Liebe broke down. "Why? First I lose Daddy… and now I can't even say goodbye?"
"I'm sorry," Gelda said softly. "There's nothing we can do. The funeral is tomorrow. Those at the site will keep digging, but they can't promise anything."
Liebe wiped his eyes. "Can I at least go to the site? To pray?"
Gelda shook her head. "It's a danger zone. Taking you there would put you at risk. I'm sorry." She stood and managed a gentle smile. "But the chefs prepared your favorite grilled chicken. Please, join us at the table."
As Gelda left, she sighed, relieved that at least she had managed to hide the full truth about Tenebris's death from Liebe—for now.
Gelda then went to Lilith's room. She knocked, but there was no response.
"I'm coming in," she said, stepping inside.
She wiped Lilith's tears. "There, there… let's get you changed."
As she helped her dress, Gelda muttered, "Geez, you're a lot to handle. Babysitting Liebe is easier than this."
Lilith's voice cracked. "Why? Why did I do it? Why didn't anyone stop me?"
Gelda slapped her. "No one stopped you because you're our leader. We believe in you. Yes, you messed up—you killed Tenebris, a man who didn't deserve to die, and he was your husband!"
Lilith shot up and punched Gelda. "You know nothing! I have to give my best as Domr's daughter, as the new captain. I can't rest—I'm buried under sins and responsibilities. I've killed the one person who promised to share those burdens!"
"Me, me, me—what the hell is wrong with you?" Gelda yelled. "You're only fighting for what you believe in . Did you even think about what he wanted?"
Lilith's voice trembled. "He wanted me to keep being a knight . And that's what I'm doing!"
"The state you're in," Gelda snapped, "you're neither a wife nor a knight—and certainly not a mother. When was the last time you spoke to your son?"
"You don't know anything," Lilith muttered.
"Maybe not," Gelda said, "but I know Tenebris didn't want happiness served on a silver platter. It's something you fight for. And now that Domr is gone, you've forgotten how to fight for it."
"You don't know how much it hurts."
"No," Gelda admitted, "but we became knights knowing we'd have to kill. Do you think you're the only one suffering?"
"Have you any idea what it feels like," Lilith whispered, "to kill the one you love with your own hands?"
"So what if I don't?" Gelda shot back. "You're okay taking a stranger's life, but not the life of someone you love? That's not fair!"
She struck Lilith again, and Lilith fell to the ground, sobbing. "I know I'm weak. I don't even have the strength to protect what I care for."
Gelda grabbed her collar. "Yes, Tenebris was a commoner, even a thief. I never liked him—he was irritating. But he wasn't a bad person, and he didn't deserve to die. Not by your hands. Now get up and fight for the life he wanted for you!"
Lilith looked up, tears streaming. "Is it really possible for someone like me to rise again?"
"Of course," Gelda said. "Tenebris did. Jewel and I did. Why not you? Let's get you ready to end this war once and for all."
Lilith wiped her face. "Then I have to take care of something at the cathedral. Let Liebe handle the funeral. As of now, I can't even hug him. Every time I try, I see my hands—stained with Tenebris's blood. How can you hug a child knowing your hands killed his father?"
Meanwhile, in the northern Endless Justice territory, Herald said, "Good to see you back in one piece, Elaar."
"Herald… heal me," Elaar rasped.
"Right away," Herald said. "Looks like we have a sponsor here."
A man stepped forward. "A pleasure, gentlemen. It's been a while."
Elaar's eyes narrowed. "Oh… it's you, Gabriel Silver."
Gabriel smiled. "I have an offer you can't refuse."
Elaar growled, "I'm not in the mood for chit‑chat. If this doesn't interest me, you won't leave alive."
"No need for hostility," Gabriel replied smoothly. "Here's my offer: I'll sponsor Project Grinberryal and pay one hundred thousand gold coins to each of you."
Elaar frowned. "That's too good to be true. What do you want in return?"
Gabriel's smile widened. "The one I love—Lilith Faust. Alive, unharmed… served on a silver platter."