After leaving Geno's office, as Liebe was walking, a stranger said, "Hello, Liebe. It has been a while."
Liebe said, "Greetings, sir."
The man was Oriar Bouduin.
Oriar said, "No need to be so formal."
Liebe said, "But sir, you are one of the pillars of the Empire."
Oriar said, "That's only in diplomacy. I'm barely a fighter, and as of right now, I'm just an official."
Liebe said, "Actually, one of the greatest. But please, continue."
Oriar said, "Okay then, let's go."
Liebe said, "But where?"
Oriar said, "Well, to the Abyssal Zone—since you wanted to."
Liebe said, "But sir, your body… it can't fight."
Oriar said, "Yeah, so what? Let's go."
As they went in, just after crossing the walls, Liebe could feel the difference—in magic density, temperature, and air pressure.
Oriar said, "First time?"
As they walked 100 meters, they found their first monsters—fang rabbits.
Liebe said, "Fang."
From the skies, Fang fired a black fire breath. As Fang landed beside Liebe, Liebe said, "Good boy."
Oriar said, "Ohh, you have a dragon. Now that is impressive."
Liebe said, "Yeah, he's a Tyrant Dragon, but because I was the one who hatched him, he listens to me. Now who's a good boy? Yes, you are, yes, you are."
As he scratched him under the chin, Oriar said, "I can see that."
As they went in deeper, about 700 meters, the terrain changed from sand to rock as frogs were being created from the ground up.
Liebe said, "Seems fun."
He killed the frogs in seconds.
Oriar said, "Let's head back."
Liebe said, "Okay then."
As Fang ate most of the frog corpses, after they returned, Oriar said, "I guess this old body can't survive like it used to."
Liebe said, "I'm sorry I dragged you out here."
Oriar said, "It's fine. Fresh air helps once in a while. Why not join me for lunch?"
Liebe said, "Of course, sir."
As they sat down to eat, Oriar said, "So, how has my daughter been doing?"
Liebe said, "Good."
Oriar said, "I most certainly hope she isn't holding you and Team Liebe back."
Liebe said, "Of course not, sir. She's been more than enough of a support."
Oriar said, "Good to know House Bouduin hasn't fallen."
Liebe said, "I suppose not."
After lunch, Liebe said, "I suppose it's getting late. I should leave."
Oriar said, "Of course, I understand."
Liebe left at about 2:30 p.m.
At around 7:24, he returned to their hotel site.
Liebe said, "How are you doing?"
Then Licht and Alysa shushed Liebe and said, "Don't talk so loud."
Liebe whispered, "Why? What happened?"
Licht said, "Go to Alysa's room and check."
As he entered, he saw a boy sleeping on her lap—and Alysa had also fallen asleep reading him a story. Liebe gently closed the door and said, "I'm sorry I disturbed you. Looks like Eosian Bouduin sure is happy."
Licht said, "Yeah, I guess. Dude showed up with his female friend like an hour ago, and now both of them are sleeping."
Liebe said, "And now who's the babysitter?"
Licht said, "Thank God, not me. So how was the Abyssal Zone?"
Liebe said, "Long story short—didn't get permission to cross more than 700 meters, and at 700… not sure if it's called training, but Fang at least had a good slimy lunch."
Gelda said, "He ate the frogs?"
Liebe said, "Yeah. Mother did say to make sure he gets a versatile diet."
Gelda said, "Why would someone feed their familiar something so disgusting?"
Liebe said, "I don't know."
Eldrie said, "Frogs are pretty important for dragons, but I'm sure he would have loved them more if they were frozen."
Liebe said, "I guess so."
After a while, Alysa came out of the room.
Liebe said, "Good morning."
Alysa said, "Good morning."
Liebe said, "Did you sleep well?"
Alysa said, "I guess. While reading him a story, I also fell asleep."
Liebe said, "You should enjoy these times since we rarely get time off between classes and missions. Plus, you know how my relationship is with my half-brother."
Alysa said, "Yeah, he's 13, yet he brought a friend to introduce to me."
Liebe said, "Good to know."
Alysa said, "So, what smells so nice?"
Liebe said, "Well, I was bored, so I thought I might as well cook. And since it's already 7 p.m., I'm making dinner."
Alysa said, "That does smell delicious."
Liebe said, "Thanks. I'm trying a new rice dish called Pollo al Curry con Riso—basically mushroom chicken and rice."
Licht said, "Whatever it is, I'm hungry."
Lilith said, "Liebe, we've been waiting for ages."
Liebe said, "Mother, it's been barely 10 minutes."
Lilith said, "And I'm hungry."
Then suddenly, Eosian said, "What is that smell?"
Alysa said, "Oh, that? It's mushroom chicken curry with rice. Do you two want some?"
Eosian said, "Of course."
As they sat down to eat, there was a knock at the door.
Lilith said, "I'll go check."
It was Oriar Bouduin.
Oriar said, "Hello, Mrs. Faust."
Lilith said, "Hello, Mr. Bouduin."
Oriar said, "I hope I'm not intruding. I just came by to talk to my daughter for a bit."
Lilith said, "Umm, she's eating right now, so how about you join us for dinner?"
Oriar said, "I don't want to intrude."
Lilith said, "Of course not. Please join us."
Oriar said, "Thank you for the invite."
Lilith said, "Of course."
As Oriar also sat down to eat, he said, "Alysa, how are you doing?"
Alysa said, "I'm doing good."
Oriar said, "Good to know. I came to apologize for the stunt Sadina pulled at the conference."
Alysa said, "It's fine, I just—"
Licht said, "It's fine, but that Sadina sure was rude."
Oriar said, "I'm sorry for that. Those three take after their mother, and I know it's my fault."
Liebe said, "It's fine."
Eosian said, "Father, what are you doing here anyway?"
Oriar said, "The same reason you're here."
Lilith said, "Now, the most important thing—have you heard that these two are dating?"
Oriar said, "Yeah, I heard. When do you think the wedding should be held?"
Lilith said, "Even though it's about 5 to 7 years away, I think the venue should be either Saint Marie's Church or the Heaven's Dawn venue."
Oriar said, "Excellent suggestion. I'll take care of the booking, since those places require booking decades before the actual event."
Lilith said, "I'm sure they can make an exception for one of the 25 Princes of Hell—and I'll cover all the costs."
Oriar said, "Please, allow me to do that."
Liebe said, "Mother, please stop misusing your authority."
Alysa said, "Who's getting married again?"
Oriar said, "You and Liebe."
Lilith said, "Of course. We should hold the ceremony within the next few years—I want to still look young during the wedding."
Oriar said, "Yes, of course."
Lilith said, "I believe small, intimate weddings with a limited number of guests are best. Is that alright?"
Gelda said, "Sorry, I must disagree. Lord Liebe's wedding must be a grand festival—it should last at least a week! As the groom's godmother and official guard, that's my request."
Lilith said, "That seems a bit excessive, but how about we follow my plan first, and afterward do your one-week festival thing?"
Eldrie said, "I'll make the ice sculptures!"
Licht just whispered to Liebe, "Dude, it's getting weird."
Liebe said, "I know."
Alysa said, "I know… what do we do?"
Liebe said, "But Mother, we aren't even engaged yet."
Lilith said, "It's okay. I know you two are meant to be—and trust me, you'll understand later on."
Oriar said, "Right now we're just going over the formalities. And of course, this wedding will mean a member of House Bouduin marries into the family of one of the 25 Princes of Hell—and potentially one of its future members."
Liebe said, "Huhhh… what?"
Lilith said, "Exactly. And I wouldn't mind if a member of House Faust married into the family of one of the pillars of the Empire."
Alysa said, "Huhhhhhhh?! We aren't even engaged!"
Lilith said, "Okay then, we can wait. It's just that we've both seen what kind of people you are. Plus, where can I get a daughter-in-law like you? I need a daughter to spoil—and I've seen how much you care about Liebe."
Oriar said, "Same here. Where can I get a son-in-law who actually goes to the Abyssal Zone with me just for the thrill of it? I know you care about Alysa, and I know you'll make her happy."
Then Liebe and Alysa's faces turned red from embarrassment.
Liebe said, "Good luck…"
And then suddenly Eosian stood up and slammed his hands on the table.
He said, "Father, they aren't even engaged yet! And I can't accept this wedding—not to a half-breed!"
As everyone quieted down, without thinking, Alysa slapped Eosian.
Eosian teared up and said, "Why, sis…?"