Gelda said, "That's the ideal lifestyle… but it's one I can't afford. I'm burdened as the young lord's guard, and it's a role I will have to see through to the very end. Because I'm the one who lied to him about Tenebris's death, and it's a sin I have to carry."
Jewel said, "I know. I will also watch over him—for Tenebris's sake. I suppose it's time for me to take my leave. I'll submit my resignation tomorrow."
Then Gelda thought, I guess it's time to check what Liebe wanted for his birthday gift.
When she opened the letter, even Gelda teared up inside. There weren't any candies or toys mentioned in the list. What he wanted was:
I want to see Daddy again.
I want Mommy to return home to me.
I want to go to the beach with Mommy and Daddy again.
I want 3 stories, 5 hugs, and my special song from Mommy.
I want to play with Mommy and Daddy.
I want to hear Daddy's bad jokes and eat his chicken pie.
I want all of us to be a family again.
Seeing the list, she didn't know what to do. Unfortunately, all of these were gifts she couldn't give. Her only choice was to buy the toys he mentioned and act like she never knew about the list.
A few days later, it was November 17th. Liebe woke up and said, "It's my birthday!"
Gelda said, "Good morning, young lord. Happy birthday, and may you have a wonderful day. For breakfast, we have waffles and fried chicken."
During breakfast, Licht said, "Good morning! Happy birthday!"
Gelda said, "Please enjoy your breakfast and hurry; it's almost time for school."
Alysa said, "Happy birthday!"
Elizabeth said, "Happy birthday, Liebe!"
Liebe said, "Thank you!"
That day, they went to school and had fun. Meanwhile, in the Faust mansion, Gelda was helping the others get the mansion ready to surprise Liebe.
Gelda said, "Everyone, let's make the young lord proud!"
And everyone shouted, "Yes, ma'am!"
Then Lilith was about to leave the mansion.
Gelda said, "Where do you think you're going?"
Lilith said, "I have work to do, and unfortunately I'll be a bit late."
Gelda said, "It's your son's birthday today, and you're staying home to prepare for the surprise party!"
Lilith handed her a small pouch. "Here—30 gold coins."
Gelda said, "What are these for?"
Lilith said, "It's Liebe's gift on my behalf. Get him something. I have to get to the capital."
Gelda sighed. "I suppose it can't be helped."
Lilith said, "Bye. See you later."
When Liebe and the kids entered the mansion, everyone turned on the lights. Gelda and the others screamed, "Happy birthday, young lord!"
There was a mountain of gifts waiting.
Liebe said, "Presents! Let's open them! But… Gelda, where is Mommy?"
Gelda hesitated. "Well… umm… well… my lady—Lady Lilith—had work at the capital, and that's why, unfortunately, she couldn't make it."
Liebe said, "That's okay. We'll just wait. It's only 3 p.m. right now."
Gelda said, "Well, young lord, she won't be back until around 10 p.m., so it's best to cut the cake and open the presents now."
After cutting the cake and opening some gifts, Liebe rushed to open them.
Licht said, "Hope you like mine!"
Alysa said shyly, "I… I hope mine is okay. I worked hard on it."
Elizabeth said, "I hope you like ours—me and Mommy looked hard for it."
First was Licht's gift: it was a huge pile of snacks.
Liebe said, "Snacks? Nice! Love it!"
Alysa said, "Please see mine next."
When Liebe opened Alysa's gift, it was a thoughtful surprise—the latest GQUMX Gundam model.
Liebe said, "Thanks! I love it!"
Alysa smiled. "I'm glad."
Then Elizabeth said, "Open ours."
Liebe picked up the gift; it was heavy. "What is it?"
Elizabeth said, "Look inside."
When Liebe opened it, it was a pair of duel swords.
Liebe said, "Thanks! It looks just like the pair Mommy uses!"
Gelda said, "Thanks!"
Licht said, "Now that's cool!"
After playing for a while, Liebe decided to wait beside the cake so he could offer Lilith a slice when she came home later.
When Lilith came home, she saw Liebe sleeping on the table next to a slice of cake. As she was about to walk past it, Gelda said, "Lilith, care for a slice of cake?"
Lilith said, "Later. I'm tired," and went to her room.
Not knowing what to do, Gelda ate the last slice.
In the morning, when Liebe woke up and saw the slice was missing, he excitedly asked, "Gelda! Gelda! Look—the slice is gone! Mommy must have eaten the cake!"
Gelda lied and said, "Yeah… she did. And she said that dark chocolate cake was quite exquisite, and she loved it."
Liebe knew Gelda was lying, but he didn't say anything.