A few days went by, and one rainy afternoon, Tenebris received a letter.
Gelda noticed his expression and asked, "What is it, Tenebris? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Tenebris shook his head. "It's nothing. I just have something I need to take care of."
"In this heavy rain?" Gelda said, concerned. "At least take an umbrella!"
"I won't be needing it," Tenebris replied as he walked out the door.
During this period, there were growing rumors of mysterious disappearances — mostly of people from lower social classes. But with the war raging on, the knights didn't have the resources to investigate. To many, the missing were just shadows lost in the storm.
Tenebris made his way through the downpour and finally reached the eastern border, where Domr was stationed.
Domr looked up. "Tenebris? Fancy seeing you here, son."
Tenebris saluted. "Sorry to disturb you, sir. But I have something important to show you."
Domr took the letter from his hand, scanned it quickly, and nodded. "Got it. I'll look into this personally."
Tenebris asked, "Permission to negotiate?"
Domr placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Granted. Now go."
Meanwhile, back at the Faust mansion…
"Look, kids! I got you donuts from Yummy Tummy!" Gelda said cheerfully.
"Yeah! Donuts!" Alysa cheered.
"Donuts~" Elizabeth echoed with a smile.
"Oh! Donuts!" Liebe grinned.
Everyone started happily digging into the treats — everyone except Liebe.
Gelda noticed and asked, "Why aren't you eating like usual? You love these, don't you?"
Liebe looked down. "Grandpa also loves donuts from Yummy Tummy. I want to share some with him… and Mommy too. With extra dark chocolate sauce."
He smiled faintly. "Grandpa always gets mad when me and Mommy steal donuts from his secret freezer at Black Rose."
Gelda laughed softly. "I remember that. And the time you and Lilith drew a mustache on him?"
"That was Mommy's idea!" Liebe said with a little giggle. "Grandpa didn't even notice until he got home!"
Gelda watched him and thought, Liebe and Lilith really are close. But… isn't that how a parent and child should be? Even if Lilith seems immature for her age, it only makes Liebe luckier to have her as his mom.
Then Gelda smiled. "Liebe, we have a surprise for you!"
Liebe's eyes lit up. "Is it Mommy? Or Daddy? Or Grandpa?! Or maybe… Licht?!"
Gelda laughed. "It's the third one."
"YEAHHHH! Grandpa!!!"
Just then, Licht stepped into the room. "One second, let me take my medicine."
Liebe blinked. "Medicine? What's it for?"
"I've been a little sick the past few days," Licht said casually. "Some kind of allergy issue. The doctor said I need to keep taking these pills."
Elsewhere, at the northern border...
Jewel stood with Lilith as the rain poured over the battlefield.
"It's a blessing I've managed to hold them off so far," Jewel said. "Lilith, save your magic — in this war, you are our secret weapon."
He glanced toward the enemy lines. "That's why we can't let any witnesses survive. Anyone who sees the unique characteristics of your Void Magic… can't live to tell the tale. That's why it's just the two of us deployed up here."
Meanwhile, at the eastern border...
Sujibur asked, "What do we do now, sir?"
Domr stared at the horizon, face resolute. "I will end this — for the people who have been suffering for far too long."
"But sir, that's too dangerous!" Sujibur pleaded.
"Worry about protecting the borders," Domr said firmly. "I'll handle the rest."
Sujibur's voice broke. "Sir, please don't go… it's too dangerous. Please don't leave us... Sir… we can't survive without you."