Surprise Surprise

Beware of those who quietly craft situations to entangle others; They often create troubles not just for others but from themselves as well. 

—

September 2, 1619

Hage

Nursing a slight headache, Sebastian, wearing a brown cloak that obscured his hair and most of his features, walked through the ancient village that was once home to a race beloved by mana.

He had come to Hage for several reasons. One, to check firsthand how the industrialization was progressing and ensure no one was cutting corners or submitting false reports. Two, to visit the church, see if all was well, and confirm whether communication with Lichita was going smoothly. And three, to make a request of someone.

And that was how Sebastian found himself strolling through the woods overlooking Hage from a slight distance in the early morning.

He was alone. Dorothy and Nozel were too busy, Solid and now Nebra were borderline obsessed with trap magic, and Acier wanted to play with Noelle and Mereoleona (in two very different ways). Sebastian had considered bringing Alfred along but decided against it. Talking to that man was awkward enough right now—being in his presence for long would be even more insufferable. He was still trying to figure out how to break the news to the old butler, so he came here alone.

All alone.

But it wasn't a bad kind of lonely. Even though he loved and adored his family, everyone wanted time to themselves now and then, and Sebastian relished it. The light morning breeze, the chirping birds, the lush greenery—it all soothed his headache as he made his way to the demon skull.

His headache, of course, came from having his clone vaporized yesterday. Sebastian's clones were a bit different from typical ones—they housed pieces of his soul. That granted them certain advantages but also glaring weaknesses.

The advantages: they completely replicated his mana and presence, making it nearly impossible for anyone to tell the difference between his clone and him. They could exist indefinitely without needing him to channel magic into them or stay nearby, as long as they weren't physically destroyed. He could communicate with them telepathically and sense them from anywhere.

The weaknesses? Because they were pieces of his soul, using them in battle was dangerous. If one was completely incinerated, like yesterday, or targeted by someone who could grasp the soul, it could severely damage or even kill his real self.

That was a major downside.

Because of that, Sebastian avoided using them too much. Never in a million years would he have expected his wife to pulverize his clone without a moment's hesitation.

And now, he had lost a piece of himself. A small piece, sure, but enough to leave him with this jarring headache. Mana was tied to the soul but wasn't exactly the same thing, so while his mana had already recovered, his soul would take much longer. Sebastian estimated at least a week.

An entire week for barely a hundredth of his soul to recover, while his physical body could rejuvenate in mere moments. The difference was appalling.

Was this Acier's extreme way of showing him firsthand the risks of using his clones? Did she not realize? Or did she simply not care?

Either way, for now, he'd avoid using them in battle. But that didn't make them useless. Right now, his clone was home, in his place, sitting in his office, working (slaving) away on paperwork for him.

They shared the same mind and intelligence, so Sebastian didn't have to worry about his clone screwing him over—though the constant cursing in their mental link was something he could very well do without.

Alas, antagonizing his clone further wasn't an option. If it rebelled like Naruto's Shadow Clones once did, that would be a real problem. So Sebastian put up with it.

Thankfully, his clone wasn't nearly as dramatic or childish—just disgruntled and frustrated. It seemed he would still need to make that auto-paperwork tool.

Sebastian shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside and suppressing his clone's incessant cussing as much as he could. He had arrived at the ancient demon skull. Without hesitation, he began to climb.

As Sebastian climbed, he paused occasionally to overlook the quaint, lush village—half mesmerized by its ethereal beauty, half satisfied with its progress.

Roads were being smoothed and built. Multiple homes were under construction, each a worksite of improvement. The small magic school was being expanded, and a government office building—one that would eventually house a few Magic Knights, station some administrative workers, and include a licensed healer—was well on its way to completion.

And that was it. But that was all Hage needed.

Hage was a farm village, a place of greenery and beauty. It would be a shame to level it completely in favor of a town or citadel.

New towns would be built in the Forsaken Realm, closer to the border of the Common Realm. Hage didn't need to be completely changed. Hage should stay Hage. Minor improvements were all it needed.

Rayaka, another village in the Forsaken Realm not far from Hage, was different. A midway outpost, it was being reshaped into a full-fledged town. It was well within traveling distance for Hage's denizens if they needed anything, so Hage could remain as it was.

It would become a clean, refined village. But a village it would stay.

Noticing the bright smiles of the villagers from a distance, Sebastian felt reassured. He and Conrad had made the right decision.

Sebastian smiled. The first goal seemed to be met.

He climbed onto the smooth skull and walked forward to the First Wizard King's statue.

A quiet sigh of relief left him when he spotted the anti-bird perched atop Lemiel's stone head.

The bird blinked awake, prompting a soft smile from Sebastian before he parted his lips.

"Remember me?"

The bird blinked again before raising one little wing like a hand, flapping it in what Sebastian could only interpret as a nod or greeting.

Chuckling to himself, his expression shifted—his features turning somber, his eyes narrowing.

"Secre Swallowtail…"

The bird froze, eyes widening as Sebastian continued nonchalantly.

"I'll be dealing with that devil in a few years. Preferably sooner rather than later..."

The anti-bird's pupils dilated.

"You should start searching for the whereabouts of the magic stones," he carried on, "so we can resummon him, as well as wake Lemiel-sama up."

The bird tensed again, body stiff as it opened its beak. But instead of chirping, it spoke.

A distinctly female voice. Almost robotic. Emotionless.

"Who are you? How do you know these things?"

Sebastian cocked his head.

"If you haven't already put it together from my conversation with Conrad, I'm the head of House Silva. In a way, I'm a descendant of your prince. A very distant one, but a descendant nonetheless."

"As for how I know what I know, that doesn't concern you. All you need to know is that I have a way to save your beloved prince after you unseal him, and the Clover Kingdom of today is more than strong enough to deal with Zagred."

"I will be dealing with that devil and awakening Lemiel regardless— with or without your help. I'm merely informing you as a show of cordiality and a bid to win your trust. You've been watching over this kingdom for about 485 years now. If anyone deserves to know what's going on, or what's about to happen, it's you."

"That's why I'm giving you a heads-up. You may collect the stones yourself if you're wary of me and my intentions. Take your time to investigate me. Gauge my honesty."

Secre narrowed her avian eyes for a moment before letting out a small chirp and speaking again.

"I am incapable of gathering many stones in my current form… Even if I unsealed myself, I would be equally helpless."

Sebastian nodded with a smile.

"And that's precisely why you need help. Why you need comrades and collaborators. Take your time to think about it and consider your next steps. Once you've made a decision, you can pop by House Silva and see either me or my wife. My office window is always open."

Secre ruffled her feathers before whispering softly—this time, for the first time, a hint of emotion laced her tone. Desperation and vulnerability mixed together.

"Do you really have a way to save my prince?"

Sebastian nodded.

"Are you sure it will work?" Secre's voice was louder now.

Sebastian shrugged.

"Lemiel's condition isn't great. I'd say, at best, 80% or so."

If it were possible for a bird to smile, Secre did. She looked excited—relieved.

"That's already 79% more than I could have hoped for."

She inhaled deeply before pointing a wing toward the other end of the village.

"There's one magic stone in that church—"

"I already know," Sebastian cut her off. "I also know one is in House Vermillion. One is in the Witch's Forest. One is in Sosshi Village. And one is in the Seabed Temple. I can retrieve any of those at any time."

Secre blinked incredulously, but Sebastian carried on without a care.

"I want to know the whereabouts of the other six."

Secre blinked again before lowering her wing and responding indifferently.

"I don't know. All I have are vague suspicions. After sealing my prince, I entered a deep sleep for several years. When I reawoke, all the other stones were gone. I'll need to investigate to find them."

Sebastian nodded before raising a brow.

"Don't do anything reckless. I only need their location—I can retrieve them myself. If anything happens to you, unsealing Lemiel would become quite troublesome."

"I'm aware," Secre responded coolly. "I have waited 485 years for my prince's return and to slay that devil. I'm not about to suddenly lose my patience now. Once I find anything, I'll fly by your castle."

Sebastian nodded once more, sporting a slight smile as he waved her goodbye.

"Well, thank you for that. I look forward to working with you."

Secre rolled her eyes, curled back into a ball, and resumed her sleep atop her prince's head.

As for Sebastian, he made his way to the church to complete his last goal for the day.

However, he would soon come face-to-face with a very baffling discovery.

—

Hage Church

Sebastian stood in front of the church, silently inspecting the exterior. He was pleased—relieved, even—to see that not a single external hole remained in the structure. The walls were clean, the windows spotless, and the entire church seemed prepped for a grand expansion and renovation.

Wasting no time, Sebastian strode toward the grand twin wooden doors and knocked—polite, yet firm and steady.

Rap! Rap! Rap!

Lowering his arm, he waited. A minute later, hurried footsteps echoed from inside, and then—suddenly—the door swung open, revealing Father Orsi. The priest was panting but wore a kind smile.

"Greetings—"

Orsi's words cut off the instant he got a good look at the figure beneath the hood. He froze. His eyes widened slightly as he worked to reconcile Sebastian's new appearance with the one he remembered.

"S-Sir?"

Sebastian chuckled, lifting his hood and waving Orsi off casually.

"We've had this conversation before—no excessive pleasantries, please. Let's keep it casual."

Orsi hesitated before offering a small smile and stepping aside wordlessly, allowing Sebastian to enter.

As he did, Sebastian noted the difference in Orsi's attire. His priest robes were new, a stark contrast to the torn and dirty tunic he'd worn before.

So, he didn't ignore my advice…

That pleased Sebastian further, though he didn't comment on it. Instead, he shifted the conversation forward.

"I came to check on a few things, but mainly to see if the arrangements with Lichita are going well."

Orsi paused before breaking into a broad smile.

"Yes. I really have to thank you for that. She's a wonderful woman, and although Asta is still just a baby, I think the little guy is already starting to understand his relationship with her. He can't stop smiling and giggling whenever she appears on the screen. And while he's never been the type to cry… he gets close when the projections end."

"Honestly, with how fussy he's become for his mother, we have to make three calls a day. Not that I'm complaining—it's quite the heartwarming sight."

Sebastian's smile softened.

"That's good."

He was happy for Asta. The boy couldn't be held by his mother just yet, but simply knowing she was out there, loving him unconditionally, and being able to speak with her—that would get him through many tough times in the future.

Orsi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Actually, Asta just woke up, and it's almost time for the morning call. Lichita has been wanting to talk to you—to convey her heartfelt gratitude. Would you like to join us?"

Sebastian blinked, feeling a slight warmth creep up his neck. His heart stirred. Running a hand through his hair, he nodded, a little awkwardly.

"Sure. That'd be lovely."

Orsi's face visibly brightened.

"Just a moment—I'll get the two boys. Lichita is quite fond of Yuno as well, and it's clear the baby feels the same."

With that, he headed upstairs.

Sebastian smiled softly as Orsi began to climb the stairs, making some idle chit-chat.

"The inside of this place is spotless. Have those two boys been behaving more often, giving you time to clean?"

Orsi paused, glancing back over his shoulder with a sheepish grin.

"Ah, no. Asta is as mischievous as ever, and Yuno cries quite a bit. It's only because of the help I've been getting around here lately that I can take proper care of this sacred place."

"Oh?" Sebastian raised a brow. "Has the church sent you a helper, or have you used some of the funds I sent to hire a maid or babysitter?"

Orsi's smile brightened as he shook his head.

"No, of course not. That money is for Asta's and Yuno's futures. And I'm more than capable of cleaning. The help comes free, in exchange for lodging and meals."

Sebastian blinked, confused.

"There's someone else living here?"

He spread out his mana senses—and immediately picked up two presences upstairs.

That didn't make sense. There couldn't be two. Asta had no mana, meaning he wouldn't register as a presence unless one used ki. One of the signatures clearly belonged to Yuno, but the other—

Alarm bells rang in Sebastian's mind.

It wasn't malevolent, but it was pure, lively, and burning with strength—mana that could rival any royal. And what unsettled him further was that it felt inexplicably familiar.

Sebastian kept his expression neutral so Orsi wouldn't notice anything amiss. The priest let out a low, jovial laugh.

"Oh yes, you haven't met yet. I should introduce you to him. Asta isn't the only one who got a parent back in his life."

Sebastian froze.

A thunderbolt shot through his mind as Orsi disappeared upstairs.

Barely registering the murmurs from above, Sebastian's heartbeat pounded in his ears. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he heard footsteps descending.

Leading the way, Orsi carried a wide-eyed, giggling Asta—but Sebastian barely noticed.

His attention was fixed solely on the figure behind him, holding Yuno snugly in his arms.

An old acquaintance.

Someone who shouldn't be here.

Someone who couldn't be here.

Because he was supposed to be dead. Long dead.

The man wore loose black trousers and a simple cardigan, but no amount of casual wear could suppress the regal posture he carried himself with.

A soft, kind smile rested on his face, framed by distinctive golden eyes, shaggy black hair, a well-kept beard, and a full mustache.

Sebastian's pupils dilated as their eyes locked.

The man froze, sensing Sebastian's gaze.

Orsi hesitated, glancing between them in curiosity.

Sebastian's lips parted, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"Loyce?"

The figure stiffened again. His wide eyes flickered with recognition as he took in Sebastian's changed appearance.

"Sebastian?!"

They both spoke at once.

"Why are you here?!"

Silence.

Asta, nestled in Orsi's arms, and Yuno, cradled in Loyce's, blinked in curiosity.

Orsi looked between them, bewildered.

"You two know each other?" he muttered softly.

—

Five Minutes Later

Outside the church, by a newly built side bench, Sebastian Silva and Loyce Grinberryall sat side by side, a decent space between them.

Both looked stiff. Awkward.

Eventually, Loyce couldn't take the silence any longer. Forcing a smile, he turned to his old acquaintance.

"Orsi told me this church had a sponsor. I've always been curious, but since they wanted to stay anonymous, I never pushed for an answer. I never imagined it was you, old friend."

Sebastian tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. His lips parted.

"You're supposed to be dead."

Loyce paused, then winced, lowering his head in self-deprecation.

"So... news of the coup in Spade reached Clover."

"How could it not?" Sebastian asked dryly, his tone edged with mockery. "We had just finalized a treaty the month before. For our partner to suddenly back out and isolate themselves—of course we investigated."

Loyce trembled slightly.

Sebastian sighed, then continued.

"Don't worry about being recognized. Only the higher-ups knew the details of Spade's situation, and as far as I know, I'm the only one in this kingdom who's actually seen you face-to-face."

Loyce leaned back against the bench, exhaling an audible sigh of relief. He didn't look like a king at that moment—just a weary man.

Sebastian didn't let him enjoy it for long.

"But like I said," he continued coldly, "you're supposed to be dead. Long dead. Our scouts reported you were slain in cold blood."

Loyce tensed again before slowly raising his hand. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm not an imposter."

Above his palm, a spiraling ball of flames took shape. But it wasn't just flames.

It was more.

A construct with its own gravitational field. A beacon of life, capable of illuminating entire civilizations. The purest flame.

A small sun.

Sun Magic—unique to the Grinberryall bloodline. Only Loyce Grinberryall should possess it.

By all logic, that should have been undeniable proof of his identity.

Yet, Sebastian's heart remained unmoved.

Because right now, somewhere in the world, there was likely someone active—someone capable of copying not just appearances, but magic itself.

Rhya.

Sebastian didn't truly believe the man in front of him was Rhya. But he had seen far too many impossible things recently. Anything was possible.

He needed clearer proof.

"Show me your grimoire, Loyce."

Rhya's disguise had two fatal flaws: to Sebastian's knowledge, he couldn't copy memories. And he couldn't disguise an item as something else.

Sebastian needed to see it—the crimson-red, gold-trimmed Spade Kingdom grimoire, adorned with sunspots.

The same one etched in his memory.

But he wouldn't get to..

Loyce bit his lip, shook his head.

"I can't."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed further, his voice dropping to an icy edge as he suppressed the twitch in his fingers.

"You can't? Or you won't?"

Loyce fell silent.

Sebastian's patience was visibly thinning.

"In this kingdom, there are tools and magics that allow one to masquerade as others. I need distinctive proof. Summon your grimoire."

Loyce clenched his fists, veins throbbing at his temples, his expression helpless.

"I said I can't!"

"Why?" Sebastian demanded coldly.

Loyce bit his lip harder before exhaling hoarsely.

"Because I don't have my grimoire anymore."

Sebastian froze.

Silence stretched between them.

Loyce's expression was unmistakably genuine, and something in Sebastian's gaze softened—just a fraction—as he whispered,

"What is that supposed to mean? When you escaped Spade, was your grimoire taken from you? Sealed away? Is that how you were reported to have been defeated so easily? Were you deprived of your grimoire and spells before battle?"

"No..." Loyce shook his head, trailing off for a moment before meeting Sebastian's gaze with a weary sigh.

"It's not that I don't have my grimoire on me… it's that my grimoire is gone."

Sebastian's brow twitched.

"Gone?"

Loyce nodded.

Sebastian frowned. "Gone gone? As in, it doesn't exist anymore?"

"Yes," Loyce muttered, growing irritated.

Sebastian shot up from the bench, startling the rightful Spade King as he crossed his arms, standing in front of him.

"Explain," he ordered. "How can your grimoire just be gone? You evidently didn't give in to despair and turn into an ancient demon like those two ancestors of yours."

Loyce's eyes widened.

"You know about that? That's supposed to be a deep secret of my kingdom—"

He cut himself off when he saw Sebastian's cold, unamused stare.

Clearing his throat, Loyce coughed into his fist, composing himself. His expression turned somber as he finally met Sebastian's gaze.

"What I'm about to tell you may shock you, but let me explain."

Sebastian nodded.

Loyce closed his eyes, inhaling deeply before exhaling slowly. When he opened them again, he finally spoke the truth he had kept buried.

"Our grimoires are tied to our souls. When we die, our grimoires fade with us."

He paused.

"I did die. And so, my grimoire is no more."

Sebastian remained motionless.

"Somehow, though," Loyce continued, voice steady but low, "a month ago, I found myself back in the world of the living. In my body. The same body I remembered being sliced in half by a filthy traitor—the last thing I ever knew before dying."

His fingers curled into his palms.

"Yet, I came back. Intact, nonetheless. And now, here I am, standing before you."

Sebastian listened in silence.

"Obviously, my grimoire didn't return with me. So I can't show it to you. My only proof is my magic… and the memories of our time together, when you visited my kingdom a year ago."

Loyce felt the invisible weight pressing down on his soul, on his heart, leaving him.

He had finally spoken his truth—the greatest secret that had bewildered and terrified him since the day he awoke.

He expected Sebastian to look shocked. Or skeptical. Or to stare at him like he was a madman.

But instead—

Sebastian simply nodded. Slowly.

He stroked his chin, lost in thought, before parting his lips.

"I… see…"

Loyce blinked.

I see? I see?!

He shot up from his seat, now eye level with Sebastian, his golden irises locking onto Sebastian's ocean blues as he nearly shouted in his face.

"How can you just say that?! I told you—I died and came back to life! Why aren't you shocked or even taken aback? Do you really believe me just like that?"

Sebastian blinked, then gave him a strange look.

"First of all, no one would make up such a ridiculous lie under interrogation unless it was true. And second—" he sighed, rubbing his temple, "I am shocked."

Loyce frowned. "You don't seem shocked."

He slumped back onto the bench with a huff, causing Sebastian to sigh and run a hand through his hair in frustration.

Was he shocked? Yes. But only a little.

Resurrections in Black Clover weren't exactly rare.

Zagred had reincarnated an entire race.

Sally's experiments created new vessels for Licht, Fana, and Vetto to revive in.

Rades had brought back Patry.

Conrad, through the Imperial Sword, resurrected three Wizard Kings—and, by his own words, could have revived the entire Clover Kingdom after wiping them out.

Mereoleona had resurrected her squad as incarnations of flame.

And then there was Lucius, who could bring back anyone he chose.

Coming back to life in this world wasn't unheard of.

So after the initial shock wore off, Sebastian wasn't particularly surprised. What mattered to him wasn't the what—but the how and why.

He looked down at Loyce, his voice soft but firm.

"So, you came back to life a month ago. Do you have any clue how? And why come to Hage? How did you know Yuno was here?"

Loyce bit his lip, locking eyes with him again.

"After my revival, I heard a voice in my head," he admitted. "It was... ethereal. Ancient. Yet youthful. It claimed to have brought me back."

Sebastian remained silent, listening intently.

Loyce took a breath before continuing.

"It told me what had happened to my kingdom since the coup. It convinced me that trying to start a fight as I am now was a fool's errand. Then it guided me here—across the continent—saying it was leading me to a place I needed to be... wanted to be."

His voice wavered slightly.

"And it didn't lie to me. It brought me to my son. To my boy."

Loyce clenched his fists.

"But ever since then, that voice has gone silent. No matter how many times I've called for it—asking what I'm supposed to do, what it wants from me, why it helped me—there's been nothing."

A hollow chuckle left his lips.

"Lost and without a purpose, I just... moved into the Church. Orsi was kind enough to take me in—he's a good man. Since then, I've just been helping out—cleaning, assisting Yuno and Asta, doing whatever I can."

His hands trembled slightly before he forced them still, offering Sebastian a shaky smile.

"I'm not lying to you. I truly am Loyce Grinberryall."

Sebastian held his gaze for a long moment, then exhaled through his nose.

"I believe you."

The words left his mouth before he could second-guess them.

He hoped those words wouldn't come back to bite him—because if the man standing before him wasn't who he claimed to be...

Then this world had just crossed into horror territory. Eldritch levels of disturbing.

Loyce let out a deep breath, his body sagging with relief.

"Oh, thank goodness," he muttered, chuckling weakly. "You're really taking this well. Almost too well. It's... kind of alarming, hah hah hah..."

Sebastian forced out a strained smile, clicking his tongue as he rolled his shoulders.

"So then, what are you going to do now? Just raise Yuno here in the countryside? In the boonies of the Forsaken Realm? Or do you have an actual plan?"

Loyce visibly slouched, looking almost dejected.

"Of course I have my own plans. I want to take back my kingdom, to free my people... but I can't." His fists clenched. "Even with my grimoire, I didn't last a moment against Dante—oh yeah, Dante is one of those Zogratis siblings, if you remember from your trip. Anyway, he killed me in a heartbeat." His voice turned bitter. "What am I supposed to do now? Weak as I am, unable to cast a single spell, where even some lowborn can threaten me?"

Sebastian sat down beside him, shrugging.

"Listen, Loyce. You have a lot of mana. And one of the rarest magical attributes in existence. I don't know how it works in Spade, but here in Clover, we've had geniuses throughout history who could stand above everyone else without a grimoire."

His expression softened slightly.

"I have a niece—before she even got her grimoire, she was already stronger than most Magic Knights. Probably Stage 4, going by your and Heart Kingdom's rankings."

Loyce looked up, listening.

"It's been four years since then. She's spent all of them training in the harshest magic regions, pushing herself to the brink. Her control and sensitivity to mana are on a completely different level. With grimoireless magic alone, I'd say she's close to Stage 2."

Sebastian leaned back slightly, watching Loyce's expression.

"There's no reason why you—someone with just as much mana, just as much talent, and far more reason to get stronger—can't do the same." His voice dropped. "As long as you're willing to put your life on the line. Bleed. Slave away in the pursuit of strength."

Loyce let out a weak chuckle.

"You seem to have quite a high opinion of a good-for-nothing like me."

Sebastian didn't respond.

Because in his eyes, the gap between Mereoleona and Loyce—in terms of lineage, talent, and potential—was negligible.

After all, how could the power of the sun not contend with a mere flame?

The only real difference was drive.

Mereoleona constantly pushed past her limits, always ready to die just to become stronger than she was a moment ago.

Loyce?

He grew up in a time of peace. A benevolent, almost carefree monarch who coexisted with his people, never needing to sharpen his fangs.

Unlike Edelstein, who would do anything to fix his body.

Unlike Goldstein, who fought to carve out a future for Diamond.

Unlike the Heart Queens, who bore the burden of defending their sacred and highly coveted land.

Unlike Clover, which had been drowning in war since its founding.

Spade, for all its size, had been isolated. Unwanted. Unchallenged.

Its kings had never needed to fight.

Loyce was no exception.

But now? Now, he had a reason to grow stronger. To free his people from the tyranny of the Zogratis family and their Dark Disciples.

He just needed to want it badly enough.

Loyce grimaced, his voice thick with emotion.

"You don't understand, Sebastian. My kingdom was taken over by the Zogratis siblings. Each of them has a contract with a Supreme Devil. They're not something humans can contend with—"

"I know."

Sebastian cut him off, his voice casual. Then, as if it were nothing, he threw out a bombshell.

"There are only two of them left, though. My wife killed Vanica about two days ago."

Loyce froze.

Blinking incredulously, he stammered, "H-huh?"

Sebastian cracked his neck, clicking his tongue.

"Vanica Zogratis thought she could hunt my wife and came picking a fight. She got buried for her trouble. You don't need the details—just know that she's dead."

Loyce blinked again.

"I see…" he murmured stiffly.

Then, after a beat, he looked back at Sebastian, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"It seems the Steel Princess' title lives up to its name—"

"Loyce."

Sebastian's voice was firm.

"My wife won't be going to Spade to fight Dante or Zenon anytime soon. I'm sorry."

Loyce fell silent, then slowly bowed his head.

"I see," he said quietly. "I apologize. That was out of line."

Sebastian didn't respond.

Loyce cracked his knuckles, hesitated, then finally spoke again.

"I refuse to believe the coup in Spade was a simple one. Dante… he had a greater objective." His jaw tightened. "Can you put in a word with the Wizard King? Tell him that whatever is happening in Spade—it's not just Spade's problem. It's a threat to the entire world."

Sebastian nodded.

"I will."

Then, after a pause, he added, "But at the same time, I'll caution Conrad against rushing into war. Not until we know exactly what we're dealing with and how to handle it with minimal loss."

Loyce exhaled sharply, shoulders slumping.

"That's fair," he admitted. "That's definitely fair."

Once again, silence settled between them before Loyce nodded and stood. "I understand, Sebastian. Spade is my kingdom, my responsibility. If I want to save my people, if I want to end their suffering, I have to do it myself. I have to put my life on the line—not ask others to do it for me."

"I'll stay here, continue raising Yuno, and help Orsi with Asta. I'll train and do my best to get stronger in the meantime." He hesitated for a moment. "I know it's shameless, but… can I ask you for a favor?"

Sebastian stood as well, neither accepting nor rejecting outright. "What is it?"

Loyce met his gaze. "My wife. My Ciel. I refuse to believe she's dead. I know she's somewhere out there. If Yuno escaped, she must have too. Can you use your channels, your resources, to help me find her?"

Sebastian paused before offering a small smile and a nod. "Sure."

Loyce's eyes watered as he held out a hand. "Thank you."

Sebastian took it in a firm shake before his expression turned more serious. "About your grimoire… maybe sneak off to the grimoire tower sometime. Who knows? You might get something."

Loyce froze, his breath hitching. "Y-you think that—"

"It's just a guess," Sebastian interrupted. "I don't think whoever brought you back would leave you helpless. There had to be a reason."

Loyce exhaled, his racing heartbeat steadying. "I'll try."

Sebastian nodded. "Good. And even if it doesn't work, don't be discouraged. I might have a way to get your grimoire back—but no promises, so don't get your hopes up too much."

Loyce hesitated before nodding curtly. "I'll keep that in mind."

Sebastian smiled softly, prompting Loyce to do the same. He gestured toward the church. "Shall we head inside? I believe Orsi is still waiting for us, and that poor woman, Lichita, seemed eager to thank you many times over."

Sebastian paused, then shook his head. "No. I have too much to do at home, and this conversation took far longer than I expected. I really should be going back. Please give them my apologies."

Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out a transponder and tossed it to Loyce, who barely caught it in time.

Sebastian pointed to the device. "I have several at home connected to that one. If you need anything, you can contact me."

Loyce blinked, then gave a respectful nod. "Understood. Thank you."

Sebastian smiled, pulling his hood back on as a water eagle formed beneath his feet. As he took to the skies, he waved. "Farewell. I'll keep you posted on Ciel's whereabouts."

Loyce's eyes stung as he bowed deeply. "Thank you!"

Sebastian spared one last glance at him and the church before darting toward the capital.

His smile faded the moment he was airborne. His expression darkened, bewilderment settling over his features.

"Loyce is alive. Loyce is alive. Loyce is alive…" The words tumbled from his lips in a mutter, his frown deepening as he ran a hand over his face.

"What the fuck is going on?"

He didn't know anymore.

Didn't know what to expect next.

Didn't know how much longer things would spiral before Nozel and Dorothy's big day.

He could only hope the unraveling wouldn't be too severe.

But deep down, he knew better than to hope.

Loyce Grinberryal had returned from the dead. And all of a sudden, Sebastian Silva felt much less special.

Much less important.

A pawn in a grand game, rather than a valued and coveted piece, being contested over and safekept.

A fool whose illusions of grandeur had shattered in a single moment.

He didn't know what to expect anymore.

But he did know one thing.

He was tired.

Tired of being surprised.

Tired of being made to look like a fool.

Tired of being caught off guard.

Tired of being strung along, manipulated like some puppet.

Sebastian wanted to be a player.

—

Author's Notes

[1] Years ago, I had an idea for a Black Clover fanfic about someone transmigrating as Loyce right after his death, escaping Spade, reaching Hage, and reuniting with Yuno before setting off from there. I never ended up writing it, but I incorporated the concept here—only this time, it's the real Loyce, not a transmigrator.

[2] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar