As Domr and Lilith sat inside the Black Rose HQ, Herald Divine, the captain of Endless Justice, and Elaar Jean, the captain of Sacred Freedom, stood before them.
Domr said, "Hello, gentlemen. I heard some children lost their toys and came crying to me for help."
Herald responded coldly, "We are not in the mood for sarcasm, Domr."
Domr replied, "Of course not. You're just children demanding reparations for a toy that's already lost."
Elaar snapped, "Do you have any idea how much military power and wealth we lost because of your daughter's antics?"
Domr said calmly, "What happened last night was a terrorist attack. My daughter acted as a mother protecting her child — I will never stand against that. And if her actions became the catalyst that led to the cancellation of Project Grinberryal, then so be it. If you stand against that, then you stand against everything knights were meant to protect."
Elaar argued, "Regardless of one person's duty, the good of the many outweighs the good of one."
Domr stood up. "And what good are knights if we can't even protect one of our own?"
Herald growled, "Goddamn it, stop dancing around the point and answer the question — what are you going to do about the failure of Project Grinberryal?"
Domr simply said, "Nothing."
Herald shouted, "What did you say?!"
Elaar interrupted, trying to mediate. "Instead of wasting time arguing, maybe we can figure out a way to revive Project Grinberryal. Domr, hear me out."
Domr narrowed his eyes. "I'm listening."
Elaar continued, "Gabriel is interested in your daughter, Lilith. If we offer her hand in marriage, he might agree to sponsor the project again. That way, we all regain what we lost."
Herald nodded in agreement. "That's a brilliant idea. Everyone benefits."
Domr's expression turned cold. "What about my son-in-law? And my grandson?"
Elaar sneered. "Your son-in-law is a commoner and a thief. Your grandchild is a half-breed. It won't be hard to erase them from the records."
Domr stood silent for a moment.
Then Lilith spoke coldly, "Enough. Let's end this farce."
She raised her hand. "Void Magic: Holy Relic – Oculus of Dominance: Black Hole!"
Domr followed, "Dark Magic: Endless Darkness!"
A massive black hole formed before them. Herald and Elaar barely managed to block the attack.
"What the hell is the meaning of this?!" Herald yelled.
Domr's voice boomed through the hall. "That was a warning. You dare come into my HQ, threaten my son-in-law and grandson right in front of me, and expect me to play along with your nonsense? This is Black Rose. We've faced down threats far worse than the two of you. Now leave, and never, ever bring up offering my daughter again. Next time, they'll be collecting your remains piece by piece."
Herald and Elaar scowled but turned and left.
Once they were gone, Domr ordered, "Check the base. Make sure there's no information leak. Get everyone ready. There's a war coming."
Jewel, arms crossed, smirked. "Negotiations ended like that? That's surprising."
Domr grunted. "Yeah."
Jewel added, "But honestly, those two piss me off."
Lilith nodded. "Same here. Let's win this… and bring life back to how it was."
Sujiur entered the room and saluted. "Sir, here's the situation: Endless Justice territory is to our north, and Sacred Freedom is to our east. We're surrounded on both sides. But we still have the west and the south open."