Licht cried, "Dumbass," and left.
Alysa noticed the tear tracks and asked, "Were you crying? What did Liebe say?"
Licht replied, "It's best if you don't know, Alysa. But after six months, Liebe will be leaving House Faust."
"What? You're lying, right?" Alysa asked.
"No," Licht said.
"Do you even know what you're saying?" Alysa demanded.
"Those are the exact words of Liebe," Licht said.
Alysa barged into Liebe's office. "Liebe, what is Licht saying? Is it really true that you're leaving Faust?"
Liebe answered, "After I lose my title as heir, I plan to give up my claim to the throne of Faust."
Alysa teared up. "Why? Isn't the status you love that house more than anything?"
Liebe said, "The house, everyone, and my title— it will be tough without them. I know Mother will be happier without me. These six months are my chance to help Mother as much as I can. I plan to mop up every anti-military group I can. I will ensure no one can stand against Mother. As much as I would love to formally join Black Rose at one point, I take pleasure knowing it will be done. Tomorrow will be our first deployment to Halley Mountain to wipe out the terrorist group Black Wing."
Alysa said, "But why? I understand why you're doing this, but you're far too kind. You shouldn't have to suffer like this."
Liebe said, "What happens to me doesn't matter. The fact that the ones I hold dear will be able to thrive is enough for me."
"Send in Licht and Gelda," Alysa said. "I understand. If that's what you wish for, as the one you champion, I will see it through to the end with you. That is my resolve."
"Thank you. I appreciate it," Liebe said.
Licht and Gelda entered. "Tomorrow at 07:22 hours we will conduct a mop-up operation at Halley Mountain and wipe out the terrorist group Black Wing," Liebe announced.
Gelda said, "The caves alone are more than three kilometers inside. It will be hard to find them."
Liebe said, "I have a plan. By tonight, warn all the divisional commanders to be on the lookout for any and every form of explosive. Tomorrow, the main force will invade the cave. We will crush the rats where they stand."
Gelda said, "Understood."
"Also inform Sujibur and Eldrie to come in," Liebe continued. "Licht, for this mission you will be the Ace Unit. I will be the Commander Unit. Gelda, you're in charge of leading the anti-spatial-magic team—make sure they can't escape."
Gelda said, "Understood. Elizabeth will be on standby in the rear, and Isurugi as well as Alysa will be in charge of evacuation and first aid."
Licht said, "Okay. The main force will be a team led by Licht and David. Their magic attributes are enough to storm it from inside."
Gelda said, "Understood. We will begin preparations immediately, starting with orders to the divisional commanders."
As Gelda left, Licht asked, "Why just me and David?"
Liebe said simply, "In case we fail, I have a Plan B. You are here to make sure Plan A doesn't fail. The only reason Plan A can fail is because there is a traitor in Black Rose. That's why Plan B is in place, and since I know you won't betray me, after you're done whatever Black Wing will do can more or less be considered suicide."
Licht said, "Now I'm interested to hear the plan." He left the office.
Sujibur and Eldrie were then sent into Liebe's office. Liebe said, "For tomorrow's mop-up operation: Sujibur, you will be in charge of the northwestern forces. Eldrie, you are in charge of the northeastern forces. We will surround them from the northeast, northwest, and south. I will personally lead the southern forces."
"Sujibur, from today your feats have been acknowledged. I bestow upon you the Aegis Stál. Make sure no knights are allowed into HQ drunk or intoxicated after 10 a.m. Is that understood?"
Sujibur said, "Understood, Lord."
Eldrie, already excited, said, "Getting an Aegis—congrats!"
Liebe said, "Eldrie, after tomorrow's mission you need to try to find a date."
"Pardon, Lord?" Eldrie stammered.
Liebe smiled. "I appreciate your loyalty, but every knight needs a home to return to."
Eldrie said, "My loyalty is only toward Black Rose."
Liebe said, "Trust me, you need someone, or else you'll be getting the Aegis, mey."
At that moment there was a knock at the door. "Come in." It was David.
"Lord, it's Gabriel," David said.
Liebe asked, "Am I supposed to care?"
David said, "He wants to speak with you, and is insisting on entering despite being intoxicated."
Liebe said, "Stál, handle this."
Stál said with pleasure, "Sir, the people at HQ entrance say, 'Sir, please leave.'"
Gabriel snarled, "Do you know who I am? How dare you challenge me!"
Stál replied, "We know exactly who you are, and that's why you can't enter. As per the Knighthood Handbook, Chapter 3, Article 7, Verse 5—unless there is a celebration, no knighthood member is allowed inside an HQ building intoxicated. You fail to meet the requirement."
Gabriel shouted, "Sujibur, you will regret this!"
Stál said, "From now on it's Stál. Burn it to memory and get lost. You're lucky tomorrow the Captain will be giving birth—everyone's excited. Don't ruin the mood or we will be forced to retaliate."
Gabriel grunted and left. Stál reentered HQ. "Lord, I have dealt with the issue."
Liebe said, "I saw. Keep it up and I might extend your Aegis to þrjú hundruð eistu, Stál."
Sujibur said, "I'm sorry, sir."
Eldrie said, "Damn, bro—so many!"
Gelda said, "With that many you can start a farm."
Licht said, "Damn, how did you get that many?"
Liebe said, "Come on, answer them—we all want to know."
David said, "Tell your secret."
Lara said, "Everyone quiet down. I will take him to the washroom and check for myself. Of course, as the doctor, it's my job to make sure everyone is in order."
Stál said, "What?"
David said, "Dude, don't worry—she's an expert. Worst-case scenario you might lose a few."
Lara said, "He has so many I doubt cutting off a few for testing will be a big deal."
Stál said, "Well, I have to go," and ran away.
David asked, "Captain, do you think we might have kicked him in the nuts a bit too hard?"
Liebe said, "Don't worry—he has spares."
Lara said, "From what I just saw and heard, maybe a bit too many spares."
Licht said, "He should definitely be our tank on the next mission."
David said, "Excellent idea."
Liebe grinned. "Imagine telling that story to his future wife."
David said, "We shouldn't."
Lara said, "Yeah—she will be disappointed."