Last from exist, Forger Lucifer Al Faust — the man considered a once-in-a-century genius — son of the former captain of Black Rose, Lilith Silver, one of the greatest captains to have ever lived, who achieved the title of Grand Knight at the ripe age of 20.
"And your award will be given by His Majesty, King Hera," said Lucifer Al Faust, "the strongest in our nation and the man respected by everyone here, including myself. Your award is… you may ask for any one wish."
Lucifer said, "I have only one wish, sir. I wish for former Captain Lilith Faust to be granted the title of Grand Knight."
Hera said, "I'm confused. Every child wants to see their parents happy, but your mother is no longer here. So why?"
Lucifer replied, "It is something my mother wanted to achieve. As a child, I tried everything — making notes, holding childhood promotion ceremonies, anything a 7-year-old could do. Even though I treasure those moments, I couldn't grant her wish until now. And that's what I want."
Hera said, "May every parent be blessed with a child like you. But why Lilith Faust and not Lilith Silver?"
Lucifer answered, "Because whenever I remember my mother, I see the great heroine who saved lives — the captain who was ahead of me — Lilith Faust, not the woman who married Gabriel Silver to give me a father and changed her name to Lilith Silver."
Hera said, "What happened to your mother is a tragedy that can never be taken back. Granted — former Captain Lilith shall be remembered as a Grand Knight, and in every book, it shall be noted as Lilith Faust, not Lilith Silver."
Lucifer said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. And… sir, it's wrong. The reality is that it was my mother's biggest mistake to give birth to a half-breed like myself."
Hera said, "When I was young, she often visited the castle for work, and she always had an infant with her. To think such an infant has grown up to become a national treasure…"
Anew whispered to Astrea, "Who was Lilith Faust?"
Astrea said, "I will explain later."
Asten announced, "Finally, for the last knighthood, it's Corefury. Firstly, I would like to call Klaus."
No one said anything — Klaus was nowhere to be found.
Asten said, "Licht Vaude, please take the award in his stead."
Licht replied, "Got it."
Asten said, "Klaus Vaude is being promoted from 5th Class Knight of Water to 4th Class Knight of Wind."
Licht said, "Thanks."
Asten concluded, "This ends today's ceremony. We have arranged a small banquet — please enjoy."
At the banquet, Astrea approached Licht and asked, "Sir, any idea where Klaus might be?"
Licht said, "Sadly, I haven't seen him since the battle yesterday."
Astrea said, "Wait… sir… could it be—"
Licht said, "Wait… he might have been kidnapped."
Meanwhile, in Purgatory Prison, Rubues said, "Klaus… you truly are an intriguing specimen. Let's see how you work."
To be continued....