"I see... I understand now..."
Theresa murmured softly, sitting up with Kiana's help. She adjusted herself against the bed, then lowered her gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"That number one imbecile and liar—despite being warned not to act recklessly, she still went ahead and got herself killed. She clearly doesn't respect me as Principal, wouldn't you agree?"
"Auntie..."
"I'm fine. By the way, aside from Himeko, were there any other losses? Did I cause much destruction?"
"Oh, those are minor concerns; don't worry about it, Auntie. Even regarding Aunt Himeko...she'll be back soon enough! We all know how terrifying Herrschers can be when they go berserk—I'm living proof of that! So, nobody will blame you, Auntie!"
Kiana held Theresa's hand tightly, comforting her with every reassuring word she could muster, even sharing personal experiences.
Theresa smiled at Kiana's efforts, gently pinching her cheek. Looking into those eyes filled with concern, she said,
"Little missy, Auntie has tasted more bitter melon juice than you've had water. Do you really need to lecture me on life lessons? Don't fret; I understand what you're saying, and I won't dwell too deeply on it. But tell me, have you been having issues with Zeke?"
"N-no, not at all!"
"You're wearing your lie right now!"
"All right, fine—we did have a disagreement. How could he just send Auntie on such a dangerous mission without telling anyone? I don't care; it still makes me upset! And you too, Auntie—how come you didn't let me know about something this important beforehand? Do you not consider me your beloved niece anymore?" Kiana's eyes flashed with anger and dissatisfaction.
"Ah..." Theresa sighed deeply, then gently flicked her finger against Kiana's fair forehead.
Snap!
"The reason I kept it from you is precisely because I see you as my beloved niece."
"That doesn't make sense!"
"If I say it does, then it does. Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"
"...No, wouldn't dare to," Kiana reluctantly lowered her head, unable to truly argue with someone she held in high regard and affection.
Theresa shook her head, chuckling softly.
Foolish girl, considering your impulsive nature and Zeke's indulgence towards you, if you had known, there would've been no way we could've carried out this experiment.
She patted Kiana's head, then glanced around at the crowded room filled with concerned faces. With a gentle smile, she said, "Alright, everyone, I'm perfectly fine now. Thank you for your concern. I'd like some rest before going to check on Himeko. Please go attend to your own tasks—you shouldn't waste time over me."
The group exchanged glances and gradually broke out into relieved smiles.
"Lady Theresa, then Rita shall take her leave."
"Good to see you awake—you gave me quite a scare! Let's catch up later; I still have training with that monstrous patriarch!"
"Theresa—Big Sis, Seele will be off too."
"Principal, please call on us if anything comes up, especially matters concerning Herrschers—we're most familiar with them!"
"Theresa... Lady Theresa, Durandal also bids farewell now."
As each person said their goodbyes and left, Durandal's departure prompted a sudden change in Theresa's expression.
"D-Durandal, could you stay for a moment with Kiana? There are some things I'd like to discuss with both of you," she asked hesitantly.
Durandal paused briefly before nodding. "Of course, no problem."
Neither Theresa nor Durandal displayed any unusual demeanor or tone. Although slightly surprised, the others didn't find it concerning and quickly departed one by one, leaving the space entirely for these three individuals.
A long silence enveloped the hospital room.
Kiana and Durandal, specifically chosen by Theresa to remain behind, already anticipated the topic she wished to discuss.
Kiana nuzzled gently against Theresa's chest before stepping back towards the door with a smile and nudging the motionless Durandal forward.
"Kiana?"
"Go on, you're the star of this show now, Big Sis Durandal," Kiana encouraged her warmly, filled with good wishes.
However, Little Sister's kind gesture left Durandal feeling somewhat at a loss. She stood stiffly, eyes fixed on the snow-white bedsheet, unable to meet Theresa's gaze.
Thus, she couldn't see the even greater unease etched on Theresa's face.
Observing the awkward tension between the older and younger figures, Kiana spread her small hands helplessly and shrugged. There was nothing she could do; this matter wasn't for her to intervene directly, only to watch from the sidelines.
The standoff continued for quite some time until finally, Theresa broke the silence.
"Durandal, would you...allow me to give you a hug?" A tremor was evident in Theresa's voice.
Having narrowly escaped death, much of her resilience till the end had been fueled by the presence of the golden-haired girl standing before her. Theresa struggled to contain her longing yet feared Durandal's potential resistance, her tiny hands clenching tightly.
Durandal hesitated for a moment before finally nodding and kneeling beside the bed. She slowly leaned forward, enveloping herself in Theresa's open embrace.
It feels so warm, reminiscent of days gone by...
Taking a deep breath, Durandal closed her eyes amidst this comforting sensation.
"Sniff!"
Theresa sniffled as tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks, yet she managed to smile through them. Her endearingly goofy expression almost made Kiana feel like she was witnessing the unguarded side of Theresa from before her mental barriers were erected.
"About...about your origins, you both know now, right?"
"Mm-hmm." x 2
Kiana and Durandal nodded in sync, their expressions mirroring each other.
With Durandal cradled in her arms, Theresa gently stroked the soft, golden locks that felt different yet familiar against her memory. Tears flowing, she lamented,
"But just moments before the experiment, I realized how utterly I've failed to protect anyone dear to me throughout my life. What a complete failure I am!"
"Auntie, it's not like that!"
"No, it isn't true! You're an exceptional Valkyrie, always our role model!" Kiana and Durandal spoke simultaneously.
After hastily interjecting, Kiana composed herself, deciding not to disrupt this poignant reunion between two family members who had endured such hardships.
Durandal lifted her head from Theresa's embrace and gazed resolutely into her eyes.
With trembling hands, Theresa gently caressed Durandal's face. Her tear-filled eyes appeared hazy as she spoke haltingly,
"I'm sorry it took me so many years to find you..."
"I'm sorry, even though I saw you at Schicksal Headquarters, I didn't recognize you, didn't give you a proper hug, or have a meaningful conversation with you..."
"I'm sorry for leaving you alone all these years..."
"And I...I... Do you hate me?"
Theresa mustered immense courage to utter that last question, fully prepared for any response. She had no further expectations; knowing this child was alive and well was all that mattered now. Everything else seemed insignificant.