Project Grinberryal was scrapped, and later that morning, Domr returned. Lilith was asleep on the couch, hugging Liebe.
"Lilith, wake up," Domr said gently.
Lilith opened her eyes. "Good morning, Father."
Domr sighed. "I'm sorry I forced you to go. It was my fault all this happened."
"It's okay, Father," Lilith replied softly.
"But I'm surprised," Domr continued. "My grandson has so much power. Even Astreous had to take a step back. Not every 7-year-old can say their malice overpowered the strongest warrior in the nation—even for a second. Oh, and I brought chocolate donuts from Yummy Ummy Bakery, with extra dark chocolate sauce."
Lilith smiled. "Those are Liebe's favorite."
"I know," Domr grinned. "That's why it took me so long to get here. And when the reporters asked what happened, I just told them, 'How am I supposed to know?' Now… let's celebrate. What was that last spell called? Angeli Lapsi Sine Fine Dolore—that was something else."
Lilith looked at him. "You almost sound proud."
"Not almost—no, no, no—I am proud!" Domr declared. "He summoned a ten-winged fallen angel. That angel brought those numbskulls at the castle to their knees. How could I not be proud, knowing my grandson is this strong? When he wakes up, I'm taking him out to buy every toy he even glances at!"
"Father, you're going to spoil him," Lilith chuckled.
"Please, I'm just that pleased. But the real question is… when do we teach him the truth? About the sword… and forbidden magic."
"Never," Lilith said firmly. "I don't want him exposed to that truth or the duties of the House of Faust. It's better if he never knows."
Domr nodded slightly. "Well… I guess I can't help that."
Lilith looked at him again. "By the way, Father, your uniform is dirty."
"Oh, while I was leaving the bakery, I slipped on the red laterite soil. That's how it got dirty," Domr said, brushing himself off.
"I'm sorry. It's because of me… Project Grinberryal was scrapped. I'm truly ashamed."
"If you really feel ashamed," Domr said, "then apologize to Liebe. That kid tried so hard to make us proud. Yet it's because of us that a 7-year-old had to suffer this much. Take a few days off—go back to Celes. Play on the beach. Build sandcastles. Have water gun fights. I'm sure it'll lighten his heart."
At the mention of Celesport, Liebe stirred awake, a sleepy smile on his face.
"Yeahhhh! Mommy, we're on vacation! …Wait, Mommy… we're home? What happened?"
Lilith quickly knelt beside him. "You don't remember?"
"Remember what?" Liebe asked, rubbing his eyes. "You said you had work and went through the portal. That's all I remember. But… why am I home?"
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? I'm calling a doctor," Lilith said, panicked.
Liebe shook his head. "I don't remember, Mommy… I remember seeing black… and a black angel saying 'Thanks'... and that's about it. But now I feel tired for some reason… and my whole body's sore."
Lilith started crying softly. "Thank you… Liebe, you're okay. I thought I would never see you smile again. Now take some rest. I'm calling the doctor."
Domr said. "Dont worry after using a spell like that he just used up all his magic power".
"Mommy, I'm fine," Liebe said, trying to sit up. "Let's go to Celes already! The beach is waiting for us!"
Just then, Sujibur burst through the door.
"Captain, Vice-Captain! There's trouble!"
Domr groaned. "What is it? It better be important—I'm in the middle of a moment here."
"The captains of Endless Justice and Sacred Freedom came to our HQ. They want us to dissolve Black Rose and surrender all our territory to them. Their pretext for declaring war on us… is Project Grinberryal being scrapped."
Lilith stood up in shock. "I didn't know all this would happen…"
"What a bunch of idiots," Domr muttered.
"Jewel is negotiating with them," Sujibur continued, "but we don't know how long he can hold it."
"I'm coming," Domr said with a serious look.
Lilith stepped forward. "I'm coming with you, Father."
Domr nodded. "Fine."
Before leaving, Lilith knelt beside Liebe. "Liebe, Mommy has some work to do. I'll be back soon, okay? Can you please be a good boy for Mommy for a little while?"
"But Mommy… you just got back," Liebe said sadly.
"I'm sorry, dear. This time, let's play after I return. I'll be back in a few hours."
She kissed him on the cheek. "Now one for Mommy, please?"
Liebe leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Thanks, dear," Lilith smiled, then waved goodbye and left the house with Domr.
That was the last time i saw my mother smiling so brightly , so warm, so full of life.