The next day was the 5th and final day of the festival. Everyone tried their hardest to win the approval of the children, giving their all. At 7 PM, it was time—time to declare who was the most beloved by the children. By then, all the children had a chance to give their votes on who was the best knight.
As everyone was seated, Stal was on stage. Stal said, "Well, this year's Knightly Festival ends with the declaration of who will be this year's Mr. Knight—obviously, the one the children love the most. Without further delay, let's see who becomes the most beloved knight."
As he opened the envelope, he said, "I don't believe it! This year, a new legend is made, as someone finally overtook the Captain!"
Alysa said, "Liebe, see? We might just have won!"
Licht said, "Dude, let's celebrate!"
Liebe said, "Let's wait. It could be anyone else."
As Stal screamed, "This year's Mr. Knight is our very own Acting Captain—Liebe Faust!"
Liebe said, "No way."
Stal said, "Now then, Acting Captain, please come on stage to claim your trophy."
As Liebe stepped on stage and received the golden trophy, the children watching erupted in joy. Liebe said, "Thanks, kiddos."
As Liebe stepped down from the stage, Stal said, "Now for the runner-up. Without any guesses, of course, it's our Captain—Lilith Faust!"
As Lilith and Gelda stepped on stage, Lilith was carrying Marks. Seeing this, Liebe couldn't help but feel angry. As Lilith and Marks took the silver trophy, Marks said, "Mommy, why did we get the silver trophy and not the gold one?"
Lilith said, "Sorry, dear. Looks like we came second. We couldn't beat them this year."
Marks said, "But Mommy, I want the gold one," as he began to cry.
Liebe said, "Alysa, can you do me a favor?"
Alysa said, "Anything."
Liebe said, "Take our trophy. Give it to the kid."
Licht said, "You're kidding, right?"
Liebe said, "No, I'm not."
Alysa then took the trophy and stepped on stage. Alysa said, "Umm, here, kid—for you," as she gave the golden trophy to Marks. Marks was happy on stage with both trophies.
Seeing this, Liebe went away. He went to the forest. As Gelda and everyone stepped down from the stage, it was declared that the one who won 3rd place was Eldrie, as Eldrie received the bronze trophy.
As Alysa came down, she said, "Licht, where is Liebe?"
Licht said, "All this—and the decision he just made—it was too much for him."
Alysa said, "Should we go after him?"
Licht said, "He needs some space right now."
As Gelda ran after him, she saw Liebe using his sword on the trees. Gelda said, "Why did you do it? Why did you give up the trophy?"
Liebe said, "I couldn't care less. Now, Gelda, make me a portal to the Abyssal Zone. The Empire."
Gelda said, "But, Lord—"
Liebe said, "That's a goddamn order. Do it."
Gelda said, "I understand."
As Gelda made the portal, she said, "Lord, about the fact we are going to Mímisbrunnr Island tomorrow morning—"
Liebe said, "I will make it on my own."
Gelda said, "I apologize for the inconvenience."
As Liebe went through the portal and reached the Abyssal Zone, he gave it his all, fighting monster after monster just to forget his rage. Yet it wasn't working—the more monsters he killed, the more infuriated he became.
As he heard slow footsteps from behind, Álfrinn said, "You done letting your rage out on monsters?"
Liebe said, "Mr. Álfrinn, why are you here?"
Álfrinn said, "As a God-Kin, it's my job to be here. But right now, I came to talk."
Liebe said, "I'm sorry."
Álfrinn said, "We both want something we can't attain yet. You wish to grow strong, but in your current stage, it's impossible. And neither can your blades hold up with your current strength, now can they?"
Liebe said, "But, sir—"
Álfrinn said, "No buts. I will make you stronger, and I will even forge the perfect pair of blades for you—ones that can keep up with you, no matter what. And all I want in exchange from you is a promise. The promise is …"
Liebe said, "I accept."
Álfrinn said, "Okay then. Now let's train. I will ensure that after I'm done with you, you will be able to stand against the world as her champion."
Meanwhile, in Black Rose HQ, the after-party for the Knightly Festival was underway. Everyone knew why Liebe wasn't there, based on his relationship with his family, yet Alysa and Licht were there in his place.
Lilith said, "Licht, where is Liebe? And I will return the trophy from my residence tomorrow."
Licht said, "Sorry, ma'am, but the Acting Captain is busy. And his exact wording on the matter was: 'I couldn't care less about a mere trophy, and I would rather not have to bother looking at that unsightly piece of metal now that it has been tainted by a child I couldn't care less about. So I would prefer it if I wasn't bothered by such trivial matters.'"
Lilith said, "I understand. Please inform the Acting Captain that I apologize for my son's behavior and that he is free to visit the Faust estate whenever he wants."
Licht said, "Of course, ma'am."
As Licht went away, Alysa said, "So what happened?"
Licht said, "I told the Captain exactly what Liebe should have said."
Alysa said, "Okay then I trust your judgement same as liebe."
Lilith said, "Aren't you going to say something on how it's my fault?"
Gelda said, "No. You are too far gone for redemption. You killed your son's heart with your own hands while you shower the other one with affection in front of the corpse of your former son. It's disgusting and is against everything a human should be."
Lilith said, "I know."
Meanwhile, in the Abyssal Zone, as Álfrinn was fighting Liebe, Álfrinn said, "Those who are evil or may have a history of evil deeds may end up doing some good in the end, but this attitude disgusts me. And that's why I vastly prefer people who are clean from the start. And that's why I accepted the fact you are my lady's champion. Otherwise, I would have executed you on the spot."
Liebe said, "I see."
Álfrinn said, "You wish to stand beside one of the 25 Princes of Hell as an equal?"
Liebe said, "No, not anymore. The goal I've been chasing so far has been nothing but a child's fantasy."
Álfrinn said, "Remember: a child's fantasies contain more power than even the strongest devils."