Lilith said, "So, what brings you here?"
Lara said, "Advice from the doctor. We are going to the Grand Empire to see a doctor."
Lilith said, "Ohh. If you need help with anything, just ask."
Lara said, "I talked to Lord Liebe, and he helped and paid for the treatment."
Lilith said, "Liebe did that? I'm proud."
Lara said, "I'm grateful, and thank you."
Lilith said, "Don't mention it. I would have done the same. And what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Riruru said, "A cool knight like Liebe and Licht."
Lilith said, "Good to know. And it's sad that I'm lame."
Lara said, "Yes, ma'am, you are a bit lame."
Lilith said, "Don't remind me. And I heard people started to call you Gorilla."
Lara said, "Ma'am, don't remind me."
Lilith said, "So how are things at HQ now that Liebe is the captain? I doubt anything is wrong."
Lara said, "Great. The Noblest Faction are on a leash, and we are working with full force. No complaints, and crime rates have gone down 17%. We are almost done wiping out Black Wing."
Lilith said, "Good. And what else—drama and politics are going on?"
Lara said, "Politics? Nothing. Drama? The Captain gave Sujibur the alias 'Stal,' but its full form is Þrjú Hundruð Eistu Stal."
Lilith said, "Sorry, what?"
Lara said, "Yeah, it means what it sounds like."
Lilith said, "Why steal so many, and did you check?"
Lara said, "Sadly, yes. And all 300 are there."
Lilith said, "No wonder our population is declining. So, how are you doing, kiddo?"
Riruru said, "I'm good."
Lilith said, "How are classes?"
Riruru said, "Boring."
Lilith said, "Same here. Whenever I have to see reports, I feel like falling asleep."
Riruru said, "What is the Grand Empire like?"
Lilith said, "Let me see… It's a place full of architecture where every building is perfected. It's a place protected by Eternity itself, and the people there live in equality and love. It's a place where people can understand one another. It's quite different from how things are here, but I'm sure you will love it there. And bring me back a souvenir. Also, if you see the Knight of One, tell him I said hi—and that I hope he can die soon—and tell him to stop being a creep."
Riruru said, "Okay then. Is this my first mission?"
Lilith said, "No. This is Mommy's mission, and you will be her chief little assistant. Can you do that?"
Lara said, "Is there something we should remember?"
Lilith said, "Yeah. It's basically impossible to get lost in the Empire. They have these small floating orbs that guide you. Whenever you get lost, stay in one place. These orbs will come to you. Then just nod your head 'yes' and say where you want to go. They will guide you. Just make sure to follow it. And if it's a crowded area, the orb will change color so it's easier to follow. Also, if you see the Knight of Two, tell him to goddamn wake up. And if you see the Knight of Three, tell him I'm coming to beat him later."
Lara said, "Ma'am, picking a fight with the Knights of the Round after giving birth doesn't sound like the best idea."
Lilith said, "Why? I beat the Knight of 12 after giving birth to Liebe. Of course it was hard, but I won. And like, it isn't a fight to the death."
Lara said, "Ma'am, should I remind you afterward you literally challenged the Knight of One, and the battle ended in about a minute?"
Lilith said, "Who remembers such details? Plus, I won that fight."
Lara said, "Ma'am, should I remind you that if it was a fight to the death, you would have lost?"
Lilith said, "So how is Liebe doing?"
Lara said, "As the captain, he is more than capable."
Lilith said, "Don't get used to it. He won't be staying. And it's for the—"
Lara said, "Why, ma'am? It's apparent to all of us Liebe deserves it more than anyone else. The fact he inherited the signature magic attribute of House Faust, and the fact he actually tries—"
Lilith said, "That isn't it. My second son will inherit. He isn't a half-breed."
Lara said, "Why, ma'am? Why are you so against Liebe?"
Lilith said, "I had 17 years to be with Tenebris, and those years were the best years I could have asked for. Then I got Liebe. But after Dad died, I actually had to listen to the whispers around me, and then I realized my actions had consequences. Till then, I did all I wanted to do. Now I must listen. Father isn't around to protect me. I must protect his legacy and House Faust."
Lara said, "Ma'am, you really don't understand, do you?"
Lilith said, "Understand what?"
Lara said, "Ma'am, we all want to protect the legacy of Captain Domr, but bowing to the corrupt won't do anything. We have seen it in Liebe's eyes—the will to protect. And he has only been here a few days, yet all the nobles are on a leash and none of us are complaining. Yes, if Liebe became the captain there would be whispers. But the reality is if Liebe didn't become the captain there would be screams and riots around the nation."
Lilith said, "It can't be helped. My mind is made up. The future is set in stone."
Lilith said, "It can't be helped. My mind is made up. The future is set in stone."
Lara said, "If that is the case, ma'am, I will take my leave then."
Lilith said, "Okay."
From the corridor, Liebe—holding breakfast—heard the conversation. Just as Lara was leaving, Liebe whispered, "Dark Magic: Unknown Presence," and hid his presence, becoming invisible just to hide himself and his tears about the truth. Then Liebe teleported to the forbidden Cathedral in the House of Faust.