After Lilith left, Liebe just sat quietly under the umbrella while everyone else played.
Suddenly, Licht walked over and said, "Without you, this is boring. Elizabeth is just building sandcastles, Alysa doesn't talk much without you, and I'd much rather just take a nap under the umbrella."
Liebe asked, "Hey Licht… am I really that bad of a child that Mommy had to break her promise?"
Licht replied, "From what I know about you, you're stupid, a brute… but you're not someone who would ever hurt others for no reason. In fact, you always go out of your way to stand up for others.
And you know what? I think Aunty is proud of you, no matter what. Whatever happened today—it wasn't because of anything you did, or because Aunty hates you. It was just the situation. So right now, enjoy yourself, alright? I'm going to take a nap—don't disturb me until you're ready to join us."
Liebe smiled a little.
Then Tenebris called out, "Sleeping and moping around on such a beautiful sunny day? What a crime!"
He then shot both Liebe and Licht with a water gun.
Liebe laughed. "Alright, Daddy, I can do that too! Dark Magic: Dark Cup!"
A giant magical mug appeared and scooped huge gallons of ocean water, which were dumped on Tenebris—and even Gelda got soaked.
Gelda shouted, "Now that I'm wet, let's fight! Spatial Magic: Water Strike!"
She created a portal, and large streams of water blasted out of it.
Tenebris laughed. "I'll get you back for that!"
And just like that, they all started playing and having fun together.
Later, at lunch, Tenebris said, "You guys have to try the Aqua Fin Liebe caught yesterday—it tastes amazing!"
They had rice, Aqua Fin, and some chicken curry.
Alysa asked, "You really caught this, Liebe? It's delicious."
Liebe replied, "Not caught—killed. Then dragged."
Gelda said, "I've tried many fish from all over, but this is easily the best."
Elizabeth added, "It's so good! I want seconds!"
Liebe said quietly, "I wish Mommy could have some with us."
Licht replied, "Why can't she? Let's just fly over and give her some."
Gelda frowned. "That doesn't sound like a good idea…"
Liebe asked, "Why not?"
Licht said, "We'll fly there and be back—it won't be hard. I can sense Mommy's magic from here."
Tenebris asked, "Are you sure?"
Licht answered, "We are."
Gelda sighed. "Alright then. Let me pack some for her. You two—put these on."
Liebe looked. "What are they? Badges?"
Gelda nodded. "Yeah. They also have trackers. So no matter what happens, we'll be able to find you two. And if you get in any danger, just scream Black Rose—the badge will signal us immediately, and I'll teleport to you as fast as I can."
Liebe said, "Got it."
Within minutes, Licht and Liebe were ready to take off.
Gelda said, "Be careful!"
Liebe replied, "Got it!"
And the two of them took flight toward the capital.
Looking back...
That simple wish—to see Mother again—
Who could have known... that my decision to take flight that day
Would become the catalyst that would cause the greatest tragedy of my life.