All four of them were ready to be transported to the CKH branch in the Black Rose territory. When everyone arrived and saw them lying on the ground, Gelda rushed forward in panic.
"Elizabeth, are you okay? Wake up, dear!"
Elizabeth opened her eyes slowly and smiled weakly.
"Mommy... I did it. I may not have been able to help them in the fight, but I saved them all. Now—Shadow Magic: Release!"
With a flash, everyone trapped in the Shadow Realm was freed.
Gelda hugged her tightly. "I'm so proud of you, my dear daughter. So, so proud."
Then she rushed over to Liebe. "Lord, are you okay?"
Liebe gave a tired smile. "As good as can be."
Lilith arrived, arms crossed. "Status report."
Liebe stood up straighter. "Ma'am, I did it. With everyone's help… I killed it."
Lilith narrowed her eyes. "And who gave you orders to hunt down a literal demon from the underworld?"
Liebe scratched the back of his head. "It was my idea, ma'am… I was too bored."
Lilith stared at him. "And how are you doing?"
Liebe shrugged. "As well as can be… Mommy."
Lilith raised an eyebrow. "In your state, you still seem proud. Dumbass."
Liebe chuckled. "What can I say, ma'am? I got that trait from my mother. I inherited all the idiotic ideas too."
Lilith scoffed. "It seems your mother truly was an immature idiot. Having a child and still making such rash decisions…"
Liebe's voice softened. "Yes, ma'am. She was rash, clumsy, and an idiot... but she loved me more than anything. She inspired me to save everyone, no matter who they were. Even now, I feel like she can see me."
Lilith sighed. "Alright. If you're well enough to talk, then you're well enough to get to the hospital yourself."
Liebe gave a small salute. "Understood, ma'am."
Licht groaned. "You two done talking in third person?"
Alysa snorted. "Seriously. That was creepy."
Elizabeth yawned. "I'm gonna take a nap. Wake me up when you're done being mommy and son."
Both Liebe and Lilith snapped, "Shut up, dumbass!"
Lilith turned to Liebe. "I hope your mother is proud of you."
Liebe smiled. "I don't hope, ma'am. I know she's proud. I know she's watching me."
Gelda silently observed them and thought, Maybe… maybe it's best to just watch for now. It's been years since Lilith and Liebe had a casual conversation like this.
Liebe looked at Lilith. "Ma'am… do you have a family?"
Lilith hesitated for a moment. "Long ago, yes. But my father and husband are dead. And… my son made mistakes. Now, I don't even know how he is. We live in the same house… and yet we're strangers."
Liebe gave a faint smile. "Maybe, ma'am… your son is an absolute idiot."
Lilith chuckled lightly. "Yeah… it seems your mother might've been the same. Instead of solving a problem, she dragged it in the wrong direction."
Liebe's voice was calm but firm. "Don't say that, ma'am. No matter what my mother was like, I know—even today—she helped me. And without her, we would've lost."
Lilith's expression softened. "Fate always has its way. I'm sure your mother will always find her way back to you."