Prompt: During the Elf invasion, Asta promised Sally that she could experiment on him however much she pleased. Many things happened afterward—including his exile—but after the Spade Kingdom conflict, the time finally came to fulfill that promise.
Noelle, however, quickly grows fed up with the arrangement. Determined to keep the mad scientist's hands off Asta, she volunteers to take his place as Sally's test subject.
Noelle would come to deeply regret that decision.
—
Noelle had had enough.
She wasn't sure how she ended up in this situation, arms crossed, glaring daggers at the scene before her, but she knew one thing for certain—this had to stop.
Asta, sweet, oblivious Asta, was standing frozen as Sally fawned over him with a manic glint in her eyes. The mad scientist of the Eye of the Midnight Sun—or former mad scientist, given that she'd been unofficially adopted into the Magic Knights—was practically vibrating with excitement. She circled Asta like a predator eyeing her next experiment, pushing up her glasses with one hand while the other clutched a vial of rainbow-colored liquid.
"This is my latest masterpiece!" she declared, shaking the vial. The liquid inside shimmered unnaturally, swirling as if alive. "It's designed to amplify emotions and personality traits, restructuring them to create the perfect mindset for battle! Imagine—a Magic Knight who feels no fear, no hesitation! Just pure, unwavering focus!"
Asta, for all his strength and determination, still had enough self-preservation to look wary. "And... you want me to drink that?"
"Of course! You're the best test subject—grit, stamina, sheer willpower! Who better to see if it works?"
Absolutely not.
Noelle clenched her fists. This wasn't the first time Sally had tried using Asta for her twisted experiments. And while Asta always found some way to weasel out of the more insane ones, he also had a frustrating tendency to let people do whatever they wanted if he thought it would help them. He'd promised Sally she could experiment on him sometimes, hadn't he?
She could already see it happening. Asta, reluctantly agreeing. Sally, testing things that should not be tested. Something going wrong.
Noelle refused to let that happen.
She stepped forward before she could talk herself out of it. "I'll do it."
Sally blinked. "Huh?"
"I'll drink it. Instead of Asta."
That got Asta's attention. "Wait, what?"
Noelle ignored the look of absolute confusion on his face. She was not about to explain herself here. Because Sally is insane and you have no survival instincts wasn't exactly the most graceful way to put it.
Sally tapped a finger to her chin, considering. "Hmm... I did want to test it on a magic user, but I was already mentally prepared for an anti-magic reaction…"
"Tough," Noelle snapped. "I'm your test subject now. Take it or leave it."
Sally's lips stretched into a wide, almost eerie grin. "Well, well, well, I do love a volunteer! This might actually be more interesting." She shoved the vial into Noelle's hand. "Drink up, then! Can't wait to see what happens!"
Noelle stared down at the shimmering liquid.
She could feel Asta's gaze on her, tense and worried. "Noelle, you really don't have to—"
She turned away before he could finish. "Just shut up and be grateful."
And before she could think twice, she lifted the vial to her lips and drank the entire thing in one gulp.
It burned.
A cold fire spread down her throat, seeping into her chest, her stomach, her limbs. Her pulse roared in her ears. Her vision blurred at the edges, and for a terrifying moment, the world tilted—
Strong arms caught her before she collapsed.
Asta.
She knew it was him without looking. His warmth. His strength.
He was saying something—her name, maybe—but she couldn't focus. A whirlwind of emotions flooded her mind, foreign and overwhelming. She clutched her head, barely managing to choke out, "I feel—"
Then the world went dark.
—
Noelle woke up feeling... off.
Her body felt normal—no aches, no sudden loss of magic, no extra limbs (thank the heavens). But there was an odd sensation bubbling beneath her skin, a mix of restlessness and heat coiling in her chest.
She sat up slowly, rubbing her temples. "Ugh… What happened…?"
"Oh! You're awake! Fascinating."
Noelle barely had time to react before Sally's face filled her vision, her wide eyes shining with excitement.
Noelle flinched back instinctively. "Gah! Don't get so close, you weirdo!"
Sally pouted but didn't retreat. Instead, she scribbled something down in her notebook. "Hmmm. Increased irritability. Good, good. Now, how do you feel? Any extreme emotions? Sudden urges? Perhaps an overwhelming desire to pledge eternal loyalty to me?"
Noelle scowled. "Why do you keep asking that?!"
"Because it'd be funny."
Noelle growled and turned away, only to freeze when she noticed him.
Asta was sitting across the room, watching her with obvious concern. His arms were crossed, and there was a furrow in his brow that she hated seeing.
"Noelle, are you okay?" he asked. "You kinda passed out after drinking that thing."
Her heart jumped.
Then plummeted.
Heat shot to her face, and a sudden, overwhelming urge to hide nearly overtook her. But another, even stronger urge shoved that aside—one that made her fists clench and her mouth move before she could think.
"I-Idiot! Of course I'm fine!" She whipped her head to the side, arms crossing tightly over her chest. "As if something like this would ever take me down! You should be worrying about yourself instead of hovering over me like some brainless puppy!"
The words flew out like second nature, dripping with scorn, but the moment they left her lips, a foreign panic sparked in her chest. Wait—why did I say it like that?
Asta just blinked. "Huh?"
Sally hummed thoughtfully, flipping a page in her notebook. "Aaaand there it is. Textbook tsundere behavior."
Noelle's eye twitched. "What."
Sally turned the notebook toward her. The page had actual bullet points.
TSUNDERE TRAITS:
- Denying feelings to an absurd degree? Check.
- Calling people names to cover embarrassment? Check.
- Making excuses for why they care? Check.
- Dramatic overreactions? Check
- Getting flustered easily? Check.
Noelle's face burned hotter. "You—You—!"
Sally nodded sagely. "Yup. You're in full-on tsundere mode." Even more than usual.
Noelle shot to her feet, fists shaking. "I am not—!"
She stopped.
Because in that moment, her eyes met Asta's. He was watching her with a mix of confusion and concern, head tilted slightly, arms still crossed over his chest. His sleeveless top did nothing to hide the ridiculous muscles he had built up over years of training. The same ones that had effortlessly caught her yesterday when she nearly collapsed.
And suddenly, her brain short-circuited.
Why is he built like that?!
Her heart lurched—she could hear it pounding in her ears.
And instead of dealing with the absolute embarrassment crashing over her, she did the only thing her body seemed to allow.
She spun around, pointed a shaking finger at him, and shouted, "I-IT'S NOT LIKE I WANTED YOU TO WORRY OR ANYTHING!"
Then she ran.
Literally.
Out the door, down the hall, as fast as her legs could carry her.
Asta stared after her, utterly lost. "...What just happened?"
Sally grinned, tapping her chin. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."
—
Later That Day – The Black Bulls' Base
Noelle had locked herself in her room for over an hour, pacing back and forth.
Okay. This is fine. I just need to avoid Asta for the rest of the day. I can do that. No problem.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Noelle?"
Her stomach flipped.
It was him.
"Go away!" she yelled instinctively, pressing her back against the wall.
"Are you sure?" Asta sounded genuinely concerned. "You've been in there for a while. I just wanted to check on you."
Noelle's fingers curled into the fabric of her sleeves.
She wanted to open the door. She wanted to thank him for worrying. But the moment she tried, a tidal wave of panic and embarrassment surged up, twisting her words into something else entirely.
"I don't need you checking on me, you—you muscle-headed moron!"
A beat of silence.
"…Huh?"
Noelle groaned, slamming a hand over her face. Why. Why is this happening to me?
Asta didn't leave. If anything, he sounded closer to the door now. "Noelle, if this is about the potion, I'm sure we can fix it! I mean, it's not like you're acting that different."
Not that different?!
Noelle grabbed the nearest pillow and screamed into it.
Asta sighed. "Look, I don't know what's going on with you, but you're still you, right? So if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
Noelle's breath caught.
For a moment, something warm pushed through the hurricane of emotions inside her.
And then—
"B-B-BAKA! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!"
Asta sighed again. "Alright, well… if you change your mind, I'll be training outside."
His footsteps faded down the hall.
Noelle waited, hands clenched into the pillow.
Once she was sure he was gone, she collapsed onto her bed, groaning into the sheets.
"I am going to die."
And the worst part?
It was only Day One.
—
Day Two
Noelle woke up with a strange sense of clarity.
The previous day had been a disaster. Whatever the hell was in that potion had turned her into an exaggerated version of herself, making her say things she never would have otherwise. She still wanted to crawl into a hole and die after shouting BAKA at Asta through her door.
But today… today felt different.
She felt calm.
Focused.
Aware.
Noelle sat up in bed, running a hand through her hair. Her mind was crystal clear in a way it had never been before. She could see everything with perfect precision—the way the morning light slipped through the window, the soft rustling of the wind outside, the distant sound of someone's voice carrying through the halls.
Asta's voice.
Her heartbeat picked up, but not in the flustered, embarrassing way from yesterday. No, this was something else. Something stronger.
Warmth.
Devotion.
Possession.
A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips.
Yes.
This was how things were meant to be.
—
Outside – The Black Bulls' Training Grounds
Asta wiped the sweat from his forehead, grinning as he swung his massive sword over his shoulder. The morning air was crisp, the perfect time for training. He had been at it for over an hour now, and it felt great.
Then, a presence.
Asta stiffened slightly, instincts kicking in. Someone was watching him.
He turned—
And nearly jumped out of his skin.
Noelle stood at the edge of the clearing, completely silent. Her arms were clasped behind her back, her head tilted slightly, silver hair cascading over one shoulder. But it wasn't her usual posture—there was no stiff pride, no crossed arms, no telltale scowl.
She was just… staring.
And her eyes—
Asta had seen Noelle angry. He had seen her flustered, determined, embarrassed. But he had never seen her like this.
Her violet eyes were glowing.
There was something wrong about it. Not in a magical sense, but in a way that made the air feel heavier, like a predator had just entered the room.
Asta laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh, uh, morning, Noelle! You feeling better?"
She took a slow step forward.
Then another.
And another.
Asta had faced down devils, ancient curses, and world-ending threats. And yet, for some reason, he took a step back.
"Noelle?"
She stopped right in front of him, tilting her head up to meet his eyes.
Then she smiled.
A soft, gentle, perfect smile.
"I'm so glad you're here, Asta."
Asta blinked. His brain short-circuited for a second.
No yelling? No insults? No magic-infused threats to his life?
"Uh… thanks?"
Her smile widened. "You were training, weren't you?"
She reached out, her fingers grazing his arm. Lingering.
"I love watching you train," she murmured, eyes hooded. "You're so… strong."
Asta coughed, flustered. "Oh, uh, well, you know me! Gotta keep getting stronger!"
Noelle's fingers tightened around his arm.
Asta's nerves skyrocketed.
Something was seriously wrong.
"Noelle," he said carefully, "are you sure you're feeling okay?"
Noelle giggled. It was soft, sweet. Terrifying.
"Of course, Asta. I just… realized something overnight."
"…Realized what?"
Noelle's fingers trailed up his arm, then pressed against his chest.
"That you belong to me."
Asta forgot how to breathe.
"Uh. What?"
Noelle's expression didn't change, but her grip did.
Stronger.
Almost possessive.
"You're always running around, helping everyone," she murmured. "Smiling at everyone."
The warmth in her eyes cooled just a fraction.
"I don't like that."
Asta's survival instincts screamed at him to move, but he was rooted to the spot.
"I… I mean, I help people because that's what Magic Knights do," he tried, his voice just a bit higher than usual.
Noelle giggled again, but this time, there was an edge to it.
"Sally said the potion would enhance a personality trait," she mused. "Yesterday was awful. But today? Today, I feel wonderful."
Her fingers curled into his shirt.
"Asta."
He gulped. "Y-Yeah?"
"Promise me something."
Asta was fairly certain he didn't want to promise anything, but he nodded anyway.
"Promise me…" Noelle's grip tightened further.
"…That you'll only look at me."
Asta's heart stopped.
And then—
"YOOOOO, ASTA!"
The moment was shattered as Magna and Luck burst onto the field, completely oblivious to the absolute horror that had just taken place.
Noelle's expression darkened.
They're interrupting.
Asta, in a rare moment of pure genius, saw his escape.
"Oh, hey, guys! Great timing! I, uh, gotta—"
He yanked himself free from Noelle's grip so fast it was a miracle his shirt didn't rip.
"—train with them! Yep! Super important! See ya, Noelle!"
Then he was gone, practically sprinting toward Magna and Luck.
Noelle stood there for a long moment, watching him flee.
Slowly, her hands unclenched. She exhaled softly, smiling to herself.
"That's fine," she murmured.
Her head tilted to the side, her smile too sweet.
"I'll just have to make sure no one else gets in the way."
Sally, watching from the shadows, scribbled furiously in her notebook.
DAY 2 RESULT: MILD YANDERE MODE. EXTREME POSSESSIVENESS ACTIVATED. ASTA MAY NOT SURVIVE THE WEEK.
—
Day Three
Asta was exhausted.
Yesterday had been terrifying. Noelle had spent the entire day shadowing him like a ghost, popping up out of nowhere whenever he so much as breathed in another girl's direction. Even Mimosa had gotten the death glare, and she was family.
He barely made it out alive.
Now it was Day 3, and he had no idea what fresh hell awaited him.
Peeking cautiously into the common room, he found the rest of the Black Bulls lounging as usual. No sign of Noelle.
"Coast is clear…" he muttered to himself. Maybe he could actually relax tod—
"Morning."
Asta jumped about a foot in the air.
Noelle was right there behind him.
But something was… off.
She wasn't glaring. She wasn't blushing. She wasn't creeping toward him with that yandere glint in her eyes.
She was just… standing there.
Expressionless.
Unbothered.
Completely calm.
Asta hesitated. "…Noelle?"
She blinked at him. "What?"
Her tone was flat. Emotionless.
"…Are you okay?"
Noelle stared at him like he had just asked if the sky was blue. "Yes."
Asta squinted. "…You sure?"
"Yes."
"…You don't wanna yell at me?"
"No."
"…Or kill me?"
A pause. Then, slowly, Noelle tilted her head.
"That depends."
Asta nearly tripped over himself. "O-okay! Nope! That's fine! No need for killing!"
Noelle just shrugged and walked past him, settling onto the couch with the elegance of a queen. She crossed her legs, resting her chin in her palm, staring absently into the distance.
Not at him.
Not because of him.
Just… existing.
Asta didn't know what to do with that.
"…Sooo, what's up?" he asked cautiously, sitting on the opposite couch.
Noelle didn't look at him. "Nothing."
"…Right."
Asta had never been this uneasy around her before. He had gotten used to the fire, the insults, the occasional accidental water spells to the face. But this?
This was weird.
Even Vanessa, who had been casually sipping wine in the corner, noticed. "Huh. Noelle's awfully quiet today."
Finral nodded. "Yeah, it's kind of… unsettling."
"Maybe she's sick?" Charmy suggested through a mouthful of food.
Noelle didn't react to any of them.
That was when Luck, being Luck, decided to test things. He zoomed up to Noelle's face, grinning like a maniac.
"Noelleee~! Let's fight!"
Asta winced. Bad move. Very bad move.
But Noelle?
She just blinked up at him. "No."
Luck's smile faltered. "Huh?"
"I said no," she repeated, completely unbothered. "You're not worth the effort."
The entire room went silent.
Luck staggered back, looking genuinely offended. "W-What? Not worth—? But you love fighting me!"
Noelle sighed, resting her chin on her palm again. "I don't love anything. It's just a matter of efficiency. You don't push me enough to be useful. So why waste my time?"
"…Huh."
For the first time in his life, Luck looked devastated.
Asta, meanwhile, was losing his mind.
This wasn't Noelle.
At least, not his Noelle.
His Noelle would rather die than admit something so bluntly. His Noelle would've thrown hands at Luck by now.
Not sit there acting like a bored queen.
Asta leaned forward. "Noelle… what is going on with you?"
Noelle's violet eyes finally met his.
And for the first time in his life, Asta felt small.
"You ask too many questions," she said simply.
Asta gawked. "That's not an answer!"
Noelle exhaled, standing up gracefully. "You're too loud."
Asta's jaw dropped. "I'm too loud?!"
Noelle ignored him completely, turning away with the elegance of royalty. "I'm going to the library. Don't follow me."
Then she was gone.
Asta stared after her.
The rest of the Black Bulls were equally stunned.
"…What just happened?" Finral muttered.
Vanessa swirled her drink. "I think Noelle just became the coolest person in the room."
Luck flopped onto the couch, looking heartbroken. "She doesn't think I'm worth the effort…"
Asta, meanwhile, was losing his entire mind.
"I liked the tsundere Noelle better!"
Sally, from the shadows, furiously scribbled in her notebook.
DAY 3 RESULT: FULL KUUDERE MODE. EXTREME DETACHMENT ACTIVATED. ASTA IS HAVING AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS.
—
Day Four
Asta wasn't sure what to expect today.
Day 1? Embarrassing.
Day 2? Terrifying.
Day 3? Existentially disturbing.
At this point, Noelle's personality was changing so fast he could barely keep up. Yesterday, she had turned into some cold, untouchable queen, barely acknowledging anyone's existence. Asta had spent half the day trying to get any reaction out of her—nothing worked.
So when he woke up on Day 4, he braced himself for whatever fresh horror awaited.
He crept out of his room like a soldier preparing for war, scanning the area. The Black Bulls' hideout was quiet, which either meant Noelle wasn't awake yet or… she was hunting him.
He turned a corner and nearly jumped out of his skin.
Noelle was standing there.
But—
She wasn't moving.
She wasn't saying anything.
She just… stood there, half-hidden behind the corner, peeking out at him with wide, hesitant eyes.
Asta stared. "…Noelle?"
She flinched.
What the—?
Asta took a cautious step forward. Noelle immediately took a step back, gripping the edge of the wall like it was a lifeline.
Asta blinked.
She wasn't glaring.
She wasn't smirking.
She wasn't throwing magic-infused insults at his face.
She just looked… scared.
"…Noelle?" Asta tried again, softer this time.
She swallowed hard but didn't speak.
Asta scratched the back of his head. Okay, new problem. Noelle had gone from fiery to murderous to ice-cold, and now she was just… shy?
"…Are you okay?"
No response.
"…Did you sleep well?"
Noelle shifted slightly, lowering her head.
Then, in the softest whisper imaginable—
"…Mhm."
Asta blinked. Did she just… agree with me?
This was definitely new.
Noelle—his Noelle—was usually too stubborn to admit anything, much less something as simple as yes. But now? She looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.
Asta hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. "Uh… Do you wanna eat breakfast?"
Noelle's fingers curled around the edge of her sleeve.
Then, after a long pause—
"…M-Maybe."
Asta gawked.
What was this?! What happened overnight?!
Before he could process it, Noelle slowly—very slowly—took a step toward him. Then another.
She stopped just a foot away, hesitating.
"…C-Can I…"
Asta leaned in slightly. "Huh?"
Noelle's face was red.
"…C-Can I… stay close to you today…?"
Asta.exe has stopped working.
Did he hear that right?!
Noelle—Noelle—was asking to stay close to him?!
This was not normal.
"…I mean… sure?" he said, still trying to figure out what kind of alternate reality he had woken up in.
Noelle's shoulders relaxed just a tiny bit.
"…T-Thank you."
Asta felt his soul leave his body.
Noelle. Thanking him. With an actual thank you.
This potion was breaking her.
—
Breakfast – Black Bulls Common Room
The rest of the squad had already gathered around the table, chatting and stuffing their faces as usual. Asta sat in his usual spot, still reeling from the morning's events.
Then Noelle sat next to him.
Right next to him.
Like, dangerously close.
Everyone went silent.
Finral nearly dropped his cup. Magna choked on his food. Luck just stared. Even Vanessa raised an eyebrow.
Because Noelle didn't sit next to Asta.
Noelle sat across from Asta. Or near Asta. But next to him? Voluntarily?
Absolutely unheard of.
But here she was, sitting quietly, hands resting neatly on her lap, completely avoiding eye contact.
Asta could feel the squad's eyes burning into them.
Yami was the first to break the silence. "…Yo. What's up with Noelle?"
Vanessa smirked, sipping her wine. "Dunno. But it's cute."
Charmy nodded enthusiastically. "She looks like a shy little bunny!"
Noelle shrank even further, nearly burying her face in her shoulder.
Asta cleared his throat, trying to distract from the fact that his face was getting red too. "Uh, she's just, uh… taking it easy today."
Finral raised a brow. "Taking it easy? Noelle?"
Asta shot him a look. Don't ruin this.
Noelle's hands tightened on her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. "…I-I just want to be near Asta."
DEAD SILENCE.
Gauche dropped his fork.
Grey fainted.
Luck grinned. "Oooh, this is fun! Can we keep this version of Noelle?"
Noelle flinched and curled into herself.
Asta glared at Luck. "Dude, stop."
Luck just chuckled. "Why? It's cute! She's like a little—"
WHOOOSH!
A thin, controlled stream of water shot out from Noelle's palm, missing Luck's head by inches.
The room went dead silent again.
Noelle—sweet, shy, dandere Noelle—lowered her hand and clutched her sleeve.
"…D-Don't tease me."
Luck blinked.
Then he grinned wider. "Ahhh, there she is."
Asta let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Okay, so she still has some bite left. Good.
Still, this whole situation was messing him up. Noelle wasn't just acting shy—she was terrified of being teased. Of him getting annoyed with her. Like she thought he'd… leave her behind.
That thought made his chest feel weird.
Asta sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Noelle."
She stiffened.
He nudged her lightly with his elbow. "Relax. Nobody's mad at you."
Noelle hesitated, glancing up at him through her bangs.
"…You sure?"
Asta grinned. "Yeah. You're fine."
Noelle stared at him for a long moment. Then, slowly—slowly—she nodded, relaxing just a bit.
Asta couldn't help but smile.
Noelle was weird today.
But she was still his Noelle.
Sally, watching from the shadows, scribbled furiously in her notebook.
DAY 4 RESULT: FULL DANDERE MODE. EXTREME SHYNESS ACTIVATED. ASTA IS ACCIDENTALLY DOMESTICATING NOELLE.
—
Day Five
Asta woke up with one thought:
I survived four days. I can survive a fifth.
Then, the moment he stepped out of his room—
"Astaaaaaa~!"
Boom.
Asta was tackled before he could even react, a full-body impact that nearly sent him crashing back through the door.
Warm arms wrapped around him. Soft hair tickled his chin.
And a very enthusiastic Noelle was nuzzling against his chest.
His brain short-circuited.
"…Wha—Noelle?!"
Noelle pulled back just enough to beam at him, eyes sparkling like sunshine. "Good morning, Asta!"
Asta stared.
Noelle didn't beam. Noelle glared, scowled, or turned red while pretending she wasn't staring at him.
This was wrong.
"…You okay?" he asked warily.
"I'm wonderful!" Noelle chirped. Then she giggled—actual, adorable giggling—and clung to his arm. "Because I get to spend another amazing day with you!"
Asta.exe has crashed.
What.
What was happening.
Noelle wasn't just being nice.
She was being—
"Ohhh, Astaaaaa~" She sang his name, pressing even closer. "You look so handsome this morning!"
Asta choked on air.
What.
The.
Hell.
—
Black Bulls Common Room
Asta walked in, looking shaken.
Noelle walked in, latched onto his arm, looking delighted.
The entire Black Bulls squad froze.
"…What the hell?" Magna muttered, fork halfway to his mouth.
Finral nearly spilled his drink. "Wait, is that Noelle?"
Luck leaned forward, eyes glowing. "Ohhh, this is new."
Meanwhile, Vanessa just grinned into her wine glass. "This should be fun."
Noelle, oblivious to the chaos she was causing, twirled happily. "Good morning, everyone~!"
Everyone blinked.
Charmy gasped. "Who are you, and what have you done with Noelle?!"
Noelle giggled again. "Oh, Charmy, you're so silly~" Then she turned her full attention back to Asta, grabbing both his hands. "Asta, let's eat breakfast together! Let's do everything together today!"
Asta's soul left his body.
"Noelle, what's wrong with you?!"
"Wrong?" Noelle tilted her head, smiling so brightly that Asta nearly flinched. "Nothing's wrong! I just love being around you! You make me sooo happy!"
"WHAT?!"
The room erupted.
Finral choked on his coffee. Luck looked entertained. Magna and Zora looked like they had witnessed the impossible. Even Yami raised an eyebrow.
Gauche was trembling. "I hate this."
Asta, meanwhile, was sweating bullets.
This was worse than Day 2.
This was worse than all the days.
Noelle wasn't shy, or mean, or emotionless.
She was—
She was—
…Very, very affectionate.
Like, clingy affectionate.
Like, every single thing he did was suddenly the best thing in the world affectionate.
And it was messing him up.
—
Breakfast – Absolute Chaos
Asta tried to eat.
Noelle wouldn't let him.
"Ohhh, Asta, let me feed you~"
"No, I'm fine—"
"Say 'ahhh~!'"
"Noelle, I can eat by myself—"
"Aaaaah~"
"…."
Asta, defeated, let her shove a spoonful of food into his mouth.
The rest of the Black Bulls were losing their minds.
Vanessa wiped a tear from her eye. "This is the best day of my life."
Finral shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day Noelle went full love-struck girlfriend."
Luck just grinned. "Can we keep her like this?"
Gauche twitched. "Absolutely not."
Noelle, meanwhile, beamed at Asta. "You're so cute when you eat~"
Asta nearly choked again.
This was too much.
He needed air.
He needed space.
He needed—
"Astaaaa~" Noelle wrapped herself around his arm again, resting her head on his shoulder. "Do you want to go on a date today?!"
Asta's soul left his body again.
"A WHAT?!"
Noelle pouted. "A date! Just the two of us! Ohhhh, we could walk in the park, hold hands, gaze into each other's eyes under the moonlight—"
Asta frantically looked for help.
Luck grinned. "Oh yeah, you should totally go."
Finral smirked. "You should take her somewhere romantic."
Vanessa winked. "Go for it, tiger."
Asta gawked at all of them. "WHY ARE YOU ENCOURAGING THIS?!"
Noelle giggled, snuggling against his arm. "Asta~ You're so warm~"
Asta panicked.
Noelle stole a quick kiss.
Asta froze.
This wasn't normal.
This wasn't Noelle.
This was—
Sally, watching from the shadows, scribbled furiously in her notebook.
DAY 5 RESULT: FULL DERE-DERE MODE. EXTREME AFFECTION ACTIVATED. ASTA IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN.
—
Day Six
Asta woke up in a cold sweat.
Yesterday had nearly killed him.
Noelle had spent the entire day worshiping him, clinging to him like they were already married, calling him things like my amazing Asta~ and the most perfect boy in the world~ in front of everyone. He was still recovering from the mental whiplash.
So when he dragged himself out of bed and braced himself for whatever fresh nightmare today had in store—
The moment he stepped into the hallway, he felt it.
An oppressive aura.
Heavy. Overwhelming. Regal.
Then, from the staircase—
A sharp voice rang out.
"Kneel, peasant."
Asta blinked.
Noelle stood at the top of the stairs.
No, not stood. She commanded the space, hands on her hips, head high, gazing down at him like a queen addressing her lowly subject.
Her usual outfit had changed.
Instead of her practical battle attire, she wore a dramatic, flowing royal cape—where had she gotten that?!—and a silver tiara glinted in her violet hair.
Asta's eye twitched. "Noelle…?"
She smirked. "Ah, you may address me as Your Excellency."
Asta opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.
"…What."
Noelle stepped forward—gracefully, like she expected the ground itself to bend to her will. "You should be honored," she declared. "Today, I am feeling merciful. You may kneel in my presence instead of groveling."
Asta just stared.
"Noelle, what the hell are you talking about?"
Noelle sighed, shaking her head. "Tsk, tsk. So ignorant. But I suppose I shouldn't expect a mere commoner to understand the weight of my presence."
"…Excuse me?"
She grinned—a dangerous grin, like she knew something he didn't. "You see, Asta, I have come to a realization." She held out her arms dramatically. "I am above you."
Asta blinked. "…Huh?"
"I am better than you," Noelle continued, smirking. "In every way."
Asta gawked. "Are you serious right now?!"
Noelle tilted her head, studying him like a queen inspecting a particularly unimpressive court jester. "Oh, don't look so offended. It is only natural. I am a royal. I am magnificent.Powerful.Flawless." She smirked. "And you, Asta? You are fortunate to be in my divine presence."
Asta threw his hands up. "WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!"
Noelle laughed. A light, condescending laugh, as if he were adorable for being confused.
"Do not worry, my dear Asta," she purred, stepping closer. "I am feeling generous today."
Asta took a step back.
"…Generous?"
She grinned. "Yes. I have decided to make you my royal consort."
Asta choked on air.
"W-WHAT?!"
"You should be honored," Noelle continued, basking in her own magnificence. "Many would kill to stand by my side. To bask in my radiance. To serve as my most loyal subject."
Asta froze.
"…Serve?"
Noelle snapped her fingers.
"Fetch me breakfast."
Asta sputtered. "EXCUSE ME?!"
Noelle waved a delicate hand. "I command you."
Asta gawked. "WHAT KIND OF CRAZY POTION DID SALLY GIVE YOU THIS TIME?!"
Noelle ignored him, inspecting her nails. "Hmph. I suppose I could lower myself enough to eat with you, but only if you prove yourself worthy of my time."
Asta ran his hands down his face. This is worse than yesterday.
—
Black Bulls Common Room – The Royal Debut
The second Noelle entered, the entire squad froze.
Magna, mid-bite, dropped his food. Finral blinked rapidly. Vanessa's lips curled into an amused smile.
Luck grinned. "Oooooh, this is a fun one."
Noelle gracefully swept into the room, her royal cape billowing behind her. "Good morning, peasants."
Everyone collectively lost their minds.
Charmy's jaw dropped. "She called us PEASANTS."
Finral gasped. "She's gone full royal."
Gauche twitched. "I hate this even more than yesterday."
Vanessa took a long sip of her wine. "I love this."
Noelle ignored them, strolling to her usual seat—but instead of sitting, she simply stood and snapped her fingers.
"Asta."
Asta sighed, already exhausted. "…What now?"
Noelle smirked. "Pull out my chair."
Asta sputtered. "Are you SERIOUS?!"
Noelle tilted her chin up. "You are my loyal knight, are you not?"
Asta opened his mouth to argue—
Then saw the look in her eyes.
The challenge.
The pure, absolute smugness.
His eye twitched.
Slowly—very slowly—he reached out and pulled the chair back.
Noelle sat, crossing her legs elegantly, like an actual queen. "Good. You are learning."
Asta clenched his fists. This girl is going to kill me.
The others were losing their minds.
Luck was practically vibrating. "THIS IS AMAZING."
Finral wiped a tear from his eye. "This might be the funniest day of my life."
Vanessa chuckled. "Asta, you should go along with it~"
Noelle smirked. "Yes, listen to the commoners. They understand that resisting me is futile."
Asta shot her a look. "Oh, I'll resist, alright."
Noelle tilted her head. "Oh? You dare to defy me?"
Asta smirked. "Yeah. I dare."
The room went dead silent.
Noelle narrowed her eyes.
Then, suddenly, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.
"…I see."
Asta blinked. "Uh—"
Noelle grinned. A dangerous grin.
"Then I shall punish you personally."
Asta felt actual fear.
"…What."
Noelle reached out—grabbing his collar and pulling him down to her level.
Asta froze.
Their faces were inches apart.
The entire room went feral.
Luck screamed.
Finral fainted.
Vanessa was howling with laughter.
Noelle purred. "You will learn your place, my dear Asta."
Asta was dead.
Somewhere in the shadows…
Sally scribbled furiously in her notebook.
DAY 6 RESULT: FULL KAMIDERE MODE. EXTREME EGO ACTIVATED. ASTA IS EXPERIENCING UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS OF BULLYING.
—
Day Seven
The morning air was calm. Too calm.
Asta woke up feeling the imminent presence of disaster.
Yesterday had been hell. Noelle's Kamidere phase had pushed his patience to the brink. If he had to hear the words kneel, peasant one more time, he was going to start screaming.
But today… today was the last day.
Just survive this one, and it's over.
With a deep breath, he stepped out of his room.
And immediately regretted it.
Because standing in the middle of the hallway, surrounded by a literal cloud of sparkles, was Noelle Silva—in full, extravagant princess mode.
She had upgraded from yesterday's cape and tiara. Now she had an actual ballroom gown. Where had she even gotten that?!
Asta blinked. No, seriously—who let her wear that in the hideout?!
Noelle turned to him, and her entire presence radiated the unmistakable aura of royalty.
She lifted her chin and placed a delicate hand on her chest.
"Asta," she said grandly. "You may approach."
Asta groaned. "Oh, come on."
Noelle gasped, scandalized. "H-How dare you speak to me with such an informal tone!"
Asta ran his hands down his face. "Noelle, it's too early for this—"
She stomped her foot. "You will address me properly!"
Asta took a deep breath. "Fine." He crossed his arms. "What exactly do you want, Your Majesty?"
Noelle's eyes sparkled at the title. "Ah. Now that is better."
Asta swore he saw actual flowers bloom in the air behind her.
She gracefully extended her hand toward him.
"Escort me."
Asta blinked. "…Huh?"
"To breakfast." She smiled. "You shall be my royal escort."
Asta stared. "Noelle. We're literally inside the hideout."
Noelle waved her hand dismissively. "And? Where I walk is irrelevant. It is who I walk with that matters."
Asta was already exhausted. "You seriously expect me to walk you downstairs like—"
Noelle's eyes narrowed.
Asta sighed and rubbed his temples. "Fine, fine! Let's just get this over with…"
—
Once again, the Black Bulls had already gathered in the common room for breakfast.
Then Noelle entered—floating down the stairs with all the grace of a storybook princess.
Every head turned.
The room froze.
"…"
Then—
"OH MY GOD."
Magna nearly choked on his food. "A-Asta, what the hell is happening?!"
Luck grinned like it was the best day of his life. "She leveled up again."
Finral gasped. "She's at full princess mode."
Vanessa smirked. "I love this."
Charmy clutched her chest. "She looks so elegant."
Noelle basked in the attention, eyes sparkling. She extended a hand as Asta reluctantly led her to a chair.
Once she sat, she snapped her fingers.
"Asta."
Asta groaned. "What now?"
She lifted her chin.
"Feed me."
Asta stared. "No."
Noelle gasped, scandalized. "HOW DARE YOU?!"
Asta threw up his hands. "Noelle, you have hands!"
Noelle huffed, turning her nose up. "Hmph. How disappointing. I expected my knight to be more chivalrous."
Asta groaned again. He was so done.
Vanessa leaned in, whispering, "Just do it. It's hilarious."
Asta sighed. "Fine." He picked up a spoon, scooped some food, and held it up to her.
Noelle smirked.
She tilted her head and slowly leaned forward—
But instead of taking the food normally, she closed her eyes, opened her mouth slightly, and waited.
The entire room erupted.
Luck screamed.
Magna's soul left his body.
Finral fainted.
Vanessa nearly fell off her chair laughing.
Asta's entire face burned. "NOELLE, WHAT THE HELL?!"
Noelle smirked, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Ah. Such a flustered response… How adorable."
Asta buried his face in his hands. "I HATE THIS."
—
Few Hours Later
After suffering through breakfast, Asta dragged Noelle outside so he could get some air.
Noelle, meanwhile, stood with her arms crossed, clearly pleased with herself.
"I must say, today has been quite enjoyable."
Asta groaned. "Yeah. For you."
Noelle smiled, eyes twinkling. "But of course. Royalty should always be adored."
Asta sighed and sat down on a bench. "Please tell me this wears off soon…"
Noelle giggled and sat beside him.
"…You know," she said softly, "being treated like a princess… it's not so bad."
Asta glanced at her. "…You are a princess."
Noelle blinked.
Asta shrugged. "Even when you're not acting all high-and-mighty, you're still Noelle Silva. You're still strong. Still amazing." He scratched his head. "You don't need all that extra stuff to be special."
Noelle's face turned red.
"…I—"
Before she could respond, her body shuddered.
Her eyes widened.
Asta leaned forward. "Noelle?"
She swayed slightly—then collapsed against his shoulder.
Asta caught her just in time.
"Noelle?!"
A small groan escaped her lips.
"…Mmm…"
Then, slowly, she blinked up at him.
Her eyes cleared.
"…Asta?"
Asta froze.
"…Wait. Is it really you this time?"
Noelle frowned. "…What are you talking about? And why am I wearing this ridiculous dress?!"
Asta stared. Then he broke.
"OH, THANK THE GODS."
He collapsed backward onto the bench.
Noelle blinked rapidly. "…What?"
Asta laughed, full and relieved. "Noelle, you have no idea what you put me through."
Noelle frowned. "…I don't like the way that sounds."
Asta sighed. "Oh, trust me. You won't."
Sally cackled, scribbling furiously.
DAY 7 RESULT: EXTREME HIME MODE. SUBJECT REACHED MAXIMUM PRINCESS ENERGY. ASTA HAS BEEN BULLIED BEYOND REASON.
She grinned.
She had fun, the time of her life, and gained invaluable data.
And no one had to die in the process!
This had been the best experiment ever.
—
Noelle Silva was never drinking anything Sally handed her ever again.
The potion had worn off—thank the gods—but now she was left with an even bigger problem.
Asta.
Because oh no, he had seen everything.
Every embarrassing, over-the-top, insanely affectionate side of her had been put on full display for an entire week.
She had no excuses. No way to hide.
And now, Asta knew.
And he wouldn't stop looking at her.
They were sitting at the breakfast table again, but this time, Noelle had barely touched her food. Asta was across from her, casually eating like he hadn't spent the past seven days being assaulted by her fluctuating personality.
But the worst part?
He looked way too comfortable.
Like he had adjusted to the idea that Noelle was just naturally obsessed with him.
Like this was normal now.
Noelle gripped her fork. I have to fix this.
She took a deep breath, forced herself to meet his gaze, and cleared her throat.
"Asta."
He looked up. "Yeah?"
She hesitated.
His eyes were way too calm.
She could not handle this.
She quickly crossed her arms and huffed. "Listen! I don't know what kind of stupid ideas you've gotten after this week, but let me make something very clear—"
Asta blinked. "That you're in love with me?"
Noelle choked on air.
"W-WHAT?!"
Asta just kept eating. "I mean, yeah. That's kind of what this whole thing was about, right?"
Noelle was dying. "Y-YOU CAN'T JUST—THAT'S—"
He looked up, chewing. "What? You literally tried to kill anyone who looked at me on Day 2."
Noelle turned red. "I—I WAS DRUGGED—"
"You snuck into my room at night during the dandere phase."
"TH-THAT NEVER HAPPENED—"
"You tried to make me kneel to you."
"STOP BRINGING THINGS UP—"
Asta tilted his head. "Oh, and let's not forget—"
Noelle slammed the table. "ENOUGH!"
Everyone in the room jumped.
Noelle was breathing heavily, face burning, hands shaking.
She could not deal with this.
She had to regain control.
So she did what any dignified noblewoman would do.
She stood up, pointed at Asta, and declared:
"YOU WILL FORGET EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK."
Asta raised an eyebrow. "Uh. No?"
Noelle seethed.
"I MEAN IT, ASTA!" she shouted. "IF YOU DON'T FORGET, I—I'LL—I'LL DROWN YOU!"
Magna leaned over to Luck. "I don't think she's handling this well."
Luck grinned. "Oh no, this is amazing."
Finral sighed. "Can't she just confess normally?"
Vanessa smirked. "She did. Like seven times."
Asta just leaned back in his chair. "I mean… I don't want to forget."
Noelle froze.
Her whole body locked up.
"…Wh-What?"
Asta shrugged. "I dunno, Noelle. It was kinda nice being loved that much."
Noelle's brain short-circuited.
Her entire soul left her body.
Nice?
He thought it was NICE?!
Asta rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, sure, some parts were… scary—"
"You mean all of them," Magna muttered.
"—but, y'know," Asta continued, "I liked seeing all those sides of you."
Noelle stared.
"Even the bossy one?" she asked before she could stop herself.
Asta grinned. "Especially that one."
Noelle made a strangled noise.
This wasn't happening. This could not be happening.
Asta just kept smiling. "So, yeah. I don't really need to forget." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "I already knew you were amazing, but now I know just how much you care about me."
Noelle's heart was going to explode.
Asta tilted his head. "Unless, y'know, you want to forget."
Noelle hesitated.
She looked at Asta—his warm smile, his easygoing nature, his absolute acceptance of everything she had put him through.
And for the first time, she wondered…
Did she really want him to forget?
"…I hate you," she muttered.
Asta grinned. "No, you don't."
Noelle groaned and buried her face in her hands.
This was a nightmare.
A wonderful, perfect nightmare she would never live down.