The following day, as everyone was hard at work, Lilith said, "Gelda, how is the morale?"
Gelda said, "Great. Now that Team Liebe is finally back, morale has been at an all-time high."
Lilith said, "My, my, you sure seem proud."
Gelda said, "Why wouldn't I be? The kids are back, and I was the one who trained half of them. Unlike someone here who just liked to watch from afar like a creep."
Lilith said, "You done yet?"
Gelda said, "Not yet. But since I'm going to continue, want to start numerically, chronologically, or alphabetically?"
Lilith said, "Ok, now that's a bit much."
Gelda said, "Do you know why you were so angry at Valtia when Liebe was declared dead?"
Lilith said, "Whatever love I had died with Tenebris."
Gelda said, "Because you still love Liebe."
Lilith said, "You done with your crap?"
Gelda said, "Because love can only be valued when it's fleeing, and seeing Liebe die was something too harsh for you."
Lilith said, "I'm only concerned with the members of Black Rose."
Gelda said, "Can you really look me in the eye and say you don't love him?"
Lilith said, "I don't."
Gelda said, "God gave you everything, Lilith. I just wish he gave you a heart as well."
Lilith said, "I have better things to do than take part in your little philosophical debate. And also, get me Liebe, Licht, and M."
Gelda said, "Sure."
Soon, Liebe, Licht, and Alysa arrived. As they entered, Liebe said, "You called for me, Captain?"
Lilith said, "First of all, who is third in command in your team?"
Liebe said, "That would be M."
Lilith said, "And why is she not here?"
Liebe said, "Unfortunately, she has been feeling under the weather lately, and she isn't a fan of crowds, so that is why Alysa is here."
Lilith said, "Alright. Now, tell me about the new member of your team, Gaia."
Liebe said, "We do not know. We just know that after the battle, she was able to recover our mana as well as our stamina and wounds in a spell."
Lilith said, "So you are telling me someone exists who can recover mana, stamina, and wounds in a single—"
Liebe said, "Exactly."
Lilith said, "And this person was inside a crystal inside the dungeon?"
Liebe said, "Yes."
Lilith said, "Exactly how big of a fool do you think I am?"
Liebe said, "A moderately normal one."
Licht said, "Captain, unfortunately, I have to state that what Liebe is saying is the truth. And her mana can't just recover; it helps increase its strength."
Alysa said, "I must also agree with Liebe and Licht."
Lilith said, "Ok. And what is her attribute?"
Liebe said, "I don't know."
Licht said, "We have done blood work and everything. She is definitely a devil, at least 50% genetically, after matching her with the corpse of Nyrex. And the rest 50% is still unknown."
Lilith said, "So she has an unknown attribute, whatever the hell she is we don't know, we just know her name, and that her magic might possibly be the strongest support magic in the world. No goddamn idea whoever her family might be."
Liebe said, "Captain, I would request that you please treat the members of my team with respect and don't address them as 'this' or 'that.'"
Lilith said, "Are you challenging my authority?"
Liebe said, "No."
Lilith said, "What was that?"
Liebe said, "No, Captain."
Lilith said, "Fine then. Just remember, you have one month to identify her. As whoever she is, we need a file on her. Otherwise, she can't join Black Rose."
Liebe said, "And why is that?"
Lilith said, "There are procedures, documentation for these things. And Gelda, try to find out and talk to her."
Gelda said, "Of course."
Liebe said, "If that would be all, then if you don't mind, Captain, we will take our leave."
Captain Lilith said, "Wait up, Liebe. Here is your letter for Professor Obsidian, stating you all were deployed for the past year and a half and to allow you all to skip a year."
Liebe said, "Thank you, ma'am."
Lilith said, "That will be all. I will inform you of your next deployment."
Liebe said, "Thank you."
As they left, and after leaving, Licht said, "Well, the air sure was thick in there."
Alysa said, "You can say that again."
Licht said, "So, what do we do about Gaia?"
Liebe said, "Right now, I guess the best thing is to ask her."
Meanwhile, in the captain's office, Gelda said, "That sure was intense."
Lilith said, "Oh god, I know. I should have been gentler. I feel so bad."
Gelda said, "Yeah. Only option now: start begging for sorry."
Lilith said, "I want to, but I know he won't forgive me. So what can I do?"
Gelda said, "Start being nice and, well, act more motherly."
Lilith said, "I can't believe it has come to this: you giving me motherly advice."
Gelda said, "After the discrimination you do, you need it. If you want to get better, start trying to be better."
Lilith said, "Where do I start? And I haven't been that discriminatory."
Gelda said, "When is Mark's birthday?"
Lilith said, "March 17th."
Gelda said, "And when is Liebe's birthday?"
Lilith said, "I know, I know. It's either May 13th or December 27th."
Gelda just clapped and said, "Great job, genius. It's none. You just gave Licht and Alysa's birthday. You see? If he hates you, why?"
Lilith said, "He—"
Gelda said, "He may be an adult now, but the poor kid spent every year on Liebe's birthday waiting for you to sleep beside the cake."
Lilith said, "I know, and I still regret it. Wait, I know. Since Liebe and everyone aren't here today, and well, you are also here, how about we bake a cake and send it to his office for everyone? And get him a gift."
Gelda said, "Great plan, genius. And what gift are you planning to give him?"
Lilith said, "Socks, boots, a clock, a mask, a comb..."
Gelda said, "Get him a watch. And try not to mess it up."
Lilith said, "Ok."
Gelda said, "And I will get the ingredients for the chocolate mousse cake he likes."
Lilith said, "Of course."
Gelda said, "And don't mess this up."
Meanwhile, outside, as Fate and Elizabeth were sitting on the couch with Gaia, Elizabeth said, "Brother, so what happened?"
Liebe said, "Stuff, but mostly annoying."
Licht said, "Basically, the captain was in a bad mood."
As Alysa, Licht, and Liebe also sat beside them, Liebe said, "Umm, Gaia, exactly how much do you remember?"
Gaia said, "I do not know. Sorry."
Liebe said, "Any idea what your magic attribute is called?"
Gaia said, "Sorry."
Liebe said, "Umm, anything about Mama or Papa? Or your last name?"
Hearing those words, Gaia remembered warm hands carrying her, a silhouette with pale skin and a women in emerald green .
The one said, "She looks just like you."
The man said, "She looks like you, dear. She even has your wings."
The woman said, "But she looks more like you."
The man said, "Either way, she is beautiful."
The woman said, "Regardless, I can't help but wonder what her future holds."
As she patted her on the head, she said, "Your future has endless possibilities, just like the numerous stars in the sky. And I'm sure, no matter what, the god of darkness will smile upon you."
As Gaia began to tear up, Elizabeth said, "Brother, see, you made her cry!"
Liebe said, "Me? What did I do?"
Fate said, "Based on your questioning, it wouldn't be wrong to assume it was your fault."
Liebe said, "Time for plan B. Isurugi, come here!"
Isurugi said, "Fleet Admiral, you called for me?"
Liebe said, "Here, come here."
As Isurugi came and said, "Yes, sir?"
Liebe said, "Turn around."
Isurugi said, "Yes, sir, but why?"
Liebe said, "Just do it."
As Isurugi turned around, Liebe grabbed his tail and let Gaia play with it. Seeing the tail, Gaia hugged it.
Liebe said, "If you don't mind, can you please just wag your tail a bit and let her play with it?"
Isurugi said, "Well, sir..."
Liebe said, "Thanks. And your tail really is fluffy."
Isurugi said, "Thank you."
As Liebe patted Gaia on the head and said, "I'm sorry, kid."
Seeing this, Gaia remembered head pats. The silhouette of the woman said, "One day, you will meet him. The one with warm hands, dear. The god of darkness and all his kindness. I'm sorry I have to leave you, dear, but it's for the best if I leave the both of you."
The man said, "We will miss you, and Gaia."
Gaia, saying, "Don't go, Gaia!"
The woman said, "You are the bridge between us, the one between heaven and hell, my beautiful daughter."
As she flew away, Gaia said, "The name between heaven and hell..."
Licht said, "Still not understanding it."
Gaia said, "Morningstar."
Liebe said, "Sorry, what?"
Alysa said, "Maybe that's her last name."
Liebe said, "At least that's something."