiss and continued to tease her, thoroughly enjoying the moment. She paid no attention to Amara and Nicklaus, who were watching with expressions torn between amusement and disbelief. For nearly five minutes, Acier kept at it, ruffling Aurelia's hair and relishing her reactions, until Nathaniel finally spoke up.

His voice cut through the playful chaos as he lightly knocked on the dining table with his fist.

"Acier, let your sister go."

Acier paused, pouting slightly as she considered her father's words. Glancing at Aurelia's dazed expression, she decided she'd had enough fun for now. She released her sister, though she remained behind her, resting her hands on Aurelia's shoulders.

Aurelia sat frozen, still recovering from the onslaught.

Nathaniel sighed, rubbing his temples in weary resignation. This girl... He shook his head before addressing her.

"Have you had breakfast yet, or will you be joining us?"

Acier's expression brightened. "Naturally, I'm here to eat with my family."

Nathaniel nodded curtly before Nicklaus snapped back into focus, gesturing to the empty seat on his right.

"Splendid, simply splendid, my dear. Now come sit—"

He abruptly stopped as Acier, without a word, reached over the table to grab her plate and glass. She then walked around and took a seat on her sister's left.

Aurelia blinked, her focus sharpening at her sister's actions. Her gaze shifted between Acier and Nicklaus, her mouth opening as if to speak before she hesitated, her expression faltering into a slight grimace. She opted for silence.

Amara gaped, clearly just as shocked, while Nicklaus shook his head and forced a weak smile.

"W-what are you doing, my dear? I understand if you're still upset, but holding a grudge for so long is a bit much—"

"Can you shut your mouth?"

The room froze. Acier's sharp tone cut through the air as she scrunched her nose, but she didn't stop there. Pinching her nose as if catching an unpleasant stench, she sneered.

"Can you stop calling me 'my dear'? I'm your granddaughter, not your wife. It's disgusting. Please learn your place and give me some space."

Aurelia barely suppressed a whistle and inwardly cheered. You tell him, Sister! Enough is enough!

The light in Nicklaus' eyes dimmed, a flicker of pain reminiscent of another time. In his mind, it wasn't Acier speaking but an older woman who resembled her—someone from his past, performing the same dismissive gesture. His frail frame trembled as his forced smile cracked.

"W-what a-are you talking about, my de—Acier? I-I'm your—"

"You're my grandfather." Acier's words were icy as she interrupted again, her expression darkening. "Not my father, and certainly not my..."

She stopped, the thought of what he sometimes confused her for making her stomach churn. It took her a moment to regain composure, though her appetite was gone before she'd even begun to eat.

"Let me make this clear so there's no more confusion. My life is mine. It's not yours to control or guide as you please. If you can't respect that, then frankly, I don't want you in it anymore."

She paused, then added with finality, "And don't touch me again. It makes my skin crawl."

Nicklaus' heart, barely mended from previous wounds during her dance, shattered all over again. His knees buckled, and he slumped backward into his chair.

Nathaniel glanced at him before resuming his meal, biting into his crumpet with indifference.

What a pathetic man you are, Father. What a pathetic man.

Amara, struggling to process the scene, finally opened her mouth to speak.

"Acier—"

The Silva Matriarch's words faltered as Nathaniel's scathing remark from days prior echoed in her mind: You are so overwhelmingly hideous right now, I can't even bear to look at you.

Acier raised an eyebrow at her. "Yes, Mother?"

Amara froze, her lips trembling before she abruptly shook her head. "N-no, it's nothing."

She stiffly leaned back in her chair, her appetite now gone as she prodded her food with her fork.

A faint glint of satisfaction flickered in Nathaniel's eyes as he continued eating.

The room fell into tense silence, the only sounds the soft clink of cutlery against plates and Nicklaus' hoarse breathing.

Aurelia fidgeted, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer.

She nudged her sister's shoulder lightly, drawing everyone's attention except Nicklaus', as she gestured toward Acier's left hand.

"U-um, Sister, w-what is that... if you don't mind me asking?"

All eyes turned toward the direction Aurelia pointed, and everyone froze. They had just now noticed it—Acier was wearing a ring on her left hand, the hand reserved for betrothal and marriage.

Acier glanced at her hand before lifting it, tilting it slightly so everyone could see. She shook her hand lightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, this? Just a little thing my dear Sebastian gave me."

They froze as a dreamy look and a faint blush graced the elder princess' face.

"Seems like my dear Sebastian wants to be more than just friends."

The others gaped as Acier twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers, her smile softening. With a playful shrug, she added in mock helplessness, "And what's a little old selfless maiden like me supposed to do when he's on his knees, asking for my hand so earnestly? I could only say yes and give it to him."

She sighed theatrically. "Honestly, I'm a bit too magnanimous, don't you think?"

Amara's lips quivered as she stammered in shock, her hand twitching as if she might reach out to rip the ring off her daughter's finger. But then she froze again.

In her mind, her daughter's cheerful smile was replaced with a lifeless expression. She saw Acier as a doll, dressed up but devoid of color or vitality. Fragmented images played out: every time she had taken something her daughter treasured in the name of "safety" or "honor," that same void had grown deeper.

Amara bit her lip and forced herself to speak calmly. "So, honey, you and... Sebastian have rekindled your relationship?"

Acier nodded brightly. "That and so much more!"

Placing her left hand over her chest, she jested teasingly, "Don't be too surprised if you suddenly find yourself a grandmother, alright!"

Amara faltered at the pointed smugness in her daughter's tone, catching her off guard for a moment before she managed a shaky smile.

"I-I'll keep that in mind, darling."

She quickly returned to eating, silently processing her thoughts.

Aurelia and Nathaniel, still blinking in disbelief, didn't know how to respond. But Acier wasn't done stirring the pot.

"This is all thanks to the two of you, so I'll give either of you the honor of naming our first child. You'd better start thinking of names now—you never know when my and Sebastian's love will fully bloom!"

Aurelia gaped. What have I done?!

Nathaniel, however, remained composed. He gave a curt nod, though his jaw clenched almost imperceptibly. A moment later, he let out a resigned sigh.

So be it... at least this means that boy is serious and committed to my daughter.

As for Acier's crude jokes about becoming a teen mom, Nathaniel dismissed them entirely. She's just teasing. She doesn't mean anything of the sort.

He felt confident in his assessment. And even if she did mean it, Sebastian was level-headed enough not to let such a thing happen.

A moment later, Nathaniel's gaze shifted to his right. He saw his father sitting upright in his chair again, his expression dark and utterly devoid of affection.

Acier met Nicklaus' stare with indifference, her composure unshaken.

Meanwhile, Aurelia and Amara stiffened, trembling as an uncomfortable silence settled over the room.

Nicklaus spoke emotionlessly and to the point. "Acier, did you really just defy my warnings? Do you not care what happens to that bastard?"

Acier's face darkened as she sneered. "The only bastard here is you, you sick, psychopathic murderer."

Aurelia and Amara stiffened, confusion flashing across their faces. The "psychopathic" part in Acier's words didn't seem uncalled for in their view, but the "murderer" portion left them bewildered.

To their knowledge, Sebastian was alive—that much they were certain of. So why was she calling Nicklaus a murderer?

Neither Amara nor Aurelia had been clued in on Nicklaus' deranged plot. Nor would they ever be.

Nicklaus showed no visible offense to Acier's words. Instead, he clenched his fist, his nails digging into his palm as he sneered coldly.

"Your mother was right. We've spoiled you rotten for so many years, and because of that, you've forgotten your place."

Amara ground her teeth subtly, helplessness and a comical exasperation washing over her. Don't bring me into this... I have nothing to do with whatever this is!

Acier sneered. "Spoiled? Spoiled?! You call treating me like a house pet and a doll spoiling?! Where do you find the gall, you barbaric, inhuman, self-righteous wretch?!"

A vein bulged in Nicklaus' forehead as he gripped the edge of the ancient dining table that had been in the family for generations. His nails dug into the polished wood.

Before the table could splinter beneath his grip, everyone stiffened as a suffocating presence engulfed the room.

Their heads turned toward Nathaniel, whose seated figure radiated raw mana. The energy coalesced into the illusionary form of a Silver Eagle before dissipating a moment later.

Nathaniel looked to his left, speaking softly. "The three of you leave. I need to have a conversation with my father."

He then turned his gaze to his right, locking eyes with Nicklaus. Matching his father's icy glare, he sneered.

"It's about time I did."

Acier wasn't the only one with choice words for Nicklaus. Whatever grievances she harbored paled in comparison to the decades of frustration Nathaniel had endured, living more than fifty years under the man's shadow.

Acier glanced at her father, then shot a cold look at her grandfather before smiling faintly. She tapped Aurelia on the shoulder, startling her as she grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet.

"Fine by me. Come with me, Aurelia—I need your help with something."

"A-ah?!" Aurelia yelped, startled but not resisting the pull. She nodded, confused. "O-okay."

Acier pushed open the twin doors, leading her younger sister out. As the doors closed behind them, Amara slowly stood up, shooting her husband a nervous glance.

Nathaniel gave her a curt nod. Taking the cue, Amara dipped her head and hurried away.

The sound of the expansive doors opening and closing once again signaled the change in atmosphere.

Now, all that remained were the father and son, locked in a silent battle of wills, their eyes shooting invisible daggers at each other.

Nicklaus drew in a steadying breath, his composure regaining as he tilted his head slightly. "Nathaniel, what is this about? Are you truly willing to risk everything we've worked for over a fleeting whim of that child?"

When Nathaniel didn't answer right away, Nicklaus tightened his grip on the table. "She's a young girl, driven by her fleeting emotions and impulses. Being deceived by hormones and carnal desires. She doesn't understand what she truly needs or what's best for her!"

"We've arranged to give her the throne, the kingdom—how could some passing summer romance compare to that?"

"Father." Nathaniel interrupted coolly. "Let's put aside the fact that I had no part in your actions. But I won't waste time defending myself, as a mere bystander, letting you do as you wish without objection, I also share in this guilt."

"So let's entertain the idea that there is a 'we'," Nathaniel continued. "What exactly was it that we hoped to achieve with all of this chaos and manipulation? With all these schemes and plots?"

Nicklaus narrowed his eyes, irritated. "What nonsense are you spouting now, Nathaniel? We're securing her position as queen!"

"To do what, Father?!" Nathaniel slammed his fists onto the table, sending the silverware briefly into the air before it clattered down again. He leaned forward, poking a finger into Nicklaus' chest, stunning the elderly man. "What does that give her, what does it accomplish for Acier?"

"Happiness, of course!" Nicklaus cut him off with unwavering certainty, as though it were the most obvious response.

"Happiness, you say?" Nathaniel's voice was sharp with skepticism. "Well, let me ask you this, Father. Have you ever seen her happier, more radiant, or more content than when she was with that boy? When she danced with him?"

Nicklaus grimaced, recalling the way she had smiled at him, the reports he'd received detailing their moments together. His jaw tightened, and he inclined his head in reluctant acknowledgment. "No, I haven't."

Nathaniel wasn't appeased, raising an eyebrow in impatience. "But?"

Nicklaus nodded again, more stiffly this time. "But that happiness is fleeting. The human heart is unpredictable, and I won't gamble with her smile based on one boy who might hurt her or whom she might grow tired of."

Nicklaus jabbed a finger at Nathaniel, who remained impassive as his father continued.

"That's why I'll elevate her to the highest position, so no one will dare to cheat her, and even if she grows bored of one thing, she'll have the power to move on, to play with others, until her life fades."

Nicklaus paused and added, "Materialistic love and happiness are still love and happiness."

Nathaniel's anger flared, his vein bulging in fury. "What kind of shallow person do you think my daughter is?!"

Nicklaus snorted dismissively. "It's the reality of humanity. We romanticize love and happiness, but like anything else we desire, we eventually grow tired of it."

Nicklaus muttered under his breath, "It's not like I'm singling out Acier; this is true for all humans."

Nathaniel clenched his fist, hissing, "Then won't she tire of being Queen?"

Nicklaus waved him off dismissively. "Preposterous. It might bring her some burdens, yes, but all that limitless power will overshadow them!"

Nathaniel rapped his knuckles against the table. "What that girl desires most is freedom—freedom to love, to be loved, to express herself, and to soar! The throne will strip all that away. Without freedom, there's no happiness!"

Nicklaus shook his head firmly. "That's not true."

"It is," Nathaniel said, nodding. "At least for her."

Nicklaus paused, his mouth opening to argue, but Nathaniel leaned forward, cutting him off. "Father, just because your love didn't work out doesn't mean it'll be the same for others—"

"NEVER BRING UP MY WIFE AGAIN, BOY!" Nicklaus roared, grabbing Nathaniel by the collar, his furious stare locking with Nathaniel's cold, unyielding gaze.

"Then stop using my daughter as a gateway to soothe your guilt over Mother," Nathaniel snapped.

Nicklaus froze, trembling as cold sweat broke out on his brow. Slowly, he released Nathaniel and slumped back into his seat, his hands trembling as they covered his face.

Nathaniel watched indifferently as the older man sat there, visibly struggling, his chest heaving due to the metaphorical lid suppressing decades of pitiful emotions starting to crack open. After a moment, Nicklaus dropped his arms, his bloodshot eyes locking onto his son as he gritted his teeth.

"If that girl truly loves that boy... then she can have him," Nicklaus said, his voice cracking. "But not now. Not until she's Queen—"

"Not possible," Nathaniel interrupted curtly, shaking his head. "You were right about human nature being ever-changing. A lot can happen in three years—three harsh years of her being tormented and stripped of all she loves and holds dear. Tell me, Father, what do you think my daughter will become after three years of this?"

Nicklaus's lips pressed into a thin line, but Nathaniel pressed on. "She nearly starved herself to death mere hours after cutting ties with that boy. Do you think she'll survive three years apart? If she does, it won't be as anything but a doll—"

"That won't happen!" Nicklaus barked, shaking his head. "Lux won't harm her. The plan hasn't changed—once he takes the throne, I'll rid this world of him. With no other heirs, as all his brothers will perish in the succession war, the royal family will have no choice but to make Acier Queen Regent. The Kira's will be done, and she will become the one true ruler, ensuring generations of Silva rule, glory, and happiness for our House!"

And when she does become Queen, if she still fancy's that lowborn then she can make him her King Consort, plaything, or whatever it is she desires. Nicklaus narrowed his eyes in thought.

Nathaniel sneered. "Not harm her? And what about my daughter being Lux's plaything in the meantime? Losing her innocence to him in the bedroom on their wedding night? And if that bastard gets her pregnant, the Kira's will have a claim to the child over the Silvas."

Nicklaus waved him off. "I'll handle it. I made it clear to Lux—the deal is he doesn't touch Acier until he fulfills his side of the terms and takes the throne. They'll marry before then to divert suspicion, but he'll meet with an unfortunate accident on the day of his coronation!"

"Do you think he's a fool?" Nathaniel shot back. "Do you think the Kira's and Vermillion's will just look the other way? Acier will be the prime suspect. Even if she somehow becomes Queen Regent, she'll face a lifetime of shame and scorn. That kind of life would destroy her! In her already broken state, she wouldn't survive it—"

"Yes, she can!" Nicklaus crossed his arms defiantly. "Acier is strong. She can handle it—"

"WOULD YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Nathaniel thundered.

Nicklaus stiffened, shocked by the tone. His son had never spoken to him like this.

"STRONG? STRONG?! YES, MY DAUGHTER IS STRONG—INCREDIBLY SO—AND SOMETIMES I WISH SHE WASN'T!"

Nicklaus's mouth parted in confusion, but Nathaniel didn't wait for a response.

"My daughter's soul and willpower are so resilient, so unyielding, that you and my wife shamelessly use that against her—like you've done for years!"

Nicklaus froze, trembling as Nathaniel leaned in and grabbed him by the collar, yanking him closer before spitting in his face.

"Do you think anyone else could have survived the abuse you two called 'love' if they were in her place?!" Nathaniel's voice cracked with fury. "If Acier wasn't who she is, you would've found her hanging from a noose on the ceiling long ago—and you know it! That's why, when she gives you even an inch of leeway, you take a mile. You keep encroaching on her freedoms, disguising your disgusting actions as love and care!"

Nicklaus's pupils dilated as Nathaniel's hands began to tremble. A pit formed in his stomach as he saw the moisture building in his son's eyes. Nathaniel's voice faltered but pushed through.

"And not just that." Nathaniel's tone dropped, venomous and raw. "Through your shameless, manipulative, deceitful actions, you dragged my wife into your twisted games. You cornered my daughter from both sides!"

"You stole my Amara!" Nathaniel's voice broke as he choked back a sob. "You poisoned her—turned my wife against my daughter! You fed off her insecurities and twisted her concern for Acier's health, her station, and her wellbeing until she became your accomplice. You used her to oppress our child, turning Acier into your glorified, self-serving slave!"

"You used the skills of a politician against your own family. Do you have any idea how morally depraved that is?!"

Nicklaus's eyes filled with tears, but Nathaniel wasn't finished.

"You tore my family apart, and I looked away for so damn long!" Nathaniel's voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. Nicklaus went pale, his own breath hitching as Nathaniel bit his lip, his words hoarse with fury.

"I loathe you. I pity my wife. And I hate myself!" Nathaniel's voice rose, trembling with emotion. "But because of that—because of that—I will not look away any longer! My daughters are my pride, and I will ensure they have their happiness!"

With a surge of strength, Nathaniel shoved Nicklaus back into his seat and fixed him with a steely glare.

"You are those girls' grandfather—or no, you're not worthy of that title. Aurelia is practically nonexistent to you, and Acier? She's just an object—a tool for you to satisfy your regrets."

Nicklaus clutched his chest, the ache within stretching wider. His limbs grew numb, his head light and dizzy as Nathaniel continued.

"If you still want to be there for them, let me explain something. The role of a grandfather is simple," Nathaniel said coldly. "Spoil your grandchildren. Buy them presents and gifts. Provide them company or advice when they ask for it. And wish them luck. That's it. You have no right to interfere in their lives unless they ask you to!"

Nicklaus barely processed the words as they came, the strange ache in his chest and weakness he was feeling returning in droves, causing Nathaniel's voice to come out as slurred to him.

Whether he registered his father's ill state or not, Nathaniel pressed on.

"I don't care about your regrets or sorrows any longer," Nathaniel said, his voice sharp and resolute. "I'm done giving you a pass because you're my father. I've stripped you of all your power. The influence and authority you've wielded in this house—at my blessing—are no longer yours!"

Nicklaus's eyes widened, his whitening gaze betraying the shock he felt. But Nathaniel wasn't finished.

"I've also taken away your magical might. Your grimoire is sealed. Even if you wanted to harm that boy, you no longer have the power to do so."

Nicklaus froze. The words hit him like a blade, their meaning sinking in as his eyes turned completely white. He finally understood the strange sensation that had overtaken him. His mana was still there, but without his grimoire, without his magic and spells to manipulate it, it was pretty much nonexistent, in a dormant state.

The loss was devastating. His aging body, dependent on mana after years of grueling battles and countless scars, now felt hollow and foreign. Deprived of the magic he had relied upon for decades, his very essence seemed stripped away.

And not just his physique, but his soul and willpower seemed to take a nosedive as well.

Nathaniel saw his father faltering, his state slipping further into weakness. But he didn't soften. His voice grew colder as he delivered the final blow.

"Dad... I love you. I really do. That's why I've let you get away with so much for so long. But you've broken and battered my baby girl far too many times. I can't take it anymore."

Nathaniel's gaze hardened, his words sharp as steel. "You're an extreme man, so let me make this abundantly clear: it's time to give up. This house will have nothing more to do with Lux or the succession war. And if you try anything..." His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Then I will kill you."

Nicklaus stumbled back, his chair clattering to the floor as he fell to his knees. His hands clutched at his chest and throat, his breath hitching in pain.

Nathaniel bit his lip until it bled, forcing himself to watch as his father writhed. His heart screamed at him to stop, but he steeled himself, he will not stay silent nor look away any longer.

"We're done here," he said coldly.

Nicklaus Silva's body betrayed him. Foam bubbled at his mouth as his eyes rolled back into his head. He collapsed onto his side, twitching violently like a marionette with its strings severed.

For a long moment, Nathaniel stood frozen, his expression unreadable. His hands moved to his head, running through his hair in frustration. He looked up at the grand chandelier hanging above, exhaling a heavy sigh of resignation.

A son's love for his father... it's a tangled mess of admiration, respect, the need to make him proud, and a relentless pull of nostalgia.

And with nostalgia, comes sentimentality, and with sentimentality comes the inability to let go or look away.

Nathaniel closed his eyes briefly before kneeling by his father's side. His voice boomed through the estate, commanding and urgent.

"PENNYWORTH, GET A DOCTOR IN HERE!"

The dining room's twin doors burst open as servants rushed in, their faces pale with alarm. They hurried to the fallen master's side, their frantic movements breaking the suffocating silence.

Nathaniel stood, watching the chaos unfold around him. His jaw clenched tightly, but he had no guilt or regret, he was done letting anyone play with his family.

—

Acier and Aurelia sat together in their private study, the room quiet except for the faint rustle of fabric and the occasional clink of the tools they had gathered. Hilda, their maid, stood by unobtrusively, ready to assist if needed but otherwise fading into the background.

Aurelia's gaze wandered to the carefully arranged stack of wooden boards, planks, pens, inkpots, brushes, and paints. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she finally asked, "What is all this, Sister? What are you trying to do?"

Acier tilted her head, narrowing her eyes with a touch of irritation. "As you probably know, Sebastian's clinic was trashed—thanks to dear Grandfather," she said, her voice dripping with venom. Aurelia flinched at the tone but nodded, remembering the state of Sebastian's stall from her secret visit to Kika. She couldn't say how it had looked before, but it was obvious the damage ran deep.

Acier mirrored her nod and then softened, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she fidgeted with her hair. "Well... he used to have a colorful sign for his stall to attract customers. That got destroyed too. I talked to him about it over our transponders..."

Aurelia blinked, her thoughts momentarily derailed. They've been talking through magic tools? How long has this been going on? She quickly snapped back to attention as Acier continued, her voice quieter now.

"Anyway, I want to make him a new sign. You've always been better at this sort of thing than I am, so... I was hoping you'd help me."

Aurelia smiled and reached for the tools. "No problem, Sister. I'll be glad to—"

She froze when Acier grabbed her wrist, her elder sister's face turning an even deeper shade of pink as she lowered her gaze.

"When I say help," Acier murmured, "I mean advice... maybe some pointers and inspiration. I want to make the sign for him... myself."

Aurelia gaped at her, then slowly pulled her hand back. "O-okay..."

An awkward silence settled over the room, broken only by the sound of shifting fabric as the two princesses squirmed in their seats. Hilda, standing in the corner, hid her amusement well.

Finally, Aurelia cleared her throat. "S-Sister, c-can I ask you something?"

Acier raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Sure. What's bothering my cute little Aurelia?"

The younger princess blushed and fidgeted before managing to stammer, "A-are you and S-Sebastian... r-really like..."

"Like what?" Acier asked, her tone deliberately coy.

Aurelia avoided her gaze and mumbled, "L-like together. L-like together together. L-like h-husband and..."

Acier froze for a moment, then glanced at her left hand. Her sly smile returned. "Nothing official, obviously. But yeah, pretty much."

Hilda stiffened in the corner, lowering her gaze and pretending not to exist.

Aurelia's eyes widened as she processed her sister's serious expression. Oh, she's serious... She fidgeted again, biting her lip. "S-so, do I have to call him B-Brother when I see him?"

Acier blinked, then remembered a particular moment—Sebastian's mortified expression when she addressed him as "Uncle" to Mereoleona. She could already imagine his flustered reaction if Aurelia called him "Brother," not to mention the looks of outrage on their mother's and grandfather's faces.

Schooling her features into a serious expression, Acier patted Aurelia's shoulder. "It's only polite if you do. I want my husband and sister to get along."

Aurelia hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."

Another pause stretched between them before Acier scratched her head. "Is there anything else or...?"

"O-oh, yes," Aurelia blurted, her face turning redder as she avoided Acier's gaze. "A-am I r-really going to be an Auntie—ow!"

She winced, rubbing her forehead where Acier had flicked it. Her elder sister's expression was dark, and she was already prepping another flick.

"Aurelia, I'm only fourteen. Get your mind out of the gutter."

Aurelia nodded hastily, and Acier sighed, though her racing heart and flushed neck betrayed her embarrassment. She stiffly pointed at the tools in front of them. "Let's begin, shall we?"

"Of course, Sister," Aurelia replied, her voice small but eager.

Author's Notes:

[1] Originally this Chapter would be longer, with Acier presenting the sign to Sebastian and whatnot, including their reunion, but I fucking her my arm and fingers, doing something, and I can't type any more

[2] Web Novel yearly report got in, so let's do some call outs!

Longest Writing Streak - 21 Days

Top Commenter, WebReader5749 with 1.1k comments (honestly bro get a life, the next guy only has 292)

Top Comment from FlyingSnowFox with 187 hears: "Most people in the room from medieval times hearing about rockets"

Most Devoted Fan, LeafPanda - 218 fanvalue

BiggestSupporter LeafPanda - 213 Power Stones

[3] Thank you to all who've supported me since October or whenever it was I started this story, on all platforms fanfiction and archiveofourown included. Oh I suppose I should stay thankyou to Novelbin because someone cross posted this story as well, so if there's any readers seeing this message on Novelbin, thank you for existing.

See you next time. All Praise the Fool!

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