Chapter 54: Their Story (4)

Chapter 54: Their Story (4)

August 4th, 1600:

Sebastian sat stiffly at his stall, determined to ignore the presence beside him.

If I block her out, she doesn't exist. If she doesn't exist, she can't bother me. Eventually, she'll give up and leave me be.

He'd arrived early that morning, setting up shop (or clinic) by 7:00 a.m., only for Acier to join him unceremoniously at 8:30, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Since then, she'd relentlessly tried to strike up conversations, and Sebastian had assumed that giving her the cold shoulder would send her packing. Instead, she only seemed more determined, her bright smile never faltering as she peppered him with questions.

"Hey, Sebastian, what's your favorite food?"

"Why do you want to become a doctor?"

"Do you have any plans to get a license?"

"What motivates you in life? What gets you out of bed every morning?"

"Do you dislike my presence? Do you want me to leave?"

"Are you getting annoyed? If you'd just answer me, this conversation would be far more pleasant for both of us, you know that, right?"

"Hey, say something! Hey! Hey! Hey!"

He had thought his sharp words to her the previous day had made his attitude abundantly clear. He had no desire to get along with her or, by extension, House Silva.

So why can't she leave me to my work?

But it seemed she either didn't care or didn't understand. She just wouldn't stop. She was a chatterbox, her incessant talking fraying his nerves until his brow twitched involuntarily. His lifeless expression was becoming harder to maintain, and he was seconds away from snapping at her outright.

But he didn't dare.

Acier wasn't just a girl; she was a princess. Offending her—even unintentionally—could mean his death. Nicklaus Silva's adoration for his granddaughter was no secret, and Sebastian wouldn't be surprised if that beast had spies trailing her every move. By extension, those spies would be watching him, too.

So, reluctantly, he answered her.

What's my favorite food? "I have none."

Why do I want to become a doctor? "It makes decent money."

Do I plan on getting a license? "Of course I do."

What motivates me in life? "Money."—Vengeance.

Do I want you to leave? "Of course not, Princess Acier. It is my dearest honor to be graced by your presence."

Am I annoyed by you? "Such a thought is unthinkable, Princess Acier. Rather, I apologize for any discourtesy I've shown."

His responses were flat, devoid of nuance, and unmistakably unwelcoming. He thought for sure she'd catch on and leave him alone. Instead, she seemed even more delighted, firing off a fresh barrage of questions.

The only saving grace in Acier's company was her discretion. She wore a cloak that obscured her figure, and they communicated mentally through his magic tool, the Mind Ring. As a result, she didn't scare away too many of his potential patients, allowing him to keep some semblance of business.

Her maid, however, was notably absent. He hadn't spotted the girl today, which only made Sebastian more wary. There's no way a princess would be allowed out of the castle alone. Someone's watching. He treated Acier with careful respect, unwilling to test the invisible limits of her guardians' patience.

No matter how much he despised Nicklaus Silva and his entire bloodline, Sebastian knew better than to let that hatred bleed into his interactions with her. It was not yet time for him to bare his fangs. He forced himself to maintain a lifeless yet courteous demeanor.

Acier didn't seem the least bit deterred by his dull responses or detached behavior.

When lunchtime arrived, she finally gave him a reprieve, flashing him a radiant smile as she prepared to leave. "See you tomorrow, Sebastian!"

Please, for the love of all that is holy, leave me alone. "I look forward to seeing you as well, Princess," he replied, nodding politely.

Acier beamed even brighter, repeating her insistence that he call her by her name and not her title. But Sebastian remained resolute.

Calling her by name would either be an insult to her rank or a signal that they were growing closer. Either one was a shortcut to the chopping block, and Sebastian wasn't about to jeopardize his plans for vengeance by indulging her whims.

August 5th, 1600:

Sebastian blinked. He'd arrived at his stall earlier than yesterday, a quarter before 7 a.m., hoping to tend to patients as soon as possible. What he didn't expect was to find Acier Silva already there, leaning against his wooden clinic stall and beaming at him as if she'd sensed his approach.

Why is she here?

The thought stiffened his steps as he walked toward his makeshift setup. Before he could say a word, Acier broke the silence, her grin wide as she mimicked a finger gun and clicked her tongue.

"Hey Boy, you come here often?"

Sebastian froze. His otherwise stoic expression wavered, threatening to crumble into genuine shock. Fortunately—or unfortunately—fate intervened.

Creak.

The stall beneath her shifted ominously. First, the ledge she was leaning on gave way, then the crooked beams supporting it snapped, and the entire structure collapsed with a resounding crash.

Bam.

Dust rose in a thick cloud as pieces of wood scattered across the ground. The noise turned heads among the nearby vendors and early shoppers, but only briefly—such mishaps weren't unusual in the marketplace. That didn't make Sebastian any less mortified.

Acier, having backed away just in time to avoid falling with the wreckage, blinked at the destruction. She turned to Sebastian with a sheepish smile, awkwardly rubbing the back of her head.

"I don't suppose you brought any nails or a hammer, did you?"

For the first time since they'd met, Acier received a show of emotion from Sebastian.

An undisguised look of annoyance at that. At that moment, Sebastian didn't care if any spies were watching. His displeasure needed no filter.

Acier stiffened slightly under his glare, which brought Sebastian a small measure of satisfaction.

Pinching the bridge of his nose and holding back the curses threatening to escape his mouth, Sebastian inhaled deeply and sighed.

"Princess Acier... to what do I owe the (dis)pleasure of having you here so early in the morning?"

Acier straightened up, still awkwardly rubbing her head. Her thoughts raced.

Father and Grandfather are busy preparing for my coming-of-age ceremony and making trips to the royal palace because His Majesty's health is failing. They won't be at breakfast for the foreseeable future...

That gave her the perfect excuse to leave earlier than usual. Breakfast was only about pleasing her grandfather anyway, and without him there, why bother? Her mother hadn't been thrilled about it, but Acier had managed to convince (threaten) her by promising not to return to the training she'd (supposedly) dropped—though she fully intended to continue it in secret.

The extra time, Acier had decided, could be better spent with her new friend, who was definitely her friend and definitely reciprocated those feelings.

Of course, none of that was worth explaining to Sebastian. Crossing her arms, she smiled confidently instead.

"You know what they say: the early bird gets the worm."

Sebastian blinked, his tone flat as he replied, "So, is this going to be a regular arrangement now?"

"At least for the rest of the month," Acier chirped, her smile bright. You may never see me again after that. She buried the thought before it could show.

Oh, joy. Sebastian swallowed his lament and forced a polite nod. "It's my honor."

Perhaps Acier picked up on his displeasure—or maybe she just felt guilty for wrecking his stand. Either way, she stayed mostly quiet after that, content to stand beside him until lunch came. Then, with another cheerful smile, she waved and returned to Castle Silva.

August 6th, 1600:

Sebastian blinked. He hadn't even left the Silva estate yet, and there she was again. Acier Silva stood casually leaning against the castle gate, waiting for him at the ungodly hour of 6:00 a.m.

She stifled a yawn, her tiredness evident, but as soon as she noticed him approach, her face lit up, and she straightened with renewed energy.

Sebastian was speechless. He'd woken earlier than usual, hoping to avoid her entirely, just so he could set up his clinic in peace. Yet somehow, she seemed to have predicted his every move as if reading his mind like an open book.

Resigned to defeat, Sebastian parted his lips, his tone weary. "Princess Acier, just what exactly are you after—"

"Hey Boy," Acier cut him off with her signature finger gun and tongue click. She grinned playfully, her tone teasing.

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

Sebastian froze. Like a statue. It took him a moment to process her words and another moment to register the nuance.

A cold sweat broke out across his back as his eyes darted around the vicinity. No one was nearby—no witnesses, no prying eyes. That fact offered him no relief.

His face twisted in a mix of fear and disgust. Are you trying to have me killed?!

Without a word, he bolted. Sprinting past Acier and down the noble district as fast as his legs could carry him, he refused to look back until he was far, far away from the Silva estate.

Sebastian wouldn't return to the Silva estate that day, nor the day after, he didn't dare to.

Acier watched his rapidly retreating figure, blinking in confusion. "Why does he look like he's seen a ghost?" she murmured, rubbing her head as she tried to make sense of his reaction.

"Amber said that would please any boyfriend (friend that is a boy), so why does he look like I just threatened his life...?"

Years later, as Acier escaped her sheltered lifestyle and gained a better understanding of certain suggestive phrases, she would blush as red as a tomato whenever this memory surfaced. But for now, she remained clueless.

"Wait for me!" she called, sprinting after him.

August 8th, 1600:

"Sebastian, are you angry with me?" Acier's voice was small, her usual cheer absent. She sat beside him at his stall, where he had rebuilt his makeshift clinic.

When she first arrived, she'd borrowed some wood to construct a seat for herself. Sebastian hadn't stopped her.

But that was the problem—he hadn't done anything.

Acier glanced at his stiff, emotionless face. He hadn't spoken to her, not even a single word, since that morning two days ago. If before he'd been civil, indifferent but willing to communicate, now he treated her like she didn't exist. Not a glance, not a word, not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Desperate, Acier had tried everything. She poked his cheek, apologized repeatedly (despite not knowing what she was apologizing for), and even resorted to attempting lighthearted jokes. Nothing worked.

Two days ago, he'd thrown her a furious glare—a look that still haunted her. Since then, it was as if she'd been erased from his world.

Acier bit her lip, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Dammit, Amber... What did you make me say? Why is he so angry with me?!

Her thoughts spiraled into panic as her heart sank deeper with every passing moment of silence. She struggled to understand. What had she done wrong? Why was he treating her this way?

She turned to him, her voice trembling, her eyes filled with desperation. "Can you at least tell me what I did wrong so I don't do it again?"

No response.

Her chest tightened painfully as she stared at him, willing him to say something, anything. But he remained still, like a lifeless doll.

Acier felt a new emotion creep in—fear. Not fear of Sebastian himself, but fear that she'd ruined something she hadn't even realized she valued so deeply.

No... no... no...

Her fists tightened as she tried to steady herself. The day dragged on, the silence heavier with every second, until finally, she had to leave.

She looked at him one last time, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just want to know what I did wrong so I can make it up to you."

But Sebastian didn't answer her that day.

August 9th, 1600:

Sebastian blinked. It was nearing 2:00—the time when Acier would typically part ways with him to return to Castle Silva for her lunch. But today was different. She hadn't even shown up.

He felt... strange. Though it had only been five days, he'd grown accustomed to her presence beside him. His repeat patients, too, seemed to notice her absence, occasionally asking where she was.

Sebastian offered no answers, brushing off their inquiries with silence. Still, he found himself distracted. He should be pleased—his silent treatment had evidently worked. It was clear Princess Acier had finally given up and decided to leave him alone.

So why did he feel so hollow? Even more than usual?

"Sebastian..."

The familiar voice broke through his thoughts, causing him to turn toward it instinctively.

What he saw froze him in place.

Acier stood before him, her eyes rimmed with red, her usually vibrant complexion pale. The signs were unmistakable—she'd been crying, had likely not slept or eaten well for days.

A strange, unwelcome churning filled his stomach.

Her eyes lit up, just briefly, when he turned to look at her. That faint glimmer of hope in her expression only made Sebastian want to sneer and turn away again.

What are you doing? Look away. Don't pity her. She's the enemy... one day, you'll kill her along with that beast to exact your revenge.

But his body wouldn't obey. Or maybe it wasn't his body—it was his heart, stubbornly defying his mind.

He grit his teeth imperceptibly, biting his lip as his resolve wavered. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he gave in to the weight of her fragile, defeated appearance.

He patted the seat next to him—the one she'd claimed as hers—and spoke in a flat, monotone voice.

"Forget it. You are forgiven."

Acier's breath hitched audibly, her eyes watering as her lips trembled into a shaky smile. Slowly, hesitantly, she sat down beside him, her usual confidence replaced by a meek vulnerability.

A moment of silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions, before Sebastian spoke again.

"Never say silly things like that again. This is your only warning."

Acier didn't fully understand, but she nodded earnestly, grateful for even this measured acceptance.

Amber sighed in relief, but it was short-lived as Acier added, "But I was on castle grounds, so if any barrier mages were watching, I guess someone might have overheard."

Amber stiffened. If the barrier mages were listening and reported this to Nicklaus... that boy might not live long enough to regret hearing it. And if word gets out I'm the one who told her to say it, that father-son duo could start the second Silvamillion War!

Ignatius narrowed his eyes at his wife. Amber, what exactly did you make Acier do that's got you so rattled?

Meanwhile, Acier huffed, her arms crossed. "Were those bad words or something? Did you make me say something offensive? That's not very funny, Amber."

"No, no, not at all!" Amber waved her off hurriedly, even as her unborn child delivered a sharp kick. "It's just..."

"Just what?" Acier leaned forward, her expression demanding an answer.

Amber hesitated, then forced a smile. "It's just something you should say to someone you're... more intimate with." Dammit, I was just joking! You weren't supposed to actually say those words? How sheltered are you?!

Acier blinked, scratching her head. "Like with your best friend?"

Amber froze, blinking in disbelief before biting her lip. Her voice dropped to a soft call. "...Acier?"

"Yeah?"

Amber mulled over her response before gritting her teeth. "Didn't you come to me a few days ago asking how to impress your boyfriend?"

Ignatius's pupils dilated. Acier has a boyfriend?!

Acier nodded without hesitation. "Yeah."

Amber stiffened. Forcing a smile, she asked, "Can you clarify what you mean by that?"

Acier shrugged. "Well, he's my newest friend, and he's a boy, so... boyfriend!" She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Ignatius and Amber both froze.

"Is there something wrong?" Acier frowned, glancing between them.

"No, no, not at all!" Amber quickly interjected, forcing a bright smile. Then, with a gentler tone, she asked, "Honey, is there something you need from us?"

Acier paused, her expression lighting up as she turned to Ignatius. "Oh, yeah! Ignatius, please spar with me!" She clasped her hands together in an earnest plea. "Just one match! Please!"

Ignatius froze, then shook his head firmly. "Apologies, Acier. If word got out, your family wouldn't appreciate it. Besides, I won't leave Amber's side—"

"Honey."

Ignatius stiffened at Amber's sharp, venomous tone. He turned to see her flashing a deathly sweet smile, the kind that promised dire consequences if ignored.

"Fight the girl," she said with dangerous calm.

Ignatius shivered and nodded obediently.

Acier beamed.

—

Inside the Vermillion private gymnasium, Ignatius and Acier stretched, preparing for their sparring match. Ignatius shot her a stern look.

"Are you ready?"

Acier nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. With a burst of mana reinforcing her legs, she propelled herself across the gym, charging at Ignatius with startling speed.

She's this fast without a grimoire... truly a genius, Ignatius thought, impressed. Flaming mana swirled around his arm as he readied a blazing right hook to intercept her approach.

As his fist neared, Acier smiled. She didn't dodge.

Ignatius's pupils widened in shock. She's not dodging?

Her face remained unprotected, no layer of mana shielding her, as if she welcomed the impact.

And then his fist connected.

"BAM!"

"Acier?!" Ignatius shouted, his voice a mixture of bafflement and concern.

—

Meanwhile, under the glaring sun, Sebastian stood in the town square, glancing impatiently at the clock tower.

It's already 8. Did I offend her somehow? She's never late anymore.

He frowned and quickly dismissed the thought. No, it's only 8. Maybe she slept in... that's understandable.

His expression darkened. Wait, why do I even care? If she's late, or if she's not coming, it's none of my business—

"Ack, c-can I h-have some help?"

The hoarse, coughing voice shattered his reverie.

Sebastian's sharp demeanor returned as he lowered his gaze toward the voice's source, his expression blank. But he froze the moment he saw who it was.

Acier stood before him, clad in a silver dress scorched at the edges. Yet that wasn't what seized his attention.

Her face—normally pristine and radiant, a masterpiece of beauty—was now a bloody, battered mess.

Her skin was pale, her nose bruised and visibly broken. Blood smeared her lips and chin, and she coughed weakly, another mouthful spilling forth.

Sebastian, stunned, hadn't even recognized her voice.

Ignoring the onlookers, he sprang over his stall to reach her.

"Hold still," he ordered gruffly, placing his hand on her face. Cool water mana surged from his palm, washing over her wounds with a soothing sensation.

Acier closed her eyes, letting out a soft sigh of relief as the pain ebbed away. She seemed to bask in the warmth of his presence as much as his magic.

Sebastian, however, was distracted. His sharp eyes traced a trail of blood behind her, following it backward. The line stretched far, snaking up the streets all the way to the noble realm.

How far did she walk like this?

Minutes passed as he worked, the worst of her injuries fading under his care. Finally, he removed his hand, revealing her restored face—unmarked save for the dry remnants of blood, which he flicked away with a precise motion.

Rising to his full height, Sebastian loomed over her, his dark gaze locking onto hers.

Acier squirmed under the intensity of his stare.

Without a word, he turned and pointed to the wooden seat behind his stall.

"Sit," he commanded, his tone icy.

Acier stiffened but nodded quickly, making her way around the stall to sit obediently on the worn chair.

Sebastian joined her a moment later, plopping down heavily onto his own seat.

A moment passed before Sebastian finally looked at her and began, his tone sharp.

"Princess Acier, I noticed that trail of blood. You clearly didn't get injured here." His dark eyes bore into her. "Did you actually ignore seeking aid in your immediate vicinity and travel all the way to Kikka just so I would be the one to heal you?"

Acier stiffened but didn't answer. Instead, she averted her gaze, her demeanor uneasy.

Sebastian's frown deepened. "Princess Acier, you will answer me when I'm—" He stopped mid-sentence as he caught sight of her expression.

She was pouting.

Sebastian blinked. Then blinked again. And once more, before exhaling in a sigh filled with exasperated realization.

"Acier," he said, softening his tone slightly to humor the request she'd made two weeks ago to drop the title of "princess."

Acier's face lit up, her pout instantly replaced with a beaming grin.

Sebastian, unfazed, repeated his question. "Acier, did you refuse aid in the noble realm and insist on traveling across the kingdom—sporting a disfigured face and leaking blood—just so I would be the one to treat you?"

Acier paused, biting her lip as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She gave a shy nod.

Sebastian's face turned crimson with fury, and a vein visibly bulged on his forehead. Without warning, he grabbed her chin, causing her to wince.

"ARE YOU AN IDIOT?!" he roared, his voice echoing down the streets. "WITH THAT MUCH BLOOD LOSS, YOU COULD HAVE DIED!"

Heads turned at the outburst, some onlookers glaring at the disturbance. But as soon as they caught sight of Sebastian's thunderous expression, they hastily looked away.

Sebastian's grip tightened momentarily as he hissed, "What on earth were you thinking? Why would you do something so reckless?!"

Acier tried to speak, but his hold kept her mouth shut. Realizing this, Sebastian loosened his grip slightly but didn't let go, keeping her face fixed toward his.

Her eyes met his, wide and captivated. She saw more than anger in his gaze—there was concern, deep and unmistakable.

Acier's lips curved into a radiant smile. "You do care about me."

Sebastian froze, his furious expression giving way to one of sheer disbelief. He stared at her as if she were an alien, utterly baffled.

"You did this... just to test my feelings for you?" he asked incredulously.

Acier nodded, her smile unfaltering.

Sebastian gaped, his voice dropping to a murmur, as if speaking to himself. "Were those injuries... self-inflicted too?"

Acier tilted her head in thought before answering. "No, but... I kind of let them happen."

Sebastian's grip slackened, and he slowly released her, leaning back in his chair. His expression was a mix of exhaustion and disbelief as he stared at her, utterly dumbfounded.

A minute passed in silence, Acier still smiling as if she'd won some unspoken battle.

Finally, Sebastian parted his lips to speak.

"...Why?" Sebastian asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the single word laden with confusion and disbelief.

Acier twirled a strand of her hair, her cheeks reddening as she fidgeted in embarrassment.

"W-well, you said we weren't friends..." she began, her voice faltering. "So I was trying to figure out where I stood in your eyes. What I meant to you. If I was injured, would you heal me indifferently, like most of your patients? With disgust, like that pig? Or... with a bit of softness, like you show the children?"

She paused, her blush deepening, a tentative grin spreading across her face. "I've never seen you so emotional or concerned before. And it's not like I'm the most grievously injured person you've treated. So this proves I'm special to you in some way... that I mean something to you."

Sebastian gaped at her, his mouth opening to respond, but no words came out. After a moment, he leaned forward in his seat, locking eyes with her. His tone was tired but deliberate as he asked, "Is it worth it? Going through all that just to determine if the stranger who treats you like air feels anything for you?"

Acier didn't break his gaze. She nodded firmly. "To me, it is."

"Why?" Sebastian pressed, his lifeless gaze flickering with something more—something vital, searching.

Acier held his gaze, and for the first time since meeting him, she felt like she was truly connecting with the soul behind those distant eyes. She answered softly.

"Because I want to be your friend."

The flickering light in Sebastian's eyes steadied, the void that had always lingered dissipating. His features softened, and for the first time, his lips curled into a genuine, gentle smile.

"Fine. You got me." He sighed, sorry Aurora but I can't push her away. Sebastian continued with a quiet apology in his voice. "We're definitely friends, Acier. Sorry for lying to you. And... sorry for pushing you away."

Acier froze, her eyes widening. Then her expression bloomed into a radiant smile, tears welling in her eyes as she nodded quickly in contentment.

"Mmm-hmm."

"But," Sebastian said suddenly, his tone growing serious, catching her off guard.

She blinked as his gaze turned somber.

"It is precisely because we are friends that I won't tolerate you treating yourself with such disregard ever again." His voice was firm, unwavering.

Acier straightened, listening intently as he continued.

"If you're injured near me, you can come to me. Or if it's something minor—scrapes or bruises—you can seek my help from afar. But if you're ever injured to the point where not seeking immediate aid puts your life in danger, and you insist on traveling all the way to me... I will never forgive you."

His tone sharpened, an edge of finality in his words. "Whatever friendship we have will be over. As your friend, as an aspiring doctor, and as a human being, I cannot condone such gross negligence of your health. You will cherish your safety. Understood?"

He leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Promise me now, or don't bother trying to talk to me again, because you won't even get a look from me."

Acier froze, her breath hitching. Yet instead of fear or worry, warmth blossomed in her chest, fluttering in a way she couldn't quite place. Fighting off the heat rising to her cheeks and an unfamiliar emotion swirling within her, she nodded.

"Deal."

Sebastian's lips curled into a bright smile.

And on August 14th, 1600, Acier and Sebastian sealed their friendship.

Author's Notes:

[1] How did you guys think I delivered this Chapter, in reality all those dates could've been individual Chapters on themselves, like I do in the present timeline where 3 -s cover a single day, but if I did that for this back flash, I might graduate before we're out of volume 1.

[2] As always feel free to join the discord at: /s3MME8X8a