Then Gelda came and used her portal to take him to the capital.
As everyone was seated, the Captain of Nebuleeye said, "Grandmaster, mind if I ask why we are letting a mere child sit beside us, and why you are suggesting we send him to an important negotiation in Valtia?"
Louis, the Captain of Arc Luatina, said, "His age is irrelevant. He has demonstrated skill beyond his years."
Grandmaster Astreous said, "I agree."
Malacor said, "Fine then."
Astreous continued, "Who will you take with you, Liebe?"
Liebe said, "Eldrie, Alysa, Licht, and Gelda."
Astreous said, "Excellent choice."
The Captain of Rising Sun, Elva, stated, "Sir, it has come to the attention of many at this table that despite the young age of Acting Captain Liebe Al Faust, he lacks experience in such matters. Negotiations cannot be learned overnight."
Astreous said, "That's why Gelda and Eldrie will be accompanying him on the mission, as well as the ambassador of the Eldorian Embassy in the Empire. And as per the regulations of the inspections, I'm sure Liebe is more than capable of handling those himself, right, Liebe?"
Liebe said, "Yes, sir. I will not disappoint and will work on improving our relations with the Empire and other nations."
Astreous said, "I doubt there are any more discussions on this matter."
The others said, "No, sir."
Astreous said, "Now then, about the budgets…"
After the meeting, Astreous invited Liebe to his office.
As Liebe entered, Astreous said, "Liebe, relax for now. Your work is done for today."
Liebe said, "Thank you, Uncle."
Astreous said, "I heard about your suppression mission of Black Wing and what you did to the Nobelist Faction."
Liebe said, "You know, sir?"
Astreous said, "Time magic has its wonders. I'm proud of you—just 15 and making work easier for your mother. You're doing great. And that you relinquished your claim to the throne of Faust… that came as a surprise, considering how much you loved your mother and were a 'mommy's boy.'"
Liebe said, "I heard the truth—that Mother never intended to hand me the title of Captain and heir after my brother was born, in order to silence the whispers of the nobles."
Astreous said, "And after what you did, it literally caused screams among everyone. Quite a tragedy that we lost such a capable captain such as you."
Liebe said, "I must disagree."
While Liebe and Astreous were talking, suddenly the door opened. A small five-year-old boy entered. Liebe could feel the magic power radiating from him.
Astreous said, "Oh, Leto! What brings you here?"
Liebe said, "Sir, stand back! This boy isn't human!"
Astreous said, "Stand down, Liebe. He may be a devil, but he is part of my family."
Leto said, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
Liebe said, "I'm sorry for not knowing." As Liebe sat back down.
Astreous said, "This is Leto. We found him as a child and adopted him, since we couldn't have children. But now that Lucielle is actually pregnant, he has been a big, big help."
Leto said, "Of course, Father."
Astreous said, "So, what brings you here?"
Leto said, "Mother asked for some orange slices, and some Coke, and pickles."
Astreous said, "Tell her I will be there shortly."
Leto said, "Ok, Father." As he left.
Astreous said, "It's quite unfortunate that a small child such as him had to suffer so much."
Liebe said, "I can understand."
Astreous said, "But honestly, I'm not surprised you were able to discover he is a devil, despite the fact we used illusion magic to change him."
Liebe said, "I just had a feeling. A demon or devil... but demons aren't that level in darkness when it comes to mana."
Astreous said, "Good observation."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Astreous said, "Come in."
It was a little girl.
Liebe went on his knees and said, "Your Highness, Princess Aina Fione II."
Aina said, "Liebe, are you here?"
Liebe said, "I'm sorry."
Beside her was a boy.
Guilford said, "I'm Sverð Gilbert Guilford, Aina's knight and the son of Asten Chronous."
Liebe said, "It's a pleasure, Princess."
Aina said, "I'm Aina Fione. I'm five."
Liebe said, "I know, Princess. How may I serve you?"
The Princess, Aina, said, "Is it true you make delicious foods?"
Liebe said, "I would say my chicken and waffles are moderately good."
Guilford said, "He is lying. I had them once—it was amazing."
Aina said, "Will you make those for me sometime and make them extra sweet?"
Liebe said, "Sure, Princess."
Aina said, "Uncle Astreous, I'm having nightmares again. Please help me get to sleep."
Astreous said, "Okay then, kiddo. Let's go."
Astreous said, "Wait a minute."
Liebe said, "Sure, sir."
After Astreous returned, he said, "Recently, the princess has been having nightmares, so she can't go to bed without my magic, and Guilford sleeps beside her."
Liebe said, "Cute couple. Maybe in the future they will be an actual couple."
Astreous said, "I hope so, at least. And now, what's the name of your half-brother?"
Liebe said, "Mark Silver."
Astreous said, "So he inherited the Silver name instead of Faust? That's quite unfortunate."
Liebe said, "Did you go to the naming ceremony, sir?"
Astreous said, "Why would I? It would just mean disrespecting everyone who believes in you."
Liebe said, "Thank you, sir."
Astreous said, "By the way, I have a gift for you."
Liebe said, "For me?"
Astreous said, "It's a metal shoulder tag for your title."
Liebe said, "Umm… sir, I don't have a title."
Astreous said, "I know, that's why I'm giving you one I believe you deserve after your achievements."
The tag had metal engravings: Sverð Keisarinnar Fástrar
Liebe said, "I can't accept this, sir. I already left it far behind me."
Astreous said, "Take it. Keep it with you until the day you realize you are ready to wear it. Plus, it has an RNG similar to the one your mother uses. Of course, yours is made from titanium, while your mother's was made from gold with crystal engraving and border. Try it."
Liebe put it on his left shoulder.
Astreous said, "Fits perfectly. Keep it until you know you are ready to wear it on your uniform."
Liebe said, "Thank you, sir."