Back in the present, on Galahad Island…
Gelda said, "Lord, we should get going."
Liebe replied, "Okay, then."
As they entered the main building, a rush of people suddenly poured out.
Liebe asked, "What is this crowd for?"
Gelda shook her head. "I don't know, Lord."
Then, everyone stopped and screamed, "Is the Transient and Lingering of Light here yet?!"
Liebe muttered, "Dad… Gelda, I think they're looking for you."
Then, raising his voice, "Everyone, they're behind you!"
The crowd quickly parted.
Everyone shouted, "We're sorry, ma'am! Please forgive us!"
Gelda helped Liebe up. "Lord, are you okay?"
Liebe brushed himself off. "Yeah, I'll live."
Gasps and whispers erupted.
"They really are here!" someone exclaimed.
Licht frowned. "Who?"
One person stepped forward. "I'm sorry for the rude interruption. I'm Darel, the current president of the student council and an admiral under Fleet Admiral Yuna."
Gelda nodded. "Hello."
The crowd roared, "Please give us an autograph!"
Gelda waved her hand. "Umm, I don't do that nowadays."
Jewel added, "Yeah, seems like a lot of work—so thanks, but no thanks."
Darel cleared his throat. "Ma'am, we've all been waiting for you two since last night."
Then someone from the back yelled, "Please get out of the way, freshmen!" and shoved Liebe and Licht aside, forming a line for autographs.
Darel said apologetically, "We know you're here for official business, but we'd appreciate it if you could at least take a picture and shake their hands."
Gelda sighed. "I'm actually here on personal business… but, well—sure, I guess."
The line stretched a few hundred meters.
"There are a lot of people," Gelda muttered. "And I still have work to do."
Someone in the crowd spoke up. "We heard you were appointed as the official guard to the heir to the throne of Faust!"
Gelda nodded. "The Lord is starting classes here, and I'm helping him get settled."
Darel's eyes widened. "Wait—the heir is here? The one who's going to be the next captain? Where is he? Does that also mean Lady Lilith is here too?"
Liebe groaned. "The heir is here—currently being stepped on by his seniors."
Darel laughed. "Kid, quit joking. You're just a hybrid. There's no way Lady Lilith would give birth to a hybrid."
Another student chimed in. "Yeah, I heard the heir has an attribute that's jet black, with shiny hair so glossy it can reflect light."
Darel nodded. "Same here."
A girl whispered, "I heard he's a total monster when it comes to strength—and he's never lost a fight."
Liebe rolled his eyes. "That's a bit of a stretch. And the one who beat me is also being stepped on over there."
Another girl sighed dreamily. "I heard he's even more handsome than a prince."
Liebe muttered, "I would be, if you stopped stepping on me."
Licht snorted. "Damn, no one believes you."
Darel crossed his arms. "Kid, we understand you want to be the heir, but it's not good to lie."
Gelda stepped forward. "Allow me to introduce him: this is Liebe al Faust, heir to the throne of Faust and beloved son of Lilith Faust—the one we pledged our lives to protect. And this is Licht Vaude, son of Jewel Vaude and the true sword of Liebe."
Darel shook his head. "What are you saying?"
Gelda looked at Liebe. "Lord, are you alright?"
Liebe nodded. "Yes."
Gelda began wiping dirt from his face.
Darel froze. "No way… Lady Lilith gave birth to a half-breed?"
Jewel said sharply, "Darel—or whatever your name was—it's the truth."
One girl whispered, "Now that his face is clean… he does look more handsome."
Another added, "His eyes, his hair, his pale skin… he resembles Lady Lilith."
A third whispered nervously, "Did I make a bad impression?"
Liebe smiled faintly. "It's quite alright."
Darel asked, "Lady Gelda, how did this happen?"
Gelda explained, "About nineteen years ago, Lady Lilith realized something: if she truly wanted an Heir of Order, she would have to search for him herself. But by chance, he came to her instead. They married, and Liebe was born."
Liebe said quietly, "Thank you, Gelda."
One of the girls stepped forward shyly. "Lord Liebe, may I have an autograph, a handshake, and a picture?"
Liebe smiled. "Sure."
Darel suddenly spoke up. "Liebe—if you truly bear the title of heir to the throne of Faust—battle me in a duel!"
Liebe's eyes narrowed. "We don't settle through words. Nor do we have a ruler or a democracy here. We settle differences through duels."
Darel smirked. "So the hybrid knows our ways."
Liebe nodded. "My mother taught me the basics."
Gelda warned, "A battle right after arriving? I wouldn't recommend it."
Liebe replied, "It's fine. If I want to become the Fleet Admiral, it's something I have to do."
Licht muttered, "Show-off."
Liebe grinned. "Nah… it'd just be boring otherwise."
They walked to the dueling field.
Darel declared, "With this battle, I will prove to everyone that you are not the heir! Lady Gelda and Lord Jewel must have lost track of the truth—thinking a hybrid like you could be heir."
Liebe said quietly, "I know I don't truly deserve it. And soon, I won't be anymore. Now, Darel… give me your all."