Time flowed like no other, while Lilith once again missed Christmas and her own birthday.
Everyone was preparing for the wedding, but Liebe was dying on the inside because he knew that after the wedding, he would only be an afterthought.
It was already January 15th when Gelda knocked on Liebe's door.
"Come in," Liebe said.
"Thank you, Lord," Gelda replied as she entered.
Liebe asked, "What is it now?"
Gelda hesitated. "Lord… it's come to my attention that in the last few months, you seem quite different—physically and emotionally."
"It's nothing," Liebe said flatly.
"Lord, if you keep this up, you won't be able to look your best for the wedding," Gelda said gently.
"Wedding? Wedding? WEDDING?" Liebe suddenly screamed.
"Everyone acts so happy! Am I the only one who knows how much it hurts—to see how my mother is abandoning me? And after this, I will be nothing more than a goddamn afterthought! And you're all expecting me to be happy… that my mother is marrying someone who wanted me and my father to disappear before even talking about the wedding! A wedding where my opinion matters nothing—because I'm a goddamn half‑breed!"
Gelda's face softened. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't know you had been carrying such a burden on your shoulders. Please forgive me."
Liebe sighed. "Sorry about that. What did you want to say again?"
"Well… your mother, Jewel, and Elodie are here," Gelda said. "My lady asked me to bring you."
"Give me a minute," Liebe replied.
When Liebe finally came to meet them, he said, "Greetings, Mother. Greetings, Uncle and Aunt."
"Good to see you're growing up well, young lord," Jewel said warmly.
"Mother," Liebe said, "permission to sit down?"
"Sit down," Lilith replied coldly.
Elodie spoke up, "So, Liebe… how are your thoughts on the wedding?"
"…Nothing. I don't know," Liebe said quietly.
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "Liebe, you were not called here for chit‑chat. I have orders for you."
"Yes, ma'am," Liebe answered.
"For the wedding tomorrow, you are going to Celes Beach," Lilith said firmly, "and your orders are to catch five aqua fins, and with minimal damage."
"Ma'am… would it be alright if you could accompany me, as a mother‑and‑son trip?" Liebe asked carefully.
Jewel frowned. "Wait, Lilith. In this wedding, Liebe's opinion should also be heard."
"Why?" Lilith shot back. "He is a half‑breed. His opinions don't matter enough to change plans. And as for you, Liebe… no, I won't. Don't show such trivial activities to me again. I have work to do and preparations for the occasion."
Liebe quietly removed his glasses and wiped his eyes with a tissue.
"What is it?" Lilith asked.
"…I'm sorry. Something grazed my eye," Liebe said softly.
"Very well," Lilith replied.
Jewel shook his head. "I'm sorry, but without the blessing of the young lord, I can't support your wedding."
"Please excuse me, ma'am," Liebe said as he stood. "I have to make preparations for the fishing tomorrow."
"Don't disappoint me," Lilith warned.
"Understood. Now, if you'll excuse me," Liebe said, walking away.
Jewel muttered, "What kind of nonsense is this? A bond between mother and son… and he calls you 'ma'am'?"
"It's nothing," Lilith said coldly. "See you both on the wedding date."
"…Ok then," Jewel said quietly.