The next morning, Alicia woke up early to train. Sir Alfred started to instruct her more often on sword swings. But it also worried him that he couldn't teach her more about administration. Then, after breakfast, he went to the Palace as usual.
While roaming around the Palace, he saw Count Herbert, father of Archduchess Margret Rayvine, Grandfather of Alicia. He greeted the Count, but his gaze towards him was cold, as if he were sobbing all night.
He said to the Count,
"Your Highness, my condolences. I know it's been tough on you as you lost all your family."
Count with rage,
"Don't act like that, Alfred! You of all should know what those words would weigh on me. Don't speak like that..... First, I lost my wife due to an accident, and now..... and now I lost my only family, my daughter and granddaughter, whom I cherished the most in the world.... (sobs) Why... Why does Goddess Serania hate me like this? Why is she always taking people I always cherished?"
Seeing the count breakdown, Sir Alfred made a tough decision. He invited the count to his quarters.
The Count was confused at first, but still agreed to come as he and Alfred were old friends in battle, who were ready to give their lives for the Archduke. Alicia, who was at Sir Alfred's quarters, was unaware of all these, practiced her sword very diligently while waiting for Sir Alfred's return.