The following morning, they reached Harmonia, and the Commander of Division 7, Eline, said, "Welcome, representatives from Eldoria."
Liebe said, "Thank you for the warm welcome."
Eline said, "Of course. Astreous informed me that you were coming. Please follow us. Here at Harmonia, we value neutrality above all, and inside the Aurial Union, we are the second most prosperous after Symphonics. Yet, of course, we require an active military force to combat the Abyssal Monsters."
Liebe said, "Strength is compulsory in order to protect one's own sovereignty, as there is no point in peace if you can't protect it."
Eline said, "Exactly. And currently, I'm the leader of the 7th Division, and there are a total of 13 divisions. Of course, each division consists of more than 15,000 personnel, with HQ having a central team of 100 individuals in the center and a commander to lead. And above that, we have the Supreme Commander who watches over the commanders."
Liebe said, "We are similar. Each knighthood has anywhere between 400 to 30,000 based on their influence, and at the center are the Knights. Each knighthood has about 150 divisional commanders and 45 Knights who cover it all. And only the Golden Phoenix has 400 members, and they only have 30 Knights. Basically, joining a knighthood is easy, and if you keep trying, you can become a divisional commander—the highest rank possible that is directly beneath a Knight. Yet, in order to become a Knight, you must be chosen by a Captain in the Knight entrance exam or must be the successor of an active Captain. Unfortunately, despite being an acting Captain, I am neither."
Eline said, "Unfortunately, I find it quite hard to believe, as I can sense your mana. Mind if I ask who is the successor to Captain Lilith Faust?"
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, he is still only two months old."
Eline said, "Is that so? I can't imagine why someone would pass an excellent individual such as yourself for a mere infant."
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, nepotism still hasn't ceased to exist in Eldoria yet."
Eline said, "I can say the same for here, except the Supreme Commander always keeps it on quite the tight leash, so it's not a matter that requires our concern."
Liebe said, "Besides our Black Rose forces and the Golden Phoenix Royal Guards, almost all other knighthoods are suffering. And unfortunately, in order to keep myself pure from such politics and policies that affect half-breeds such as myself, I relinquished my claim to the throne of Faust. So here I am."
Eline said, "That must have been quite the predicament."
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, it is, but that's reality."
Eline said, "Now, I'm curious to know if you can really live up to the rumors. It should take us about another five hours to reach the capital, Einsberg, so if it's alright with you, why not indulge me?"
Liebe said, "With pleasure. It's been quite a while since someone challenged me."
Gelda whispered to Liebe, "Lord, don't use more than 30%."
Liebe said, "Ok then."
As they stopped their carriage, Alysa said, "Licht, who do you think will win?"
Licht said, "Honestly, I don't know."
Fate stated, "Maestro will lose this battle in this current circumstance."
Licht said, "You sure seem sure."
M said, "Great. Just joined Team Liebe, and he has been losing every battle he participates in."
Licht said, "Now that you say it, I'm noticing that. Maybe it's because you are bad luck."
As Liebe and Eline began their battle, it was apparent the Commander of the 7th Division is not someone to be taken lightly. Yet, somehow, Liebe was able to hold his own against her.
Alysa said, "For a formal match, it sure is getting heated."
Licht said, "Yeah, in order to reveal as little as possible about their attributes, this fight is getting dragged on."
After five minutes, Liebe had lost the fight.
Licht said, "Need a hand?"
Liebe said, "Sure," as Licht helped him up.
Eline said, "For someone so young, you are far beyond what I expected."
Liebe said, "Thank you."
And after they went to the capital, Eline gave them the Twilight Ingot.
Eline said, "In the past, Astreous has made plenty of strange requests, but for a common metal such as the Twilight Ingot, I'm quite surprised. And Liebe, I have something important for you to know."
As they sat down in Eline's home, Liebe said, "What did you want to tell me?"
Eline said, "Simply the fact that I'm a student of Domr Faust, along with Lilith and Mrs. Mikhail as well. And we all took away different lessons: Lilith received the strength, Mikhail became the ideal assassin, while I'm the perfect doctor."
Liebe said, "Interesting."
Eline said, "I can heal people who have crossed, yet I'm unaware of one thing: what reasons could occur that Lilith would go so far?"
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, I don't know."
Eline said, "That's too unfortunate."
Liebe said, "It's quite hard to believe you are a friend of Mother's."
Eline said, "That's because we are not. We are rivals, and I can assure you we hate each other's guts. But life is quite unfortunate when your rival quits and yet is far beyond."
Liebe said, "Somehow, I don't understand, but I doubt you are a candidate for the 25 Princes."
Eline said, "I'm not. As a support, it's not exactly in my field of expertise."
Liebe said, "I can see that."
Eline said, "Now tell me, how are you an all-rounder? You can heal, fight, as well as know close-quarters assassination combat. I must say it's rare."
Liebe said, "Gelda taught me how to fight, and Mrs. Mikhail taught me how to fight as an assassin and basic recovery."
Eline said, "I see. Well then, good luck in your future. And tell Lilith Eline inherited stated, 'If you want lasagna, you know where to find me.'"
Liebe said, "Of course."
Then they went to Zernos and got the coffee and the lapis lazuli, and finally, they started for the Land of Sakura.
Gelda stated, "Lord, it's best for you to be on guard. The Land of Ume, for the most part, is closed to the rest of the world, so it would be best if we are ready, as they are very serious when it comes to preserving their culture, and most of them aren't welcoming to outsiders. So we may not receive such a grand welcome."