Liebe said, "By the way, I actually need a favor."
Licht said, "Okay, then."
Liebe said, "Here is the erotic novel. Can you just read and summarize it for me so I can try to see if we can do it for Alysa's birthday?"
Licht said, "Sure. Just give me an hour to finish it."
Liebe said, "Sure."
As Stal said, "Acting Captain, the Captain and Vice-Captain asked for you."
Liebe said, "Of course. Thank you for informing."
As Liebe entered the tent, Liebe said, "You called for me, Ma'am?"
Lilith said, "Yes, I did."
Gelda said, "Eldrie, Lara, leave."
Eldrie said, "Of course, Ma'am."
Lara said, "Okay."
As they left, Lilith said, "I think it's about time we had a talk."
Liebe said, "Ummm… am I in trouble? Is it because of yesterday?"
Lilith said, "No. And actually, it's the quiet opposite. And ummm… well, where do I start? I don't know where to start, actually, since, well… you know we haven't actually had a proper conversation in the past decade."
Liebe said, "Of course, Captain."
Lilith said, "Actually, it's… Mom. I mean, whatever feels better for you. I'm not forcing or anything. Whatever you prefer."
Liebe said, "I would prefer Captain, if that's okay."
Lilith said, "Of course it's okay. And, oh—Gelda and I brought a gift from the Empire. It's a chocolate mousse cake. Gelda, please get a plate."
Gelda said, "Of course, Lilith," as she brought plates and served a few slices.
As Liebe took a bite, Lilith said, "How is it?"
Liebe said, "It's quite exquisite. It has the perfect blend of bitter and sweetness, and it's quite soft as well."
Lilith said, "I'm glad you like it. The thing is, what I wanted to say is… well…" Gelda gave her a piece of paper, and after reading it, Lilith said, "Sorry about the rudeness of the script, but I wanted to say two things. First is that I'm proud of you. And I know I have no right to say it since I have been very distant and unaffectionate as a mother, and I couldn't show the bare minimum of showing up to some of the most important points in your life."
Liebe said, "It's just the past."
Lilith said, "And well, you are in an important portion of your life, and during this period, well, things happened, and you might like girls or maybe… or both."
Liebe said, "Unfortunately to state, Captain, I'm straight and a non-virgin."
Lilith said, "Oh, wait, what? Who was it? Who is she? Was it Alysa? I bet it was Alysa."
Gelda coughed a bit as a signal that it was too personal.
Lilith said, "I'm sorry for pushing the boundary. I forgot about your privacy."
Liebe said, "Of course."
Lilith said, "Like I was trying to say… ever since I lost your father, I haven't been able to think straight, and I ended up losing my treasure—what was dearest to me. And I crossed so many lines it's laughable, and I have failed as a mother. What kind of a parent puts their child on the front lines?"
Liebe said, "Umm, Ma'am, the heart of the conversation is a bit personal. Exactly what are you trying to state?"
Lilith said, "I understand. And well, I thought a personal conversation might help. And the truth is… I'm sorry. I regret all of it. And the sad reality is, I basically don't know you outside of the knighthood, and that is my failure. And I wouldn't be mad if you didn't know anything about me."
Liebe said, "Captain, you are Lilith Faust, currently 50, Captain of Black Rose for 50 years. You are the lone daughter of Domr Faust, the previous Captain of Black Rose. Made Vice-Captain at 23, and been a member since 15. Graduated from the Academy 32 years ago with moderate grades, yet exceptionally high combat scores that were comparable to many captains of the time. Became a member of the 25 Princes of Hell as the 25th seat at the age of 25. Fell for an individual named Tenebris Vale at the age of 23. Got married at 28, which ended with the accidental death of Tenebris Vale—later named Tenebris Faust—in a landslide 10 years ago. Favorite color: sky blue. Favorite food type: savory, yet dessert is also appreciated. And as of right now, you are still prescribed Fluoxetine, even though the dosage has decreased in the past two years. Your second marriage was at the age of 43 with the birth of your son just two years ago. And the fact you are regarded as the hero of your generation due to your smile and personality. And despite your numerous titles, the one most often used is 'the Empress.' And your second husband, Gabriel, and you are separated based on personal issues and the fact that he isn't even in Black Rose territory. I suppose that would be all. Please let me know if I missed something."
Lilith said, "No, it's all accurate. And I'm certain if I asked, you would be able to state these incidents with month, date, time, hour, minute, second. Yet you missed one detail. Why didn't you mention the birth of my first son, and only my second one?"
Liebe said, "That's irrelevant. It's just ashes in the wind."
Lilith said, "Umm, why is that?"
Liebe said, "Your quite blatant favoritism is apparent, Captain, to your second child. And that is why the first is irrelevant."
Lilith said, "I see."
Liebe said, "If it's alright with you, I have a busy schedule to deal with. I will take your leave, Captain."
As Liebe stood up, Lilith said, "Umm, Liebe, I actually checked with Isurugi and Fate. Your schedule is still free for the next 10 to 20 minutes, based on all variables."
Liebe said, "Okay, then, Captain. Now please tell me, what is so important that I need to finish this conversation?"
Lilith said, "All I want to say is that you can hate me if you want, and I don't seek forgiveness. And if it's okay with you, I want to be there."
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, it was never an option. Your favorite child needs you more. And I have no reason to be the son of the great hero Lilith Faust, because the truth is, even if I'm the son of a hero, I can never be the heir to the hero's bloodline."
Lilith said, "Please, Liebe. I will do whatever you want. I will even become a professor at the Academy just so I can talk to you every day."
Liebe said, "I'm sorry, but that doesn't interest me."
Lilith said, "Why? Why are you pushing me away? I know pushing you away was wrong, but don't repeat my mistake."
Liebe said, "I'm not. You pushed me away because of convenience, and I'm doing it because that child needs you more. And what in hell will I gain from depriving that child of a mother?"
Lilith couldn't answer.
Lilith said, "I know. But what do you want me to do now?"
Liebe said, "Stop the lies. Because answer me truthfully—Gelda here has been more of a mother to me than you could ever be. Yet she raised me, Elizabeth, Licht, and Alysa. So how could she do it, yet you failed? And for what I want in exchange for forgiveness, simple: the title of the next Alföðr."
Lilith said, "That's impossible! Only the one chosen by our greatest treasure can be, and it has chosen Marks. And he is to become the next Captain. This decision was never mine to begin with."
Liebe said, "Then why fill my head with false dreams? And I thought I said to quit the lies."
Lilith said, "It's the truth."
Liebe said, "I suppose, then, the will of Domr Faust was a lie."
As he opened the palm of his hand, the Mask of Ifrit appeared, floating on it.
Lilith said, "No…"
Liebe said, "The truth is, you never had the right to select the next Alföðr. As Domr Faust had already selected the one to be heir to the hero's bloodline—to Liebe Faust, or myself, to be more specific."
As he placed the mask on the table, he said, "Frankly, I couldn't care less who the next Alföðr will be. And all this was to see your priorities. And now that I see where they lie, I have no reason to bother giving myself false hope of a family and mother I once had. And just because I have a few more minutes spare in my schedule doesn't mean I will waste it idly. I would much rather utilize it on something worthwhile. Captain, now that this conversation is over, I will take my leave. Please excuse me."
Lilith said, "Of course. As the Acting Captain, you must be busy."
As Liebe left, Gelda said, "Well, you blew it."
Lilith said, "Me? How?"
Gelda said, "The fact it was a test was obvious."