As Licht was almost down, barely standing, Liebe appeared before him. Licht said, "Liebe, you are here? How? The knife only dispelled the poison, not the neurotoxin."
Liebe said, "I'm here now. Ars Goetia." As the book opened, Licht said, "It opened? No way."
Liebe said, "Save it. Now, Dark Magic: Ars Goetia." Shadows of a humanoid leopard, a humanoid with black wings, an owl-shaped humanoid, a humanoid bull, a woman, and a bull with griffin wings appeared. Licht said, "Six of them?" They held back the beam weapon.
The voice of a child was heard again. It stated, "Ars Goetia is the enemy. The enemy who rebelled. All who rebelled against Hvíldarráð must perish. No matter what, I will carry on the duty of—"
Liebe said, "Blazing Rage, burn!" As flame tornadoes formed all around, Licht said, "What the hell is this power?" Liebe said, "Mask of Ifrit, Model Ananke." Liebe said, "Freeze, Thundering Steel!" As the two spells struck it again and again, Licht said, "Finish it."
Liebe said, "No. Now, Dark Magic: Abyssal Thunder." As he carried Licht by the shoulder and went away, they were going. Licht said, "Liebe, stop! You have to stop that thing!"
Liebe said, "I can't. Not right now. Your life is worth far more to me than that thing's demise. And I can't open this book. The reason why it even worked for this much is because of the forbidden spell, Untouched Innocence, that allows me to open the book. But every time I use its power, my heart skips a beat. That's why, at least now—all the way to the capital, all the lakes are evaporated, but the rivers still remain."
As soon as they reached their hotel, they landed. Liebe said, "Lumos, heal him. He lost about 1.5L. I closed the wounds." Lumos said, "Let me check."
As Licht was taken away while Lumos and Gaia were treating everyone, Liebe said, "Let's hope they all make it." Zen said, "They will."
Mia came and said, "Fleet Admiral, I ask your forgiveness. I disobeyed orders. I failed my mission to bring back Admiral Alysa and the others back safe and sound. It is all my fault, sir. It is because of me that Admiral Licht was injured. He went because I could not do my part. I will accept any punishment you see fit."
Liebe said, "Oh, well, the thing is... well, everything so far after the coastal attack was Licht's plan. So he kinda went behind my back, you know? So technically, it doesn't count. But either way, ask him. He is your superior, and I have no reason to meddle in your team's affairs despite being your superior. Rest up. Licht might have handled it, but I'm pretty sure he ain't mad at you."
During the surgery of everyone, Lumos said, "They are all stable. They should be waking up anytime now." Liebe said, "Good to know." Lumos said, "How many times did you use that book?" Liebe said, "About 3 times." Lumos said, "It is quite unfortunate. But let me see your heart. Putting such strain on your heart..." Liebe said, "Yeah, I know. When can I sortie?" Lumos said, "With the neurotoxin and transport, this makes 6 uses. So I doubt any lower than 18 hours would be safe. And don't force the book open unless there is no choice." Liebe said, "OK, I get it."
While everyone was unconscious, Mia entered Licht's room, grabbed his hand, and tearfully stated, "I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry, sir. I failed you. It is because of me that you are hurt so badly. Please forgive me. All through my life, I was looked down upon by everyone for being a commoner. I had no future, being an errand boy. Even if I became a knight, you were the only one who was there to see my potential. I'm sorry I keep disgracing you time and time again. I'm sorry, sir. Please forgive me, Licht. Please forgive me. If anything ever happened to you, I could never forgive myself. Please, Licht, get up. Just open your eyes. I never regretted joining Team Licht. But I regret surviving if it meant your life. More than anything, I will be your sword, sir, no matter what it takes—days, months, or even centuries."
As Liebe saw this, he smiled and thought, Damn bastard, and here I thought you had no future in romance.
As he entered and said, "Yo, dumbass, wake up. Your kids are crying. Also, I made a plan. From now on, you will be sleeping with Iris every weekend."
Hearing this, Licht woke up and said, "Iris? Who? What? Where? How? Tell me, tell me, Liebe!" As he saw his hands in Mia's, they were flustered.
Liebe said, "Oh my, my. I suppose I should spare you love birds for your romance."
Licht said, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Liebe said, "OK then. Mia, mind if I have a word with Licht? Please excuse us."
As Mia wiped her tears and composed herself, Mia said, "Understood, Fleet Admiral." As she left, Licht said, "What happened while I was unconscious?"
Liebe said, "I don't know, but Iris is safe."
Licht said, "Good to know. And how is Mia? Was she injured?"
Liebe said, "Nope. She is great."
Licht said, "I'm glad."
Liebe said, "You having romantic feelings?"
Licht said, "No. They are all my subordinates. My responsibility."
From the outside, behind a pillar, Mia heard this. She covered her eyes with her forearm. He... she... Iris is the only one in his eyes. I was a fool thinking of him. I'm a fool. He is a noble. He belongs with her more than anything. Why? Why is it that it couldn't be me?