After the match, Licht said, "Catch," and threw a handkerchief.
Liebe said, "Thanks."
Licht replied, "Yeah… their blood wasn't worth it."
Liebe said, "Let's go."
Time passed, and once again Lilith couldn't make it for Christmas—or even her own birthday—and the family pressure kept increasing for the political marriage.
Then it was time for Liebe's 10th birthday. Liebe was getting ready for school when Gelda knocked on the door.
"Lord, may I come in?" Gelda asked.
"Come in," Liebe said.
Gelda stepped in. "Well, young lord… happy birthday, and many, many happy returns of the day."
"Well, thanks. It's getting late, I should get going," Liebe said.
"Umm… I have something to state," Gelda said hesitantly.
"I'm sure it can wait," Liebe replied.
"Well… umm… it's something that actually can't wait," Gelda said.
"What might that be? Let me guess—Mother won't be able to make it for the cake. So, what else is new?" Liebe asked.
"Yes, that's unfortunately true," Gelda admitted, "but she has left a gift."
"What is it?" Liebe asked.
"This is the gift," Gelda said, holding it out. "It's a pocket watch. It belonged to your father."
"…Thanks," Liebe said quietly. "If it was just about this, I'm sure it could have waited."
"Well… that isn't all, Lord," Gelda said.
"What is it? It's already late. Hurry up. You know what? Just say it on the way."
As they walked, Gelda spoke hesitantly. "Well, Lord… umm… it's about your mother."
"What is it? Did Mother break a new record or something?" Liebe asked with faint sarcasm.
"Well… it's been finalized," Gelda said.
"What has been?" Liebe asked.
"It's been finalized that your mother is getting remarried. The date is set—at the Faust mansion, February 25th of this upcoming year."
Liebe stopped in his tracks. "What the hell are you saying?"
"Umm… Lord, you are getting late for class," Gelda said softly.
"Class can go to hell. Finish what you were saying," Liebe demanded.
"Unfortunately… your mother is getting remarried. And… it's to the richest noble in our nation—Gabriel Silver," Gelda said.
"…What?" Liebe said, stunned. "Okay… I suppose I have to get going."
During lunch break, Licht went to the cafeteria to visit Liebe, but Liebe wasn't there.
"Where the hell can Liebe be?" Licht thought. "He isn't in class, and he's not the type to be late."
"Oh well."
He headed to the gym area and saw Liebe letting out all his anger on a punching bag.
"Light Saint Slash!" Licht shouted, and the slash cut the punching bag in half.
"Why waste time punching it if magic can destroy it in a single slash?" Licht asked.
"I don't know… I'm frustrated," Liebe said.
"Frustrated? Birthday boy? Now that's a new concept. Let me guess—Aunty can't make it again this year too?" Licht asked.
"Yes," Liebe replied, "and it's been finalized… that Mother will get remarried on February 25th."
Licht sighed. "Look at it in a positive way. Maybe you'll get a new dad. And you know how my parents are—so it might be for the better rather than the worse. So cheer up, dude."
"Are you sure?" Liebe asked.
"One hundred percent," Licht said.
"Want to hear my little secret?" Liebe asked.
"Sure," Licht said.
"Bring your ear closer."
As Licht leaned in, Liebe whispered, "Angeli lapsi sine fine dolore."
Hearing this, Licht's eyes narrowed. He couldn't breathe properly and fumbled to take his medicine.
Liebe said, "What's wrong with your medicine? I thought those were for allergies. Or… could it be possible that my words might be causing an allergic reaction?"
"Liebe… let me explain," Licht said, struggling as he took his medicine.
Liebe's tone darkened. "Normally, when you lie, it's so smooth. So… what's wrong?"
Licht's eyes widened. "How do you even remember that?"
"It's been a while, but my dark magic doesn't let me forget," Liebe said calmly.
"I didn't want to lie," Licht said, "but Gelda promised me… that if I convinced you to be happy about it, it would go smoothly… and that Gabriel would be a good father for you."
Liebe's eyes glinted. "The person who wanted to make me and my father disappear—just so that he could marry my mother? He doesn't seem like a good father to me."
Licht swallowed hard. "…What?"