Four months passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for them to leave. On the morning of the departure, Liebe, Elizabeth, and Alysa assembled before Lilith.
Liebe said, "Thank you, Mother. It's about time for me to get going."
Lilith replied, "Just remember this — the academy doesn't look kindly upon hybrids, and it won't be easy. Make sure not to sully the name of House Faust."
Gelda said, "Lord, your carriage is ready."
Liebe nodded. "Understood." He turned to his mother. "Mother, will you accompany me to Celesport?"
Lilith shook her head. "No, I will not. I'm five months along."
Liebe said, "Understood, Mother. Thank you for considering it. And please remember not to catch a cold while seeing me off."
Liebe teared up and said, "Thank you, Mother. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being the best mother I could have asked for. Thank you for being my mother. Thank you for being the best mother in the world." He wiped his tears.
Even Lilith teared up a little and said, "You should get going."
Gelda spoke gently, "My lady, maybe you can join us? It's not that long of a journey—just two days."
Lilith replied, "Gabriel and I talked about it and decided it's for the best if I don't go. The carriage isn't ideal for the baby, so I won't be going."
Gelda sighed. "Alright then."
Lilith, with tears in her eyes, said, "Be careful."
Liebe, Alysa, and Gelda entered the carriage.
Gelda said, "Lord, I will accompany you to the Knighthood Academy on Galahad Island and help you get settled."
Liebe nodded. "Alright then. To Celesport."
Gelda added, "Licht informed me they'll be meeting us there."
Liebe smiled. "Okay then. And please, kindly go a bit slower. I quite enjoy the scenery."
"Understood," said Gelda.
After 44 hours, they reached Celesport.
Liebe said, "We should stop."
Gelda ordered the carriage to halt.
Liebe looked out. "Look, the sunrise from the beach looks beautiful."
Alysa nodded. "It sure does."
Gelda said, "We can take a break here for a bit."
After a few more hours, they reached Celesport.
Licht shouted, "Yoo, Liebe! Found you!"
Liebe said, "So how was your little vacation? Ummm... you look a bit different."
He looked at him closely. "I don't know how to put it, but... wellllll... it seems your length, breadth, and height have been replaced with radius."
Licht groaned, "Sorry I asked..."
Elodie said, "Liebe, your friend lost control during the celebration... and, well, this happened."
Liebe poked Licht's belly. "Damn, that's soft."
Jewel approached. "Young Lord, how are you?"
Liebe replied, "Uncle, I'm okay."
Jewel said, "Your ship is ready. It will take about four days to reach Galahad Island. I'll be accompanying you too, since I'm retired and all."
Liebe smiled. "Let's get going then. We're supposed to arrive early — classes start in nine days."
"Understood," said Jewel.
While on the ship, Liebe said, "I've flown over the ocean many times, but never had the chance to enjoy a ship ride."
Later, Gelda approached. "Lord, may I have a word?"
"Sure," Liebe said.
Gelda hesitated. "Lord Liebe, I'm sorry that my lady couldn't come to properly wish you goodbye."
Liebe replied, "It's okay. Mother is pregnant and busy. It's not easy being a captain. Even though I hate to admit it... it hurts. I wish Mother was here. And despite how much I hate Gabriel and the unborn child... I don't have the strength to go against Mother."
Elizabeth said, "Brother, the view sure is nice."
"Yeah," Liebe replied.
She looked at him sadly. "Brother, why are you leaving me? Please don't leave..."
Liebe reassured her, "Don't worry. In a year, you'll be here too. I'll always be there for you."
Gelda said, "Lord, despite the fact you're here for studying, take this." She handed him a device. "It's a micro-communicator. This way, you can call me whenever necessary. The reason I'm going is to create a portal to the academy whenever required."
She continued, "The academy is the perfect opportunity for someone to assassinate you — just like at the wedding. I'm sure Gabriel knows that too. That's why you must be on your guard. And as your guard, I will do my best."
Liebe nodded. "Good."
They reached Galahad Island.
Liebe said, "Everyone, it's for the best that—unless asked—no one mentions my mother. Let's avoid unnecessary attention."
"Understood," said Gelda.
Soon they landed on Galahad Island — a total of 50 square kilometers in size, home to the Knighthood Academy.
This island housed the main campus building, but the entire campus was divided among 50 surrounding islands. Here, there were no knights—only ranks and professors.
Here, death wasn't impossible... and your rank mattered above all. Unlike the knighthood system, this academy followed the admiral ranking system — and the Fleet Admiral was the highest rank.