As Liebe worked quietly in his office, Licht entered the room.
"Liebe," Licht said, "it's been four hours since the ceremony and you're already buried under piles of paperwork?"
"These matters also require my attention," Liebe replied without looking up.
"I know," Licht said, "but Eldrie is here to see you."
Eldrie stepped into the room, his eyes glistening. "My lord…" he began, his voice breaking. "I can't believe my eyes. Your magnificence, seeing you at the throne of Captain—your grandfather's lifelong wish has been granted."
"Don't get used to it," Liebe said calmly. "It's only temporary, Eldrie Avalanche."
"Lord, we have waited all our lives to see you sit there," Eldrie said as tears streamed down his face.
"Enough with the flattery," Liebe cut him off.
"My lord," Eldrie continued, "the seat was designed just for you. You are the rightful heir to the throne. All of us have been waiting for more than a decade for the moment you would take your rightful place above us."
"Please," Liebe said, "get to the point."
Eldrie presented a folder. "Here are the Project Grinberryal files you requested."
"Thank you," Liebe said. "Any information otherwise?"
"Unfortunately not," Eldrie replied.
"Alright then… and Eldrie, can you promise me something?" Liebe asked.
"Anything, sir. Your wish is my will to live."
"Then, as the heir to the throne of Faust and the Captain of Black Rose, I only have one order for you," Liebe said firmly. "Regardless of what happens—even if I lose my title as heir, my rank, or even my life—protect my family and her family. Make sure Mother is happy."
"My lord, you are also part of Faust…" Eldrie whispered.
"I won't be for long," Liebe said. "Make sure you keep aiding the next heir, regardless."
"But Lord, without you—" Eldrie started.
"I am of no consequence," Liebe interrupted. "I don't need the throne. All I want is for Mother to be happy."
Eldrie's lips trembled. "My lord…"
Liebe said something softly, and when Eldrie exited the room, he was crying.
"Umm… Eldrie, dude, you okay?" Licht asked.
"Yes," Eldrie replied. "It's just that now I finally understand my reason to live. I will live and serve."
"Sure," Licht muttered.
"Am I the only one confused?" Alysa asked.
"That makes two of us," Licht said.
"Despite everything, I can understand," Isurugi said. "Brother Liebe is like a beacon of hope for everyone. I can sympathize with Mr. Eldrie."
"Quit calling him that—he's my brother," Elizabeth snapped.
"You two quit fighting," Licht said.
"He's challenging me!" Elizabeth protested.
"I did not mean such a thing," Isurugi replied.
Then Licht stepped into Liebe's room again. "I want to know."
"Know what?" Liebe asked.
"The truth," Licht said. "Why did you change your mind and take the position, despite hating it the most? And what exactly did Aunty say to convince you?"
"You want to know?" Liebe asked.
"As your best friend, it's my job—and my right—to prevent you from making stupid decisions," Licht said.
"Fine," Liebe sighed. "Simply, Mother blackmailed me. She said, 'You killed people. Become acting Captain, or else you go to prison.' So I was like, well… three months work better than life in prison. So I came."
"I can't sense lies," Licht said slowly, "but I also can't sense any truth. Everything you said was true, but your reply was a lie. You're the type of person who'd rot in hell itself rather than waste time where you don't belong. Tell me about the conversation. All the details. What words were used in the hospital to force you?"
Liebe's eyes darkened. "When I entered, after a bit of small talk, Mother said: 'Gelda, everyone leave.' As everyone left, Lilith said, 'Liebe, I'm sorry. You grew up so fast. The last memory I had of you was from when you were still seven. Yet look at you now. Our house has three rooms just for your trophies but only a small one for the one who achieved them. How many awards so far?'"
"As of yesterday, 1,198," Liebe had replied.
"Last I remember, it was just one when you were a child," Lilith had said. "I wasn't much of a mother, seeing you grow, rushing home from HQ, seeing you at the gate, watching you chase the Ulsariuses, drawing mustaches on Dad with you—those were the last memories I have. Everything else… just reports from Gelda. After you lost your father, I abandoned you too. The world made you suffer, and I did nothing as a mother…"
Tears streamed down Lilith's face as she confessed her regrets, and Liebe, in his quiet way, promised only the bare minimum for the mother who was once his best friend.