Liebe sat down with Hedin.
"Thanks for listening," Hedin said quietly.
"Sure," Liebe replied. "But what happened?"
Hedin hesitated, then handed him a letter. "This came from my mother."
Liebe unfolded it and read:
Hedin, you are a failure as a son. You stood by while a demon killed my true son and did nothing. You are officially dead to me. If you die, don't bother us about it. I wish it was you who had died that day. You are a failure who couldn't even save your own brother.
Liebe looked up slowly. "Jared was your brother?"
Hedin gave a hollow smile. "Half-brother. I don't really have brothers of my own. My mother had two sons with her husband — I was born from her affair with a knight. After I was born, her husband found out. My father died on a mission soon after, and my mother chose status over me. Her husband let her stay in exchange for giving him a son. When my two half-brothers were born, my life ended before it began."
He took a deep breath, his voice trembling. "The servants said my mother even tried to throw me off a cliff when I was born… yet somehow, I survived. I crawled back home, and since then, I was nothing but the family's punching bag. The best I ever got was a piece of bread once a week. Now, even that's gone."
Liebe's eyes softened. "I understand. I lost my mother when I was seven. Licht went through the same. When you care about someone but can't talk to them again, it's suffocating. If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
Hedin nodded slightly. "Thanks."
"Say whatever you need to," Liebe added.
"I just… goddamn hate it," Hedin muttered. "Why did my dad have to die on that mission? I just wish he was there for me."
Liebe's voice grew quieter. "I understand. My father also died when I was a child. It's hard growing up without a dad."
Hedin clenched his fists. "That's why I'm working to become a judge. I'll make sure no child ever suffers the injustice I did."
Liebe smiled faintly. "You'll make it. And if I ever become a captain, I'll do everything in my power to make you the Chief Justice of Eldoria. I may not look like it, but I also want to make sure no child grows up like we did."
Before Hedin could reply, Licht appeared. "Liebe, we're out of time. You're falling behind schedule."
Liebe stood up. "Hedin, let's continue this conversation the day after tomorrow. And if you ever need to talk, my communicator's open."
Hedin nodded. "Thanks. I understand. You're busy now that you're acting captain."
Forty-eight hours later, early in the morning, Gelda entered Liebe's office.
"Lord Liebe, Lady Lilith is returning home today. Will you be joining her?"
Liebe shook his head. "No, but is everything ready?"
"Yes," Gelda replied. "Everything is taken care of."
Liebe looked out the window, determination in his eyes. "Good. Today, I'll be battling Yuna for the title of Fleet Admiral."
"Understood," Gelda said softly.
Liebe took a deep breath. "I may not be strong enough to go there in person, but I need you to do something for me."
"What is it, my lord?"
"You'll see," Liebe said with a faint smile.
As per his request, Gelda opened a glowing portal. Liebe stepped through, prepared for his battle.
Meanwhile, on her carriage ride home, Lilith asked, "Gelda, where is Liebe?"
"Lord Liebe is at the academy," Gelda replied. "He's currently battling Lady Yuna for her title of Fleet Admiral."
Lilith looked out the window. "Quite unfortunate he couldn't be here."
"I'm sure he's watching over you, my lady," Gelda said with a small smile.
When Lilith stepped out of the carriage and stood before the mansion, she paused. "Faust, has the mansion always been this quiet?"
As she entered, she thought to herself, When I left for the hospital, this mansion was so full of life. But now, without Liebe, it feels so empty.
Then suddenly—
"Welcome back, Lady Lilith!" everyone shouted as lights burst on around her.
Lilith blinked, startled. "What is this?"
Jewel stepped forward, grinning. "Liebe planned a surprise party for your return! We all decided to join in. Look—there's even a cake!"
Lilith glanced at the cake. Written on it were the words:
Welcome home, Mommy. You'll always be my Grand Knight.
—Liebe
She handed her baby to a servant, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at the cake.
"Why?" she whispered. "Why must fate be so cruel to me? I know it, he knows it—we all know who will succeed me, who the true heir is. But why is Liebe like this? Despite knowing everything, he still works so hard for me."
Tears fell down her cheeks. "Why must every decision feel like a sin or a burden? What did I do to deserve this? Why can't I make a choice that brings peace to my heart?"
Gelda gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't you understand, my lady? He loves you—as his mother—no matter what decisions you make."