As Liebe and Alysa were dancing, she thought, *He really is smooth.*
As Liebe said, "I do certainly hope all is going according to your plan, Miss Bouduin."
Alysa, shocked at what Liebe was saying, said, "Wait, you knew?"
Liebe said, "I always have my net in the water for certain pieces of valuable information. Yet who would have thought that my net would catch such an adorable red little dolphin? I swear, it is as if the dolphin is looking into my very eyes from the palm of my hand."
Alysa, now red from what she just heard, tried to change the topic by saying, "So why didn't you bring your sword with you tonight?"
Liebe said, "Why would I need a sword beside me when I can have the greatest beauty at the palm of my hands?"
Alysa, now even redder, tried to change the topic by saying, "I will get us some punch."
Liebe said, "Why bother with such trivialities when such a nice red tomato is ripening before my very eyes?"
Alysa thought, *Oh god, will he eat me now?*
Liebe said, "I won't devour you right now."
Alysa thought, *Wait, can he read my mind?*
Liebe said, "I can assure you, I most certainly can't read your mind."
Alysa thought, *Think, Alysa, think. Of anything else now besides him. Think 5. The number 5. Yeah, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5.*
Liebe said, "By the way, Miss Alysa, have you heard of a unique mathematical number?"
Alysa said, "And that is?"
Liebe said, "The mathematical digit 5 has appeared in various turning points throughout history."
Alysa thought, *Yup, he is definitely reading my mind.*
Liebe said, "Like I said, I most certainly can't read your mind."
Alysa thought, *Come on, Alysa, don't think about your coral panties now, or he will know you only wear them on special occasions.*
Liebe said, "By the way, Miss Bouduin, this red dress really does suit you."
Alysa said, "Thank you."
Liebe said, "But I can't help but notice this shade of crimson seems to be a bit too harsh on your skin. Perhaps a lighter shade might be better suited—something around the shade of coral."
Alysa thought, *He knows.*
Seeing her turn red, Liebe was reminded of when he was 3, waiting outside the gates of House Faust, being carried by Gelda, waiting for Lilith. As he saw her flying, he flew away from Gelda's hands and flew into Lilith's arms.
Lilith said, "Did you have fun today?"
Liebe said, "I did. Gelda and I made sandcastles, chased the Ulsariouses, played house. Licht and Elizabeth mostly slept. Then I went apple picking, and I made this elephant with my darkness."
Lilith said, "You did? It's so cool."
Liebe said, "I know. And Mommy, look—I made one of you and Daddy with me."
Lilith said, "It looks just like me."
Liebe said, "I know."
As they came down, Lilith said, "Want to play?"
Liebe said, "Yeahhh!"
Staring at the Cerberus and dragon portraits of House Faust, Domr said, "What do you think of this picture, young Liebe? Do you find it frightening to see these monsters?"
Liebe said, "Grandpa, no. It's the coolest."
As Jewel came in saying, "Sir, the Livyatan is awakening. It will be active again shortly."
As Domr said, "Liebe, the world itself is awaiting your stand."