Later, as they returned to the Vale Estate:
Licht said, "Yo, Captain, so what are we going to do?"
Liebe said, "Wait for Gaia to return in 10 months after her training with Pride. And till then, we will train in our own way."
Licht said, "Alright."
Liebe said, "And Licht, we have special dinner reservations on December 27th. And we will be on a vacation from December 26th to 29th in the Empire. And we will be on a special mission—something I prefer keeping as a secret, even from the rest of the team."
Licht said, "What could possibly exist in the Empire that you would drop everything for?"
Liebe said, "Something precious to me."
Licht said, "Fine."
A few days later, Liebe was working. After finishing his work, he returned to the Vale Estate. As he checked the time, it was 11 PM. As he entered, he thought, Guess it's late. Everyone must already be asleep already. As he saw the living room couch, Liebe thought, Alone again, huh? This place was meant to be just a base, huh, Horn? But guess at some point, Alysa really did turn it into a home. You really were a fool, weren't you, for loving someone like me? A devil that has caused more death than anyone. A devil with bloodstained hands. But no matter what, you were my fool—the fool I loved more than anyone, Alysa. But at least now you are—no. You aren't gone as long as I'm alive and breathing. I will hold on to your dreams. Even if I have to go through hell itself, I will keep your dream alive. Even if we can't see each other, I'm happy you are safe. Even if I will miss you for the rest of my life.
As the lights turned on:
Liebe said, "Huh? What?"
As everyone screamed, "Happy birthday, Captain!" It was Team Liebe, Gelda, Eldrie, Stal, and Lilith.
Liebe said, "What are you guys doing?"
Gelda said, "Well, it's a birthday surprise."
Liebe said, "Wait, it's November 17th?"
Gelda said, "Well, no. It's November 16th. There is approximately 5 minutes and 12 seconds left until November 17th."
Liebe said, "Yeah."
As they celebrated Liebe turning 18:
Licht said, "As your best friend, here is my gift."
Liebe said, "It's just a piece of paper with 'Happy Birthday' written on it."
Gelda, clearly drunk, said, "Come on, Acting Captain, drink up!" As she poured whiskey down Elizabeth's throat.
Licht said, "Wow, the Vice Captain loses her aim when drunk."
Gelda, now seeing who she got drunk, said, "Loebe, why do you look like Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth, now drunk too, said, "Brother, why do you look like Mom?"
Lilith said, "Liebe, want to share a drink?"
Liebe said, "Perhaps later."
Lilith said, "Alright."
Mavia said, "Can I please have a drink with you, ma'am?"
Lilith said, "Sure."
As Liebe was in his room, sitting on the railing of the balcony, Lilith joined him.
Lilith said, "So, birthdays sure are annoying without the ones who matter the most."
Liebe said, "Seriously, why are you the only one who remembers?"
Lilith said, "Don't know. But again, absolute strength is a thing."
Liebe said, "Fine."
Lilith said, "Let's share a drink. A toast to her safe being."
Liebe said, "No. To her happiness—one I must watch over for eternity."
Lilith said, "Alright."
As they shared a glass of whiskey.