In a matter of hours, the Faust mansion fell into silence as preparations for Domr's funeral were completed. Then, Lilith entered—carrying her father's body.
In that moment, Liebe couldn't say anything. He simply stared at his mother returning home with grief written all over her.
Seeing him, Lilith crouched down and softly said,
"I'm sorry I took so long coming back home… and I'm sorry I couldn't save Domr."
Liebe's eyes welled up with tears. He turned and ran away without a word.
"Liebe, wait—!" Lilith called out.
Gelda gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "He needs space. He's been through a lot."
Lilith quietly sat on the couch… and then she began to cry.
Gelda sat beside her and said softly, "It's okay to let it out."
Lilith sobbed. "I couldn't do anything right… and now I couldn't even save my own father. It's all my fault. If I wasn't so weak, maybe he'd still be alive…"
Gelda shook her head. "No. It's not your fault. You did what you had to do. And I'm sure Domr is proud of you."
Lilith murmured, "If I had just stayed at the banquet that night and didn't run off to help Gabriel… maybe this war wouldn't have started. Maybe… maybe Father would still be here."
Gelda responded, "That isn't true. You did your job—as Liebe's mother. And I'm sure Domr is proud of you for that. He would've gladly given his life for Liebe, because Liebe is the one who will rise and end all this pain and suffering."
Lilith whispered, "The prophecy… it's coming true. It's happening now. And Father and I… we couldn't do anything."
Gelda leaned forward. "Don't believe that nonsense. Listen to me—I'm your best friend. And Captain Domr… he was like a father to me too. He took me in. Raised me like his own. And I'm grateful for that."
She continued, "That's why the only thing I can do to honor him… is to protect Liebe with my life. The past is just ashes in the wind. If you really want to honor his legacy—continue it. Become the next Captain of Black Rose. Lead us like he did. And love Liebe enough for Domr too. That's all we can do now."
Then she stood. "It's time. You should say your final words to him."
Gelda walked to Liebe's room and knocked gently. "Young Lord? Are you in here?"
From inside, a small voice replied, "Liebe isn't here…"
Gelda entered slowly. "I'm sorry, Liebe… but there's nothing we can do now. The least you can do… is say your final goodbye. They'll be closing the casket soon. This is your last chance."
Liebe stood silently, walked to the casket, and looked at his grandfather's peaceful face.
"I love you, Grandpa… I'm sorry we couldn't share more donuts… and I love you more than you'll ever know."
And with that, Domr Faust was buried in the Faust family graveyard.
The Following Morning — Black Rose HQ
At the headquarters, Sujibur said, "My lady… it's time for the oath."
Lilith nodded faintly. "Just give me a second."
"Of course, ma'am."
Lilith stood alone, looking out her chamber window.
"What a view… I just wish Father was here today. I never thought this day would come—when I'd have to become Captain…"
She stepped onto the long red carpet, leading to the main stage. There stood Jewel Vaude.
"I, Jewel Vaude, was entrusted by our late Captain Domr Faust," he declared. "And today, I will initiate this ceremony."
He looked directly at her.
"Lilith Faust… are you ready to hereby accept the title of Captain of Black Rose, the elite knighthood dedicated to protecting our people?"
Lilith raised her head.
"I, Lilith Faust—the lone daughter of the former Captain Domr Faust, and heir to the House of Faust—accept the position of Captain of Black Rose. I dedicate my life to protecting the civilians of this nation, and I vow to follow the will of the knighthood to deliver justice."
Jewel continued, "From this moment forward, you are the new official Captain of Black Rose."
Watching the ceremony, Sujibur couldn't help but think:
It shouldn't be like this. We all knew this day would come… but we thought it would be one of celebration, not sorrow. We wished for a sunny day… and for our late captain to be here, smiling as his daughter took the mantle.
Jewel stepped forward once more.
"From now on, Lilith Faust is the new Captain of Black Rose. And I, Jewel Vaude, will dedicate my life to being her sword—and destroying all who dare threaten this order."
Lilith looked over the room, her voice resolute.
"I, Lilith Faust, as Captain of Black Rose, promise everyone here that until this war is over… I won't rest. I will claim the heads of Elaar and Herald with my own hands—and I will use their blood to cleanse the House of Faust."
Back at the Faust Mansion
Liebe asked, "Gelda… shouldn't you be at the ceremony with Mommy?"
Gelda smiled softly. "I should. But being with you… is my duty. And that comes before all else."