Isurugi said, "Does that mean our meeting is over?"
Licht said, "Seems like our meeting concludes here, since with this rubble—"
Isurugi said, "That's unfortunate."
Licht said, "By the way, guys, the party in 5 days. Dorm 8. So be there around 7. We will celebrate the shit out of it. And Mavia, be there on time."
Mavia said, "Sure, Vice Captain."
Licht said, "It appears I'm not needed right now. Mia and Lichee, with me. We have work to do."
Mia said, "Sure, sir. But to where?"
Licht said, "We are going to Rum Island. I just have to see Liebe's sister before him. I simply just can't wait."
The next morning in the Empire, House Bouduin. As Alysa was drinking her morning coffee:
Oriar said, "Good morning, Princess."
Alysa said, "Good morning, Dad."
Oriar said, "How is my princess doing this morning?"
Alysa said, "Good."
Oriar said, "Are you sure? I have been seeing for a few days now, you aren't eating or sleeping properly. Is something the matter?"
Alysa said, "No, it's just that I'm not sure. I have been having dreams of someone."
Oriar showed Alysa the newspaper. It stated: "The Hero of Eldoria Liebe Faust Declared Guilty. Status Regained."
Alysa said, "Who is this Liebe Faust?"
Oriar said, "Don't know. He is 18, barely. Yet he appears to be a man of tremendous character and compassion."
Alysa said, "What's he like? And have you even met him?"
Oriar said, "From what I have seen, he is kind. But yes, I have met him once before my retirement, 2 years ago in the Empire when he was delivering the verdict on Valtia. He was not only able to see through the schemes of Valtia but also saved one of the delegates from Aldina as well. The delegate from Aldina, Warner Crimson Makido, was singing his praise."
Alysa said, "Dad, what do you think of him?"
Oriar said, "To many, he is called the Warrior of Destruction. He destroys, but whenever he destroys, it is said new bright beginnings follow. And of course, all members of his team are capable in their own right. And his mother is a Prince of Hell."
Alysa said, "I see. Oh, now I remember him. 2 years ago after the Valtia incident, he was the one who saved Eosian when Eosian rushed into the Abyssal Zone."
Oriar said, "Yes. We Bouduins have also been fortunate enough to be blessed by his darkness. It's unfortunate that you never got the fortune to meet him."
Alysa said, "Yeah. After the incident, Eosian changed a bit. Perhaps maybe—"
Oriar said, "Yeah, he is improving. I swear his mother is just a handful. But again, that is the only reason I let him stay and study in Eldoria. At least he will be safe there under the wings of Liebe Faust. I'm sure in the near future, Eosian will come into his own now that he and Aile are getting serious. I just wish he could be more capable."
Alysa said, "Don't worry, Dad."
Oriar laughed and said, "Worry? You were the one who was crying like a 5-year-old after Eosian was brought back. Of course, it was hilarious to see Mr. Liebe kick Eosian in the nuts. And his statement is one that I still fail to understand."
Alysa said, "Why? What did he say?"
Oriar said, "When kicking Eosian in the nuts, he kept screaming, 'Take that!' As I asked why, he replied, 'So that future generation doesn't have to deal with his BS.' I fail to understand what he meant."
Alysa said, "I'm pretty sure, Dad, that he was trying to make sure Eosian can't have kids."
Oriar said, "Oh that? When we saw Eosian getting kicked in the nuts, all men who witnessed it could feel his pain. So we didn't get the opportunity."
Alysa said, "Yeah, Dad. This Liebe person—he just seems well, so far off to me."
Oriar said, "What are you trying to say?"
Alysa said, "It's just that his stories make him seem too perfect, in a way that he is without flaw. All say he is the one who is above all, yet I feel drawn to him."
Oriar said, "Yeah, I'm sure he has his own flaws as well. But the thing is, if possible, 2 years ago, Lilith Faust—I should have asked her if she would like to have you as a daughter-in-law."
Alysa said, "What, Dad?"
Oriar said, "Yeah. If Liebe Faust was willing to risk his life for a stranger like Eosian, I thought perhaps maybe just how much he would care for his bride. But then I couldn't place such a burden on someone who just saved my son."
Alysa ended up spitting coffee on Oriar as she screamed, "Whattt!? So at one point he almost became my fiancé and husband?"
Oriar said, "It appears so. I don't know why, but whenever I look at the man, I'm sure with him you will be the safest."
Alysa said, "I'm safe here with you all."
Oriar said, "Yeah. It's just, as your father, I'm sure your mother would have wanted this."
Alysa said, "I don't know, Dad. I don't really know. I never got the chance to get to know Mom."
Oriar said, "Yeah, and I'm sorry about that. But about what we discussed, did you give it some thought?"
Alysa said, "Not yet. I'm just thinking now since I still have my whole life, you know."
Oriar said, "In this way, you can reach your goal easily."
Alysa said, "Yeah."
As she ran off to class.
That day, she again sat beside Helios. Alysa talked to Helios—actually talked.
She said, "Hey, Helios."
Helios said, "Hey, hey. Oh, you can talk?"
Alysa said, "Yeah, communication is a bit hard for me. I wanted to ask something."
Helios said, "Yeah."
Alysa said, "If you were given the opportunity to reach your dreams right now, what would you do?"
Helios said, "That really depends."
Alysa said, "Depends on what?"
Helios said, "Depends on your goals. What is your goal?"
Alysa said, "To ensure every child in the world can be happy."
Helios said, "Alright then. There are a few other factors you should consider. Like if reaching your goals right now means betraying your friend, or if it means losing part of yourself. If your answer is no to those questions, then you should consider it."
Alysa smiled as she looked at Helios—she really smiled—and said, "You are right, Helios. I know what I have to do."
Helios said, "Good. As long as it makes you happy."
Alysa said, "Yeah, I get it. Thanks, Helios. You really are the best best friend I could have asked for. Thanks."
Helios said, "Sure."
The next morning in House Bouduin:
Alysa asked, "Dad, you really do have a lot of faith in this Liebe Faust. Why?"
Oriar said, "Well, it could be said because he saved your little brother. But the thing is, during my time as one of the pillars of the Empire, I gained an intuition. I can guess certain outcomes. And from the first time I met him, I saw a man who is willing to do whatever is needed to protect his own. It is people like him that end up creating futures we all yearn for."
Alysa said, "I get it. I want to be like him—someone who can protect the ones near him. I will take up your offer, Dad."
Oriar said, "Are you sure? It's like you said—you still have your whole life ahead of you."
Alysa said, "Yeah. Perhaps it would be best if my next mission is with my fiancé."
Oriar said, "Alright then."
After Licht's investigation, 5 days later around 7 PM, Licht was in Liebe's room.
Licht said, "Yo, Liebe, you ready?"
Liebe said, "Yeah."