The following day was class, and before class started there was an announcement:
"Today is the oath ceremony of the new Acting Captain of Black Rose. An assembly will be held in the auditorium, and all students are to be present in ten minutes."
Except, Alysa, Licht, Isurugi, and Liebe were absent, as well as Iris and Olivia. They were all present at the capital for Liebe's speech.
As Liebe's speech was about to be broadcast, all the captains and vice-captains were seated, and soon the broadcast began. The Grandmaster stepped onto the podium and greeted everyone.
"Today is a day of joy. The Captain of Black Rose, Lilith Faust, is on leave, and in her place, one shall take up the mantle of captainhood. Please allow me to welcome on stage the new Acting Captain of Black Rose—Liebe Al Faust."
Liebe stepped onto the stage, yet he was different. There was no hesitation in his eyes. It was as if he had truly become a man. Everyone in the academy was surprised to see Liebe.
The fact that Liebe had become the Acting Captain of Black Rose brought mixed reactions: those who were on good terms with him were overjoyed, while those who hated him only deepened their hatred, furious at seeing a half-breed rise to such a prestigious position.
The Grandmaster continued:
"Liebe Al Faust is the youngest man alive to achieve the rank of Acting Captain, and I could not be prouder. When Liebe was just three months old, Lilith brought him to the capital. Seeing the infant I held grow into someone worthy of this rank brings me tears of joy. Now—for the oath."
Liebe stepped forward and spoke clearly:
*"I, Liebe Faust… Before steel and star, before realm and crown, I swear this oath.
I shall bear my mantle with honor, neither for pride nor for gain.
With a heart of fire and a will of ice, I shall endure both storm and shadow.
I shall wield my sword with justice, my voice with mercy,
and my steps shall not falter upon the path of duty.
My heart will not falter, my spirit will not yield.
Should darkness rise, I shall be the flame;
should the world grow cold, I shall be the steadfast stone.
So long as I draw breath, my vow shall stand unbroken."*
During the oath, Gelda stood behind Liebe, while Licht stood on Liebe's right and Alysa stood behind him on the left. Isurugi was positioned behind Licht on his right.
Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Lilith was speaking with Jewel.
Jewel said, "Why did you make him the Acting Captain?"
Lilith replied, "I don't know… I just felt like it."
Jewel scoffed, "Are you sure it was just a feeling? Or is it because now that your corrupt, long-distant family has finally cut ties for good, and the Gabriel extremists are ashes, you finally did what was right and gave Liebe what he deserved?"
Lilith said, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Jewel frowned. "Sadly, the killer who wiped out the factions was an idiot. He might've just forgotten to kill Gabriel."
Lilith snapped, "Regardless, he is still my husband."
Jewel shot back, "Shut the bull crap. We both know the truth."
Lilith said coldly, "If you know, then shut up."
Jewel leaned back. "Okay then. Isn't life interesting? We both know something, yet only one of us has come to terms with it, while the other is still busy trying to satisfy ashes. Fine. See you later. And by the way, me and my wife aren't coming to see the baby—we've got better things to do than entertain the thought of Liebe losing the heir."
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "Understood."
Jewel smirked as he left. "Just make sure everyone is satisfied with who is the heir… and who is the spare."
The ceremony was well-received by everyone, and the members of Liebe's faction considered the day their greatest victory. Most of them were Black Rose veterans who had watched Liebe grow into the leader he had now become.
Yet, as the ceremony ended, fate whispered a cruel truth—this same path would one day strip Liebe of everything: his mother, his love, and even his own humanity and emotions.