Chapter 15: Daughter or Daughter-in-law?

Chapter 15: Daughter or Daughter-in-law?

The bright sun shone over the cloudless sky, casting its warm shine over Castle Silva. At the edge of the estate, in Acier's private villa, the sunlight filtered into her room through the expansive Victorian windows.

The room was silent, like crickets, not even a gentle breeze to rustle the curtains. Nozel like usual sat at his mother's bedside, his Silver Hair glowing bright, as he sat in the spotlight, cradling his baby sister, in his arms.

Despite the calm and pleasant scene, the boy's mind was anything but at ease.

"Where is he?" Nozel murmured softly, breaking the still silence, his voice was barely a whisper, but his tone was tinged with a mix of frustration and anxiety, highlighting his growing impatience.

His gaze flickered to his mother, just yesterday he felt like he walked in to see a miracle, with his mother up and about, talking to him, without any sign of sickness or frailty. However, that joy was short-lived, in large part due to his father's complete absence yesterday, returning her to a weak state. Not nearly as weak as before, mind you, but it was an unpleasant feeling for him to watch his mother return to a sickly state, after just showing signs of getting better.

Nozel knew he should be used to his father's absence, that man was barely a stranger in his life, yet for some reason he let himself believe that seeing him two days in a row, was a sign of change. A new normal. Where a child would see his father every day, a father trying to be part of his children's lives, a husband being there for his wife.

It wasn't asking for much, but it seemed just like always Sebastian Silva, had let him down. Nozel couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed.

Acier sitting up on her bed, turned her tired eyes, to her son, despite her clear exhaustion she held Nozel's gaze, and demanded his attention.

"Your father left two nights ago," Acier said softly, her voice calm but weak. "He mentioned something about needing to go to Hage... it's a fair distance from here. He seemed in a rush." She paused for a moment, her eyes clouding with thought. "Don't be surprised if he's late getting back."

Nozel's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's almost ten," he replied tersely, shifting Noelle in his arms as his irritation grew. "We don't have time for him to be gallivanting across the countryside. The appointment is soon, and the Agrippas and Fausts will be here any moment."

He stood up, the tension in his shoulders visible as he paced by the side of the bed. "Father has to return and set up the barrier. We can't risk being exposed, especially not with everything that's going on." His voice took on a sharper edge as he turned to face his mother. "I don't care what reason he has. You should be his first priority, Mother."

Acier watched her eldest son, spiral into a mess of anxiety, she furrowed her brows, and opened her mouth to speak in an effort to calm him. "Nozel..." she began, but he cut her off.

"I didn't dare to let the Fausts in yesterday, without his presence. With Mereoleona, out and about, we have no protection if Draven and his wife dare to do something. Although father is no warrior, the Fausts at least take him seriously, and won't try anything stupid in front of him."

Whereas they utterly disregard me. Nozel tightened his hold on Noelle, before continuing.

"His absence caused us to miss both appointments yesterday. Forget treating your 'situation', you couldn't even get your daily healing session," Nozel snapped, his eyes narrowing. "We can't afford to keep waiting on him. He has to get here now."

Acier sighed, her chest rising and falling with the slow, deliberate breath of someone who has experienced the vicissitudes of life. "I don't know why he left so suddenly, Nozel," she admitted, her voice softer now, almost resigned. "But I'm confident it has something to do with... us."

Nozel stopped pacing, and turned to her, his brows knitting together, trying to understand where this blind faith comes from. He then paused, recalling the scene two days ago, where Father sent Alfred away to see some task 2, to address an issue Draven brought up.

Just like his father, the head butler has also been behaving quite uncharacteristically these past few days. Nozel is no noisy person, although nobles love to spread rumors and gossip, he knows from his etiquette lessons that such actions are unbecoming of royalty. However, Nozel can't help his curiosity, when it comes to the life of one of his most precious people.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, thinking back to the past few days. "Alfred's been acting strange," he muttered, half to himself. "I overheard some of the staff talking. Apparently, he left the estate a few minutes after returning last night. He's been running around like a madman for days now. Barely spends any time here anymore, and Jeeves has been handling everything in his place."[1]

Acier's eyes widened slightly at this, but she said nothing, allowing Nozel to continue his tirade.

"No one dares ask Alfred what he's up to. Not even the staff." Nozel's tone turned bitter. "Only Father or you have the authority to question him, and now the entire household is growing suspicious." He paused, recalling another detail. "Jeeves put a lockdown on rumors, and threatened everyone's jobs if they let a word slip outside the estate."

Acier chuckled softly, though it was laced with exhaustion. "Jeeves is very reliable, he's Alfred's assistant, and future successor for a reason. You don't have to worry of word getting out with him on the watch."

"It worked," Nozel admitted with a short nod. "Everyone's kept quiet, but it's not enough. Even I tried asking Jeeves if he knew what was going on, and he denied knowing anything. He didn't seem like he was outright lying... but his face... it was too calm. He's hiding something. They are hiding something."

Nozel returned to his, seat, with Noelle placed securely in his lap. He ran a hand through his silver hair in frustration. Growing tired of being left in the dark, despite being one of the main parties involved in this whole mess. You would think if there was anyone his father would confide in it would be him and his mother, but it appears that man finds the butlers more trustworthy than his family.

"It's like Father and Alfred are playing some secret game with one another, refusing to let anyone else join in. The last I recalled, Alfred wasn't so fond of Father, his loyalty was to you, and you alone, so why has he not told you?!" Nozel's question was more a demand, he was close to losing it but held himself back to not startle Noelle.

"Because I never asked."

Nozel snapped his head up and studied his mother in bewilderment. "You...never asked?" He reiterated those words in utter disbelief, finding them ludicrous.

But his mother's light nod was all he got in return, a clear sign that he hadn't misheard.

Without waiting for his response, Acier locked her son's gaze with hers once more. "As you said before, as the matriarch of House Silva, it is in my right to question Alfred, and he wouldn't hold the truth back from me."

"So... why haven't you?" Nozel had to restrain himself from spitting out those words, the one person he'll never treat with disrespect in this life is his mother.

"Because I trust your father." Acier shrugged and said those words, casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "If he wanted me or you to know, he would've just been forthright about it. It's clear he wants to handle this himself and keep it in between him and Alfred, so we should respect that."

"Why... mother?" Nozel needed an answer, any answer. Where does this blind faith come from woman?! Nozel was tempted to drag in some mages from House Francois and have them poke around his mother's memory to see if his father had cast some hypnosis spell or something on her.

You would think his mother would learn from 16 years of a failed marriage to at least raise her guard and be more skeptical of the man. But these past few days she's been acting utterly bewitched by his father, following his lead without the slightest hint of hesitance.

His mother gave him a soft smile, that shone bright over her sickly visage. "Your father is no magic knight Nozel, he's an aristocrat a politician?"

And what does that have to do with anything? Politicians are the least trustworthy people of them all!

As if reading her son's thoughts her smile grew fonder, and she let out a sly chuckle. "It's because of that he's much more equipped to handle back door deals, and keeping things on the down-low. Whatever he and Alfred are doing, it's very sensitive, and the easiest way for their actions to be exposed is by expanding the social circle."

Taking a slight pause, to catch her breath, Acier continued. "Have you forgotten that your father is the Patriarch of Hose Silva, the head of a royal family? And Alfred the head butler, which makes his status above most nobles, even many royals have to show him respect. The two of them rarely dirty their hands, always ordering someone to do things for them. If they are running around the Kingdom to complete a task themselves, it's very important."

"Not telling us what they're doing is also a way to protect us. So just trust your father Nozel. He cares for us in his own way. Whatever he's doing, it's for our sake," she finished softly.

Nozel just let out a sigh of resignation, ever since his father had shown up three days ago, it felt like a gap opened up in his relationship with his mother. Whatever tacit understanding they had for each other, seemed to go down the drain whenever it came to his father. Nozel has really struggled to try to get back on the same wavelength as Acier.

Sometimes, he wonders if they're even talking about the same man. Honestly, what has his father done to inspire so much trust from his mother?

Noelle began to stir lightly in Nozel's arms, her small body wriggling as her eyelids fluttered. Nozel, distracted from his growing frustration, looked down at his baby sister and smiled fondly. It was a rare softness, one reserved only for moments like this, when the burdens of the world could momentarily fade. He gently adjusted her, the warmth of her tiny form grounding him in the present.

Acier, noticing her youngest child waking, reached out with arms that trembled faintly but were much steadier than they had been in days. "Let me hold her, Nozel," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with yearning.

With careful precision, Nozel slowly transferred Noelle into his mother's embrace. He watched as Acier cradled her, her fingers brushing gently over Noelle's rosy cheeks. Despite her weakness, Acier smiled, a tender, almost ethereal smile, and began to coo softly at the baby, eliciting soft giggles from Noelle. Just two days ago, she hadn't been strong enough to hold even a spoon, but now, here she was, rocking her daughter, her strength seemingly returning, if only for this fleeting moment.

Nozel's chest tightened with conflicting emotions as he observed them. His heart ached with warmth at the sight of his mother and sister, but his mind was still tangled in knots over his father's absence. Even if Sebastian was keeping secrets, even if Nozel despised him for all the years of neglect, if he could somehow make moments like this possible, allowing his mother to feel this brief happiness, then perhaps—just perhaps—Nozel could forgive him. Maybe not entirely, but enough to let go of the bitter resentment that had built up over the past sixteen years.

The peaceful scene was interrupted by a knock at the door. Nozel immediately stiffened, his body tensing as his eyes darted toward the entrance. Acier, too, went rigid, her arms instinctively tightening around Noelle. She was just about to hand Noelle back to Nozel and slip back into the facade of frailty she maintained for the household when a familiar voice called out from behind the door.

"It's me. May I come in?"

Relief washed over both Nozel and Acier. The tension melted from their bodies, and Acier remained cradling Noelle. It was Sebastian. They exchanged a glance, knowing it was safe, though Acier couldn't respond verbally—her illness was supposed to be too severe for her to speak much, and any nearby maids or butlers might overhear. Nozel took a deep breath and answered instead.

"Enter."

The door opened slowly, and Sebastian slipped inside, moving with regal poise and grace like he was the rightful heir of House Silva. Whereas Acier's usual softness and laid-back attitude would confuse those who don't know better, and think she was the one who married in. He closed the door behind him carefully, his eyes sweeping over the scene with a moment of fondness as he took in the sight of Noelle nestled in Acier's arms.

"My apologies for my tardiness," Sebastian said, his voice low but sincere. "And for my absence yesterday."

Acier smiled at her husband, her eyes softening despite everything. "It's fine," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. She paused for a moment before adding, "Did you... find what you were looking for?"

Sebastian's expression shifted into a quiet smile, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly. "I did," he replied softly, his eyes meeting hers. "I found her."

Her? Nozel and Acier exchanged bewildered glances, this whole time they thought Sebastian was searching for something, not someone.

Without warning, a cloud of swirling colors—pink, lavender, and shimmering hues—materialized beside Sebastian. The air seemed to ripple, and from the vortex, a small figure was spat out onto the floor. Nozel's eyes widened in shock.

A young girl—perhaps fifteen, with a petite frame and an impish expression—now stood before them. She had tousled purple hair, a cheeky smile, and an air of mischief about her.

Nozel abruptly shot to his feet, his royal composure cracking as he demanded, "Who is this? What is the meaning of this intrusion?" His voice was sharp, his tone laced with authority and confusion.

Acier, equally stunned by the sudden appearance of the girl, frowned at her son's outburst. Despite her own shock, she couldn't abide Nozel shouting in front of a child, no matter how unexpected the situation was. She glanced down at Noelle, whose face scrunched up in distress at the sudden loud noise. Noelle's lip quivered, and within seconds, she let out a wail, her tiny voice piercing the room.

Acier immediately began rocking Noelle gently, shushing her softly as she tried to soothe her back to sleep. Nozel, feeling the weight of his guilt, glanced at his sister with regret. He lowered his gaze and clenched his fists, then turned back to the girl, his tone calmer, though his face remained composed with regal indifference.

"I apologize for my... tone," Nozel said, his words clipped but respectful. "Whoever you are, it was not my intention to frighten you."

The girl simply smirked, unfazed by the situation, and flashed a playful peace sign. "No biggie," she said with a lighthearted shrug, as though it was all a casual misunderstanding.

Nozel blinked, momentarily thrown off by her carefree attitude. Acier, though still recovering from the shock, couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief at the girl's nonchalance. It was almost refreshing, in a way.

Sebastian, however, didn't fall for Dorothy's chipper attitude. He knew her well enough to know when it was genuine and when it was a facade. And the way her legs lightly trembled and shook, and he spotted tiny beads of sweat running down her neck, he knew it was the latter.

Dorothy was trying to hide her internal nervousness about meeting her new family with a playful persona, like nothing in the world could phase her. That way if she was rejected, she could deceive herself and convince herself, that she didn't really care, that it didn't bother her. To fool others, one must first fool oneself.

Nozel's eyes narrowed. "What exactly is going on, Father?"

However, if this got out, he would not only be a failed Mage but also a failed politician. Nobility having affairs and illegitimate children is a different thing than being exposed for having them. If Sebastian admitted this his, political career would go up in flames and he would lose all the decade's worth of power, he struggled to build for himself in the royal palace.

All the power he held over the Kingdom and the sway his words held in the courts would be lost. Many people especially House Kira were stalking House Silva like a wolf already waiting for her demise, if its Patriarch had a scandal now, well let's just say the future for House Silva would look bleak.

Branch families demanding his removal as family head, and power struggles to usurp succession from the main family, would be the least of their worries.

Sebastian winced under the playful but firm pressure of her fingers; his eyes wide with surprise. "Ouch, okay, okay!" he muttered, half-laughing through the pain.

She let go of his cheeks, her expression softening into something more thoughtful. "I'll admit, it'll be strange... an adjustment," she admitted, looking away from him as if embarrassed to continue. "But... I find the little girl quite adorable."

Her words hung in the air for a moment before she looked back at him, her eyes still holding that playful edge. "You promised her a family, didn't you? Not just a father. If that's the case, Dorothy's going to need a mother too."

Sebastian's heart warmed at her words, a smile spreading across his face. He squeezed her hand tighter, realizing now more than ever just how much Acier meant to him. This is where Noelle gets her tsundere personality, he thought inwardly, chuckling softly.

But Acier's expression soon changed. The playful pout vanished, replaced by a dark, serious gaze. "Parenthood is one thing, Sebastian," she said firmly, "but stepping into our children's love lives is another. No matter how much I may come to adore Dorothy in the future, I will never accept one of our children marrying unwillingly, and certainly not having their partner decided for them."

Sebastian raised his hands in placation, nodding quickly. "I swear," he promised, "I'll only marry Nozel to Dorothy if they genuinely develop feelings for each other. Until then, they'll just be fiancées, and she'll be the nominal daughter-in-law of the Silva family."

After a slight pause, he added. "If it looks like it's not meant to be, I'll immediately break the engagement and fully adopt Dorothy into the family as our child. Giving her the Silva name."

Acier's eyes studied him closely, searching for any hint of deception. After a moment, she nodded slowly. "Alright," she said, her voice calm but still serious.

After a brief silence, Acier tilted her head, asking dryly, "And how do you plan to explain all this to Nebra and Solid?"

Sebastian groaned, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "I'll... figure something out," he mumbled, clearly dreading that conversation.

Realizing the time, he reluctantly stood up and made his way to the door. "It's 10:00 now," he said, taking a deep breath. "I'll let them back in."

As he opened the door, Sebastian felt satisfied, although they had their issues, it seemed like family was finally starting to form.

A Few Moments Ago:

As Nozel stepped outside into the hallway, he spotted Dorothy doing the same. The short girl closed the door softly behind her. He studied her closely disbelieving, that she of all people was his fiancée.

Nozel Silva was not one to chase romantic relationships, but he was confident if he ever had daydreamed of a woman in his life, he wouldn't have envisioned her face.

"So," Nozel said rhetorically, "you're my fiancée huh?"

Dorothy nodded absentmindedly, not even sparing him a look, as she walked towards him. Her attention was fully on Noelle, who was squirming slightly in Nozel's arms. Without hesitation, Dorothy bent down, gently pinching the baby's plump cheek. Noelle giggled, her soft coos filling the hallway as she responded with unreserved delight to Dorothy's attention.

Nozel blinked in surprise, feeling a sudden, inexplicable surge of jealousy rise in his chest. Why does Noelle react to her like that? The sight of Dorothy effortlessly coaxing laughter from his baby sister while completely ignoring him left him feeling both embarrassed and irrationally annoyed.

It's the same with Father. How can these strangers bring utter delight to Noelle so casually, while he despite being by her side since day one, had to wait months before she was even comfortable enough to snuggle in his arms? Even now, she rarely giggles for him.

What is he doing wrong? Traitor. Nozel instinctively thought looking down on his baby sister. Nozel never considered that if he could be bothered to so much as show her a smile and play with her, he could get the same reaction out of her.

His expression hardened, and without thinking, he took a large step backward, widening the gap between them. Noelle, sensing the sudden distance, immediately began to fuss, her tiny face scrunching up in displeasure as she prepared to wail.

Before the baby could even get out a proper cry, Nozel quickly popped a pacifier into her mouth, silencing her. Her little hands instinctively grabbed onto his sleeve, and she settled back down with a contented hum. Nozel exhaled in relief, only to feel Dorothy's eyes on him.

Dorothy, having straightened up, sighed dramatically, her gaze moving lazily from Noelle to Nozel. She muttered aloud, her tone half-amused, "Is this what Dad meant by him being a Siscon?"

Nozel's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock. The fact that she had casually referred to his father as "Dad" left him reeling. He demanded, "Siscon? What does that even mean?"

Dorothy shrugged as if his outburst was of no concern. "Don't worry about it," she said dismissively, turning away from him and leaning against the wall as if the conversation was pointless.

Nozel was growing very tired of being utterly disregarded by everyone he met. Be it that damn Vanica Zogratis, Draven Faust, or his father, but at least the three of them are people of strength and status.

This girl is a nobody! How dare she?!

As Dorothy stood there, her back against the wall, her posture casual, Nozel could only clench his jaw in frustration. He wasn't used to being brushed off so easily, and certainly not by someone who had just been thrust into his life in such an unexpected and overwhelming way.

If you're my fiancée, is it so much to ask for a proper conversation?!

Nozel stood in the hallway, trying to keep his frustration in check. He could feel the anger bubbling up, threatening to spill over, but he knew causing a scene now would only attract attention. So, with a resigned sigh, he mirrored Dorothy's casual stance, leaning against the wall opposite her. His gaze rested on her face, outwardly indifferent, though his thoughts ran much deeper.

She's a bit cute, he admitted, his mind momentarily distracted from his mountain of frustrations. Marrying her wouldn't be the worst thing. Sure, her attitude could use some refinement, but that was something etiquette classes could easily fix. After all, she wasn't a noble, and once she learned the ways of high society, she'd adapt.

Besides she seems to have powerful magic, so she'd be worthy of being House Silva's future Matriarch.

But more than anything, Nozel's thoughts centered on his mother. Dorothy was the key to saving Acier, and the surest way to guarantee her cooperation was to tie her to the Silva family, permanently. If Dorothy became a true member of the family, if Acier became her mother as well, she would have no choice but to use her magic to its fullest to help.

Clearing his throat, Nozel straightened up slightly. "Ahem."

Dorothy, still leaning against the wall, lazily glanced over at him, her expression unreadable.

Nozel met her gaze with his usual composed demeanor, though his words carried the weight of his decision. "Very well," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I will marry you."

Dorothy blinked, but otherwise remained unfazed, her face giving nothing away.

"You should pick a date for our engagement reception," Nozel continued, watching for any reaction. "The venue, the food, the music, the guest list—you can handle all of it, if you wish. I only have one condition." He paused, his tone growing slightly more authoritative. "You will respect the Silva dress code."

His words hung in the air for a moment, and he couldn't help but add, "If you don't trust me, we can skip straight to the wedding."

Inwardly, Nozel considered the implications. It would raise eyebrows in noble society, skipping the engagement entirely. But what do I care? It was a small price to pay if it meant guaranteeing his mother's safety. Traditions and appearances meant little to Nozel compared to Acier's life.

Dorothy studied him for a moment, her expression still frustratingly nonchalant. She didn't seem bothered by his sudden proposal or his conditions. She only raised an eyebrow, as if contemplating his words, but gave no immediate response.

Nozel waited, his gaze steady, wondering if this girl truly understood what she was getting herself into.

Dorothy blinked at Nozel, genuinely confused by his sudden declaration. "Wait, when did I ever say I'd marry you?" she asked, her voice laced with bewilderment.

Nozel stiffened, his grip tightening slightly around Noelle. He leaned forward and whispered in a sharp, hushed tone, "You were introduced to me as my fiancée!"

An awkward smile tugged at the corners of Dorothy's lips. "Yeah... about that. It's just a promise for now," she explained with a casual shrug. "Dad said that if I don't feel anything for you, I can break the engagement and just be adopted into the family. You know, as your sister."

Nozel's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching as she dismissed the whole engagement as if it were nothing. He barely registered her promise to help save Acier, his mother's life seemingly secondary to the irritation he felt. "It's like you're acting as if our engagement is doomed from the start," he snapped, his voice barely concealing his growing frustration. "What do you mean by 'not feeling anything' for me?"

Dorothy tilted her head, genuinely puzzled that he didn't seem to understand. Scratching her head, she sighed softly. "You know, unless you can make me fall in love, I'm not marrying you."

Her words hit Nozel like a slap to the face, but she seemed unfazed, continuing as if they were discussing something as mundane as dinner plans. "Look, don't sweat it. You don't even want this engagement, right? So, we can just tell Dad and move on—become siblings."

Nozel's irritation flared, the indifference in her tone grating on his nerves. It wasn't just the casual dismissal of their engagement; it was the sheer audacity she had to suggest it was already a lost cause as if he had no chance whatsoever. "So, what you're saying is you want some Prince Charming, huh?" he said, his voice taking on a challenging edge.

Dorothy blinked again, taken aback by the shift in his tone.

"Very well then, Dorothy Unsworth!" Nozel declared dramatically, pointing at himself with one hand while balancing Noelle in the other. "Prepare yourself to be swept off your feet by none other than me, Nozel Silva!"

In his arms, Noelle suddenly began clapping, giggling in delight at her brother's passionate declaration. Dorothy, however, looked utterly bewildered, her eyes wide as she stared at him.

What in the world...? she thought, scratching her cheek in confusion. Among all the daydreams and fantasies, she'd ever had about marriage proposals, not once had she imagined someone would challenge her to a battle rather than woo her heart. "Uh, okay," she muttered, still perplexed. "Do... whatever you want, I guess."

Nozel clenched his fist, determination settling in his eyes. He had long since finished all his etiquette lessons, and he had mastered the fine arts of wooing and courting women. He scoffed inwardly, confident that Dorothy would be no match for his charms. She was just a little girl, after all.

If that good-for-nothing father of mine could seduce the Acier Silva, he thought with a smirk, then I, who inherited much of his looks, can easily tame someone like her.

Dorothy, meanwhile, glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, still utterly confused by how things had escalated so quickly.

Just then, Sebastian opened the door, signaling for them to come back inside. But as soon as he stepped into the hallway, he froze, immediately sensing the awkward tension hanging in the air. Nozel was staring intensely at Dorothy, his eyes locked on her like a hawk preparing to strike, while Dorothy awkwardly glanced to the side, mouthing "help" at Sebastian with a pleading expression.

Sebastian's face darkened, a storm cloud of disappointment settling over him. Did Nozel already bully her? he thought, utterly exasperated. He'd barely left them alone for a few minutes, and his son had somehow managed to create this uncomfortable situation.

Nozel's oblivious intensity didn't help matters either, Sebastian clenched his jaw, preparing to give his eldest an earful. He had expected better.

Authors Note:

[1] Jeeves, full name Reginald Jeeves (nicknamed Reggie), is a fictional valet created by P. G. Wodehouse, first appearing in 1915. He serves the idle Londoner Bertie Wooster, and is featured in Wodehouse's works for 60 years, ending with Aunts Aren't Gentlemen in 1974. Jeeves is known as the epitome of a manservant, inspiring similar characters and lending his name to services like Ask Jeeves. Though often mistaken for a butler, Jeeves is a valet, responsible for serving an individual rather than managing a household. However, he occasionally steps in as a butler when needed.