Later, as Liebe and Licht were supposed to go to bed, there was a knock at the door. As Liebe opened it, he saw Lichee and Gaia.
Liebe said, "What happened now?"
Lichee said, "Well, tomorrow is the big day and all, so… can we talk?"
Liebe said, "Well, come in."
As they sat down, Lichee said, "Liebe, what's the plan for tomorrow?"
Liebe said, "It's a 3v3, so it will be me, Alysa, and Isurugi. And we will win."
Lichee said, "Liebe, can I ask something personal?"
Liebe said, "Sure."
Lichee said, "Your family—what are they like?"
Liebe said, "Well, that's a good question. I never thought about it like that. Let me think… that is indeed a hard question."
Lichee said, "Is it a sensitive question?"
Liebe said, "Oh, no, no. It's just I don't know where to start, that's all."
Lichee said, "What was your dad like?"
Liebe said, "Great question. Well… my dad. I remember him always being there for me. He wasn't a hero like my family, but he was a good man. I remember playing with him every day, but again, he was what you'd call a killjoy. Me and Mom would always do stupid things, and he was the one there to stop us. But again, he was so much fun. We would play hide and seek all day. He taught me something: 'Do what you want to do.' He would always wait with me by the Faust Estate gates for Mom to return, and he would always let me get the first hug from Mom. He was always there for me. I remember when I got my first award, he was the happiest. He was always there for me. Even now, he is with me spiritually."
Gaia said, "So he was like you, Liebe. Always like that."
Liebe said, "I'm not sure about that, but he is someone I miss."
Gaia said, "But Liebe, in that sense, aren't you like our dad?"
Liebe said, "Well, I'm not sure about that. I suppose… but you guys are my family."
Lichee said, "We are family."
Gaia said, "Liebe, what's the Captain like as a mother?"
Liebe said, "Let me think. As a kid, it was always hugs and kisses and playing. I remember when I would say my mother was Lilith Faust, it was always so cool. But more than that, I wanted to be like her. As a kid, I even ended up learning her signature spell, Abyssal Gate, and I still use it. Looking back, I miss those days of being an only child with Mom, Dad, and Grandpa. I loved my mom for who she was, and every day was just messing around and having fun. I looked up to Mother and wanted to be like her. Oh, how a hero should always have a smile. People would say I had great potential, yet my parents never forced me to live up to it. Rather, they encouraged me to become who I wanted. And I wish Mother could be like that forever. I wanted us to stay a family. I wish my mother could be as loving toward me as before, and that's my wish. But the harsh reality is that my mother has a son—the heir to the throne of House Faust—and a servant like me, whose only purpose is to protect the people with my life."
Lichee said, "Is that it, Liebe? Do you feel sad because of the other child who Lilith loves more?"
Liebe said, "Guess so."
Lichee said, "It's settled, then. I'll go to the Faust Estate and kill the brat. Problem solved."
Liebe said, "Sorry, what?"
Lichee said, "Think about it. That kid is the reason why Lilith is being such a whiny bitch about real life and stuff. We kill it, problem solved."
Licht just laughed and said, "Let's do it. I don't mind."
Liebe said, "You two, stop. There will be no killing kids."
Lichee said, "But why? We'll be solving the problem, and then you can be family again."
Liebe said, "Honestly, no. If a friend of mine hurt the kid intentionally, I wouldn't be able to look Mother in the eye for what happened. Plus, since Mother is trying, I'm happy as things are right now."
Lichee said, "Boring. Now you're being the killjoy."
Licht said, "I know, right? What is he, 90?"
Liebe said, "No, common sense, sadly."
Licht said, "Boring."
Gaia said, "Let's burn the kid."
Liebe said, "Quiet down, idiots! People may think we're some kind of weird child-sacrificing cult or something."
Licht said, "Okay, then. So here's the plan: Lichee, you go to the Faust Estate and let your mana do whatever, and tada—problem solved."
Lichee said, "That's genius! In that way, nothing but dust will be left. And now… now the estate only has, like, 15 people. A necessary sacrifice."
Licht said, "Yup, exactly."
Liebe said, "So, just because her magic power turns everything to dust and she has urges to destroy…"
Licht said, "Yeah, that's the plan."
Liebe said, "Yeah, great plan. Except for the part when someone afterwards asks, 'What was she even doing there?'"
Licht said, "I thought about that part. She simply got lost."
Liebe said, "Basically, your story is she got lost and reached the Faust Estate, and suddenly she lost control exactly then and there and killed everyone. And for someone exactly during this time we left her alone unsupervised… seems a bit too specific, wouldn't you agree?"
Licht said, "That's the fact—she wasn't unsupervised. Gaia was the one supervising her. An idiot teaching another idiot."
Liebe said, "The best way to cover a crime isn't hiding the evidence, but rather creating false pieces to a puzzle that was never the picture required."
Licht said, "Exactly, like the plan."
Lichee said, "Genius! Pure genius! So when do I do it? It'll all be over in an instant."
Liebe said, "Great plan, but no."
Licht said, "Come on."
Liebe said, "My answer is no and will remain unchanged."
Licht said, "Well, then, got it. Plus, it was all just a joke anyway."
Lichee said, "Wait, really? Just a joke? And I was really planning to kill the brat."
Liebe said, "No, you are not, dumbass."
Then Alysa came in and said, "Wow, I leave you with them for a few minutes, and you're planning to murder children?"
Liebe said, "Exactly. I was teaching her the skills of assassination, and Licht was teaching how to hide the body and cover the evidence."
Alysa said, "Listen, I don't mind your bad habits, but don't teach them to the idiot. And Licht, do that again and no food for you."
Licht said, "Sorry, ma'am. Forgive me. I can't live without food and sleep."
Alysa said, "Well, either way, it's 10 PM. Liebe, you should hit the bed. And Licht, you have a visitor—it's Frey. And Liebe, drop her off at the Vale Estate and go to bed."
Liebe said, "Sure." He said, "Dark Magic: Dark Castling," and teleported away.
Licht went to the lobby to meet Frey. As Licht and Frey sat down, Frey said, "Greetings, Licht."
Licht said, "Yooo, Frey! How you doing?"
Frey said, "I trust you are in good health and spirit."
Licht said, "Yeah, I guess."
Frey said, "How is the Vice Captain?"
Licht said, "Well, Dad retired ten years ago, so I'm not sure if you can still call him that."
Frey said, "My apologies. Will the term 'Master' suffice?"
Licht said, "That's a bit much. But where are the other members of the Black Legion?"
Frey said, "We had Gelda get us here, as we will be watching your match tomorrow. As of right now, Tru is preparing to watch, and Tracy is out shopping. As the man who taught you how to use the rapier, I want to see it bloom."
Licht said, "Well, that's the thing—I'm not fighting tomorrow."
Frey said, "That's quite unfortunate indeed. But it also appears you have an excellent tactician within your ranks. And my main purpose wasn't just formalities. I also arrived to congratulate you on making it to the rank of 1st Class Knight of Fire. I'm glad to see we are of the same rank now."
Licht said, "Thanks."
Frey said, "Of course. As the respective First Commanders of Liebe and Vexus, it is only natural. You can consider me a brother, since every member of Black Rose is kin to one another. So if you require any advice, please feel free to ask."
Licht said, "Well, nothing at the moment, I guess."
Frey said, "I'm glad to know. And if you see Master again, please let him know I will be returning soon and I'm in good health."
Licht said, "Sure. So, how was your last mission?"
Frey said, "As of right now, our mission went on smoothly, and Skullhaven was not as harsh as the rumors. The threat has been neutralized. And Licht, it appears you have grown quite a bit. I'm glad to see it."
Licht said, "Thanks."
Frey said, "That is all, unless you have anything to state. I will take my leave."
Licht said, "Sure."
Frey said, "See you tomorrow."