A Decision

"B-B-Bakasta, w-what are you saying?!" Noelle stammered, her face a furious shade of crimson as she half-heartedly tried to pull her hands free from Asta's grip.

Be my queen? Be my queen?!

That's a marriage proposal, right? RIGHT?!

Noelle's mind spun out of control, thoughts tumbling faster than she could process. She stared at Asta, desperate to make sense of his words. Their faces were so close that the tiniest movement forward would bring them together, and the realization sent her heart racing.

Sure, he's a peasant, a dork, a loudmouthed idiot, brash, reckless, uncouth, magicless, short, uneducated, and ignorant... but he's also kind of amazing.

B-being his w-wife w-wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, would it? N-not t-that I'd w-want to m-marry him or anything!

Above the chaos, Secre—perched lazily atop Asta's head—narrowed her eyes in amusement as her gaze shifted to Sebastian. The older man's expression was unreadable as he slowly raised his right arm, extending a single finger toward Asta. Tiny drops of water gathered at its tip.

Secre ruffled her feathers in delight. Oh, this is going to be fun.

Without a word, the anti-bird flew off Asta's head and settled on Vanessa's shoulder, a safe distance from the brewing storm.

Vanessa, jolted back to reality by Secre's landing, glanced toward Sebastian's cold, focused face. Her brow twitched. Great. A girl dad.

She shifted her gaze to Asta, now squinting at him like he was the dumbest person alive. Proposing to a girl in front of her overprotective father? On his spell? While we're high in the air? Brilliant.

If he drops you from this height, you're toast, Kiddo.

Vanessa considered for a moment. Is he actually proposing? She didn't know Asta well, but she'd already pegged him as oblivious to a fault, completely blind to signals and implications.

She let out an exasperated chuckle, flicking her wand and shooting out magic threads. They coiled around Asta and yanked him back before Sebastian could launch his watery assault.

"Huh?" Asta blinked, startled as Vanessa's threads unraveled and released him.

"What gives, Miss Vanessa?" he asked, rubbing the back of his head in confusion.

Vanessa forced a strained smile, glancing at Sebastian's now-lowered arm. I just saved your life, you idiot. But instead of voicing her thoughts, she gestured toward the still-flushed Noelle.

"You can't just invade a girl's personal space like that. Can't you see you startled her?"

Asta gawked at Noelle, scratching his neck sheepishly. "Oh, uh... sorry about that, Noelle. I just got a little excited!"

Noelle fanned her face with both hands, trying to cool down. "I-it's n-not l-like I h-hate it or-anything! J-just ask next time, o-okay, B-Bakasta?"

Asta beamed, clueless. "No problem!"

Sebastian's arm twitched upward again, water still poised.

Vanessa coughed loudly, wrapping an arm around Asta's shoulders and flicking him on the forehead.

"Ow!" Asta yelped, rubbing his forehead. "What was that for?"

Vanessa arched an eyebrow. "Care to explain what was going through that head of yours when you said that, Kiddo?"

Asta blinked, tilting his head in confusion. Then his eyes widened with sudden realization. "Ohhhhh!" He nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I guess I should be clear, huh?"

Sebastian lowered his arm, his glare sharp enough to cut steel. Fine, it seemed to say. You get one chance to explain yourself.

But Asta, blissfully unaware of the danger, focused entirely on Noelle.

"Noelle, you said I can't be King because I'm not royalty, right?"

Noelle, who had finally calmed down, nodded slightly, her arms crossing instinctively.

"But you're royalty, so you can become Queen, right?"

Noelle scratched her cheek nervously. "T-technically, yes... W-where are you going with this, Bakasta?"

Instead of answering, Asta crossed his arms with a thoughtful expression. "We're friends, right, Noelle?"

Noelle didn't hesitate. "O-of course!"

Asta's face lit up with a smile. "And we're kind of like partners, right?!"

Noelle's cheeks burned, her blush creeping down to her neck. "I-I s-suppose…"

"So…" Asta pointed at himself, then dramatically shifted his finger toward her. "If I become Wizard King," he declared, pointing back to her, "and you become Queen…" He stretched both arms out, one finger aimed at her, the other at himself.

"Together, we can create a Clover Kingdom of equality, where everyone gets along!"

Silence. Everyone blinked.

Oh, that's what he meant.

Noelle's stomach twisted unpleasantly, and she let her head drop. Of course, he wouldn't want to marry you.

Forcing a smile, Noelle raised her head and fixed her gaze on Asta. "Stop joking, Bakasta. Someone like me can't be Queen."

Asta blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "Huh? Why not?"

Noelle bit her lip and looked away. "Because the monarch is the face of the nation. There's no way a failure like me—"

"You're not a failure!" Asta shouted, cutting her off with such force that everyone turned to stare at him.

But Asta didn't notice. His entire focus was on Noelle. "So what if you can't control your magic? That's what training is for! It's not like I'm asking you to become Queen today. Take your time. We'll train together as partners, get stronger, and prove that neither of us is worthless!"

Noelle blinked, and just as she was about to stiffly nod, Asta took a step closer—but this time, he left some space between them.

"Besides," he continued, his tone softening, "do you know what's most important to being a ruler?"

Noelle raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"It's heart!" Asta jabbed a finger into his chest, just above his left pectoral. "At least, that's what I think!"

He gave her a moment to let the words sink in before continuing. "I don't know much about the past rulers, but I doubt any of them had more heart than you."

"Huh?" Noelle furrowed her brow. "Why would you say that?"

"Because…" Asta pointed at her again. "Back in Saussy Village, when we were getting our butts kicked, Mister Magna told you to run. I'm sure a lot of people would've in your situation. But you didn't. You stayed, and you put your life on the line to protect the villagers!"

Noelle's breath hitched as Asta stepped forward and grabbed her hands again. This time, she didn't blush.

"Noelle, I think a ruler who's willing to die for peasants and commoners like me would be the kind of King—or Queen—I'd love to serve."

Vanessa blinked, taking another swig from her flask. Damn, I wish Charmy was here. I'd ask her to make some popcorn.

Noelle flushed, her head lowering as her lips quivered. Slowly, a smile crept onto her face, and she raised her head to meet Asta's gaze.

"Well, Bakasta, if you insist…" Her grin broadened. "Then I suppose I have no choice—"

"Absolutely not!"

Everyone stiffened and turned to look at Sebastian. His cold, dull expression made it clear he was less than amused.

"What do you mean, Father?" Noelle shot him a questioning glance.

The sight of her still holding Asta's hand, made Sebastian want to grind his teeth, but instead, he responded bluntly.

"I cannot tolerate you setting your eyes on the throne." His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.

"How come?" Asta furrowed his brows.

Sebastian inhaled deeply, steadying himself before regaining his calm. Shooting the pair a cold look, he spoke with deliberate precision.

"Do you think becoming the monarch of this nation is some casual whim, like deciding to go on a picnic? Something you can achieve just because you feel like it?"

The duo froze as Sebastian pressed on. "Although the Wizard King and the Monarch are said to be on the same level, the Monarch holds a slightly higher political and influential position, regardless of public perception."

"The Monarch is the face of this nation. The path to that throne is far more treacherous than becoming Wizard King, which, in reality, anyone can achieve if they're strong enough and earn undeniable merit."

Sebastian's gaze hardened. "Approach something like this with a half-hearted attitude, and you might as well dig your own grave and bury yourself. At least that way, you can choose to die painlessly."

"Father." Noelle's voice was calm, but her eyes were serious. "Explain yourself."

Seeing her determined expression, Sebastian relented, deciding to treat her like an adult. He raised one finger.

"First of all, just like the Wizard King has rivals, you'll face competition from other royal candidates for the throne. The difference is that while Wizard King candidates compete amicably, royal succession wars are ruthless. Candidates will use any underhanded trick or bloody method to ensure they're the last one standing."

He fixed his gaze on Noelle. "And the few who survive the succession war but fail to secure the throne? They're usually purged by the new monarch to stabilize their power."

The duo's mouths dropped open, but Sebastian wasn't finished. He raised a second finger.

"Although the law tolerates either a King or a Queen ruling, gender discrimination is still deeply ingrained in our kingdom. In our entire history, there's only been one ruling Queen—and she was a regent, temporarily holding power until her son came of age."

Sebastian glanced at Asta, whose expression looked like his brain was frying. He sighed, simplifying it.

"Men look down on women. Men treat women as possessions. And possessions don't become rulers unless there's no other option. Even if Noelle proves herself strong and capable, few will take her seriously."

"That's dumb!" Asta snapped, his frown deepening.

Sebastian nodded grimly and raised a third finger. "Next: the Silvamillion family hasn't produced a monarch since it split into the Silva and Vermillion houses."

Noelle's eyes widened.

"On paper, all three royal houses are equal, but House Vermillion and House Silva's influence comes from their military strength. House Kira dominates politics—and they've kept the throne firmly in their back pocket."

Sebastian paused, letting his words sink in, before raising a fourth finger and fixing Asta with a look of disgust.

"Finally, my daughter has no ambition to pursue the throne. She's only entertaining this idea to help make your ideals a reality. Putting her in harm's way for the sake of your dreams is beyond selfish."

Asta stiffened. Vanessa blinked, opening her mouth to defend him, but no words came out.

"Father!" Noelle turned to Sebastian, her voice sharp with indignation. "How could you say something like that—"

"No."

Noelle stopped, whipping her head back to Asta, who cut her off.

Still holding her hand, Asta tightened his grip and gave her an ugly, self-deprecating smile.

"Mister Silva is right. I was being a selfish jerk."

Noelle's gaze widened as she opened her mouth to protest. "No way, Bakasta! You were just—"

"I'm sorry!" Asta interrupted, bowing his head deeply.

Noelle stared at him, her mouth hanging open, before her voice softened. "Asta, look at me."

He lifted his head, hesitating when he saw the gentle smile on her face.

"Didn't you say we're partners, Bakasta?" Her tone turned playful, the corners of her lips quirked up. "If we can't even be selfish with each other, then who can we be selfish with?"

A warm flutter spread through Asta's chest, confusing and overwhelming him. His only response was a stiff nod, his cheeks lightly flushed.

"Um!

Sebastian's jaw dropped. He fought the urge to rub his eyes, wondering if he was hallucinating.

What the hell?! Did Asta just blush? Asta?! The kid with a crush on a nun? What alternate universe is this?!

He shook his head to snap out of it, clearing his throat. "Well, it's good you two kids understand, so now drop this topic—"

"Noelle?" Asta interrupted, turning to face her. He leaned in closer, holding her hands tightly, as though afraid she'd vanish.

"Y-yeah, Bakasta?" Noelle flushed, her voice trembling.

Asta's face turned deadly serious, his green eyes narrowing. "Can I be selfish with you one more time and ask you for something?"

"...O-okay?" she replied hesitantly.

Taking a deep breath, Asta closed his eyes, steadying himself. When he opened them again, they were blazing with fiery determination.

"Please marry me!" he declared, his voice ringing with passion.

The world seemed to freeze.

Vanessa blinked, mid-swig.

Secre chirped in disbelief.

Sebastian started cracking his knuckles.

Noelle's entire face turned crimson. "W-WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU SAYING, BAKASTA?!"

Asta held her trembling shoulders firmly, his grin unwavering as he explained, "Does marrying royalty make you royalty too?"

"Y-yeah…" Noelle stammered, her brain reeling. From what she knew, her father had barely been recognized as a noble before marrying her mother. That union had catapulted him into the upper echelons of royalty.

"So," Asta continued, "if I become royalty, I can compete for the throne and become King, right?"

"P-probably?" Noelle replied, unsure how the process compared to becoming a King. It couldn't be that different in theory.

"Then if I marry you, become royalty, and become both King and Wizard King, I'll be the true King, right?"

Noelle's eyes widened as she finally processed what he was saying.

"A-are you out of your mind, Bakasta?! You're an outsider—a peasant outsider at that! Even my big brother would struggle to become King! Your chances are practically zero!"

She braced herself for Asta to finally see reason. Instead, he grinned broadly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

"W-what's so funny, Bakasta?!" Noelle demanded, clenching her fists.

Asta shook his head, scratching his cheek. "Nothing… I'm just happy."

"Happy?!" Noelle's brow shot up, baffled. How could he be happy right now?

"Practically zero isn't zero," Asta said, his tone gentle. "That means there's still a chance, right?"

Noelle gaped at him, unable to respond.

"To everyone, a peasant becoming King isn't any crazier than a magicless guy like me aiming to become Wizard King. If I can chase that dream, why can't I chase this one too?"

She froze, struggling to find a rebuttal.

Asta smiled softly. "Even if the odds are hopeless, that's not a reason for someone like me—someone who started with nothing—to just give up. As long as I'm alive, I'll chase my dreams with everything I've got!"

Noelle's mind screamed, her thoughts a jumbled mess. Why is he so cool?!

Asta suddenly tightened his grip on her shoulders, snapping her back to reality. His expression had turned somber, far from his usual energetic self.

"Noelle."

"Y-yes?"

His gaze locked with hers, his voice serious. "Asking you to marry me for my dream is selfish and lame. It's even worse than asking you to partner up with me for it."

Her breath caught, her throat tightening.

"I just want you to know… I don't see you as an object or a means to an end. If you choose me, I'll love you with everything I've got. And I'll do everything in my power to make you happy."

Sebastian's pupils dilated. This isn't Asta. This can't be Asta. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!

Noelle, meanwhile, was a mess—her entire body flushed, her heart racing out of control.

Asta smiled softly, his voice dropping to a whisper as he asked, "So… Noelle Silva… will you marry me?"

Vanessa downed the rest of her bottle in one go, but no amount of booze could blur the sheer absurdity of what was happening. Asta's words—straight out of a cringy romance novel—had her laser-focused on reality.

Even if she wanted to get drunk, it wouldn't be possible. She was way too invested now.

Vanessa had started her day innocently enough, helping her juniors shop for supplies. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect their relationship to skyrocket from zero to marriage proposal in mere hours.

How did we even get here?

Meanwhile, Secre blinked, her tiny form perched nearby. I haven't been this entertained in 500 years.

Sebastian, trembling with fury, raised his arm again. Water magic coalesced at his fingertip, aimed directly at Asta.

Before he could fire, Noelle beat him to it.

Her face blazing with embarrassment, she broke free from Asta's hold and jumped back. Dizzy with emotion, she pointed her arm at him, magic swirling in her palm.

"Bakasta, you… baka!!!"

The words barely left her mouth before an irregular water bubble shot forward, slamming into Asta's chest.

"Oof-aaahhh!" Asta's yell echoed as he was blasted off the Water Eagle, plummeting toward the ground below.

For the first time in her life, Noelle Silva hit her intended target with her attack magic—but no one, not even herself, registered the accomplishment.

"Asta!" she screamed, horrified as the realization sank in.

"Vanessa, save him!" she shouted desperately, but Vanessa, frozen in shock, couldn't act fast enough.

Sebastian, snapping back to his senses, sighed heavily. "Hang on."

Vanessa, shaking off her shock, quickly secured everyone with her magic thread as Sebastian steered the Water Eagle into a nosedive, pursuing the falling Asta.

As the boy screamed and flailed, drenched from the attack, Sebastian was sorely tempted to let him splatter on the ground. But despite everything, the man had a soft spot for the little fool.

The Eagle sped closer, and just before Asta hit the ground, Vanessa's magic thread whipped out, wrapping around him and yanking him back onto the Eagle's back.

The construct began gliding above the ground again, heading toward its destination. Asta, soaked to the bone, lay panting on the Eagle's back.

"Asta!" Noelle cried, dropping to her knees beside him. She hovered over him, frantically checking for injuries as tears streamed down her face. "I'm so, so sorry—"

"I'm fine!" Asta interrupted with a broad grin, reaching up toward her.

Noelle froze as his calloused fingers gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. Her trembling stilled under his touch.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Sebastian slowed the Eagle.

After a few moments, as Asta caught his breath and Noelle steadied herself, Asta looked up at her, his expression completely serious.

"So… is that a yes or no?"

Noelle's entire body locked up.

Secre chirped.

Vanessa slapped her face, muttering, Seriously, kid, how thick-skinned can you be?!

Sebastian stiffened, his magic briefly faltering.

Noelle finally broke the silence, her face burning as she lowered her head. In a soft, barely audible voice, she muttered, "Let me think about it…"

Asta beamed so brightly you'd think Noelle had outright said yes. She hadn't. But to Asta, her not instantly rejecting him was basically the same thing.

For the first time in his life, someone hadn't shut down his love confession on the spot—and that alone had him over the moon.

Sebastian, on the other hand, deeply regretted saving Asta. He regretted giving Asta advice. Hell, he regretted ever meeting Asta.

But he didn't act on those regrets. Instead, he sighed deeply, casting a glance over his shoulder at the pair.

It'd be shameless of me to interfere in Noelle's love life, he thought. I don't have that right. All I can do is guide her—make sure she doesn't make any terrible decisions or get hurt by the wrong person.

His eyes softened as he watched Asta's bright smile.

That said… I don't think there's anyone else in this world who'd treat her better than him.

Sebastian smirked faintly to himself. Besides, I might've just scored an overpowered son-in-law. If trouble ever comes knocking, I'll know exactly who to call.

The Water Eagle soared silently through the cool night air until they finally reached their destination.

"We're here," Sebastian announced.

The trio behind him perked up, only for their eyes to widen in shock as they recognized where they'd landed—the Black Bulls' hideout.

"Father!" Noelle blurted, her brows shooting up. "You actually escorted us all the way back?"

Sebastian shrugged as the Eagle descended. "I said it'd be a long conversation. Figured I might as well take you home while we talked. Otherwise, you'd be stuck staying in Kikka overnight."

Noelle blinked in surprise before stepping forward and wrapping her father in a hug. "Thank you."

Sebastian smiled warmly, patting her head.

As she rested her chin on his shoulder, Noelle tilted her head up curiously. "Wait, how do you know where our hideout is?"

Sebastian cocked his head casually. "It's not exactly a secret."

Of course, there was more to that story. Sebastian would never admit that Nozel, in his overbearing "royal duty," had forced Yami to reveal the location in case Noelle ever needed help. Nor would he admit to sneaking into Nozel's office, finding a map of the hideout, and memorizing it himself.

Too embarrassing.

Fortunately, the trio wasn't sharp enough to question him further—not that they were in any state to. They all looked exhausted, their minds dulled by the lateness of the hour.

As Noelle stepped out of Sebastian's embrace and hopped off the Water Eagle with Asta and Vanessa, she hesitated, glancing back.

Her father hadn't moved to follow them.

"Aren't you coming in, Mister. Silva?" Asta asked, raising a brow.

Sebastian shook his head. "It's late. I should head home."

Asta frowned. "Because it's late, you should stay here for the night."

Noelle hesitated, torn. She wanted to agree but couldn't bring herself to ask her father to stay in such a rundown place. He was used to luxury.

Vanessa had no such reservations. "Asta's right," she chimed in. "And the barrier over the noble realm should be locked by now. You couldn't even return if you wanted to—not until morning."

Sebastian chuckled. "True, but even in retirement, I still have enough perks to bypass those rules. The barrier doesn't apply to me."

Noelle studied her father carefully, her gaze lingering on the faint bags under his eyes. Despite the darkness, they stood out more than they should have.

She clenched her fists, biting her lip before speaking softly. "Father… it'll be practically morning by the time you get home. I really think you should rest here."

Her voice faltered under his steady gaze, but she pressed on in a quiet mutter. "It's not healthy to deprive yourself of so much sleep."

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise before his expression softened. He smiled fondly at her. "It's no issue, Noelle. I'm retired. I have no duties to attend to, so I can sleep in."

"Oh… okay…" Noelle forced a smile, nodding stiffly as she fought back the pang of disappointment in her chest.

"Uh, Mister Silva?" Asta raised his hand, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"Yes, Asta?" Sebastian arched a brow.

Asta scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I might be reading this wrong… but you seem really against staying here."

Sebastian stiffened.

An uncomfortable silence followed until Noelle broke it, her tone defensive. "Father is the former lord of a royal house. Naturally, it's beneath his standing to—"

"No!" Sebastian cut her off sharply, waving his hand. Everyone immediately turned their focus to him. "It's nothing like that!"

He rubbed his cheek, looking a little sheepish. "Noelle, what kind of shameless father would be okay with his daughter staying in a place he considered 'beneath him?' How could that possibly be true?"

Noelle blinked, her words faltering.

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Then what's the problem?"

Sebastian let out a tired sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well… you all remember how I mentioned I used to be a bit of a supremacist jerk?"

The trio exchanged confused glances before nodding.

Sebastian winced. "Yeah, well… back then, I may or may not have been a total douchebag to your Captain. Couldn't stand the idea of a 'mere foreigner'… you know… 'dirtying' our noble ranks."

The trio's jaws collectively dropped.

"Oh."

Sebastian nodded grimly. "Yeah." After a beat, he cleared his throat, straightening up. "So, as you can imagine, it'd be pretty shameless for me to take your hospitality after how I treated him—"

"Finally, you guys are back!"

The loud, gruff voice interrupted Sebastian mid-sentence. All heads turned toward the hideout as the front door was kicked open with a bang.

Standing in the doorway was a bulky figure holding a newspaper.

"You know how long I've been waiting for that toilet paper so I can start pushing past my limits—"

Yami froze mid-rant, his gaze locking onto Sebastian, who stood stiffly on the Water Eagle.

The Captain casually reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette. Lighting it with a match, he took a slow drag before exhaling a puff of smoke.

"Well, if it isn't the King of Ponytails," Yami drawled, smirking. "Haven't seen your ass since Ponytail took over the Silver Eagles."

Sebastian's smile was strained as he nodded stiffly. "Yami."

Noelle, Asta, and Vanessa blinked.

Awkward.