Gelda said, "So, how was the date?"Liebe said, "Great."Alysa said, "Romantic, and I loved it."Liebe said, "She looked like a tomato."Licht said, "Now that's hilarious. Sad I couldn't see it."Eldrie said, "I think today I finally found a way to represent your love through this ice sculpture."
It was of Liebe carrying Alysa.Eldrie said, "I spent ten hours making it, and because of my ice magic, it didn't melt. Every time it starts to melt, I reinforce it — that's why I was able to take my time."Liebe said, "Dark Magic: Dark Cleanse."
As it crumbled to pieces, Eldrie said, "But Lord, why did you do that? I was planning to preserve it with my ice magic till your wedding day. It was supposed to be my wedding gift, something that symbolized your love."Liebe said, "Like hell it does! Why the hell were we naked? And you expect me to keep that at my wedding?"Licht said, "It was so lifelike."Eldrie said, "In order to preserve my respect for Alysa, I asked Gelda to tell me if the details were right."Liebe said, "Do something like that again, and I will murder you. And next time, put some clothes on it."Eldrie said, "I'm sorry, Lord. I will work on improving myself."Alysa was just embarrassed.
Alysa said, "By the way, Liebe, how long does the drug last anyway?"Liebe said, "Well, you know... the thing is, I never took it — in case we were ever attacked."Alysa said, "But at the cathedral, you even drank 20 ml of holy water! Last time that happened, you almost died! Spit it out! Spit it out right now!"Liebe said, "Well, it's been three hours; my body already digested it. I've been building tolerance, so now drinking the 20 ml felt like eating ten chilies at once, so my toilet may not be as happy."Alysa said, "But why?"Liebe said, "Well, since you always go out of your way to make stuff I like, I thought once in a while, doing it for you seems right."Alysa said, "Liebe…"
Later that night, Lilith called Alysa.Lilith said, "So, did you make up your mind yet?"Alysa said, "Actually, I did. I'm going to the Empire as part of Team Liebe."Lilith said, "Is that so? Can't say I'm surprised, given your sword and history with it."Alysa said, "I know, and thank you for everything."Lilith said, "Sure, and I will inform Gelda that you are going. But why the sudden change of heart?"Alysa said, "I realized something, and this is my way of showing my resolve."Lilith said, "Okay then. And by the way, I'm also coming to the Empire."Alysa said, "Understood."
The following day, they just went around having fun. The day after, they took the ship to the southern port of the Empire — the Wodr Port.
After they reached the Empire and docked, Gelda created her portal and Lilith came through.Liebe said, "Mother, why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be on leave?"Lilith said, "I am, but unfortunately, the Knight of One, Geno, called a meeting of the 25 Princes of Hell about what to do with Valtia."Liebe said, "Okay, is that why?"Lilith said, "Yes, of course."Liebe said, "Please don't lie to me, Mother."Lilith said, "Fine, they also offered the Princes of Hell to enjoy an unlimited ice cream and BBQ buffet."Liebe said, "Thank you for the honesty, Mother. Now tell me the complete truth."Lilith said, "Fine, I came here to fight the Knights of the Round, that's all."Liebe said, "Complete it, Mother."Lilith said, "Fine! I also planned to challenge Aira for her seat as the 18th in the 25 Princes of Hell because the 20th seat was getting boring."Liebe said, "Thank you, Mother. And as the acting captain, you are doing none of that. You will just attend the meeting and go home."Lilith said, "Please, you know I can't live without the amazing ice cream and BBQ ribs from the Empire."Liebe said, "Fine then, but no fighting."Lilith said, "Fine, I'll try."Liebe said, "Thank you."
Then Vanessa came.Vanessa said, "Lilith, how are you? It's been ages."Lilith said, "Great."Vanessa said, "Up for a match?"Lilith said, "I would love to, but well… my serious meanie of a son said I can't."Vanessa said, "That's quite unfortunate. Now let's fight."Lilith said, "Same."
As they fought for an hour, Liebe said, "God, why?"Licht whispered to Alysa, Gelda, and Eldrie, "Are you guys planning what I'm planning about tomorrow?"Alysa said, "Exactly. We'll be rich soon."
After the match, Vanessa said, "You've certainly grown stronger."Lilith said, "What can I say? I tried a bit."Vanessa said, "Now I think you might have surpassed Aira, but again, I might be wrong."Lilith said, "Well, tomorrow I'm going to do that — 18th seat, here I come. So, how has work been?"Liebe said, "No, Mother, you won't be doing any of that. Rather, you'll be resting like you're supposed to."Vanessa said, "After how you threatened the Valtian government, we are drowning in paperwork."Lilith said, "What can I say?"Liebe said, "Mother, don't say anything."
The next day, Liebe said, "Mother, now take rest like you're supposed to. You're on leave, and don't fight."Lilith said, "Okay then."
Later that night, as everyone joined for dinner, Licht and Alysa were completely covered in gold jewelry.Liebe said, "Licht, Alysa, what happened? Where did you get the money to afford a gold chain, two bracelets, and a watch?"Licht said, "Long story."Liebe said, "Alysa, gold earrings, necklace — what have you two been doing?"Licht said, "Nothing."Licht said, "Nice black cape."Liebe said, "Thanks, it increases magic resistance."Licht said, "Seems expensive."
The next day in the meeting, the representatives of various nations including Valtia, Eldoria, Aldoria, Caldina, Baledia, and the Emperor of the Grand Empire — Emperor Krice Grand Korod — were present. On one end was the Knight of One, Geno, and on the other end was the Emperor.
Geno stood up and said, "I would like to start today's session by welcoming the new 18th seat among the 25 Princes."
Hearing this, Liebe thought, That's weird. I swear if the seats changed, I would've heard.Geno continued, "Coincidentally, the battle only took place yesterday, so the news is still fresh."Liebe thought, Now it's a bit more weird.Geno continued, "The battle only lasted 15 minutes, and after that, the new member literally ran away — so that's why we didn't know much."Liebe thought, Now that just feels far too much of a coincidence.Geno said, "Now let's welcome her — the new 18th seat, the one who beat Aira."Liebe thought to himself, Please don't say what I think you will say.Geno said, "Now, Lilith Faust — the new 18th seat, the Prince of Agony."Liebe sighed, and then in an instant, everyone sighed and stated, "Now we'll never hear the end of this."
Lilith stood up and said, "Greetings everyone! This year I made it to the 18th seat, and by the next Geno, I will have yours!"Deinsleif, the Knight of Three, said, "You've literally been screaming that since you were ten, and now you've crossed your fifties. Please give up."Lilith said, "Never!"Liebe said, "Ma'am, please sit down."Geno said, "Okay, now I think everyone understands the strength required to be seated here. Now, Mr. Liebe Faust, stand up."
As Liebe stood up, Geno declared, "Everyone assembled here has countless achievements, but this young man alone has done more than many of us could imagine. Coincidentally, Liebe here is the firstborn of Lilith Faust and the grandson of the former 10th seat, Domr Faust. You must be proud, Lilith."Lilith said, "I couldn't be prouder. But of course, sometimes I wish he wouldn't run off to his missions every time the word 'marriage' comes up."Geno laughed and said, "Like mother, like son. Every time Domr said the same — you'd run off here just to avoid the topic."
Then Albert, the 25th seat among the Princes of Hell, slammed his fist on the table.
Meanwhile, in the corridor, as Alysa and Licht were talking, a black-haired woman walked by and said, "Alysa, is that you?" As she placed her hand on Alysa's chin, she said, "It really is you — that same ugly face."
As Alysa could feel her mind spacing out, she said, "The same ugly face… the same hideous magic — a magic suited for prostitutes."Licht said, "I'm sorry, miss, but you are being rude."As he looked into her eyes, he could feel his mind spacing out. She continued to play with Alysa's face.She said, "It's quite unfortunate, isn't it, that you're still alive? I heard you came as a member of that half-breed's team. What a joke. Guess we can pair a half-breed and a prostitute — it fits."
As Alysa's mind was spacing out, she could only think, Why, God… why did it have to be her? Why did it have to be Sadena Bouduin?
Liebe said, "Get off of her. She's not ugly, and neither is her magic."Sadena said, "Is that so?"Liebe drew his sword on Sadena.Sadena said, "Is that so?"Liebe said, "It is. Get your hands off, or I'll cut it off."
As Sadena squeezed Alysa's cheeks, she said, "Is that so, Alysa? Do you mind when I play with your face now, do you? And is this the half-breed? Hey half-breed, don't you like it when I do this?"
In an instant, Liebe cut part of Sadena's fingernail.Liebe said, "I will not ask again — get your filthy hands off her."Sadena said, "Why are you getting so angry, half-breed? I'm a godkin — a direct descendant of one of the Knights of the Round."
Another man drew his sword on Liebe from behind.Liebe said, "Attack from behind is a coward's strength. Give up."The man said, "I'm Eustass, another godkin."Liebe said, "Fine then. Dark Magic: Dark Cleanse."
In an instant, the sword crumbled into tiny pieces.Eustass said, "But how—?"Sadena said, "You half-breed!" as she screamed, "Bow to my power!"Liebe said, "I will not."
She thought, How? How is he immune to my magic?
As she let Alysa go and left, Sadena said, "Next time we meet, someone will die."
Gelda said, "Lord, you're here — what happened inside?"Liebe said, "Well, after Albert slammed his fist on the table, Albert said, 'What the hell is this? Are we here to entertain the ideals of a child? So what if he did things we trained for decades for — just to let a child sit among us?'"
Lilith said, "Watch your mouth, Albert. Don't forget you only made it here because the former 10th seat, Domr Faust, is no more. You are nothing more than a replacement, and the chair of 10 is Liebe's birthright. Now, unless you have a death wish, keep your mouth shut Albert."Albert said, "What was that, Lilith? Just because you're somewhat strong doesn't mean we'll listen to your BS all day, we have better things to do then baby your demands. Now be a good little bitch and shut up, or else—"
Before most could react, Liebe was on the table, holding his blade to Albert and stating, "It appears Mother was right about that death wish."Albert said, "You dare—"Geno said, "Everyone stop!"
His aura alone was enough to make everyone freeze.Geno said, "Albert, for a mere replacement and a 25th seat, you have no right to look down on others. And it's true Lilith might be the problem child among our group, but we don't baby her. And from what I'm seeing, this young man, Liebe Faust, has shown more maturity than you have in your life. Strength isn't everything."Emperor Klice said, "Everyone, let's take a short recess. Let's enjoy some refreshments."