Reborn As Papa Silva

Chapter 33: Short Story: If Sebastian Transmigrated At Start of Canon Part 4

Asta and Noelle trailed after Vanessa through the bustling streets of Kikka's Castle Town, ignoring the stares from the townsfolk. Excitement sparked in their eyes as Vanessa rounded a corner, then paused and turned back to them with a gentle smile.

"Alright, we're here!"

"Ohhhh!" Asta's eyes lit up with excitement—until he realized what he was looking at. He blinked in surprise.

Noelle sweatdropped, glancing around in confusion. This is supposed to be someplace special? This is just an alley...

After completing their first mission in Saussy Village and earning their first wages, Vanessa had promised to take them somewhere exciting in Kikka after they stocked up on essentials like healing herbs and magical consumables. So they were understandably baffled when their "special place" turned out to be a quiet, abandoned cobblestone alleyway.

Just as their confusion deepened, Vanessa gave a playful flick of her wrist, beckoning them forward. "Right over here," she said and proceeded to walk straight through the wall next to a worn wine barrel.

"Huh?!" Asta and Noelle exchanged wide-eyed looks, then followed her lead, half-expecting to smack right into the wall. But to their shock, they stepped right through it—and into a hidden world.

A crooked line of makeshift stalls and ragtag shops stretched before them, cluttered with mysterious figures in hooded cloaks peddling every kind of strange item. Wands, skulls, rare herbs, bubbling potions, brooms—they could barely take it all in.

Vanessa put her hands on her hips and, without looking back, spoke softly, her voice ringing clearly in her juniors' ears. "Welcome to the Black Market."

"Woooooow." The sparkle returned to Asta's eyes as he eagerly took in the scene, ignoring the bird nestled on his head like it was his personal perch.

Vanessa gave a wave to a nearby shopkeeper sitting on the dirty ground. "It's a teensy bit dangerous," she said with a smirk, "but they've got some super effective stuff here."

She glanced over her shoulder at Noelle's slightly nervous expression. "Oh, and don't worry," she added casually. "Royals and nobles wouldn't be caught dead here. Too 'low-class' for their taste."

Noelle turned, her curiosity piqued.

"You still can't fully control your magic, right?" Vanessa continued. "The only spells you can manage are the ones that stay in place."

Noelle hesitated, clearing her throat. "Th...that's true, but why does that matter?"

Vanessa gestured to a cluster of shops selling enchanted accessories—cuffs, jewelry, wands, brooches. "They've got items that can help you suppress your magic. From what I can tell, you've got way too much mana, and you're not sure how to manage it. Find something here that suits you, adjust your magic a little, and you might just get the control you need."

The way Noelle's gaze widened told Vanessa she'd struck a chord.

As they walked through the market, Vanessa led the way with a certain shop in mind. Dominante better treat me to some booze for bringing her a customer, she thought, glancing sideways and catching Asta peering toward a small shop, where a torn rag draped over the entrance and loud voices poured out.

"That's a casino," Vanessa chuckled. "You two are still a bit young for that."

She narrowed her eyes at the scene inside, her gaze stopping on a familiar face. Seriously, does that virgin delinquent ever learn? She smirked to herself. Magna's going to end up going home in his underwear again.

Inside, just as Magna was about to bet everything on red, he suddenly felt a stab of irritation for some mysterious reason.

Moving past the casino, Vanessa noticed Asta by her side but realized Noelle was lagging behind. Huh? "Noelle, sweetie, what's up?" she called, turning to see Noelle rubbing her eyes, head lowered as though she was annoyed.

Is the dust getting to her that badly? Royals really do have fragile bodies, Vanessa mused, holding back the urge to say something that might offend the sensitive girl.

Asta and Vanessa exchanged curious looks as Noelle glanced past them, then rubbed her eyes and looked again. Her pupils suddenly dilated, like she'd seen something that shocked her. Just as they were about to turn to look, she shoved them both out of the street, pushing them behind a stall.

The stall owner, an old man with a shiny bald head, blinked in surprise before flashing a toothless grin. "Hey, kids, interested in buying a magic carpet—"

"Silence, insect," Noelle snapped, her tone icy, making the man shrink back as she removed her hands from Asta and Vanessa.

"Noelle..." Asta rubbed the back of his head, wincing where he'd been pushed up against the stall. "What was that for?"

Ignoring him, Noelle anxiously turned her gaze to Vanessa. "Vanessa! I thought you said royalty and nobles don't come here?!"

Vanessa blinked at her, taken aback. "That's... because they don't."

Noelle let out a groan, dropping her head against Vanessa's chest before looking back up at her. "Then would you please explain why, in the name of all things holy, my father

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Vanessa and Asta both blinked, stunned.

Your father? The words took a second to sink in, but Asta processed it slightly faster.

"We should go say hi." Asta stepped toward the main street, only for Noelle to yank him back.

"What are you doing, Noelle?" Asta felt dizzy with all the pushing and pulling.

"I should be asking you that, Bakasta!" she hissed. "You can't just go up to him like that!"

"Huh?" Asta tilted his head, bewildered. "Why not? He's your dad, right?"

"No!" Noelle's voice dropped to a tense whisper. "He's my father!"

Asta looked more confused. "Is there a difference?"

Noelle flicked her pigtails and scoffed. "Of course there is, Bakasta! Royals and nobles don't call their parents 'mom' or 'dad'—we say 'Mother' and 'Father.' It's only polite."

Asta blinked. That's kind of sad. In his mind, family was where you could be real, not formal and distant. You should be comfortable and casual with your family. Being overly polite was for strangers.

But still... Asta met Noelle's eyes, placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. He didn't even notice her face turning pink as he spoke with quiet seriousness.

"Dad or father, he's still your family. What's wrong with saying hi?" he asked, studying her face. It's like you've seen a ghost.

Noelle dropped her head, groaning in frustration as she grabbed him by the collar. "You wouldn't get it," she muttered, biting her lip. "It's... complicated."

Vanessa sighed inwardly. Looks like we've picked up another kid with family issues.

She tapped Noelle on the shoulder, making her turn. "So what do you want to do?" Vanessa asked. "This is the only way to where we're headed. Do you want to walk past him and hope he doesn't see us, or wait for him to leave? I'm good either way."

"Me too!" Asta fist-pumped, determined to support Noelle, even if he didn't understand why she wanted to avoid her father.

"No!" Noelle shook her head, and they both blinked. Did we read this wrong?

After a moment, she clenched her fists and stammered, "I-I'm not a-avoiding him... I-I just need a second to gather myself, and figure out what to say!"

"...Okay?" Asta and Vanessa still didn't get it, but they followed her lead, peeking over her shoulder to get a look at the man in question.

He wore a long brown robe that obscured most of his features, but they could make out silver-white hair, ocean-blue eyes, and sharp lines framing his profile.

Asta blinked. "Besides the silver hair, I don't really see the resemb—uff!"

He doubled over as Noelle elbowed him, barely glancing back as she spoke coldly. "Silence, Bakasta."

Asta was dumbfounded. What did I do to deserve that?

"Wooo." Vanessa let out a low, appreciative whistle as she scanned the man. "Looks like the Silva genes weren't a lie. Not bad, not bad at all. Me likey."

"Vanessa!" Noelle whipped around, tomato-red and glaring daggers at her. "Don't even think about doing whatever it is you do with other men—with my father!"

Vanessa chuckled. "Come now, sweetie, even though I wouldn't mind a sugar daddy—especially a loaded one—and even though I'm not that opposed to older men, there are limits. How old's your dad, anyway?"

"48!" Noelle forced her mana down, nearly shaking with restrained fury.

"So practically 50? Twice my age? Yeah, that's a no for me." Vanessa smirked, watching Noelle visibly deflate with relief. Besides, I already have my eye on someone else.

After a beat, Vanessa asked, "So, what's his name, anyway?"

"Sebastian," Noelle sighed, sounding very, very tired.

The trio returned to spying on Noelle's father, watching him stand in front of a stall as he spoke to a seated shopkeeper, arms crossed.

Thankfully, Sebastian wasn't whispering, so they could eavesdrop without sneaking up too close.

Sebastian eyed the rough-looking man behind the stall, who appeared a decade older, sporting a mohawk, a left-side eyepatch over a scar, and skull earrings paired with a purple nose ring.

"What can I do for ye, fella?" the man began, gesturing to an array of trinkets. "Interested in some poisons? Guaranteed to wipe out any who drink it—no trace left behind. Or maybe an aphrodisiac?" He leaned forward, smirking. "Makes women swarm you and helps you get-it-up, if you catch my drift."

Watching this exchange, Noelle began to tremble, her face turning crimson with fury as her fingers dug into the wooden stall they hid behind, cracking it with her strength. The old shopkeeper nearby recoiled in terror and scurried off, abandoning all his wares.

Asta and Vanessa took a cautious step back, hands raised as Vanessa tried to soothe her. "Um, Noelle, sweetie? Maybe calm down and tell us what's wrong. You're... kind of scaring me."

Asta gulped and nodded, feeling the bird on his head bobbing as if entertained by the whole scene.

"H-how dare that insect even insinuate my father would buy something like that?!" Noelle stammered, still seething, until Vanessa pulled her into a gentle hug from behind.

"Shh. Calm down, Noelle," Vanessa murmured. "This is just life in the Dark Market. I'm sure he says that to everyone who stops by."

Noelle's breathing slowed a little, relaxing as Vanessa's words took effect. Vanessa, though, began to have doubts. Does Noelle really have daddy issues? She's awfully protective of him.

Just as Noelle was settling down, Asta's voice cut through. "Yeah, Noelle, relax. Besides, your father's at that stall for a reason. I don't think he's just browsing—he's obviously here to buy something—"

Before he could finish, Vanessa flicked her fingers, stitching his mouth shut with her thread magic. Asta stumbled away, tugging at the thread in a panicked attempt to breathe, his face turning redder by the second.

Vanessa didn't feel a shred of guilt. He's got Anti-Magic; he can break out if he really needs to. Consider it a lesson for talking too much, kiddo.

As she held Noelle close, Vanessa sighed with relief when it became clear the girl hadn't even noticed Asta's blunder. Noelle's gaze was fixed on her father, following his every move, unblinking.

Sebastian didn't seem fazed by the geezer's offers, just narrowed his eyes and spoke coolly. "Stop wasting my time with these toys and bring out the good stuff."

Good stuff? Noelle and Vanessa exchanged glances as the shopkeeper lowered his head and muttered, "I don't know what you're talking about, fella. I'm just a humble shopkeep, selling poisons, potions, and cursed items."

Without a word, Sebastian reached into his cloak. The movement made the shopkeeper, as well as Noelle and Vanessa, tense up. Just as the shopkeeper prepared to grab his grimoire, Sebastian dropped a pouch onto the stall, its heavy jingle drawing the attention of nearby vendors.

The shopkeeper's pupils dilated as he shook the pouch, peering inside to find a heap of gold. Swallowing nervously, he looked up at Sebastian's steely expression.

"If it's coin you're worried about," Sebastian said evenly, "don't be. I'm good for it."

The shopkeeper visibly hesitated, glancing between the pouch and Sebastian, before pushing the pouch back across the counter, causing Sebastian to raise a brow.

"Sir, as I said before, whatever you're after, I don't have it. Now, please stop making my life difficult and walk away," the man insisted, motioning for Sebastian to leave.

Watching, Noelle felt her breath hitch. Father, what exactly are you trying to buy that would make even this crook—someone dealing in cursed items in broad daylight—refuse to sell it, even for a fortune?!

Her legs trembled as she silently pleaded, Please, Father, don't tell me you're caught up in something illegal. I don't know what I'd do if that were true.

As a Magic Knight, Noelle knew her duty to uphold justice, no matter who broke the law. Yet, she clenched her fist, battling the thought. I don't want to arrest you... not you, the only family member who's ever treated me kindly.

Vanessa, hugging the shaking Noelle, had a sense of what might be running through her mind. Narrowing her gaze at Sebastian, she thought, You better be innocent, because if you're not, and you hurt her, I'll cut 'it' off.

Sebastian, ignoring the money, glanced around before leaning in to the shopkeeper with a conspiratorial tone. "C.P. told me about this place," he murmured. "I won't snitch."

The duo watched as the shopkeeper's cautious look was replaced with a sly grin. Reaching under his stall, he pulled out a large leather bag.

Noelle's heart sank as she watched her father take a jar from the man, unscrew it, and pinch some white powder. With a subtle smile, Sebastian brought his fingers to his nose and took an intoxicated sniff, satisfaction spreading over his usually indifferent face.

Drugs. Noelle's heart cracked as she clenched her fists in sorrow and betrayal. Her father was using drugs. It may not be the worst crime, she thought, but it's a crime nonetheless. As a Magic Knight, I can't ignore this.

Vanessa's face grew grim as Noelle's trembling ceased, and the girl turned to her with a cold, dull look, her pink eyes now a steely gray. "Let's go, Vanessa. We have a criminal to apprehend."

Before Vanessa could react, Noelle slipped out of her grasp, her small frame radiating resolve as she walked towards her father. Vanessa bit her lip, emotions swirling as she took in Noelle's lonely silhouette.

You're a real piece of work, Vanessa thought, glaring at Sebastian. You're breaking her heart.

Sebastian, satisfied, closed the jar and set it on the ledge, waiting for the shopkeeper to bring out more goods. Caught off guard in his own moment of glee, he didn't register anyone approaching until both he and the shopkeeper were suddenly bound and restrained.

Hmm? Thread? Sebastian looked down at the restraints, surprised but not worried—escaping was within his power. But he paused, curious to see who had dared to ambush him and why. When he lifted his gaze, he was met with an unexpected sight: Vanessa, the Black Bulls' resident witch, and his own daughter, Noelle.

String shot from Vanessa's wand, securing both Sebastian and the shopkeeper in place. Sebastian blinked, a mix of awkwardness and surprise filling his expression. What are the odds? he thought wryly. The one day I come here, and Noelle and Vanessa do the same. As he glanced around, his brow furrowed. Where's Asta? Has canon changed this much?

Ignoring Vanessa, he focused on Noelle, who was glaring at him with an unimpressed expression. Clearing his throat, he tried to lighten the tension. "Noelle... Fancy meeting you here. Care to tell me why your friend has me tied up—"

"Don't." Noelle cut him off, her fists clenched. "Don't give me that father act, you crook!"

The street fell silent as nearby vendors awkwardly looked away. Sebastian blinked, taken aback. "Crook?"

"Don't pretend, Father! I saw everything—we know exactly what you were buying!" Noelle's voice trembled with fury.

Before Sebastian could answer, the shopkeeper snapped, "You were tailed?!"

"Yes, obviously, but—" Sebastian groaned inwardly. Can you not make this sound worse? I wasn't doing anything illegal, you punk. He felt like slapping the shopkeeper, who looked every bit the part of a rebellious street thug.

Instead, he sighed, looking back at Noelle, his tone softening. "Calm down, Noelle. Untie me, and let's talk about this. I'm afraid there's been a giant misunderstanding—"

"No!" Noelle's voice was sharp as Vanessa stepped over to the stand, inspecting the goods.

Sebastian's breath caught when he saw tears stream down Noelle's face as she dissolved into sobs. "I-I w-waited so long... to give you a chance, and now I saw everything. No matter what you say... I'm bringing you in."

While Vanessa unscrewed the lid of the jar to examine its contents, Noelle wiped her face, her words thick with tears. "W-why, Father? Why did this have to happen now, just as you were finally being nice to me? I-I don't want to d-do this."

Sebastian felt a pang of guilt—he hadn't long ago reconciled with Nozel, and now here he was, hurting Noelle all over again.

She wasn't done. "Why'd you have to do this, Father?! O-our family doesn't lack wealth. You didn't need to get into the d-drug trade!"

Drug trade? Sebastian exchanged a bewildered glance with the shopkeeper, then looked comically back at Noelle.

Noelle rubbed her tear-stained eyes. "Is it about the money, or... are you addicted? I-I'm sure there are magic items or spells that can help—"

"Noelle." Vanessa's voice cut through, and everyone turned to her.

"Y-yes?" Noelle asked, hoarse from crying.

Vanessa awkwardly held up the jar, her cheeks flushing as she spoke quietly. "This is... baking powder."

Silence blanketed the group as Noelle blinked, unsure if she'd heard right.

But Vanessa continued, pulling out two more jars from the leather pouch. She gave each a shake, setting them down one by one. "Salt and... black pepper."

Noelle blinked again before collapsing onto the floor, murmuring to herself as she drifted into unconsciousness, desperate to escape what she now hoped was a nightmare.

"Noelle!" Sebastian and Vanessa's voices echoed around her as she lost consciousness.

Author's Notes:

[1] Based on Manga Chapter 10, this little arc is going to combine contents with the first Light Novel, "Stubborn Bull Book"

[2] As always feel free to join the Discord: /invite/s3MME8X8ar