After another 24 hours of rest, while everyone was gossiping in their room, Gelda said,
"Everyone, listen."
Liebe replied, "Yes?"
Elizabeth said, "What is it, Mommy?"
Gelda continued, "The Grandmaster himself is coming."
Licht's eyes widened. "Astreous is coming here? Why?"
Gelda said, "He wants to have a word."
Licht grinned. "Now it's finally time for glory."
Liebe said, "Got that damn right."
Alysa added, "Isn't he known as The Great Black Hole?"
Elizabeth scrunched her face. "What kind of title is that? Does he have a huge hole or something?"
Liebe chuckled. "For some reason, his magic attribute is very similar to what that name implies. His magic is time magic, but it's said he lives in a different time than everyone else. That explains his distorted personality. That's why he was dubbed The Great Black Hole."
Licht said, "Well, Dad did tell me his words and actions are always opposite... but he's still known as the strongest knight in the nation. Dad once tried to spar with him, but he lost so badly he gave up on climbing the ranks. That's why he became lazy."
Liebe added, "I knew Uncle had a drive to become the strongest, but I just never knew why he lost it."
Gelda nodded. "As of right now, the only ones who can compare to him would be you and your mother—if you fought together."
Liebe's eyes lit up. "Now that excites me. I want to fight him."
Alysa said, "From what I know, he values honor above all. And his Holy Relic is something no one's ever seen. There are rumors that it's a great blade… but its true abilities remain one of the greatest mysteries ever known."
Liebe said, "Somehow, my grandfather once fought him—when he was still strong. They say that on that day, when darkness and time clashed, the world itself felt despair. They had to call it a draw. And despite being 48, the Grandmaster…"
Elizabeth cut in, "Damn, he's old."
Liebe laughed. "He's actually in his prime right now. His body is still comparable to Grandpa's. Basically, he was Grandpa's rival despite a 20-year age gap. He joined the Order back when Grandpa was just a Vice Captain."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Gelda opened it.
It was Marks and Asten Chronus, the acting Grandmaster. Asten said,
"Make way for The Great Black Hole, Lord Astreous, the Grandmaster."
Astreous entered. Everyone tried to get up, but he raised his hand and said,
"No need to get up. Please, rest."
Liebe stood and asked, "Sir, what can we do for you? And why are you here?"
Astreous replied, "Well, I was bored, so I thought I'd drop by and say hi."
Liebe said, "Hello."
Astreous smiled. "Please, make yourselves at home and rest up."
Licht said, "Okay then. Thank you for meeting us. Good night, Astreous."
Astreous raised an eyebrow. "I didn't mean it literally."
Liebe muttered, "He doesn't change."
Lilith said, "The Grandmaster is here to ask about the situation."
Liebe nodded. "Well, sir, the battle was harsh."
Astreous looked at them and said, "I can see that. I doubt even a party full of A-class knights could have completed it. If I were to judge it, I'd say the mission should have been reserved for Vice Captains and a full S-class squad. Yet despite all odds, you survived and won. That's a feat that shows why you deserve your role as Vice Captain—even as an intern."
Liebe said, "Sir, the demon had been in our world for more than 20 years… and it still went undetected."
Astreous responded, "After checking the soil, it was obvious. It was mixing As in the soil to hide its presence—slowly poisoning the people. But since the people in the Red-Light District were poverty-stricken, they couldn't do anything."
Liebe said, "We won the fight, but barely. It can't be called a full victory. And on top of that, we were cornered by just one demon while trying to save Elizabeth and the people. If it weren't for the Captain's help… we wouldn't have survived."
Astreous said, "I understand. Yet stand proud. You did something even I have never done. And if people learned of your feats, I'm sure it wouldn't be long before you became a Grand Knight."
Liebe replied, "It isn't about that, sir…"
Astreous paused. "Then what is it?"
Liebe looked serious. "Well, sir…"
Astreous said, "I understand. Everyone, I'd like a private conversation with Liebe. Please, get us a room."
Lilith and Gelda responded in unison, "Sir, yes sir."
Astreous nodded. "Thank you."