Later that day, Licht and Liebe went to the Abyssal Zone, and due to safety reasons, they didn't cross more than 5 km. After training, around 6 p.m., they returned to their hotel suite.
After returning to their hotel room, Liebe said, "Gelda, make a portal. I have some work at the castle."Gelda said, "Understood."Eldrie said, "I wouldn't mind joining as well."Liebe said, "But Eldrie, what could you possibly have to do at the castle?"Eldrie said, "Not at the castle, Lord — I have some work in the capital. It's a bit personal."Liebe said, "Ok then."
As Gelda made a portal for Liebe, after Liebe went to the castle, Eldrie said, "I will see you later, Lord."Liebe said, "Ok then, be back by, like, 2 a.m."Eldrie said, "Understood."
As Liebe entered the castle, he went to visit Astreous. Knocking on Astreous's door, Astreous opened it and said, "Young Liebe, what a surprise."Liebe said, "I thought I should visit you and your child, even as a formality, Uncle."Astreous said, "Come in, come in."Liebe said, "I brought presents."
Astreous, while holding his baby, said, "Liebe, this is my son."Liebe said, "He looks adorable."Astreous said, "Please, sit down."Liebe said, "Thank you, Uncle."
As he sat down, Astreous said, "Well, my wife is in the shower, so — how have you been?"Liebe said, "I'm doing good, Uncle."Astreous said, "Do you want to hold him, Liebe?"Liebe said, "Of course."
As Liebe held the baby, he said, "Have you thought of a name yet?"Astreous said, "No, not really. We're thinking of a name similar to mine, but my wife isn't quite fond of the idea. And since her name is Lucille, finding a name has been quite troublesome."Liebe said, "How about the name Astrea? Since it's after the Goddess of Justice — it fits, and it's similar to your name, Astreous."Astreous said, "Honestly, that might just be perfect."Liebe said, "Don't take it seriously, though."Astreous said, "Looks like the little guy likes it."Liebe said, "I suppose so."
Astreous said, "Heard what you did in the Empire — it was quite brutal."Liebe said, "I suppose so, but again, I only delivered evidence."Astreous said, "At the rate you're going, you might join our ranks soon enough."Liebe said, "Maybe, but I am far too weak. I can't use Rampage or Afterglow techniques yet."Astreous said, "Yeah, those two can mainly be learned in the Abyssal Zone. So, how far did you go?"Liebe said, "Didn't try enough, but with Licht, crossed a bit over 5 km."Astreous said, "5 km for a first time? That's impressive."Liebe said, "Thank you."
Astreous said, "I'll get us some tea."Liebe said, "Thank you, Uncle."Astreous said, "Only one week old, and still so energetic."Liebe said, "Well, childcare isn't easy."Astreous said, "Yes, it isn't — but honestly, when you're a parent, it fills you with joy."Liebe said, "I guess. I never knew."
Astreous said, "By the way, thanks for deciding to guide Princess Aina since I'm on leave."Liebe said, "Sure, no problem, Uncle. And I don't mind kids that much."Astreous said, "By the way, young Liebe — remember these two countdowns from today."Liebe said, "Ok then."Astreous said, "Five years, two months, and three days — and the other is nineteen years, three months, and seventeen days."Liebe said, "What are these for?"Astreous said, "That's a surprise. And about your half-brother, if you—"Liebe said, "Unfortunately, I don't care much about it as of right now."Astreous said, "It's best if you know — he will be nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy."Liebe said, "What now?"Astreous said, "Your existence itself is too bright, and this light will burn him alive."Liebe said, "Ok then."Astreous said, "Like others, won't you ask for a prevention?"Liebe said, "Nope. Seems like a lot of unnecessary work."Astreous just laughed.
Soon, Liebe left. After helping Princess Aina and Guilford train, they ended their training session at 9 p.m.Liebe said, "Princess, it's time for dinner and then bed."Aina said, "Will you tell me bedtime stories again?"Liebe said, "Sure, just give me a minute to think about what to say."
After dinner, as Aina was supposed to go to bed, Liebe felt a sharp yet precise magic power. As he went there, it was a stranger singing — and the princess and Guilford were enjoying it.Liebe intervened and said, "Princess, it's 10:30 p.m., please go to bed. I will be there in a minute."Aina said, "Liebe, this is my friend Mina. She sings so beautifully."Liebe said, "I can see that."
As Aina and Guilford went to bed, Liebe said, "What is a former member of the 25 Princes of Hell and the world's greatest sniper doing here, A.K. Mikhail?"The stranger said, "Didn't think anyone other than Astreous knew."Liebe said, "I'm not mana-blind, Mikhail. Or should I say Lady Mikhail? Is there a reason you're here, or are you after the princess?"Mikhail said, "No, I simply came to help her sleep. Good to see you haven't forgotten me."Liebe said, "How can I forget my teacher, and someone who made me into the ideal assassin?"Mikhail said, "Good to see. Want to train or something?"Liebe said, "I have about four hours after putting the princess to bed."Mikhail said, "It's a deal then. I suppose I don't need to be invisible anymore, since you even feel my magic. You sure have grown — so, when are you taking my seat?"Liebe said, "I'm not. You were a follower of Grandfather. Plus, you aren't even a member anymore."Mikhail said, "Ok then. Let's see how far you truly came."