Andromeda acted innocent, but she carefully hid her words with skill, hiding intentions more complex than they sounded. Her words were smooth and calm filled with purity of a child, but they had a deeper meaning that hinted at something more special than usual. This hinted at "Ilmestys," a special phenomenon in which the power inside the young children would get out of control. Since the power of fire had an effect of stimulating you and giving you a surge of power, it manifested in a twisted form in some people. It could, in a way, makes the person more violent. In severe cases where the magical reserve of the bearer of power was much bigger than their body could handle, it manifested in the form of outburst or the state of berserk. This was the main point of her trick. Her words weren't random; they hinted that there were powerful things happening beyond human control. That it wasn't her at fault. Her voice sounded nice, like a tempting song. It was the voice of an innocent child who didn't want to hurt even a tiny ant.
Duchess Anastasia was really good at picking up on small things but how she think otherwise when she saw her beloved daughter say those things. In her eyes, Andromeda had no reason to lie. She wasn't aware of any arguments between the siblings and also knew of how much Andromeda adored her little sister. So she listened to Andromeda's story with a calm and cold expression, but inside, there were a lot of feelings. She looked a bit surprised and worried, but if you looked closely, there was also a tiny bit of relief. She understood what Andromeda was saying. The story wasn't just a simple one anymore; it was a mix of things that had gone wrong—how Delphine was there at the wrong time and how Andromeda had more potential of becoming a greater fire elementalist but she couldn't always control that surging power. The Duchess understood it all, like she was putting puzzle pieces together, even if it all felt kind of chilly and void of motherly warmth since she was not her mother right now but the mistress of estate.
Finally, she broke the silence with her voice. Her sharp siren gray eyes looked at Andromeda finally showing hint of warmth, her tone was strong, but it had a more gentle touch to it. "My dear," she said, her words clear but also gentler now, "what you're telling me sounds a lot like something called 'Ilmestys.' It's a thing that happens to children with a bigger pyrospiria core. Sometimes their feelings get so strong they can't control them, and enter a temporary state of madness." Her eyes were still fixed on Andromeda as if searching for something.
Andromeda could clearly see it in the eyes of her mother. Her mother was still trying to gauge her reaction. And so, how could she let her down?
Andromeda's eyes got a bit wider as she realized what her mother meant. A perfect act to present her utter obliviousness to the phenomenon, "Ilmestys? Are you trying to say that maybe what I did was because of this Ilmestys thing? Its…scary." The trembling in her fingers grew obvious and she looked down as if afraid of such an unknown thing. The aspect of going mad had clearly made her flinch.
Duchess Anastasia seemed to have finally relaxed as the sharpness in her gaze dimished a little, though her posture remained proper and firm. "It's just a guess, Andromeda. A guess that could mean a lot. If what you went through was an Ilmestys, then maybe it wasn't all your fault. Delphine being there might have just been unlucky."
Andromeda's thoughts raced, and for a moment, she felt like her heart was really cold. 'Unlucky? Indeed. If she hadn't been the first thing I saw after regaining my consciousness, then I might have been able to deal a killing blow.' But she couldn't let her anger out, she needed to keep up with this façade. "So, I'm not completely to blame," she whispered, her words carrying a mix of relief and worry, like she wasn't sure how to feel. As if she was trying to get over the shock of what had happened earlier. Should she be happy that it wasn't her fault or be sad that her outburst had caused such a grief to her sweet little sister?
The duchess's voice was still strong and firm, just like before. "You're still responsible for your actions, no doubt. But sometimes things are more complicated than they seem. We need to understand this really well, so it doesn't happen again. I will be taking necessary steps to avoid a repeat of today's events. But for the time being, you are not allowed to leave your wing. You will be confined there until I have addressed this with you father and found a solution."
Andromeda looked at her mother, her eyes showing that she got it and was grateful for the light rebuking. She sounded truly remorseful of her actions, "Knowing that there might be a reason, even if it doesn't excuse what I did, makes me feel a bit better. But--- I am worried about Delphine."
Duchess Anastasia's lips curved a little, a small smile that meant that she had finally been forgiven and will not be punished. "Figuring ourselves out can be tough, but it helps us grow. What matters now is how we handle what comes next. As for Delphine, I will have a talk with her once she is feeling better. She is a smart child so she will understand." Duchess could understand that for her daughter, perhaps being hated by her beloved little sister would be a heavy burden. And she didn't wish for her children to have a distant relationship.
Duchess Anastasia leaned forward slightly, her expression had shifted from cold to gentle, even
though her naturally sharp eyes were still gazing at her. Andromeda could feel the love that she couldn't see in her childhood, "I will be arranging for a skilled instructor to assist you with controlling your pyrospiria. Someone who can aid you in understanding and mastering the flow of nature's energy." Her tone blended warmth with authority, seeking to provide her daughter with both comfort and a sense of direction amidst the uncertainties that lay ahead. She wished to make sure that Andromeda wouldn't face troubles because of Ilmestys. It could endanger her position as the eldest daughter since the rumors could spread and tarnish her reputation.
Andromeda's eyes brightened, a mixture of gratitude and relief shining in her gaze. As if her mother's words had pulled him out of the state of uncertainty and sadness. "Thank you, Mother. Your guidance means more to me than words can convey." Her politeness made Duchess's mood lighter. As always, Andromeda was really proper. A brilliant child. And now, if it was confirmed that she had a bigger core, that would mean that she is a genius.
The Duchess nodded, her gaze unwavering and maternal. "Furthermore, we will be visiting the Temple of the Fire Deity as well. I am sure that we will be able to find guidance there."
Andromeda looked at the duchess with eyes of understanding but the thought of going to the temple made her heart beat strangely. Those feelings of hate and anger surged again. "The temple-" Andromeda remembered her last visit at the temple but this wasn't the right time to get angry. She swallowed the ball of hatred down and nodded, "I will be ready whenever you say, mother."
"You must be surprised since the temple is usually off limits but this is a tradition for those with exceptional potential. It will help us fathom the depth of your gifts and ensure your ability to wield them safely," the Duchess explained, her voice a soothing balm for her daughter's apprehensions. Unlike Delphine, Andromeda always understood things quickly and that had always been a quality Duchess Anastasia adored about her.
As their conversation drew to a close, Duchess Anastasia's demeanor softened even more. "For now, Andromeda, you may return to your quarters. Ponder our conversation and what lies ahead. We shall continue this conversation soon."
Andromed gracefully lowered her head, her appreciation evident in the way she held herself. "Thank you, Mother, for your understanding and unwavering support."
The Duchess's reply was gentle, her voice tinged with both love and responsibility. "Always, my dear. Before I am a duchess, I am your mother. There is no way I will ever let you face anything alone. Come closer."
She told Andromeda and Andromeda felt surreal as she walked closer and her mother who rose from her seat gracefully and met her half way, lowering and getting on her knees as she gently held Andromeda, hiding her daughter into her bosom. Her gentle hands pressed on Andromeda's back, "It must have been scary. But you are never alone."
Andromeda took a sharp breath and closed her eyes, holding on to her mother as a sole tear left her eyes.