Suddenly, Gelda emerged from a portal. "Lord Liebe."
Liebe said, "Okay. How are things?"
Gelda bowed. "Today the Captain will be admitted to CKH. You will be an older brother any day now."
Liebe smiled. "Okay then."
Gelda hesitated. "There is more."
Liebe raised a brow. "Continue."
Gelda said, "The Captain specifically asked you to be the Acting Captain until she returns from maternity leave—three months."
Liebe nearly choked. "What?! How?"
Gelda fidgeted. "Well, ummm…"
Liebe shook his head. "Either way, I decline. How is Elizabeth's internship going?"
Gelda said, "Well, it's going good, and ummm—"
Liebe cut her off. "Just tell Mother's favorite, Gabriel, to do it."
Gelda winced. "Lord… the thing is, Gabriel was found blackout drunk a few hours ago in the red-light district."
Liebe facepalmed. "Frick… why bother me? Soon I'll lose my title as heir, so what's even the point of keeping the seat warm?"
Gelda looked at him firmly. "Lord, it's because we all believe in you. And it will make the Captain quite happy."
Liebe sighed. "Okay, fine."
Gelda smiled. "Splendid. Here is the new Acting Captain's uniform. Everyone is waiting outside for your speech."
Licht's jaw dropped. "What, now?"
Alysa said, "Huh? What? When? How? Why?"
Liebe muttered, "Give me a second."
After changing, he grumbled, "These boots feel a bit tight."
Gelda explained, "Those are the highest-tier boots possible—exclusive only to Captains. They enhance speed by 15%. And your service sword… it's made from pure titanium and platinum."
Liebe winced. "This stuff is a bit too expensive for my taste. Licht, Alysa—why not see?"
Then he turned. "Gelda, first take me to CKH. I want to have a few words with Mother."
Gelda said, "Understood."
As Licht and Alysa stayed behind, Liebe and Gelda entered Lilith's room.
Lilith looked up. "Come in."
Gelda said, "I've brought him."
Lilith nodded. "I assume you understand the situation."
Liebe said, "Yes, ma'am. But why me?"
Lilith said, "Because you are the heir to the throne of Faust."
Liebe's voice cracked. "Ma'am—no, Mother. Please don't lie to me anymore. I know my title as heir will be revoked as soon as Gabriel's child is born. So why me? Please, just let me—"
Lilith interrupted, "It is your duty as my firstborn. Gelda, please leave the room."
Gelda bowed. "Understood."
Lilith turned to him. "Liebe… I want to apologize."
Later, when Liebe left the room, tears streamed down his face. He whispered, "Gelda… get the uniform. It's time I took up the mantle of truth."
As he wiped his eyes, he declared, "I will be the true Captain of Black Rose."
After changing, they went to the Black Rose HQ. Everyone stood before him, waiting.
Liebe stepped forward and spoke:
"I assume you all know the circumstances under which I have been declared Acting Captain. It isn't a mantle I took up by choice, but by responsibility. As the heir to the throne of Faust, I will be the best Acting Captain of Black Rose I can. And I promise—I won't lead you astray."