Later that day, about an hour before the meeting, Liebe was in Leo Conquista's room.
Liebe thought, This fake identity is something, but something doesn't feel right.
As Horn entered the room, Horn said, "Is everything OK?"
Liebe said, "Yeah. I need a favour."
Horn said, "Oh? And that is?"
Liebe said, "Can you go to the shopping thing? It might be best since you are punctual. Just give me a hello or something random every 300 seconds. I can't trust Licht with that since he isn't great at being punctual. But with you doing that, I can be assured."
Horn said, "Understood. And I just received some info recently. A faction in Baledia started storing physical ammunition—the type that doesn't use magic and hasn't been in use since the past few decades after magic ammunition was perfected."
Liebe said, "Interesting. Yet I can't imagine those being useful since even basic magic can block or deflect those."
Horn said, "Yeah, but apparently someone in Valtia has been working with this."
Liebe said, "The Z Jammers technology might be in play. Interesting. Be with them, OK?"
Horn said, "Would it be strategically better for me to remain here in case we need to assassinate anyone?"
Liebe said, "I alone will be more than enough for what happens next."
Horn said, "If this is what you require, then it shall be done."
Liebe said, "Thanks."
As Horn left, Liebe called Licht.
Licht said, "Go for Licht."
Liebe said, "Hey, did you guys reach the mall alright?"
Licht said, "Good to know."
Liebe said, "You OK?"
Licht said, "Yeah, just bored. Maybe it's separation anxiety."
Licht said, "Don't worry, it's OK if you missed one boring girls' shopping trip."
Liebe said, "Yeah. And by the way, Horn is on her way."
Licht said, "OK."
Liebe said, "Can you give the communicator to Alysa?"
Licht said, "Sure." As he gave it to Alysa.
Alysa said, "Go for Alysa."
Liebe said, "Hey, did you all reach there safe and sound?"
Alysa said, "Yeah, we are good. Wish you could be here with us."
Liebe said, "Yeah, I'm already missing you."
Alysa said, "Miss you too."
Liebe said, "I don't know why—" As Liebe teared up, he said, "I felt like hearing your voice."
Alysa said, "I know. I feel the same way. I just wanted to hear you talk."
Liebe said, "Yeah. I wish I could see you now."
Alysa said, "I also want the same thing. But get back to work. See you tonight."
Liebe said, "See you tonight."
Alysa said, "Want me to get you something?"
Liebe said, "Getting to see you and hear your voice talk about my day—that's more than enough for me."
Alysa said, "Come on, be serious."
Liebe said, "I'm being serious."
Alysa said, "Seriously, I meant something physical."
Liebe said, "I guess a watch or something."
Alysa said, "I will get you the most beautiful one."
Liebe said, "You don't have to. Just receiving it from you is more than enough. See you later."
Alysa said, "See you later."
Liebe said, "See you later."
Alysa said, "Seriously, see you later." As she disconnected the call.
After disconnecting, Liebe shed a few tears, thinking, Why the hell am I crying? I just saw her a few hours ago.
As someone entered and saw Leo Conquista crying, the person said, "Umm, sir, is everything alright?"
Liebe said, "Yeah, yeah."
The person said, "The meeting will be starting soon. Please be ready."
Liebe said, "Of course."
Meanwhile, in the mall as everyone was walking:
Licht said, "Well, I don't know. Liebe was being a baby about it, but again, our captain is a bit of an emotional fool."
M said, "Got that right."
Alysa said, "He is just worried about us."
As they were walking without looking, Licht and M bumped into two people. Licht and M apologized.
Licht said, "Sorry, I wasn't looking."
The person said, "It's alright." And left.
If I knew what was going to happen, I never would have let them go. I wish I could hear her just once, see her again. But it's because of my own fault I will never be able to hear her voice ever again. And for that, I can never forgive myself.