Reborn As Papa Silva (Extras)

Blowing a frosty breath into the cold January air, Sebastian paused as the cottage came into view.

Their cottage—or rather, his cottage.

He had expected it to be run-down, dirty, and tattered, as one might expect of a place abandoned for nearly a year. But no, it stood as pristine as the day he'd been pulled into Castle Silva.

Smoke billowed gently from the chimney, hinting at warmth within. Slowly, he understood.

Nathaniel must have ordered House Silva servants to maintain the property during his and Acier's absence. It seemed Nathaniel had gone a step further, even preparing it for Sebastian's return.

Biting his lip, Sebastian stepped onto the property—his home—his eyes drifting to the old tree where his parents and unborn sister were buried.

From the tree stump, his gaze wandered to the hill, where Acier's ghost seemed to linger, filling his mind with memories. Memories of their mischievous dates, laying together in the grass under the summer sun, smiling and cloud-gazing. Memories of doing the same at night, marveling at the starry sky.

Their gazes had always drifted from the heavens to each other, transfixed by the light in their lover's eyes.

He remembered the chaotic, hilarious process of building the cottage together—both clueless, wasting money on broken materials, backtracking after every mistake, laughing at their shared incompetence.

And he remembered the first day Acier had ever set foot on his land. She'd been furious, but not at him—at the unfair debt tying him down, a debt he didn't deserve. She'd wanted justice for him, even though they'd merely become friends just the day before.

Those warm memories made his heart ache. He shook his head to clear them and approached the porch—the same porch where they'd once sat in contented silence, overlooking the horizon.

Again, he shook the thoughts away and stepped inside the cottage.

The floorboards gleamed, spotless and shiny, evidence of a thorough cleaning that must have been done just this morning.

Sebastian removed his shoes and walked into the living room, where the source of the heat came into view. Freshly cut logs burned brightly in the fireplace, with neatly stacked firewood nearby for future use.

His vision blurred as he saw ghosts of the past: the two of them sitting by the fire, Acier perched lovingly on his lap. They'd huddled together for warmth, for love, for each other's company.

But because of his actions—his stupid, foolish, selfish, idiotic, self-serving, traitorous actions—those moments would never return.

Standing before the fireplace, he felt nothing but cold. A tremor ran through him as he reached into his satchel and pulled out something.

It was his half of their lovers' card.

His fingers trembled as he clutched it tightly, tears streaming down his face. He gritted his teeth and hurled it toward the flames—only his hand wouldn't let go. No matter how many times he tried, he couldn't release it.

His heart begged him to let go, but his body refused. His body wanted to throw it into the fire, but his heart held him back. The two warring sides reached an eventual agreement: he would keep it.

Sebastian stared at the card, tempted to pour mana into it, to see if it would respond. To find some kind of answer, a judgment from the depths of Acier's heart—something that would tell him what they were now. But he didn't dare.

Even for Nozel's sake, if that card showed anything but an upright spin, he wasn't sure he could hold on for much longer.

With a heavy sigh, he set the card gently on top of the fireplace and stepped away.

He began pacing the room, questions swirling in his mind. What now? What was he supposed to do with his life?

The life he'd given to her. The life she'd returned, hollowed and empty.

He couldn't go back to how things had been before she stormed into his life. The time for vengeance was long gone—Nicklaus was dead.

Could he blame someone else for his sister's passing? Nathaniel? Acier? Himself? Lux?

No good would come of those thoughts. He pushed them aside and returned to the question at hand.

What now? What was he supposed to do while he waited for Nozel? What kind of man did he want to be?

Becoming a recluse was not an option. He needed fresh air, a change of scenery. When Nozel came to visit, he deserved a loving father—not a depressed hermit.

Sebastian needed a purpose. A goal. An aspiration. A dream untethered from her—a dream that would let him reclaim his identity, his sense of self.

Biting his lip, he turned on his heel and walked to his study—the same study he hadn't stepped into in over ten months.

He scanned the bookshelves, pulling down several textbooks, and set them on the desk—the desk and books she had bought for him.

Again, he shook his head to banish the memories and pulled out a notebook.

It was time to stop delaying. He'd put this off for nearly four years—three of which had been spent on her. But that was no longer a concern.

It was time to become an official doctor.

What would come after that, he didn't know. He would let life decide the next step.

For now, all he wanted was to make sure he wasn't a nobody in his son's eyes.

He didn't want any more gifts, handouts, pity, donations, or "love" from House Silva.

He wanted to become a man who could look his son proudly in the eye.

—

"Waaahhh!!!"

"He won't stop crying…" Acier murmured weakly, cradling Nozel in her arms. She rocked him gently, trying everything she could to soothe him.

She had tried it all—rocking, playing, making silly faces, feeding him, taking him to the privy, changing his diaper—but nothing worked. Nozel continued to bawl.

"He needs his father."

Acier flinched at Aurelia's cold, venomous tone. Biting her lip, she resumed pacing the room with Nozel in her arms, patting his back softly. Slowly, ever so slightly, his cries began to settle.

He nuzzled against her neck, his wails fading into sniffles before groggily closing his eyes.

Acier held him close, her heart aching as she gazed down at his small, peaceful face. She turned to her sister, whose icy glare hadn't softened. In a whisper, she replied, "Then he should've taken him away—"

"Then he would need his mother!" Aurelia snapped, cutting her off.

Acier froze, startled by the sharpness of her younger sister's voice.

Acier inhaled deeply, regaining composure, and fixed Aurelia with a glare so cold it made her tremble slightly.

"If you have nothing productive to add or say, please leave," Acier said in a soft yet firm tone, holding Nozel protectively. "You're disturbing my baby's sleep."

Aurelia's gaze dropped to Nozel, who shifted slightly in Acier's arms, his expression scrunched in mild annoyance, disgruntled, and the picture of discomfort, as if he was being forcefully pulled out of the sleep he just entered.

Aurelia's lips parted, but no words came out. She ducked her head in shame, clenched her small fists, and stood abruptly. Without another word, she darted silently out of the room, the door shutting softly behind her.

Acier let out a heavy sigh, her gaze lingering on the closed door for a moment before turning back to Nozel. She carried him to the ornate white crib beside their bed—her bed now.

Her heart clenched as she looked at the crib, recalling how Sebastian had painstakingly built and assembled it himself instead of relying on a carpenter.

She could still picture his confused and troubled expression as he sorted through countless samples and prototypes, determined to make the crib sturdy enough for them to lay beside Nozel.

All the while she shot him a blank and cold stare devoid of warmth, he didn't let it get to him, and continued designing and assembling the cradle in front of her today.

He succeeded yet I'm the only one who will ever get to lay with Nozel.

Remembering his slight tragic trembles as she bore her icy gaze into his back, her eyes stung.

Perhaps… deep down, he always knew. There would never be "a we" again. This was his final gift, his parting gift, to me.

Acier's throat tightened, her lavender eyes stinging further with tears she tried to suppress. She shook her head firmly, willing the memories away.

With the grace of a ballerina, she hopped onto the mattress, landing silently on her toes. She didn't disturb the crib's structure, not making the slightest creak in the frame, nor indent in the mattress, as she crouched and laid down on her back, Nozel resting soundlessly on her chest.

Her vision blurred as she imagined a different scene—a happier one. Sebastian lying beside her, one hand on her head, the other on Nozel's back.

But because of her actions—her stupid, foolish, selfish, idiotic, self-serving, traitorous actions—that moment would never come to pass.

Acier stared up at the ceiling, her son's tiny breaths warm against her chest. She wondered what she was supposed to do now.

Raising Nozel was a given. Taking over House Silva and leading the Silver Eagles—those were goals she'd clung to since childhood. But now, those aspirations felt hollow.

It wasn't that they were unattainable. Both were simply inevitable.

She was already an intermediate magic knight, despite being off duty for nearly a year. Resuming her duties, climbing the ranks, and becoming a Grand Magic Knight was well within her reach. Captain of the Silver Eagles? That, too, was only a matter of time.

And at seventeen years old, a noble lady for 3 years, she was more than old enough to inherit House Silva. Convincing her father to step down was all that remained.

But those dreams felt so bleak. So empty.

It wasn't because they lacked meaning or value. It was because she couldn't imagine anyone to share the journey with—no one to celebrate her victories, no one to lean on during the trials.

Nozel can't be that person. I won't make him bear that burden, just to soothe my heart.

Acier raised her left hand, her eyes falling to her ring finger. The golden band she wore now felt heavier than it should. In its place, she envisioned ghosts of the past: cheap brass and silver rings, now tucked away in a pouch, out of sight and out of mind.

The giver of those rings—her most precious belongings—was gone. All but fully cast out of her life.

She hated the ring she wore now, but besides Nozel, it was one of the very few things in life still tying her to Sebastian, so unless they divorced she would never take it off.

Her lavender eyes dulled as she lowered her hand.

She sighed, leaning down to kiss Nozel's soft little head. "This was my decision," she whispered. "My choice. So I'll see it through to the end."

Acier closed her eyes, her voice depressed yet calm in her mind.

She would become the Matriarch of House Silva and the Captain of the Silver Eagles—the most powerful and influential woman in the Clover Kingdom. She would carve out a future where no one would dare target Nozel or Sebastian.

She would do it, no matter how hollow, lonely, or isolated it left her.

—

"Where are you going?"

Bundled in a long white coat, a scarf around her neck, earmuffs on her head, and a large backpack over her shoulders, Acier paused. She turned toward the source of the voice, Nozel bundled tightly in her arms.

Her gaze swept over her sister and mother, who frowned disapprovingly at her. She ignored their expressions and looked instead to her father.

"I'm taking Nozel to his father," Acier said politely, inclining her head. "Today's the last of February."

Nathaniel nodded curtly. "Be careful."

Just as Acier was about to return the gesture, Aurelia stepped forward, her glare hateful and livid.

"Isn't it a bit shameless for you to just show up at his house like this?" Aurelia's voice was laced with judgment.

Acier didn't so much as flinch. Aurelia reached toward Nozel, her tone softening slightly. "I'll take him to Br—Sebastian. You should just stay—"

Aurelia froze as Acier's icy glare silenced her mid-sentence. Both she and Amara trembled under the intensity of her gaze.

Acier's voice was low, blunt, and final. "I am his wife. Remember that. No one shall act as an intermediary with our child. I will take Nozel to him, and I will bring Nozel back myself. Understand?"

She didn't wait for a response. Spinning on her heel, she strode out of the castle with Nozel held close, descending to the edge of the estate.

If I can't even face the father of my child—my husband—what am I doing in life?

Her mana spread around them both, forming a protective skin to shield them from the cold in case their clothing wasn't enough.

As her boots crunched softly against the ground, Acier glanced down at Nozel and smiled. "Ready to see Daddy again?"

Nozel blinked up at her, his small face lighting up with a curious, innocent smile, as if asking her, Who's that?

Her smile faltered, growing more strained. She whispered, "Your Daddy's the coolest person in the world."

Nozel's excited little smile grew, and that small reaction made Acier feel just a little better.

—

Sebastian gulped, clamping down on his growing trepidation. The second knock on the door hadn't come yet, but he forced himself to act before it could. Plastering on a weak smile, he swung the door open.

His gaze locked with Acier's the instant the door creaked open. For a long moment, they stared at one another, lips parting as if to speak, but neither could find the words.

Finally, Sebastian stepped aside. "Come in."

Acier returned his strained smile with one of her own and stepped through the doorway.

Sebastian watched as she removed her boots with practiced ease, her movements rhythmic and routine, as though she still belonged in this house. He took her coat, his weak smile persisting, and hung it on the rack—their rack. No, it was his and only his now.

Acier's eyes swept over the interior of the cottage, her gaze nostalgic despite the hollow ache in her chest. She walked to the living room and lowered herself onto the couch—his couch.

Sebastian followed after her, sitting awkwardly beside her. A wide gap remained between them as he tentatively held out his arms.

Acier's body instinctively leaned forward before she caught herself. She suppressed the urge to leap into his embrace and instead gave him what he was truly reaching for: his son.

She untied the sling securing Nozel around her shoulders, her fingers working carefully. When she handed the baby to Sebastian, their hands brushed together.

Both froze, feigning indifference, silently telling themselves that there was no jolt, no connection, no tingle in that brief contact.

Sebastian cradled Nozel in his arms, his expression softening into a broad smile. Making a goofy face, he cooed, "Hey, buddy. How have you been?"

Nozel blinked at first, as if trying to process the voice. Then he smiled softly, his innocent face lighting up.

"You missed Dada, didn't you?" Sebastian asked, rocking him back and forth gently.

Nozel squirmed in his arms, his smile growing brighter. Sebastian brought the boy closer to his face and planted a loving kiss on his forehead.

Watching this, Acier felt her heart crack.

If being a Silva wasn't such hell, this could have been them every day.

Forcing herself not to cry over spilled milk, Acier shakily pointed to the large bag she had brought, catching Sebastian's attention.

"Inside, there are diapers… wipes… toys… blankets… and canisters of food and breast milk. You have a freezer and fridge to preserve them, right?"

Sebastian's smile faltered as he lowered his head. He whispered softly, "You should know that, after all…"

His voice trailed off, and Acier forced a smile. "R-right… h-how could I forget? I was the one who bought them for us…"

Sebastian nodded stiffly, and silence descended between them. Acier awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers in her lap while Sebastian gently rocked Nozel back and forth.

Still holding her forced smile, Acier stood up and nodded. "W-well, I s-should get going. I'll come by to pick up Nozel at the e-end of March—"

"You don't have to be in such a hurry to leave," Sebastian interrupted.

Acier stiffened at his words, her breath catching as he chewed his lip and continued softly, "You can stay a while, if you like."

Her heart raced, but she resolutely shook her head. "N-no, I've been off my Magic Knight duties for a year now… it's time for me to get back to work…"

Sebastian nodded weakly. Just as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.

"... Acier…"

She froze mid-step and turned back to him, her smile strained. "Yes, Sebastian?"

Mulling over his words, Sebastian finally spoke. "Switching homes month after month isn't healthy for Nozel. Especially as a baby, when he's trying to imprint. Constantly changing his surroundings makes it harder for him to remember things. Having either of us disappear from his life for an entire month… isn't good for him."

Acier clenched her fists, recalling Nozel's earlier confusion when she'd mentioned his father. She parted her lips. "What are you suggesting…? We're not getting back together, if that's what you're after—"

"Don't mock me," Sebastian cut her off coldly, his tone sharp enough to make her tremble. He suppressed a sneer and added, "I'm not that desperate. Don't mock me like that."

Acier hung her head and nodded. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Sebastian inhaled deeply, steadying himself, before locking eyes with her. He held up a finger. "Once a week, even if it's uncomfortable, we need to spend a day together—with Nozel. For his sake."

Acier's mouth opened slightly, but Sebastian pressed on.

"And not just that. Milestones—his birthday, our birthdays, Christmas, other holidays. When he achieves something, we both need to be there for him. Together."

Acier swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice barely audible. "Anything else?"

Sebastian furrowed his brow before nodding. "You still have your pair of our linked transponders, right?"

Acier nodded. "Yes. What about them?"

Sebastian sighed. "Just hearing our voices is important for him. Let's keep them on hand so we can contact each other—and speak to Nozel—at least once a day, every day, even when we're not with him."

Acier bit her lip. "For his sake?"

Sebastian nodded. "For his sake."

"There's no other reason?" she asked softly.

Sebastian hesitated but shook his head. "No other reason."

Acier took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. I'll pop by every Sunday. I guess I'll bring Nozel's refills myself, then."

Sebastian gave her a small nod and stood, holding Nozel out to her.

Her eyes stung as she bent down, pressing a tender kiss to her infant son's forehead. "Don't worry, Nozel. Mommy promises to sing you a lullaby every night."

Nozel giggled silently, sucking on her nose, which made her blink back tears.

Acier straightened and headed to the lobby, putting on her coat and wrapping her scarf around her neck. Sebastian stood in front of her, holding Nozel silently.

She bit her lip. "How's life going…?"

Sebastian raised a brow. "Shouldn't you know?"

Acier shook her head. "I'm monitoring your condition and that's it—not your activities. I-I don't want to spy on you like that."

Sebastian sighed before answering. "I've registered to take the doctor's exam in April…"

Acier paused, her lips curling into a soft smile. "That's great. I'm happy for you!"

Sebastian blinked at her enthusiasm before nodding stiffly.

Her smile grew strained as she began putting on her gloves. "And then? What are your plans after getting your license?"

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, his voice low. "I think I'll set up a proper clinic in Kikka… It'll follow the same rules as our old stall."

Acier froze, her smile faltering into something more nostalgic and fragile. "Do you have a name picked out?"

Sebastian nodded. "Sebastian's Clinic."

Her chest ached. S & A is no more, huh? Suppressing her thoughts, she opened the door. "Goodbye, Sebastian."

Sebastian nodded. "Goodbye, Acier Silva."

Acier closed the door gently behind her, and with a mana-boosted step, darted away. I wish I could just be Acier.

As she dashed through the chilly grassy plains, taking in the slowly melting snow, hinting at the end of fall, her gaze lifted to the sky, and she felt transported back to another time—running from Sebastian after finding him bloodied and sifting through the wreckage of his broken shack.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I wish I had a brother… then I could just be with Seb—"

She abruptly stopped herself, her voice cutting off as she paused to stare skyward once more. Her chest tightened as she chewed on her lip, her heart sinking.

"The only one to blame for everything is myself," she muttered bitterly. "If I were the strongest, no one would dare mess with Sebastian or Nozel…"

Her words trailed off as her eyes flickered, her breath hitching. A long-buried dream clawed its way to the surface, shaking her to her core. It was an aspiration she dropped because of fear, fear that she wasn't worthy, fear that she'd mess up, fear that it would change her into something foul and disgusting, yet that fear vanished abruptly as felt a yearning. 

A yearning for a dream she once dropped, now rekindled as if it were a lifeline—one that could lead her to the life she longed for.

"... If I become Wizard King… then maybe Sebastian and I could…"

Her voice faltered as she bit her nail, the thought too fragile to finish aloud. She stood frozen for a moment before inhaling deeply and turning back toward home, her mind racing in silence.

Once she arrived at the Silva estate, she headed wordlessly to the main family's private training grounds.

She needed an outlet, to blow off a little steam… and perhaps aim for more.

Acier had always been told she was a magical prodigy. She had always believed her strength would be enough to protect the people she loved. Until she met the cold reality, that it wasn't, if she wanted to realize her dream, and live the life she wanted, she needed to be at the top of the Clover Kingdom, not just in the political world but the magical one.

She wanted to see if honing her talents further could make her grand dream attainable—this new, impossible dream.

Just like Sebastian, Acier had found a goal.

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