Everyone just laughed a bit.Gelda said, "Looks like you might have just aged 20 years back."Lilith said, "Thank you."
Gelda said, "It's getting late."
As they went to bed, at 3 a.m. Licht woke up and went to use the washroom, and after coming out, he saw Liebe there, sitting beside Alysa.
Licht said, "Liebe?"
Liebe said, "Good morning."
Licht said, "What are you doing?"
Liebe said, "Waiting for Alysa to wake up."
Licht said, "Huh, but I might have an idea."
Liebe said, "Yeah? What is it?"
Licht said, "I was able to gain control of my body because my light magic repels evil. So maybe—just maybe—I can heal her."
As he tried with his magic, it didn't work.
Liebe said, "Let me try. Maybe I can take the corruption from her."
As he tried desperately with his dark magic, he was able to see the source of the corruption deep within her subconscious. Liebe saw her sitting in a chair as black roots had engulfed her, and parts of her skin were turning black from the chest up. She could only mumble, "Why? Why is my magic so… like this? Why did it have to be her? Why… why can't I…"
Liebe grabbed her shoulders and shook her, saying, "Alysa! Alysa, wake up!"
Her body began to change, and she transformed into her 3-year-old self as the roots gripped her more firmly.
Liebe said, "I see how it is… you're stuck in the past. Did they hurt you? Now… dark creation magic."
As he created a chair and sat beside her, he said, "I understand. The painful past is something that's hard to let go of. Now, I'm going to sit beside you until you're ready, and I'll wait right here."
As she mumbled, "Liebe… save me…"
Liebe grabbed her hand and said, "I will save you, no matter what. Now—dark magic cleanse!"
As the roots shattered, Alysa regained her consciousness back in reality.
Alysa said, "How long was I out for?"
Licht said, "About 18 hours."
Liebe said, "What time is it?"
Licht said, "6 a.m."
Liebe said, "Crap, I didn't get the time to sleep. Where is Gelda?"
Licht said, "What happened?"
Liebe said, "I have to be at the castle by 8 a.m. and make breakfast."
Licht said, "Great, now you're a babysitter too."
Liebe said, "Long story, I'll explain later."
Licht said, "You better."
And after making the waffles and chicken, at 9 a.m. Claire said, "Mr. Liebe, it's time. His Majesty is waiting."
As Liebe entered the king's room, the king said, "Young Liebe, good morning."
Liebe said, "Good morning, Your Majesty."
Aina said, "Father, did you see what happened to Claire's face?"
Bruce said, "Yes, dear, I did."
Aina said, "Mosquitoes did it."
Bruce said, "I see. We should be careful. But personally, I think it's an improvement."
Liebe said, "Umm… Your Highness, breakfast is ready."
Bruce said, "Thank you, Liebe."
Claire said, "Wait a second, Your Majesty, what if it's poisoned?"
As Claire tasted it, she said, "It tastes fine, I suppose. Hard to believe a halfbreed made it."
As they sat down to eat, after the first bite Aina said, "It's so yummy!"
Bruce said, "I feel like I'm 20 years younger."
Liebe said, "And thanks to the amount of oil and sugar in it, you'll definitely die 20 years earlier from a heart attack."
Bruce just laughed and said, "Maybe I will, but if I get to eat this every day, I don't mind."
Liebe said, "Of course."
After breakfast, Liebe helped Aina and Guilford train.
Aina said, "Liebe, Liebe! Did you hear Uncle Astreous now has a baby, and it's adorable?"
Liebe said, "Yeah, I heard, Princess. It's a boy, and his name is Astrea."
Aina said, "I know! It's the most adorable thing."
Guilford said, "Yeah, seeing Uncle like that, I'm so happy."
Liebe said, "Yeah, I understand. And Guilford, take your training more seriously. You are Aina's knight, and one day you'll be the leader of the Royal Knights. Don't disappoint me. Now—both of you, come at me at once!"
After their training session, Liebe said, "Keep practicing, you two. See you at 7 p.m."
Aina said, "Okay then, Liebe."
Guilford said, "Understood, sir."
Liebe said, "Don't get carried away, kid."
After returning to the Empire, he fed his dragon, Fang.
Lilith said, "Looks like he sure is getting big."
Liebe said, "I know."
Lilith said, "And here—I saved you a few ribs from breakfast."
Liebe said, "Thank you, Mother. And how is Alysa doing?"
Lilith said, "Much better. It's time for today's meeting."
As the meeting began, Geno stated, "We have looked over the documents about Project Ara provided by Mr. Liebe Faust, and after cross-examining it with the witness Mrs. Mey Scarlet Mikado, the statement provided by Mr. Liebe Faust was indeed proven true. Now, I would please request Mr. Liebe Faust to deliver the verdict on Valtia for the violation of the Concord Treaty, as well as for risking all of humanity itself."
Lilith whispered to Liebe, "Let them have it—and don't hold back."
Liebe said, "I will, Mother."
As Liebe stood up, he stated, "As of right now, it has been proven that Valtia is indeed guilty of conspiring against humanity itself. And as of right now, the penalty Valtia will face is simple—their wish will be granted, and they will become the exception to the Concord Treaty."
As everyone in the room was shocked, Lilith whispered, "Liebe, I think you read it backwards."
Liebe continued, "And as of right now, Valtia has to reduce its military force to that of a level 9. As for the excess military force, they are to be seized by the Empire and Eldoria. That includes soldiers, weapons, as well as battleships. Now, relinquish them immediately."
Aldo said, "Please, Mr. Liebe, please! Liebe, our nation can't survive like that! Please, sir, at least let it be up to level 7!"
Liebe said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Mr. Aldo. Your actions not only put your nation in danger but also all of humanity itself. It has been proven again and again that you can't be trusted with such military might. This is not an objection—it's an ultimatum. Now relinquish them immediately, or else you won't have a nation to return to."
As Liebe sat down, Geno clapped and stated, "Excellent. I suppose I was correct when I said you really are a monster when it comes to pure, cold, calculated efficiency. Now the real question is—when exactly are you joining us, and who among us is keeping a seat warm for you?"
Liebe said, "Thank you, sir. You are simply too kind."
Deinslief said, "It isn't easy seeing Geno's praise."
Lilith whispered, "That was brutal—but I loved it."
Liebe said, "Thank you, Mother."
Later, after the meeting, as Liebe stopped by Alysa's room, Liebe said, "How are you feeling?"
Alysa said, "Great."
Licht said, "Yeah, for some reason she was just yapping all day."
Liebe said, "Good to see. But what happened yesterday, and what's her magic?"
Alysa said, "She is my step-sister, Sadina. Her magic power is Charm Order—whoever considers her to be attractive, even in the slightest, falls under her command. That includes humans, elves, humanoids—even animals."
Liebe said, "No wonder even Licht was taken out."
Later that day, Liebe knocked on the door to Geno's office.
Geno said, "Come in."
Liebe entered and said, "Thank you for actually sparring with me—even if the match only lasted 10 nanoseconds."
Geno said, "Consider the fact that nowadays your mother can only last 50 seconds. You're strong for your age."
Liebe said, "I have another request."
Geno said, "If you want to train, ask Vanessa. I'm done training Fausts like you. It's been more than seven generations—can't your family leave me alone?"
Liebe said, "I suppose it runs in the family. But my current request is a bit different."
Geno said, "Is that so? Okay then, I'm listening."
Liebe said, "I want to enter the Abyssal Zone."
The Empire, even though it's a nation that spans more than 30 million square kilometers, unfortunately has, at its center, the Abyssal Zone—from which endless monsters are constantly created. The more you move toward the center, the more dangerous it gets. It's a circular area of 17.5 million square kilometers, and its radius is far above 2300 kilometers.
Geno said, "I think you Fausts just unlocked a new level of stupidity. The Abyssal Zone should never be entered unless required. Even I myself was never able to make it beyond 2100 kilometers out of the 2000. And your mother can't cross more than 1500."
Liebe said, "I understand. But please, sir—I promise I won't go beyond 10 kilometers."
Geno said, "It appears to me you're mistaken and unaware of your position. Right now, you might be considered among the top 5000 people in the world, but that's not enough. In the Abyssal Zone, the climate is harsh, and your wounds won't heal easily, even with magic. Certain wounds can even cause death to the mightiest of knights. I've seen more than my fair share of deaths there."
Geno said, "The Abyssal Zone is like a mother continuously giving birth to monsters, and there are zones in it where you won't survive—it's far too unpredictable."
Liebe said, "Please, sir."
Geno said, "Unfortunately, I must refuse. But if you're really that hell-bent on it, then go—but take Lilith with you. Otherwise, you'll just die. Or at least take someone strong who's survived there."
Liebe said, "I understand."