100 Prompt Challenge - Astelle

Note: AU from Reborn as Papa Silva verse - very close to canon.

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Prompt: Noelle finds a love letter (sort of) her mother once wrote, inspiring her to express her own feelings finally.

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Noelle Silva wiped a tiny bead of sweat from her forehead as she flipped through another box, rummaging through her mother's old belongings and keepsakes.

It had been about half a year since the war in Spade—the mission to defeat the Dark Triad, rescue Yami, Vengeance, and Lolopechka, liberate the Spade Kingdom, and prevent the descent of the supreme devils of the underworld.

Nothing had gone as planned, nor as smoothly as they had hoped, but in the end, they succeeded. And following Spade, the Clover Kingdom—perhaps even the world—had entered a quiet era, a time of peace.

That left many Magic Knights conflicted. On one hand, they were relieved not to be dealing with daily apocalyptic threats. On the other, they were at a loss for what to do with their newfound free time.

Especially Noelle's cohort, who had joined the order during a very active time for the Knights due to the actions of the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

Noelle would have been thankful for the break—if it had come before her fight with Megicula. Before she had acknowledged her feelings. Before she had admitted, even to herself, that she was in love with a certain ash-blond, bulky midget.

Because with Asta just as free as she was, it was hard not to run into him on a daily basis. After all, they lived in the same base.

And right now, Noelle couldn't face him.

She had vowed to confess after Spade, to be forthright with her feelings, but she hadn't lived up to that promise. It was just too embarrassing. She felt insecure. Afraid.

To this very day, Asta had never stopped with his grand proclamations about marrying that nun in Hage. Because of that, Noelle couldn't imagine her confession playing out in any way other than her heart getting broken.

She could already hear his possible responses:

S-sorry, Noelle, but I only see you as a friend.

Sorry, Noelle, but I'm in love with Sister Lily.

I'm thankful, Noelle, but my heart is set on another.

Love me? You hit me on a daily basis. That's a strange way to show love. I don't think you even know what love is.

Love me? That's a good one, Noelle. Hah hah hah. Just you wait, I'll definitely prank you back.

Noelle stiffened, clutching her chest as a sharp ache spread through her. She bit her lip and went back to sifting through her mother's things.

She needed a break from the Black Bulls in general—especially Vanessa, who kept egging her on to confess. She needed distance from all things love and Asta.

So when Nozel sent a letter in the beginning of Feburary, requesting her presence at Castle Silva, she had been surprised, uneasy… but more than happy to accept.

She had no idea what to expect. Not in a million years would she have predicted receiving a heartfelt apology from her brother—for years of looking the other way when she was tormented, and even for pitching in himself on occasion.

Nor could she have predicted him taking her to their mother's old room, a place forbidden to her for years, as if she had murdered Acier Silva.

Nozel had told her to make herself comfortable there, to help herself to their mother's belongings. If she liked anything, she was free to take it. It was her right. And even if she didn't want to, perhaps just browsing through Acier's things would help her understand the woman she had only ever known as a painting.

Nozel also promised that Solid and Nebra wouldn't bother her. There was no reason to hesitate. No reason to be afraid.

That made Noelle tear up. It made her queasy. So, with a meek and emotional nod, she stepped inside.

She had no plans to take anything. She just wanted to explore. To clear her mind.

To this day, she could still feel the warmth, the unconditional love of her mother's soul as she had embraced her after Megicula's defeat.

She longed for that connection once more.

And who knows?

Maybe—just maybe—she could find even a shred of that love through this.

So she continued to rummage. And rummage.

She found her mother's old grimoire satchel. She found a butterfly hairpin—strangely cheap and poor in quality for a royal, but still quite nice.

Noelle didn't know why, but she felt drawn to it. She tucked the pin away in her satchel, planning to take it for herself.

Whether she ever wore it or simply kept it as a knickknack would depend on her mood.

Noelle continued sifting through her mother's belongings, her eyebrows twitching and her face heating up as she came across a few erotic books—ones that screamed Vanessa more than Acier Silva.

Suddenly, the saintly aura she always associated with her mother's paintings didn't seem so pure.

Noelle pretended she hadn't seen anything and continued rummaging through the room.

She found her mother's clothes from various years. Then, she found a brown leather pouch. Inside, there were five items.

Four rings—two seemingly cheap, two very expensive—and what looked like half a bookmark. The image on it was of a naked woman, one who strangely resembled her mother, holding half of what Noelle could only assume was a heart.

Noelle bit her lip as she held those five items. The cheap rings and the bookmark, in particular, made her feel strange. Emotional. Sad.

The two expensive ones, though… They made her feel something else entirely. A deep, unpleasant disgust.

She set down the two rings—an engagement ring and a wedding band, she was certain—and picked up the others instead.

One was a plain brass ring with the inscription BFF. The other, a silver bangle with a heart-shaped amethyst gem.

Noelle's eyes reddened. She didn't know why.

Why she suddenly felt so heartbroken. So sad. So betrayed.

Before tears could fall, she set the rings back into the pouch—only to freeze as her fingers brushed against something.

Something thin.

She pinched the hidden object between her fingers and pulled out a folded piece of old parchment, surprisingly well-preserved.

Unable to suppress her curiosity, she unfolded the paper—blinking at the nearly faded black ink, written in what must have once been her mother's delicate, beautiful script.

Once again, Noelle chewed on her lip, squinting as she brought the paper closer to read.

June 23, 1601

Kyaah! Sebby promised to marry me! He finally committed! Gave me this beautiful silver ring with that, so he can't take it back!

Lots of people died in the war, I know that… but is it wrong to say this has been the best week of my life? I mean, the love of my life finally stepped up, and to think all it took was me being impaled through the stomach! Life rocks!

Noelle froze, her expression morphing into something caught between bewilderment and horror.

She rubbed her eyes, thinking she had misread, but no matter how many times she reread it, the words didn't change.

Noelle clicked her tongue. Had any of her siblings seen this note?

Shaking her head, she reached back into the pouch, pulling out the cheap silver ring—her mother's promise ring.

Just like with the hairpin, Noelle found herself really liking the ring.

But she didn't take it.

She understood how precious it must have been to her mother, and she wouldn't take it away.

Instead, she turned her attention back to the note.

I'm so happy. I'm so happy. I'm so happy.

I love him so, so, so, so much, and I'll make sure he understands that. I'll make sure he never once regrets being with me.

I can't wait till the day he reaches his age so we can marry. Maybe we can get engaged earlier so we can live together… But nonetheless, I can't wait.

I'm so thankful I didn't give up on love! I'm so happy he came back for me. I'm so happy I ever met him. I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

Before Sebby, I thought I would have to marry some random disgusting pig I didn't know—to continue the Silva line, to keep the branches in check, to protect Aurelia. But I never knew I could find love as well.

Although this past year has been one of the most depressing and sorrowful—not just for me, but for this kingdom—it's also been my happiest.

With Sebby. With our love.

I feel like I could smile even if the sky fell down.

I can't wait to see what our future has in store. I can't wait to be his wife, to have his children, to start a family with him—our family.

I can't wait for my parents to be his. I can't wait for my sister to be his.

Love rocks. It can break you. It can make you sad. It can hurt you. It can betray you. It can leave you. But the few happy moments…

They're the most beautiful things in the world.

And I'll make sure Sebby knows that. I'll make sure he feels that. I'll love him harder, brighter, and stronger than ever before.

I'll give back all he's given me, and more. We'll give each other, and we'll take from each other till we're gray and old. Till the day we die.

I love my Sebby.

And I love… love.

Tears fell onto the paper as Noelle clutched it tightly. She didn't wipe them away. They kept dripping, one after another, soaking into the parchment.

She whimpered, trembling as the promise ring slipped from her fingers and hit the wooden floor with a dull thud.

Noelle sniffled, her vision blurry. "Y-you're wrong, Mom… You're so wrong. F-Father doesn't love you. He doesn't love any of us… He's just a stranger. A ghost in this house."

She didn't know her father. She didn't know the man called Sebastian Silva.

All she knew was that her grandmother had despised him. That her aunt hated him more than anyone in the world.

All she knew was that he was the only person in House Silva more reviled than she was.

She had only ever seen him once a year—at her mother's death anniversary. He would stand before Acier's grave, his face unreadable, his presence detached.

She had only ever heard his voice once.

"They called her the Steel War Princess. Who would've thought she'd leave behind someone as useless as you."

Noelle shivered at the memory.

Sebastian Silva had spent his days locked away in his private quarters ever since Nozel took over the house.

He did nothing. Spoke to no one. Showed his face to no one.

Noelle didn't know what to think of him. Didn't know what to feel.

She had once heard that he was an accomplished healer. When Asta's arms had been cursed, she had briefly considered seeking him out… but in the end, she hadn't dared.

Because her father was a stranger.

Even her siblings—cruel as they were—had still felt like family. A venomous, poisonous, hateful family, but family nonetheless.

Her father, though? He was barely a blur in her memory. A shadow she had never dared to look at directly, not since that day.

Noelle wept. She wept for her mother, for the woman who had loved so fiercely yet never had the chance to raise her own children.

Just as she was about to set the letter down, her hand froze.

There—at the bottom—were more words.

Newer than the rest. Still old, but less faded.

She squinted, her throat tightening as she read.

Hey… to whoever is reading this.

I want to think it's Nozel. Or maybe Nebra, Solid… even my little baby, Noelle.

If it's not any of them, please put this letter down. It's not something for a stranger to read.

Anyway, if you've found this letter, I have one more thing to say.

I'm sorry I can't write much. I don't have much time left, and even holding this pen hurts… hah… hah… hah.

But if there's one thing I need to tell you, it's this:

Even if love didn't work out between me and your father… I never regretted it. Not for a single moment.

Those were the happiest days of my life. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

So if any of you find someone special, don't let them go.

Even if it doesn't last, the joy in the present will warm your heart for a lifetime.

And if it doesn't work at all…

You'll regret it forever if you never even tried.

Love rocks. So give it a chance.

I love you. I love all of you.

P.S. Nozel… I know I've asked you this before, but I'll say it one last time.

Take care of your siblings. And take care of your father.

Fresh tears spilled from Noelle's eyes.

She rubbed them away, a weak, trembling smile forming on her lips.

"Alright, Mom… I'll give love a try. Lady Mereoleona made me promise to surpass you, so I swear—I'll make my love work."

She carefully folded the letter and placed it back into the pouch.

Picking up the ring, she held it between her fingers for a moment, watching how the light glinted off its surface.

Then she sighed and dropped it back into the pouch, sealing it shut.

—

Black Bulls' Base – Kitchen

"Hey, Charmy?"

Charmy, just about to start cooking up a feast, looked up with a bright smile.

"What can I do for ya, Noelle? Got any special requests for dinner?"

Noelle shook her head, smiling softly. "No, actually… I need a favor."

Charmy perked up, hopping onto the table like an imp. "Tell your senpai, and I shall deliver, la!"

Noelle bit her lip, then took a deep breath. "Can you teach me how to make chocolate?"

Charmy paused mid-bounce.

Meanwhile, Vanessa—who had been sprawled out drunk on the table—suddenly snapped upright, her eyes sharpening with mischief. All traces of intoxication vanished in an instant.

"Well, well," she drawled, grinning slyly. "Valentine's Day is coming up. Bit of a coincidence, huh? Is this for our little boy?"

She was fully prepared to bask in Noelle's inevitable flustered reaction—the heated blush, the indignant denial.

What she didn't expect was for Noelle to glance at her with cool indifference and simply shrug.

"What if it is?"

Vanessa blinked.

Noelle ignored her and turned back to Charmy, offering a nervous smile. "So… can you teach me?"

Charmy beamed, thumping her chest. "Just leave it to me! I'll help you make the yummiest, tastiest treats in all the land—and you'll win your Prince of Muscle's heart for sure!"

Noelle's smile softened. "Thanks, Charmy."

Vanessa stared at them, blinking again. Then she muttered under her breath, dazed, "I must still be drunk."

—

Valentine's Day

Asta was just about to head out for his morning training, ready to push past his limits in the frigid snow—when he paused.

Noelle was leaning against the wall by the front door.

He blinked. "Hey, Noelle! Good morning! Wanna train with me?!"

She'd been acting weird for months, avoiding him in a way that might've upset him if not for the joy he felt in her Ki whenever they crossed paths. It made his heart tickle in a strange way.

So he hadn't pushed the issue, chalking it up to Noelle being Noelle. As long as she wasn't mad at him, that was all that mattered.

Still, he missed their training sessions. She was the person he was closest to in the squad—his partner, really. He longed for the days they'd spent together, so he never stopped inviting her to join him.

And yet, deep down, he always expected her to run.

But this time, she didn't.

Instead, she stood before him, looking oddly serious before offering a soft, faint smile.

"Good morning, Asta. Actually… I have something for you."

Asta paused.

Not Bakasta?

His heart did something weird, and he forced a smile. "For me? What is it?"

Noelle reached into her satchel and pulled out a red box. A heart-shaped red box. She held it out, whispering softly,

"Happy Valentine's Day, Asta."

Asta froze. That tickle in his heart turned into something much stronger as he took it from her, stiffly.

He could smell the chocolate.

He had never once received chocolates on Valentine's Day.

Silence stretched between them before he let out an awkward, forced laugh. "C-chocolates? Hah hah, you didn't have to! I-I never got anything for you… where'd you get them—?"

"I made them."

Noelle's voice was steady as she locked eyes with him.

"I made these."

Asta's heart pounded wildly. He swallowed, forcing another shaky smile. "Y-you're really nice, Noelle. Making chocolates for everyone—"

"No. Not everyone."

She stepped closer, her voice firm, deliberate.

"These are only for you. I only made chocolates for you. I won't be giving any to anyone else. And I won't be accepting any from anyone else, either."

Asta stiffened. His broad frame trembled slightly as he bit his lip, voice hoarse.

"N-Noelle, I'm not the brightest guy around, but… do you…" He gestured between them. "Do you feel that thingy for me?"

Noelle didn't hesitate.

"Yeah." She nodded. "Yeah, I do. And very much so."

Asta's breath caught. His heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst. He swallowed hard.

"For how long?"

Noelle only smiled. "That's for me to know. And maybe… for you to find out one day."

Asta bit his lip. "N-Noelle, I—"

She placed a finger over his lips, shaking her head.

"I know you like that nun."

His stomach twisted.

"But I also know you're not an idiot," Noelle continued. "Despite what I say, despite what the world says, you're one of the most perceptive people I know. And you know as well as I do—that will never work out."

Asta clenched his jaw.

"I-I don't want to use you like some second option. Like some backup plan."

Noelle smiled brighter.

"Me neither. I really, really love you, but I can't accept being treated that way. Even if it's by you. No—especially if it's by you."

Her voice was steady, but her eyes shone with something raw.

"So, I'm giving you time. Time to figure out what you really feel for that nun… and whether you feel the way I feel for you."

She beamed, beautiful and unwavering.

"We're only seventeen. We have nothing but time. So, I can wait. Don't rush. I don't want anything from you unless it's real. Okay?"

Asta could only nod, slowly placing the chocolates into his satchel. He looked at her again.

"…Wanna train with me?"

Noelle blushed, then nodded. "I'd love that."

Asta grinned.

The two of them walked out into the snow, stepping onto the front yard.

For the first time since their days in the Heart Kingdom, they trained together once more.

—

House Silva, Private Cemetery

Nozel Silva walked through the snow-covered estate, his lavender eyes narrowing at the tall, silver-haired figure standing motionless before his mother's grave.

His boots crunched against the frost, his arrival unmistakable. Yet, the man did not turn.

Nozel stopped behind him, drilling holes into his back with his gaze before sneering.

"You obviously loved her. Yet you couldn't even be here in her final moments. Now, all you do is wallow in guilt—an empty husk, a ghost haunting your own home."

The figure remained silent, his focus locked onto Acier's grave.

Nozel didn't care.

"I knew you'd be here," he continued. "The estate thinks you only come out on Mother's death anniversary, but I know better. Four times a year—always here. The day she died. Her birthday. Christmas. Valentine's Day."

He scoffed. "Were those days special to you two or something?"

Still, nothing. Not even a twitch.

Nozel's patience frayed. His fists clenched.

"Father, you pathetic man—what are you even doing with your life?! What do you want?! If it was House Silva, why did you let me take over without a fight?!" His voice rose. "Why did you torment Mother if you were just going to spend the rest of your years crying like this?!"

He stepped closer.

"If you're the villain Auntie and Grandmother say you are, why haven't you made my siblings' lives a living hell? Why haven't you tormented the servants?"

His breath hitched.

"If you're a monster, why did Grandfather always look sad when he saw you—sad for you, not because of you?"

His throat tightened.

"If you're a monster, why did Alfred, on his deathbed, tell me you were a good man?"

His voice cracked.

"If you're a monster, why did Mother love you until the very end? Why didn't she leave you?"

Nozel's chest heaved, raw and exposed, his frustration spilling over.

"If you're a monster, why do I still care what happens to you?! Why do I—"

He swallowed hard, biting the words back, forcing himself to breathe.

Sebastian Theodorus Silva still did not turn.

Even as his son—so uncharacteristically unguarded—demanded, pleaded, begged for an answer.

Nozel's hands trembled as he exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stand tall.

"…I haven't made the news public yet, but I will soon." His voice was quieter now, steadier. "Mother didn't die giving birth to Noelle. She was cursed. A devil's curse. One she and I fought together."

He inhaled.

"I'm going to fix my family. I'm going to repair what was broken between my siblings."

His grip on his coat tightened.

"…Mother asked me to take care of you. And even if I hate you—I'll try."

The words were heavy. A confession and a challenge all in one.

"You're our father. My father. Will you try to heal with us? To be with us?"

Finally, Sebastian Silva moved.

Slowly, he turned.

Nozel froze.

Then, his shoulders slumped. He let out a weak, bitter laugh, shaking his head as he clenched his fists.

"Of course not," he murmured. "You never change." His voice barely wavered as he whispered, "I hate you."

Sebastian Silva said nothing. He merely stared, cold and unmoved, before walking past his son, heading back toward the estate.

Nozel didn't turn to watch him go.

But behind him, Sebastian's lips curled—slowly, subtly—into something twisted.

A devilish smile.

A voice whispered in his head.

P-please… just stop… w-what more do you want… just let me die… what more can I give you…

Sebastian's own lips parted, his voice shifting—eerily identical, yet laced with something far more sinister.

"Come now, Sebastian." His tone was almost amused. "It's been almost thirty-three years. Just a few months more… and you'll reach the deadline."

His smile widened.

"And then, you'll have your wife, your life, and everything back. And more."

The voice in his head fell silent.

But Sebastian didn't care.

One month later, he vanished—disappearing into thin air.

Just like Julius Novachrono.

Just like Damnatio Kira.

No one but Nozel knew.

No one but Nozel cared.

And Nozel…

He didn't search for his father.