After the ceremony, a small banquet was held. All seven captains assembled, and one by one, they came to greet Liebe. Among them was Captain Louis Solace, the captain of Arc Luatine and head of House Solace.
"I am Louis Solace, captain of Arc Luatine," Louis introduced himself.
Liebe bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine," Louis said with a warm smile. "I found it quite surprising to hear that Lilith Faust went on maternity leave."
Liebe gave a small nod. "I must agree."
"I've known your mother since our academy days. It's good to see she's still tough as nails," Louis said proudly.
"Thank you," Liebe replied.
Louis then gestured toward two young women beside him. "Please allow me to introduce my daughters. This is my eldest, Aile Solace."
"It's a pleasure," Liebe said politely.
"Same here," Aile replied with grace.
"And this is my second daughter, Iris Solace. She's in the same year as you at the academy."
"We've met a few times," Liebe said with a nod.
"A pleasure," Iris added.
"The pleasure is all mine," Liebe returned with a smile.
"Congratulations on being appointed acting captain," Iris said.
"Thank you," Liebe replied. He then introduced his own companions. "These are my aides—Licht, Alysa, Elizabeth, and Isurugi. And this is my guard, Black Rose elite Gelda Briar."
Louis raised his brows at Licht. "A pleasure. By any chance, are you Jewel's son?"
"Yes, ma'am," Licht replied respectfully.
Louis chuckled. "If I may, would you be interested in a sparring match?"
Liebe shook his head lightly. "As much as I would love to accept, it would seem disrespectful for me to fight an elder without reason."
"I understand," Louis said. "But the people around us believe you might be a little too young for your rank. Why not at least spar with Aile? Regardless of the outcome, it will silence doubts."
Licht leaned close and whispered something into Liebe's ear. Liebe nodded. "I would love to."
Everyone gathered around as the match was arranged. Alysa and Iris sat beside each other. Olivia asked, "Who do you think will win?"
"My sister will win," Iris said confidently.
"I'm pretty sure Liebe will win," Alysa replied.
Astrea stood as referee. The rules were simple—the first one knocked back would lose.
Licht whispered tactical advice to Liebe. "Focus on landing strikes. Use condensed dark magic—it's best for this situation."
As the match began, Aile declared, "Spirit Form: Glass Queen. Summon Holy Relic—Glass Gauntlets!"
Liebe drew his dual swords. Aile rushed forward, her claws slashing in quick succession, but every strike was countered.
"My sister's Spirit Form passive heals her every time she lands a hit, even if blocked," Iris explained. "And her Holy Relic passive increases her attack speed and power with continuous combos, up to fifteen strikes."
Licht smirked. "Those passives complement each other well—but also clash. If her combo is interrupted, her healing resets. Since Liebe is matching every strike, the healing does nothing. And if he finishes it in one blow, the battle's over."
Iris frowned. "Even so, do you really think he can win?"
"Of course," Licht said firmly. "I'm his sword. I've already covered his weaknesses."
Aile's barrage continued—over seventy strikes in total—but Liebe still hadn't moved from his spot.
Louis watched carefully. "This battle is decided. Liebe will win."
"But, Father—" Iris protested.
"He has shown the true qualities of a captain," Louis cut her off.
Liebe finally raised his blade. "Dark Magic: Dark Cleanse."
In an instant, Aile's glass armor shattered along with her relic claws.
"Still want to continue?" Liebe asked.
"Of course," Aile said, unfazed.
"Then… Dark Magic: Dark Wave!"
The blast knocked Aile back two feet.
Astrea raised his hand. "This battle is concluded. The winner—Liebe Al Faust."
"Told you," Alysa said smugly.
"That was… unexpected," Olivia admitted.
"Just as I thought," Licht murmured.
Iris stared in shock. He beat my sister in a single blow… and I can't even last seven strikes.
Louis stepped forward. "Thank you, Liebe, for entertaining my request."
Liebe smirked faintly. "We both know that battle was a favor."
"You catch on quickly," Louis said with amusement. "Seems you didn't inherit your mother's cluelessness for politics after all."
"Perhaps not," Liebe said. "But the real question is: why grant me such a favor? And how should I return it?"
"Simple," Louis replied. "Since you and Iris are in the same class, I hope you'll help her here and there. Especially someone as gifted as yourself."
"As unfortunate as it may be, I'm not as skilled as you assume," Liebe said humbly. "In fact, I haven't even finished the first three chapters of the handbook."
"Yet you're still a captain. That speaks volumes," Louis said.
Liebe bowed. "Thank you."
After the banquet, everyone returned to Black Rose headquarters.
"Gelda," Liebe said quietly, "I'll be captain for six months until Mother returns. But I'll also attend class. You'll have to help me manage both."
"My lord… it will place far too much strain on your body," Gelda warned.
"It's just six months," Liebe said with a tired smile. "I can take it."