Their Story (14): The Conceding

October 5, 1600:

The first light of dawn brushed the horizon, casting faint golds and pinks over the empty streets of Castle Town Kikka. In the noble realm, the silence was broken only by the heavy presence of knights patrolling amidst the ongoing civil unrest. Here and there, stonemasons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and master builders worked tirelessly to repair the last remnants of destruction left by the bloody riots. Early risers prepared their shops and stalls for another unremarkable day of labor.

Sebastian, as always, joined the flow of workers. He made his way to his shabby clinic stall, a rickety wooden booth tucked among the market's many stands.

Except, when he arrived, he froze.

His stall was gone.

In its place stood a new one. It wasn't extravagant—plain and unadorned—but the wood was cleanly cut, the kind of craftsmanship that spoke of a master's deliberate hand. Its polished, pristine appearance stood out precisely because it seemed meant to blend in.

Sebastian barely had time to process this before his attention snapped to her.

Acier leaned against the stall, much as she had two months ago when they first met. She grinned and gave him a mock salute, forming a finger gun like before.

"Hey, boy. Come here often?"

This time, the teasing didn't spark his usual annoyance. Instead, his heart thudded in his chest, his neck flushing imperceptibly. He swallowed hard and approached her, the woman he couldn't stop thinking about no matter how hard he tried.

She was dressed in the traditional Silva attire—clothes he used to loathe—but on her, they seemed impossibly fitting, like they belonged.

Sebastian didn't dwell on her outfit for long. His gaze wandered over her figure, her complexion, and he exhaled, relieved to see she had recovered completely.

Stopping in front of her, he tilted his head. "Acier... what's all this?"

Acier beamed and gave the stall a light pat. "What do you mean? My family broke your stall, so it's only fair we get you a new one."

Sebastian stilled, just about to protest, but Acier silenced him with a finger to his lips.

"Don't you dare say something like 'you shouldn't have,'" she said firmly. A moment later, she added, "And don't even think about thanking me. This is atonement—you shouldn't feel grateful for it."

Sebastian paused, her words washing over him. Finally, he nodded, warmth blooming in his chest. "It's nice. I like it."

Acier's face lit up. She had originally planned to just make some signs, but in the end, she decided to go all out, hiring a carpenter to rebuild the stall entirely.

Then she ordered some House Silva retainers to get to work early in the morning, not caring for curfew laws, moving Sebastian's old stall out and tossing it away, replacing it with this one.

Sebastian's words convinced her she made the correct choice.

Her gaze then shifted, and Sebastian followed it, noticing the additions behind the stall: a pair of leather stools for them and a long bench for patients and visitors.

They both could appreciate the upgrade. The old wooden stools had been barely tolerable, the splintered wood chips poking their bums as they sat, and furthermore they'd often given them up for elderly or severely injured patients, leaving themselves to perch on uneven crates or sit on the cold cobblestone.

Sebastian glanced at her again, and their eyes met. Acier smiled, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks as she fidgeted. Then, without a word, she pointed upward.

Sebastian paused, raising a brow as he followed her finger to the sign he hadn't noticed before. It hung at the top of the stall, the colorful words written in elegant cursive:

S & A's Clinic.

Beside the name was a drawing—a figure in a long doctor's coat examining a patient with an arm sling. Below it, in smaller, humbler letters, was written:

Don't worry about money. All patients are welcome.

As Sebastian took in the sign, Acier's voice reached his ears, her tone unusually hesitant.

"I-I hired a carpenter to build the stall, b-but I made the sign... The drawing's for people who can't read. H-how does it look?"

Sebastian turned to her, his lips curling into a soft smile. "I love it."

Acier's eyes widened briefly before her face lit up, a radiant smile spreading across her features—only for her to stiffen at his next words.

"S & A, as in Sebastian and Acier?"

Her cheeks flushed deeply as she gave a meek nod. Then, with a sharp flick of her ponytail, she crossed her arms and let out a heavy, theatrical snort.

"From now on, I'm spending the whole day with you. Sitting around doing nothing is boring, so be proud! It's not every day someone gets the honor of a princess as their assistant."

Like a nurse… I'm not even a doctor, Sebastian mused, inwardly chuckling as he bowed deeply. "Yes, yes, the lowly me is beyond grateful for this heavenly gift."

"Hmph!" Acier snorted again, though this time with a faintly smug blush.

Sebastian straightened, scratching his cheek awkwardly. "I don't have money, though... And I can't just let you work for free."

It wasn't just about the money—he didn't feel right taking advantage of her kindness. Besides, the thought of using a princess like a common servant wasn't exactly appealing. He needed to find something to give her in return. Even if it wasn't much, even if it couldn't possibly measure up, it would ease the nagging guilt in his chest. He was selfish that way.

He braced himself for her to dismiss his concerns with a sharp retort—something like "Do I look like I need money?" or "How many times do we have to go over this?! You owe me nothing!" But instead, Acier snapped her head toward him, sizing him up for a moment before averting her gaze, her voice dropping to an almost inaudible mumble.

"Y-you could..." she trailed off, her words so quiet they left him blinking in confusion.

"Sorry, Acier. Could you repeat that? I didn't catch it."

Her head shot back toward him, her face blazing crimson. She bit her lip, trembling slightly as though trying to summon the courage to speak. Finally, she lowered her gaze and hissed under her breath.

"You could move that ring to your other hand, for starters..."

Sebastian froze. His eyes flicked to his right hand, where his friendship ring sat. Slowly, he glanced at her left hand. She wore her ring on that hand—on that finger.

The one reserved for betrothal.

Thump. Thump. Thump. His heart pounded so hard he thought it might break free from his chest. His instinct screamed at him to say no, to deflect, to change the subject.

But when he looked back at her, her expression shattered his resolve—those hopeful, embarrassed eyes, practically pleading with him.

Damnit! Damnit! Damnit! This is a bad idea! This is a bad idea! There's practically no coming back from this! Don't do it!

His brain fought valiantly, urging logic, caution, and reason. But his heart betrayed him, leaving him powerless against the intensity of her gaze.

Without a word, Sebastian slipped the ring from his right hand and placed it on his left ring finger.

Whatever fear or hesitation he'd felt melted away the instant her face lit up with joy, her smile brighter than he'd ever seen.

Sebastian sighed inwardly. Fine. Whatever you want. As long as you're happy.

—

Noble Realm:

Day faded into night as curfew approached, and the two of them made their way back toward the castle. Midway, however, they stopped.

Acier now stood outside Jardin de Fleurs, her heart racing in anticipation as she waited for Sebastian to return. Her head jerked to the side at the sound of the little bell chiming, signaling the door swinging open.

Her breath caught as Sebastian emerged, walking toward her with his usual calm demeanor, a bouquet of Blue Hyacinths in hand. The flowers were carefully wrapped in a clear plastic covering, tied with a red ribbon, and adorned with a small tag at the side.

He stopped in front of her and wordlessly extended the bouquet, completely unbothered by the glances of a few passing noblemen and women who gawked at the scene.

Acier's chest tightened as she took the bouquet with gentle hands, her eyes quickly finding the tag. She read the message:

Make sure to treasure these, Acier – Love, Sebastian.

Her cheeks flushed deeper, and she looked up at him, her expression soft and meek as she gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

Sebastian smiled, and the two began walking back to the castle side by side.

For a while, they walked in comfortable silence—until Acier, being well Acier, couldn't help but tease him, pointing towards her terrace with a sly grin and asking, "Would you like to spend the night?"

The question earned her a swift flick to the forehead, accompanied by a sigh of exasperation from Sebastian.

Once they reached the castle gates, Sebastian saw her off, watching as she disappeared inside before turning to make his way home, deep into the estate grounds.

It wasn't until he was far from the castle, surrounded by empty dirt paved streets and shadows from trees, that the calm mask he'd maintained finally cracked. His face burned crimson as he buried it in his hands, stumbling forward like a flustered mess.

Why can't this woman have some shame?!

—

A Little Earlier, Nathaniel's Office

Bang!

"Aren't you scared I'll expose all your House's deeds?!" Lux slammed his hands down on Nathaniel's desk, sending books and papers flying.

Nathaniel, the Silva head, met the Kira Prince's anger with nothing more than an indifferent gaze. He didn't flinch, didn't blink—he simply shook his head in silence.

Lux's fury burned hotter. He let out a mocking laugh, his voice dripping with venom. "Are you insane? Do you really think you can break our deal on a whim? I'll expose everything, Nathaniel. Everything! I'll see your House and family ruined!"

Nathaniel's indifference didn't waver, but something in his calmness made Lux stiffen. Finally, Nathaniel spoke, his voice cold and steady.

"No, I don't fear it. Not one bit. Do you know why?"

Lux swallowed hard, suddenly uneasy. He shook his head, his confidence faltering under the icy weight of Nathaniel's tone.

"Because you're a coward," Nathaniel said, emotionless but piercing.

Lux trembled, his fists clenching as Nathaniel continued, his words cutting like a blade.

"People like you—lowlives—cling to your lives above all else. That's why you won't say a word. Because if you do, you'll be implicated too. And we both know what happens then: the gallows."

"As for my family?" Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his voice matter-of-fact. "At worst, we'd face public shaming, reparations, perhaps a slap on the wrist. Centuries of Silva glory and achievements won't crumble over one bastard's death. Over a single scheme."

"The Silvamillion name graced the throne long before Kira ever did. We have every right to take it back. Remember that boy."

Nathaniel's gaze hardened, sharp enough to freeze the air. "So we'll be fine. You, on the other hand? You'll have no future. That's why you'll keep quiet."

Lux's body shook, sweat dripping down his temple. He bit his lip until it bled, his nails digging into his palms. Rage mixed with despair, his eyes turning red as his composure unraveled.

"T-this isn't over, Nathaniel Sil—"

The words died in his throat as Lux collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. Nathaniel had unleashed his mana, letting it flood the room with unbridled force.

Nathaniel's expression remained calm, though his glare carried an air of utter disdain.

"Begone from my sight, boy. You were always just a pawn, and that's all you'll ever be. You are not my equal. You have no right to speak to me this way."

His voice turned sharper, colder. "I've wanted to kill you for some time now—for daring to even think you could wed my daughter. But things are too delicate for that… for now."

Nathaniel leaned forward slightly, his tone laced with quiet menace. "So pray this succession war drags on. Pray it lasts long enough for me to stop caring about you. Now leave."

As Nathaniel withdrew his mana, Lux scrambled to his feet and hurried out, his face a mixture of frustration and surrender.

Even as he fled, his thoughts burned with defiance: Nathaniel. Sebastian. One day—one day—I'll make you pay.

Those thoughts had no real heat in it, Lux knew that things were over. The throne and Acier were ill fated with him.

Once the door slammed shut, Nathaniel exhaled a soft sigh. He opened a drawer and pulled out a strange circular disk, its surface carved with an indent. Flipping it open, he revealed a large magic stone embedded within.

Pouring mana into the device, he activated it, and a projection shimmered to life before him.

The image showed a dark, dungeon-like chamber. In the center stood a pedestal holding a blue grimoire with three leaves. The book was tightly bound by steel chains and encased within a transparent, silvery-gray cube etched with magical runes and sigils.

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable and icy as always as he poured more mana into the stone, shifting the scene.

Now he saw an old man with silver hair lying frailly on a bed, his eyes dull and lifeless as he muttered inaudibly to himself and stared absentmindedly up to the ceiling.

Nathaniel's lips curled into a sneer. There was no pity in his gaze—only derision.

Another burst of mana, and the projection shifted once more.

This time, it showed Sebastian and Acier walking back to the castle. Nathaniel's sharp eyes immediately noted the bouquet of flowers in his daughter's hands and the way she carried them with fondness.

But then his gaze fell on their hands, both adorned with identical rings worn on the left finger. His eyebrow twitched.

For a moment, his expression hardened, but as he lingered on their smiles—so genuine, so unguarded—it softened.

A small, fleeting smile crossed Nathaniel's face before he ceased the mana flow. The projection vanished, and he flipped the device shut with a quiet click.

October 7, 1600:

House Silva Dining Room

Acier hurriedly finished her breakfast with a grin before hopping off her chair and smiling at her father.

Acier sat next to her father now, on his right. Nicklaus' seat was taken by her, which honestly wasn't improper because, as the official heiress, she had every right to be seated that high up at the table.

"Daddy, I'm going to Kikka!"

Nathaniel stiffened awkwardly at the form of address, his face contorting comically in an array of embarrassed emotions before he swiftly regained his stoic composure and offered her a curt nod, continuing to eat his breakfast wordlessly.

Acier beamed and turned, reaching over the table and furling Aurelia's hair fondly, causing her to bat it away with an embarrassed pout.

"Sister, stop it!"

Acier giggled and was about to turn away before Amara, who was watching this scene with a quiver, bit her lip and called softly.

"Acier."

Acier paused and raised a brow. "Yes, Mother?"

Amara trembled for a moment, trying to ignore the other two gazes on her, as she gritted her teeth and forced a shaky smile.

"You have every right to be angry with him and me… but he's still your grandfather. You don't have to see him now, tomorrow, or even the day after, but whenever you're comfortable, please pay him a visit—"

"There's no need," Nathaniel coldly cut off Amara, making her stiff again as everyone looked to the head of the table to see Nathaniel's icy gaze resting on his plate.

"My father won't die from a rude awakening, and even if he does, that's his problem. If he wants to mend anything or see anyone, he should be coming to them, not the other way around."

Nathaniel looked towards Acier and spoke softly. "Don't show him any pity just because he's blood-related. You owe him nothing."

Nathaniel then looked towards Aurelia. "The same goes for you… especially you."

A complex emotion flickered in the younger princess' pink eyes before she nodded gently.

Acier looked at her younger sister with a thin-lined grimace before turning back to her parents.

"I know. I won't forgive him that easily."

Just as Acier walked past Nathaniel and headed to the twin doors, she was stopped once more by her mother's call.

"Acier?"

Acier paused before turning around with a forced smile.

"Yes, Mother?"

Amara forced another shaky smile before gently nodding. "Have fun, and please be safe."

A glimmer of something nostalgic flickered in Nathaniel's silver eyes.

Acier froze before her forced smile turned slightly genuine and soft, and she nodded.

"Of course, Mother. Don't worry. I'll be back before curfew."

She then wordlessly turned back around and gently pushed through the doors, heading out.

Amara was frozen. She then remembered something—she couldn't recall the last time Acier smiled at her in a way that made her feel something. She understood this was the first genuine smile she'd received from her daughter in years.

And that realization made her self-loathing skyrocket.

If Nathaniel and Aurelia noticed the Silva matriarch eating the rest of her breakfast with a trembling and watery gaze, they didn't comment on it.

—

Kikka, Marketplace:

"Hey, Sebby?"

Sebastian, seated beside Acier at their empty clinic, stiffened and turned to the side to look at her.

"...What did you just call me…?" he asked incredulously.

Acier gave him a dreamy look and beamed. "Sebby! Friends have nicknames for each other, did you know that?!"

Sebastian awkwardly bobbed his head as she grinned brighter, reaching out and tapping his nose, causing him to blush lightly.

"Well, Sebby is your nickname now. I spent all of the last minute thinking it through. Do you like it?"

Sebastian's brow twitched comically. That sounds more like a pet name than a nickname, he wanted to argue, but held it in. Forget it, as long as you're happy, he inwardly sighed.

In truth, he didn't particularly hate the name. It wasn't possible to, not with her loving tone as she spoke it, making his heart race, so he nodded.

"I do."

Acier smiled further before resting her head on the stall ledge, looking at him with a soft smile.

"Now it's your turn."

Sebastian blinked. "Pardon?"

Acier chuckled. "Don't play dumb. Now it's your turn to give me one." She outreached her arm and gave him a shoulder pat with a sly giggle.

"Come on, Sebby, let's hear it—"

She cut herself off to see Sebastian frowning at her and shaking his head. He didn't speak, but his message was clear: I'm not doing that.

Acier frowned and sat up, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. "And why not?!"

Sebastian blinked before sighing and averting his gaze with a slightly bashful expression.

"...Because I like your name. It's really pretty."

Acier froze and then blinked, taking a moment to register Sebastian's words before she went crimson red and lowered her gaze to her lap, fiddling and playing with her thumbs and fingers.

In truth, Acier's name had always been a bit of a sore spot for her because when people called it, especially Nicklaus, it came off as "Acyer," like they were looking at or looking for her grandmother, who she greatly resembled.

That was also part of what brought this on. She wanted to at least separate herself from her grandmother in Sebastian's eyes or company.

But his words dawned on her: if anyone were to ask Sebastian, What do you think about Acyer Silva? he'd blink and ask, Do you mean Acier?

Because to him, and in his eyes, there had only ever been Acier Silva.

Acier's heart raced. She would still call Sebastian "Sebby"—she quite liked that name—but if he wanted to call her Acier, she'd have no problem with it.

Because finally, without a doubt, at least when it came from her Sebby's mouth, Acier would never be mistaken for Acyer.

The rest of the day, Sebastian squirmed awkwardly beside Acier as she watched him like a hawk, not being much of an assistant but rather like a stalker right in front of him.

Sebastian could swear her eyes were like hearts, and some of his patients would swear they saw the Silva Princess drool on occasion.

October 10, 1600:

"Hey, Sebby, how do you think our children are going to look?"

Sebastian, along with the elderly gentleman whose frail arm he was wrapping in bandages, stiffly craned their heads toward Acier, who was seated beside Sebastian, and blinked.

Acier was in her own world, twirling her hair in her fingers. "Oh, and what should we name them…?"

Acier paid no attention to Sebastian's wide-eyed gaze as she mulled aloud, "The Silvas—well, at least our main line and some branch families—have a bit of a traditional precedent for male names to start with an N and female names with an A…"

"But I don't know if I want to follow that." Acier crossed her arms and frowned, like she was seriously contemplating the topic.

She then furrowed her brows and inclined her head toward Sebastian. "What do you think?"

Sebastian had to call on all of his willpower not to turn into a flustered mess as his lips quivered before he stammered softly, "Acier, we're only 14…"

There was a lot more he wanted to add, like, For the love of God, woman, we're not even dating, nor are we engaged, and forget married—can you not shamelessly talk about having children?!

Acier blinked and ignored him, continuing on in her own world. "Hmm, maybe I want to name all our children, irrespective of gender, with the same letter…" She scratched her cheek.

"Should we just go for the letter N…?"

She then shook her head and smiled at the frozen-stiff Sebastian, gently reaching out and squishing his nose.

"Or maybe we should start a new precedent and name them with the letter S."

Sebastian was speechless, but the patient they were tending to couldn't hold back his curiosity.

He looked between the two for a moment, pointing with a frail tremble. "Y-you two kids are…?"

Acier smiled, reading his question, and flashed the ring on her left hand by flipping it backward.

"Over a week now, in fact."

The elderly man blinked, then registered the identical ring on Sebastian's left hand before shaking his head with a tired sigh.

"Young people these days, so bold and hot-blooded."

Acier smiled brighter.

As for Sebastian, well, whatever he felt on the matter was irrelevant. His attitude toward it was insignificant—maintaining Acier's agenda was the top priority.

October 12, 1600:

Sebastian forced a strained smile as he politely looked up at the girl in front of him.

"Apologies, Princess. Can you repeat that? I believe I misheard you."

Aurelia paused, taking a glance at Acier seated next to Sebastian in their clinic. When Acier gave her a subtle nod, Aurelia repeated herself.

Grabbing the hem of her dress and curtsying politely, the younger princess smiled at Sebastian.

"Greetings, Brother. How is your day going so far?"

Sebastian blinked. He had definitely heard her right the first time. He gawked and flushed, grinding his teeth and quivering as he prepared to respond, but Aurelia beat him to it.

Perhaps thinking she was being too distant and putting Sebastian in an awkward spot, she tried to shake off some of her regal etiquette inclinations. This time, she didn't curtsy but waved slightly.

"You don't need to call me Princess, Brother. Aurelia or Sister is fine."

Sebastian forced a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. That's not the problem here!

He glanced at Acier at his side. Her light blush and smile as she looked up at him made him sigh again. Fine, whatever you want.

This time, his inward voice was more hollow and defeated, but it didn't show as he nodded awkwardly.

"A-alright. Thank you… Aurelia. And I'm doing fine."

Aurelia beamed with joy and nudged the boy beside her.

Florian inclined his head softly.

"Good morning, Se—... Brother?"

Sebastian stiffened further and wanted to scream again. Florian was clearly asking for permission to call him that, but the person he was looking at wasn't him—it was Aurelia.

The Silva princess blushed but didn't stop the Vermillion prince, who brightened further. Leaning over the stall, Florian shook Sebastian's hand enthusiastically.

"Good morning, Brother!"

Sebastian forced another smile and nodded along before Acier waved at Florian, pointing to herself with a grin.

"Hey, hey, what about me?!"

Florian froze and glanced at Aurelia, who nodded meekly. Flushing brighter, he turned back to Acier and nodded awkwardly.

"Good morning, Sister."

Acier's smile widened.

Sebastian couldn't bring himself to spoil her mood.

October 15, 1600:

House Silva Dining Room

"Acier…?"

"Hmm?" Acier raised a brow at her mother, Amara, across the table as they ate dinner.

"Yes, Mother?"

Amara fidgeted in her seat before forcing a smile.

"Whenever you like, you can invite your frie—Sebastian over for dinner."

A moment later, Amara added, "If you like. A-and if he likes. No pressure either way."

Acier blinked and gawked, craning her head to the side to look at her father.

Nathaniel glanced at Amara for a moment, causing her to stiffen slightly. Then he turned to Acier and gave her a light, wordless nod.

Acier beamed.

Amara relaxed.

Aurelia blinked before turning to her father as well.

"Um… can I invite Florian over—"

"No." Nathaniel coldly cut her off.

Aurelia pouted.

—

"How'd you do it, kid?" Mr. Kale asked, his gaze trailing toward the large tent where that shack of a home used to be.

Sebastian stepped out of his tent (home), holding his monthly due payment. He paused and blinked in confusion.

"What do you mean, sir?"

Mr. Kale crossed his arms and frowned.

"Don't play coy with me, boy. Did you hit it big in the casino or something? 426 gold isn't something you should be able to pay back overnight… especially if your home says anything about it."

Sebastian froze and stiffened. Silence lingered for a moment before he forced a smile.

"Sir, what do you mean?"

Mr. Kale sighed and shook his head, tapping Sebastian on the shoulder.

"Look, kid, I just popped by for old times' sake and out of curiosity. If you won't fess up, I can't make you."

Mr. Kale adjusted his top hat and started to walk away, waving at Sebastian with his back turned.

"Can't say I'll miss you or that it's been a pleasure doing business, but next time we meet, kid, let it be with friends at a bar instead of me kicking down your door as some debt collector."

He paused and added over his shoulder, "Oh, and please don't sign anything you haven't thoroughly read in the future. That's just stupid."

Turning around, Mr. Kale shot Sebastian one last smile before darting off.

"Congratulations on being debt-free. And no hard feelings about the past, alright?"

Sebastian blinked at Mr. Kale's retreating and soon-vanishing figure, frozen like a statue, mechanically waving at him like a lifeless robot.

He then craned his head, angling it towards the front of the estate and back toward the castle. He seemed to envision where the patriarch's office would be.

Acier couldn't settle his debt for him because she didn't have his bank number. But there was one person who had the account numbers of all House Silva members—so he could pay their taxes and tariffs to the kingdom on their behalf.

One person who didn't need permission to deposit money in their accounts or make payments for them.

The Patriarch.

Sebastian ran his hands through his hair in frustration, shaking his head.

"Even if it's atonement… how can I not feel gratitude for this?"

Sebastian turned around and made his way back into his tent, into his house, not knowing what to feel as the haunting debt that had followed him like a ghost for so long was exorcised so casually on another's whim.

He didn't know what he could possibly feel or what he should feel besides gratitude.

October 16, 1600:

Sebastian came out of the changing room wearing an unbuttoned blue-and-black striped shirt with a neat, collarless white shirt underneath, grey Victorian-era pants adorned with golden buckles and buttons, and black dress boots.

Acier's eyes lit up at the sight as she looked across the store to the cashier and raised her hand.

"This is the one! We'll take this!"

The clerk, dressed in an expensive black suit, closed his eyes and bowed deeply.

"Of course, Princess."

Sebastian let out a deep sigh of relief as his gaze lingered on the mountainous stack of clothes and outfits Acier had made him change in and out of. His eyes watered slightly, grateful the torture was over.

He walked back into the changing room and changed back into the regular clothes Acier had bought him for his birthday. Returning to the counter, he handed the outfit to the clerk, who took it and placed it on the counter, before glancing at Acier, who was smiling at him fondly.

She then spoke softly.

"Thank you for doing this, really…"

Acier had been worried that Sebastian might turn down the dinner invitation or come up with excuses. Even if he accepted, she feared he'd back out when she insisted on taking him to an expensive store to get a new change of clothes—out of pride, guilt, or just annoyance, given that these kinds of outings weren't his thing.

Sebastian paused and rubbed the back of his head.

"I respect your father and am grateful to him for many things." Many things.

Acier smiled, but Sebastian doubted if she knew the true extent of it. It wasn't just the letter—it was so much more. Allowing Acier and him to be friends and continue to be, letting her invite him to her birthday, allowing him to dance with her, settling his debt, and even welcoming him to join them at dinner.

How could he have anything but respect and gratitude for the man? Respect and gratitude he wouldn't dishonor or spit on by turning him down.

But it was more than that. Sebastian rubbed his cheek sheepishly, his face turning rosy, which caused Acier to raise a brow as he looked at her.

"T-this is important to you, right? Dining with your family? I'm not going to ruin it for you."

Acier froze before flushing crimson and beaming.

That smile somehow managed to grow even bigger when Sebastian didn't make a fuss about her paying for the clothes, even though he could now afford them himself (albeit not without feeling the pinch).

Acier was happy. And when she's happy, so is Sebastian. So, Sebastian wouldn't spoil her happiness.

–

Later That Night

House Silva Dining Room:

Sebastian changed back into those clothes and bowed respectfully to Nathaniel, Amara, Acier, and Aurelia, who stood in front of the elongated, ancient dining table.

"Thank you for bestowing me with the honor of dining with your established household."

The manners and etiquette Count Vardy had instilled in him weren't entirely lost yet. Unfortunately, they still left something to be desired.

Acier stifled a giggle.

"We're part of the same household. Don't you mean family, silly?"

Sebastian stiffened, flushing momentarily. He was about to correct himself when Nathaniel's matter-of-fact voice cut through the moment.

"No matter. This is simply a casual dinner; no need to fixate on excessive pleasantries."

Sebastian straightened up, inclining his head briefly.

"Thank you, My Lord."

Nathaniel nodded softly and gestured for everyone to sit.

Acier did so with a pout. If only he'd said Father.

Nathaniel, as always, sat at the head of the table, Amara on his left and Acier on his right. On Amara's left sat Aurelia, directly across from Sebastian, who sat to Acier's right.

Nathaniel glanced at everyone and clapped his hands once.

Immediately, a group of butlers and maids entered, pulling along metal trolley carts filled with food that smelled absolutely divine. They began spreading out platters of mashed potatoes, beef tenderloin, rice pudding, fruits, and more.

Sebastian had to hold back a gulp. With the ongoing war, food and resources were either in excess or extreme scarcity, as famine and poverty skyrocketed further.

He hadn't personally felt the effects as much. In fact, the war had been profitable for his business. But seeing the lines of meat and fish that once stacked like mountains at the market disappear, with such items now selling out in minutes, he'd thought it was just the new norm.

Only now did he realize that, of course, some people still lived like kings. Well, they were royalty. If not them, then who?

Sebastian didn't reach for the food. The maids and servants filled their plates before retreating to the walls. If you wanted more, you would call for them, and they would serve you. You wouldn't serve yourself.

Nathaniel surveyed everyone again and nodded once more.

"You may begin."

And so they did.

Sebastian carefully sliced a piece of the beef and took small, measured bites, fighting the temptation to scarf it down. He savored the pomegranate juice, avoiding the alcohol—he didn't want to risk embarrassing himself in front of Acier's family—and helped himself to the fruits.

Acier smiled brighter, pleased to see Sebastian wasn't trying to be overly polite or reserved.

A moment later, the silence was broken.

"Brother, how was your day?" Aurelia beamed.

Sebastian froze. The servants by the wall stiffened, hurriedly ducking their heads and pretending they weren't present. Nathaniel and Amara both twitched, their brows furrowing as they stiffly glanced at Acier, who was beaming.

Moments later, they lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. Aurelia, oblivious to the change in atmosphere, focused solely on Sebastian, patiently awaiting his answer.

Sebastian forced a stiff smile.

"Aurelia, you can call me Sebastian, you know…" Please call me Sebastian!

Aurelia paused, then shook her head with a slight smile.

"No can do, Brother. That's disrespectful. I never call Sister by her name either."

"I-I see." Sebastian's smile grew more strained as he fought the urge to yell. What does that have to do with me?!

He stiffened further as Acier leaned toward him with a sly smile.

"She's telling the truth."

Sebastian refused to look at her. He didn't dare turn his head that way, because doing so would bring Nathaniel into his line of sight. And Sebastian didn't even want to imagine the expression on the Silva Head's face right now.

So, with his eyes trained solely on his… "Sister," he nodded again.

Acier was very happy right now.

The rest of the dinner passed in awkward silence—awkward for everyone except Acier and Aurelia—until its completion. Afterward, Sebastian, escorted by Acier to the castle gates, prepared to leave.

Under the moonlit sky, Acier smiled at him.

"You can stay the night if you want."

Sebastian forced a smile. "I don't know how your parents would feel about that. I don't want to be impolite." And even if by some miracle they say yes, I wouldn't dare stay under the same roof as you, especially after how crazy you've been acting these past few days!

Acier pouted playfully for a moment before nodding, albeit with visible reluctance.

"Still, it's only 10. You don't have to leave so early."

Sebastian's eyebrow twitched.

"10 is pretty late, you know."

He felt like he could see right through her plan. She'd have him "accompany them"—or rather, her—throughout the entire night, playing the it's early card until it inevitably changed to it's so late, you might as well stay now that you're here.

Acier pouted further, clearly caught red-handed in her scheme.

A moment of silence passed before she called softly,

"Sebby?"

Sebastian raised a brow.

"Yes?"

Acier bit her lip.

"Did you like it?"

Sebastian paused, tilting his head in affirmation.

"The dinner? Yeah—"

"No, not just that." Acier shook her head, chewing her lip harder. "The dinner, the company, the atmosphere…?"

Sebastian paused again before nodding.

Acier flushed slightly, fidgeting under his gaze. But this time, she didn't avert her eyes, locking onto his as she spoke.

"Then… can you see yourself having this as your new normal… our normal? With my family, with me, at the dinner table? And not just dinner—lunch and breakfast, too…"

Sebastian's heart raced, his eyes widening as she continued, clenching her fists.

"What I'm trying to ask is… can you see yourself living in that castle, under that roof?"

Her heart thumped in anticipation as silence stretched between them.

Sebastian lowered his head.

"I can see myself living anywhere…"

Acier paused, her expression faltering as she forced an ugly smile.

"I-I see…"

"I can see myself living anywhere if it's with you."

Acier froze, her pupils dilating as she took in Sebastian's flushed face.

He repeated, this time with slight paraphrasing,

"Anywhere, any scenario is fine, as long as you're in it."

Then Sebastian abruptly turned around and darted through the gates, fleeing like a flustered, burning-hot mess of embarrassment.

Acier remained frozen in place, her lips quivering before they curved into a blooming smile.

Next time, I won't let him go unless he at least gives me a hug.

Author's Notes:

[1] If the writing style changed or seemed a bit different in the chapter or at least the latter half, well that was because I was experimenting by taking out the AI editing and using only my edit.

Let me know what you prefer or think

[2] I hope you enjoyed this light hearted feel good chapter, with the past high stake drama ones. I had fun writing it.

[3] I went back and gave all the "Their Story" chapters a name

[4] As always feel free to join the discord at: /s3MME8X8ar