Years passed, and Liebe had grown into an intern considered as strong as a Tier-1 Wind Knight. At the age of 14, it was almost time for him to join the Knighthood Academy.
One day, Lilith summoned Liebe.
Gelda knocked on Liebe's door.
Liebe said, "Come in."
Gelda replied, "Lord, the Captain has summoned you to HQ."
Liebe said, "Let's go."
As they reached HQ, Jewel greeted him.
"Hey kid, how're you doing?"
Liebe said, "Uncle? What are you doing here?"
Jewel smiled. "Just because I've been enjoying retirement for seven years doesn't mean I have no right to visit."
Liebe said, "Sorry for being rude."
Jewel chuckled. "Well, your mother has some big announcements. Maybe it's about time."
Liebe asked, "Time for what?"
Jewel replied, "Licht, tell him."
Licht said, "Well, after the third miscarriage, the Captain said… she and Gabriel might try again."
Liebe asked, "Okay… and what do I have to do with that?"
Licht said, "Dumbass, don't you get it? Today, the Captain will announce the new Vice Captain. And as of now, your deeds have been recognized by all the elite knights. We all want you to succeed my dad as the new Vice Captain."
Liebe looked stunned. "What the hell are you saying?"
Gelda nodded. "It's true. That's why we didn't want you at HQ the past few weeks. The Captain even called my father to ask his opinion about appointing you."
Liebe said, "Well… Vice Captain for a year, and then off to Knighthood Academy? I love it."
Licht grinned. "I call dibs on the promotion treat!"
Alysa added, "After your bonus, get me a nice gift!"
Elizabeth chimed in, "Brother, don't forget the earrings you promised me!"
Liebe said, "Hold on, hold on! What the hell are you all saying?"
Jewel laughed. "Long story short—congrats, Vice Captain. You earned it. I'm here just for your promotion ceremony."
Sujibur said, "Congrats on the promotion, Liebe! By the way, the Captain wants to see you in her office. And don't forget, only a few hours left until the party!"
Liebe went to Lilith's office and knocked.
"May I come in, ma'am?"
"Come in," Lilith replied.
She said, "I've seen the reports from your bandit subjugation mission in the western villages. Rather than executing them, your team successfully captured them alive. That's admirable. And the report from your investigation of Vah Medoh—who would've thought the villagers were illegally exporting wood, causing food shortages in Alsarius, which in turn provoked their attack? Your tactics are beyond me, but they are impressive."
Liebe bowed slightly. "Thank you, ma'am. Your kind words are wasted on someone such as myself, but… I wanted to say something personal."
"Go ahead," Lilith said.
"Since Gabriel and I are planning to try for another child—even after three miscarriages—you can laugh if you want," she said with a sad smile.
Liebe shook his head. "I don't find that funny, ma'am."
Lilith straightened up. "These are your orders: vacate your room. I'll inform you of your new quarters later. For now, we plan to convert your room into a nursery."
Liebe nodded. "Understood, ma'am. It will be done by tomorrow."
"That's all."
"Thank you."
As Liebe left the room, Licht asked, "So, what did the Captain say? I heard some compliments!"
Liebe replied, "Not sure about that… but I'm being kicked out of my room."
Jewel chuckled. "Congrats, kiddo! That means you're getting a master bedroom now. Not even officially promoted yet and already getting gifts."
Just then, Lilith emerged from her office.
"Hello, everyone. Welcome to today's service ceremony. Today is the day we announce our new Vice Captain. There were many candidates, and I even sought the opinion of the former Vice Captain. But among them, one stood out."
Licht whispered, "Damn, bro… now that's surprising."
Lilith continued, "First, let's welcome our new Elite Knights! First is B.S. Sujibur! Second is Dr. Dover!"
The room erupted in cheers.
"And finally, our third Elite is David!"
Applause echoed again.
"And now, for S-Class promotions—only Yule has been promoted."
Lilith took a breath. "And finally, the name of our new Vice Captain is… Gabriel Silver."