Insurance

That afternoon, as the sun began to set over the horizon, a certain man was flying at full speed. He crossed the skies silently, like a shadow quickly passing through the trees.

His figure was wrapped in a cloak that covered him completely, hiding his identity. However, the details of his uniform, with the Gray Deer emblem prominently displayed, indicated that he was a high-ranking Magic Knight.

He had felt something, a disturbing presence in that region. A feeling that could not be ignored. That's why he impatiently headed in that direction.

Upon arriving at the location, a shocking scene unfolded before his eyes. The destruction was so all-encompassing that the trees seemed bent in the face of a raging storm. The ground was pockmarked with craters and an atmosphere charged with magical energy filled the place. His instincts were right, something terrible had happened there.

His eyes immediately caught the figure of a woman lying on the ground, and a young man beside him. The woman appeared to be unconscious and seriously injured, while the young boy appeared desolate and dejected, with a crying baby in his arms.

The hooded man recognized them immediately, the woman being someone he respected and didn't expect to find in such a critical condition, he then quickly approached them, his eyes narrowed upon seeing their condition.

Nozel reacted as soon as he noticed the presence of that man, thinking it was that woman or someone who would do even more harm to his mother and little sister. But upon realizing the man's identity, Nozel immediately identified him, causing hope to emerge in his heart.

As for the man, he knew he had no time to waste. With a serious expression, he approached Acier and released a certain magic, it was then that he said.

"Time Restriction Magic: Chrono Stasis"

When releasing his magic, with a very peculiar name, a mysterious glow manifested itself, it was then that a sphere appeared and surrounded Acier. With this act, time around Acier began to slow down, preserving his current state and preventing his wounds from worsening. It was a temporary but necessary measure to stabilize his condition before taking her to a healing mage.

He then turned to Nozel, whose eyes filled with relief. In a calm voice, he said:

"Don't worry, young prince. She will be fine. Healing mages and experts will be here soon."

Placing a gentle hand on Nozel's shoulder. He said in a soft voice. "You were brave and did a good job protecting your little sister."

Nozel went into denial upon hearing those words, he felt like a failure and a coward, but there was that man, saying that he was brave. Even in denial, tears began to well up from Nozel. Now less anxious, he murmured a thank you, looking at the man gratefully.

He smiled gently at Nozel, then he said.

"There is no need Young Prince, I am just doing my job. Now, come with me. Let's rejoin the other survivors, there is much to do." He said as he headed towards the place where everyone was, somewhere under the mansion.

Part 2: Salvation

The atmosphere in the safe room was charged with tension as the staff and Magic Knights huddled together, seeking shelter from the commotion outside.

Niel was among them, held by a maid, while the Magic Knights organized themselves to protect everyone in the place. Solid and Nebra were also present, equally worried about the recent events.

The panic was palpable, shown on everyone's anxious faces. The screeching sounds that had echoed moments before had everyone on high alert.

When these sounds abruptly ceased, a fleeting sense of relief swept the room, but this only intensified Niel's apprehension.

After all, silence could mean that the battlefield had been changed or that the battle had ended. And if it was the last, Niel feared for the outcome of the fight, very worried about Acier's fate.

As voices echoed in the room and people discussed anxiously, everyone's eyes turned to the gates as they suddenly opened.

A figure appeared, and it was Nozel, who slowly entered the gates, holding Noelle in his arms.

His walking seemed unwilling and his expression was gloomy, looking very haggard. Niel, who was paying attention to Nozel, quickly became worried when he noticed his gaze, which seemed to carry deep pain.

No longer able to support his internal state, Nozel ended up tripping and falling to his knees, after taking a few steps, but he kept Noelle firm and safe.

Before everyone could run towards Nozel and Noelle to take care of them, a second figure entered the room, passing with a strong presence through the door. He then raised his hand in a commanding gesture, silencing the commotion and bringing a tense calm to the room.

"Everyone, please remain calm," he said in a calm but authoritative tone. His voice had a quality that inspired confidence and obedience. "I'm here to ensure the safety of all of you."

The room fell silent, and all eyes were fixed on him. His presence was so powerful that even the oldest and most experienced magic knights felt a deep respect for him.

However, the presence of that man made Niel freeze for an instant. It was someone he recognized instantly. With shining golden hair, purple eyes that seemed to carry immense wisdom, and a peculiar mark on his forehead.

His imposing appearance and authoritative aura were unmistakable. This man was Julius Novachrono, recognized by Niel as the Wizard King. But to everyone else in the room, he was the renowned captain of the Gray Deer order, the most powerful magical knight in Clover, second only to the Wizard King.

Part 3: Dark Revelations

Niel felt profound relief when he saw Julius enter the room. His imposing and authoritative presence brought a sense of security that everyone craved amid the turmoil of recent events. For Niel, Julius's arrival meant that his mother, Acier, had a real chance of being saved from her terrible fate.

However, before Niel could allow hope to take hold of his heart, something caught the attention of everyone in the room. A magical sphere followed Julius as he advanced, and within it, Niel could see the unmistakable form of his mother, Acier.

His momentary relief quickly turned to deep sadness upon seeing his mother's condition. She was seriously injured, her body marked by sinister black spots that seemed to eat away at her skin. It was a distressing and frightening sight, Niel knew what it meant, and only felt helpless at not being able to help.

(Why such a kind woman...) Niel thought, overcome by sadness. He wanted to run to her, but it's not like it was possible, he yearned even more to get rid of that baby body.

Meanwhile, Julius made his way to the center of the safe room, and all eyes were fixed on him, eager for answers. He maintained his calm expression, but his eyes revealed deep concern. He then moved the sphere closer to him, leaving it in everyone's view.

With this action, murmurs spread throughout the room, filled with concern and uncertainty for their captain and mistress.

"Everyone, please remain calm," Julius said once again, his voice conveying a reassuring aura. "As everyone can see, Captain Acier is seriously injured, but she is alive. And she will remain so as long as she is inside this sphere, so remain calm." Julius said, but even he couldn't hide his concern for Acier, the magic that had hit her seemed to be too terrible.

Niel felt a mix of relief and apprehension. His mother was alive, but he knew she probably wouldn't be for much longer, so he didn't let himself get carried away and remained worried.

While Niel was wandering in his own thoughts, Julius took control of the situation, imposing his natural authority as captain. He ordered the magic knights present to immediately begin the evacuation process. His priority was to ensure the safety of children and elderly servants.

As the evacuation began to be organized, Julius noticed the presence of Niel, one of the Silva twins, and something about him caught his attention. He then gently approached the maid holding Niel, offering a reassuring smile.

"Please hand over the young prince to me," Julius said in a soft voice. "I will assume responsibility for your safety from this point forward."

The maid, understanding Julius' request and following her master Acier's desire to keep her family safe, carefully handed Niel into Julius' arms.

With an attentive look, Julius held Niel and looked at him with a curious expression. He then made funny faces and small gestures to try to cheer Niel up, but quickly realized it had no effect.

But this only caught Julius's attention even more, Niel seemed deeply shaken, as if he could understand everything that was happening around him. Which Julius saw as unusual for his young age.

But Julius decided not to think too much about it, he assumed that no matter the age, any being would be dejected if someone dear to him was in a critical situation.

He then approached Nozel, and in a worried manner, Julius said that it was time for Nozel to follow Solid and Nebra with the evacuation team. He explained that he would take Acier to the capital immediately, including the Silva twins.

Nozel seemed reluctant to hand over Noelle, his eyes filled with concern. However, he trusted Julius' judgment. There was no safer place for his little sister than near the most powerful magic knight in the Kingdom.

Nozel looked at Noelle one last time, then he handed her to Julius carefully. He then walked away with Solid and Nebra, following Julius' instructions.

After taking Noelle, Julius held both babies carefully, ensuring they were safe and comfortable in his arms.

Julius then invoked his time restriction magic again, creating a magical sphere that surrounded the Silva twins. It was an incomparable gesture of protection. Within this sphere, time moved at a different pace, ensuring that Niel and Noelle were completely isolated from the outside world, and therefore more than safe.

With the twins safe, Julius raised his voice, addressing everyone in the room with words of gratitude and reassurance. He thanked everyone for the cooperation and courage they showed in the face of adversity.

Without further ado, Julius realized he couldn't waste any more time. With Acier and the Silva twins in their respective magical spheres floating beside him, he prepared for the journey towards the Royal capital.

With one last glance at the now silent room, Julius Novachrono departed towards the Royal capital. Determined to save the life of the woman he respected, as well as the twins under his protection.

Part 4: Strengthened Bonds

A month had passed since the tumultuous events at the Silva mansion. Little Niel was already a little older, but he hadn't yet completed his first year of life. He spent most of his time in his crib, reflecting on the events that shaped his new life.

Niel was thoughtful, with curious eyes watching the ceiling of the room, while the constant cries of his sister, Noelle, filled the air around him. He rambled on about his mother, Acier, who was now in a better state but still recovering from her wounds.

Rumors about Acier's condition had spread throughout the royal palace. Many believed his weakness was a result of his complicated twin pregnancy. But Niel knew the truth, he probably knew more than anyone about what was happening to Acier.

As Niel was rambling, he was suddenly brought out of his thoughts when someone picked him up and gently lifted him out of the crib. It was his older brother, Nozel, who held him affectionately. Niel looked at Nozel with curious eyes, recognizing his brother but still a little surprised by the gesture.

Niel then heard the soft voice of a woman, who asked Nozel to bring Niel closer, as well as Noelle. It was Acier, his mother, looking better but still recovering. Her presence radiated warmth and motherly love.

Carefully, Nozel held Niel and brought him closer to Acier, who was lying on a nearby bed. Noelle was next to her, and Acier smiled fondly at the sight of her children. She stretched out her arms and held Niel and Noelle affectionately, bringing them close to her.

"My precious ones," Acier murmured in a soft voice as he stroked the twins' heads. "It's so good to have them here."

Nozel, Solid and Nebra, who were nearby, approached as well. It was a time for the family to reunite, and everyone was visibly moved. Nozel looked at his mother with gratitude in his eyes, relieved to see her in better health.

Niel could feel the happiness and love flowing from that scene. However, something else was present, an underlying anxiety that did not go unnoticed by him. Acier was clearly happy to be with her family, but there was an urgency in her expression, as if she knew time was short and wanted to enjoy every moment with her loved ones.

He knew there was something more than this moment of happiness. However, he decided not to let these dark thoughts ruin the family's joy at that moment.

Niel allowed himself to be enveloped in the family embrace, feeling the warmth and love of his mother and older brothers. A cute smile lit up his face, enchanting everyone with his innocence and joy.

And so, the Silvas hugged each other in that room, strengthening the bonds that united them. Noelle, Niel and their older brothers had a long road ahead of them, but they were together, ready to face the future that awaited them. And, in the center of that family embrace, Acier smiled, grateful for every precious moment with her beloved family.