After the trial, Liebe met with Horn.
Liebe said, "Horn, how is she? Is everything—"
Horn said, "She is fine. But she seems distant. But she is happy."
Liebe said, "I'm so glad."
Horn said, "But right now, you are the issue."
Liebe said, "Me? How?"
Horn said, "You are far too bright. You are constantly on the news, and it isn't helping her in the slightest. It's just anchoring her down to the past. She doesn't know—"
Liebe said, "Shit."
Horn said, "Whenever she hears the name Liebe Faust, or Baledia, or Team Liebe, or Black Rose, there is a response."
Liebe said, "OK then. I will handle it."
As Liebe and everyone returned to HQ, the lights were turned off. As Liebe turned on the lights, everyone screamed, "Surprise!"
Liebe said, "Umm, what is this?"
Eldrie said, "Lord, look at this. It's tomorrow's newspaper. We got it early. By request."
Liebe said, "By request? You guys mean threaten?"
Eldrie said, "Yeah, yeah, that. The headlines stated: 'Reputation Restored. Liebe Faust, the Hero of Humanity.'"
Eldrie said, "So, Lord, what do you think?"
Liebe, not sure what to say, hesitantly said, "Yeah, yeah, it's great. I love it."
Gelda said, "So what's the pause about?"
Liebe said, "No, it's just nothing. I really like it. Thanks. But what exactly is this?"
Eldrie said, "Oh, this?"
Gelda said, "It's a party, dummy. We are celebrating the return of our future captain."
Eldrie said, "Nothing better than this. And it's just not this party—we will party the week away."
Liebe said, "Oh, is that so?"
Eldrie said, "Now come on, join us in the fun. A party isn't a party without the life of the party, Liebe."
Gelda said, "Exactly."
As they celebrated, drank, and ate, among the celebrations, Liebe disappeared to his office and sat on the couch in the darkness, thinking, Why? Why am I not happy? Why does it hurt?
In the dark room, Lilith entered and closed the door. As she sat down:
Lilith said, "What's wrong? Why are you sitting on the couch and not your chair? I'm sure your chair is softer. And pretty sure this is Licht's spot."
Liebe said, "It's nothing."
Lilith said, "Why aren't you at the party? It is your party after all."
Liebe said, "It's nothing."
Lilith said, "I see. The party isn't any fun without Alysa, now is it?"
Liebe said, "No."
As from outside, everyone was listening to their conversation.
Lilith said, "So when are you and your team off for your next mission?"
Liebe said, "I don't know."
Lilith said, "Now that is a surprise. So if you are free, why don't we both visit the Empire and see her?"
As outside, Elizabeth whispered, "Who are they talking about?"
Licht said, "How the hell am I supposed to know?"
Liebe said, "No. We aren't going to the Empire. I don't want to see her. And if she sees me, there is a chance—"
Lilith said, "Alright then. So what are you planning next?"
Liebe said, "Captain, I have decided. I'm leaving. I resign."
As outside, everyone said, "What?"
Elizabeth said, "What?"
Lia said, "We have to do something."
Eldrie said, "What should we do then? We can't force him to stay."
Licht said, "Shut up. They might hear us. And let me think."
Lilith said, "What? Why?"
Liebe said, "I know now. This isn't my home anymore. I saw the truth that night—that you hated me. Now you still hate me."
Lilith said, "No, Liebe. I'm sorry, but—"
Liebe said, "No, it's alright. I saw the truth."
Lilith said, "Is there anything I can do to make you stay?"
Liebe said, "No. I made up my mind. It's for the best. I know now. At least now you don't have to worry about me killing your favourite son. And I will still keep financially supporting you. But there is one thing I need from you."
Lilith said, "Anything. What is it?"
Liebe said, "Clean Baledia from the face of the earth."
Lilith said, "OK then. Baledia will disappear."
Liebe said, "Thank you. I will leave at dawn, before the others get up."
Elizabeth whispered, "What? What will we do?"
Licht said, "Wait. I have a plan. We can stop him. It's foolproof."
Gelda said, "Let's hope your plan works."
Liebe said, "Mom, I will leave tomorrow morning. Thanks for at least trying. But the truth is clear. And right now, Licht is ready. I'm sure he can take my place."
Lilith cried and hugged Liebe and said, "No, Liebe. Please, please don't leave. Please, please just come back home."
Liebe, on the verge of tears, said, "How? How can I? That place was never my home. I can't forget that."