Then Liebe walked to the cafeteria to join Licht along with Isurugi.
Isurugi said, "Sir, what just happened?"
Liebe said, "It's nothing. Let's go grab something to eat. Today was definitely eventful."
As they entered the cafeteria, Licht was waiting.
Liebe said, "Let's grab something to eat, and by the way, congrats on being promoted to Captain."
Licht said, "How did you know?"
Liebe said, "I know stuff."
Licht said, "Interesting. But was it Darel?"
Liebe said, "Yes, it was Darel. So should I start calling you Sir now? Or Sir Licht, the man who achieved the valiant rank of Captain on his first day—the early bloomer?"
Licht said, "Please don't say anything that cringe ever again in your life."
Liebe said, "Ok then, sure. But answer me this."
Licht said, "What?"
Liebe said, "The one you like. The girl you fell for."
Licht said, "Well… it's Iris."
Liebe said, "So it looks like my instincts were correct, and the fact that I don't sense any lies makes it true."
Licht said, "Now answer my question honestly."
Liebe said, "Sure, as long as it's not anything too personal, I guess. Even though you have known me my whole life, but go ahead."
Licht said, "How do you feel about Alysa?"
Liebe said, "Well, she is a great friend, always makes my favourites, and… well, I really appreciate her."
Licht said, "So what did you two talk about while walking on your little walk?"
Liebe said, "Nothing much. Just some casual talk, some info about her Death Gripper, and that's about it."
Licht said, "Can I ask you something about her? And answer me honestly—how do you feel about her romantically?"
Liebe said, "I don't know actually. But if I had to judge, I can say I don't feel anything like that, and I can definitely do better than her."
Licht said, "Interesting. Oh well, let's go to the dorms, it's getting dark."
Then they went to their dorms. First, Liebe helped Isurugi settle in at Dorm 7. Then they went to their room in Dorm 1.
Licht said, "I'm sorry, I didn't want the kid to listen in on the details. But I want to know why."
Liebe said, "Why what?"
Licht said, "Why did you lie about thinking you can get someone better than her?"
Liebe said, "Guess I forgot. Like me, you can also detect lies. Well… the truth is—"
Licht said, "I know how you feel about her, truly. Yet I don't know why you are like this."
Liebe said, "What I said was partially true. She is someone who I consider to be above my league. And the truth is, whenever I'm with her, I always feel happy. She is someone who knows but never judges. We can talk for hours yet never feel bored. I don't know why, but the thing is, I know something you guys don't."
Licht said, "And what might that be?"
Liebe said, "The truth is, she is just clinging to me out of fear of the truth. Because if I wasn't there, she wouldn't have anyone to talk to. That's the only reason she feels attracted to me, and she considers it love. The truth is that she loves me because she doesn't know there are people better than me who actually deserve her love—who deserve to be her ODR and to champion her. It isn't me."
Licht said, "So you are saying just because you were the first to talk to her, you think you got lucky? That's the biggest BS I have ever heard. Even if it turns out to be true, then what the goddamn hell were all those others doing? Everyone—if they really were so much better than you—then why didn't any of them try to talk to her when she was dying on the inside, all alone with no one to even talk to, huh?"
Liebe said, "I don't—"
Licht said, "Yeah, you don't know, huh? I thought so. The reality is that the reason why she fell for you is because, while everyone was being a jerk to her, you were the only one who tried to talk to her. And eventually, she came out of her shell, and that's goddamn because of you. If you weren't there, I'm sure no one would have been there for her—not even me. You know how much I hate talking, but it's because of you. And now I understand—you are her ODR, and you are the one who deserves to champion her above all. And she is in love with you for the same reason."
Liebe said, "It's not how it seems."
Licht said, "Listen, I understand it can be hard and that you are scared. But she isn't here because she is scared. She is here because she feels the safest with you."
Liebe said, "Can you say the same thing about Iris?"
Licht said, "Listen, Liebe, it's not the same. You don't understand."
Liebe said, "Sure, sure."
Licht said, "Listen, I can explain."
Liebe said, "Then get started."