As they reached Eldoria, Liebe said, "Home at last."
Alysa said, "I missed this place."
Then they went to the capital to meet Astreous. As Fate said, "Maestro, do you play any instruments?"
Liebe said, "I can play basic piano, if that is ok."
Fate said, "Please play it for me. As a Musizian, it helps me relax."
Liebe said, "Ok then, but I might have gotten rusty in the past few years."
Fate said, "That is alright."
Liebe said, "By the way, is it really true that you have been waiting for a Maestro for five years?"
Fate said, "No, as I didn't have to wait. I was in cryogenic sleep until they found a compatible partner, and when you showed up, I was awakened a day earlier."
Liebe said, "Ok then. What do you like to eat? Sweets or spicy?"
Fate said, "I don't know."
Liebe said, "Well, let's try both then."
While they were flying to the castle, Alysa said, "Liebe, what was your favourite part of the journey?"
Liebe said, "It would have to be seeing Lara and Riruru again."
Alysa said, "Same."
Licht said, "Is that so? I didn't know sleeping with someone in Valtia wasn't your favourite."
As they reached the capital, Liebe said, "Everyone, wait. Licht, I, and Alysa will go in. Gelda and Eldrie, show Fate around town. And Eldrie, don't get carried away."
Eldrie said, "Ok then."
Liebe said, "And get that grin off your face; you are still on duty."
Eldrie said, "Yes, Lord."
Gelda said, "Since we have time, how about Fate and I join you?"
Liebe said, "Ok then. And M, be with them. Make sure they don't get carried away."
M said, "Fine."
As Liebe, Alysa, and Licht went into the castle, they knocked on Astreous's door.
Astreous said, "Come in."
As Liebe, Alysa, and Licht entered, Licht said, "Hope we are not intruding."
Astreous said, "Of course not," as he was carrying the infant Astrea.
Astreous said, "Do you want to hold him?"
Liebe said, "Sure," as Liebe held him, Astrea pooped his pants.
As Licht held him, Astrea bit Licht's thumb.
As Alysa held him, Astrea just remained there smiling.
Astreous said, "Looks like he likes you."
Alysa said, "Thank you."
Then Lucielle said, "Wow, he is actually sleeping for once."
Licht whispered, "After that kid grows up, I will definitely kick him in the nuts for that."
Liebe said, "Same."
Astreous said, "Now, you three. Your actions in Valtia and in the Empire speak volumes about how capable you are."
Liebe said, "Thank you, sir."
Lucielle said, "You three, stop with the formalities and sit down. Also, let me brew some tea and get you some snacks."
Liebe said, "Thank you, ma'am."
Lucielle said, "Now, you are in our quarters, so it's 'Aunt.'"
Liebe said, "Of course."
As they sat down, Astreous said, "So, did you get the items?"
Liebe said, "Of course. But why did you need these things again?"
Astreous said, "Oh, these? My wife was craving them, and I didn't feel like getting them, so thank you for that."
Licht said, "Sorry, what?"
Astreous said, "Now, you three, as well as Gelda and Eldrie, will be receiving medals tomorrow at 5 PM in the castle. Don't be late."
Liebe said, "Of course."
Astreous said, "So, how is Lara doing in the Empire?"
Liebe said, "Good. She said she will be returning to duty next month."
Astreous said, "That is good to hear. But aren't you three forgetting something?"
Liebe said, "I doubt so."
Astreous said, "Your year finals start next month."
Liebe said, "Crap."
Licht said, "Crud."
Alysa said, "Nice, good to finally get it over with."
Liebe said, "It is an exam; not everyone is a good student like you."
Alysa said, "Oh, sorry about that."
Astreous said, "Good luck. And I heard Lilith will be extending her break for three more months."
Liebe said, "Seems like it."
Astreous said, "Good to see Black Rose is in good hands."
Liebe said, "I doubt so, sir."
Astreous said, "You are far too humble, young Liebe. And remember one thing: three months from now, the Emperor Klice of the Grand Empire will be visiting Eldoria to discuss the Concord Treaty."
Liebe said, "I will ensure inside Black Rose territory the security is closed off."
Astreous said, "Good. And how about you become our guard of honour?"
Liebe said, "Me, sir?"
Astreous said, "Of course. You may lack experience, but not skill."
Liebe said, "I will try my best."
Astreous said, "And along with the Emperor, the Empress and their infant child will also be visiting."
Liebe said, "Any Knight of the Round?"
Astreous said, "Unfortunately not."
Meanwhile, in Symphonics, Hell asks, "Maestro, does it ever cause you pain that you don't possess the King's Roar?"
Alex said, "Not even in the slightest."
Hell said, "That's our Maestro."
Heaven said, "But Maestro, why did you give our nation's strongest weapon to him?"
Alex said, "I'm simply following Astreous's example and entrusting the future to the ones who will carry it. And I'm... even though nine years ago I had a chance to ask, but in order to protect our friendship, I didn't. And now she is remarried. It hurts."
Hell said, "And let me guess, Maestro, you regret that?"
Alex said, "Once in a while."
Heaven said, "Maestro..."