"Of course not! It was never your fault, Lady Theresa... We can only blame fate; we were both powerless against it." Durandal quickly responded, fearing she might hurt the heart of this unfamiliar elder. However, precisely because they were strangers, and without having recovered her past memories, Durandal still couldn't comfortably use the expected term—Auntie.
"You're such a good child..." Smiling warmly, Theresa wiped away her tears and gently caressed Durandal's smooth face. Finally regaining some composure, she spoke softly with a hoarse voice:
"In truth, you could have simply blamed it all on your grandfather, as that is indeed the case."
"I... Despite everything, His Excellency has always cared for and nurtured me, and his contributions cannot be overlooked. Honestly, my feelings towards him are quite complex now." Durandal's eyes dimmed, and internally, she sighed helplessly.
As Schicksal's most powerful Valkyrie, even her life and initial name after rebirth were given to her by Otto. To Durandal, compared to her newfound true relatives, Otto seemed more like a stern yet caring elder figure.
Theresa dried her tears and let out a long sigh:
"Regarding Grandfather... whenever I try to love him, I'm reminded of the sins he bears. Yet when I want to hate him, I can't help but remember the kindness he showed me. He was just that kind of person. I understand how you feel."
"Yes, Lord Archbishop has always been a complex individual. I could never truly discern his thoughts," Theresa acknowledged with a nod.
"Alright, let's not dwell on this topic anymore. How have you been these past years?" Theresa asked apologetically, her eyes filled with deep warmth, expressing her belated concern that had been suppressed for over a decade.
Under her gaze, Durandal felt slightly flustered yet genuinely sensed the care directed towards her. Though unaccustomed to it, she couldn't help but feel—it was quite comforting.
After adjusting herself briefly, Durandal earnestly replied, "I've been doing very well. I encountered the best mentor who guided me along the right path, and I have the best friend who has constantly supported and cared for me throughout my upbringing. Every day, I eat healthily, maintain good sleep habits, diligently train myself, and avoid any harmful behaviors. My life has been wonderful, consistently so!"
Ragna had shown her the way of justice, and although Rita could be eccentric at times, she remained by Durandal's side throughout her growth. Her diet and sleep routine were disciplined, and she always gave her all during training. For Durandal, aside from the lost memories, her life had few sorrows; instead, it brought her great satisfaction.
"I see..." Theresa gazed intently at Durandal's delicate yet spirited features and smiled reassuringly. "I missed so much, but seeing you grow into such an exceptional person truly makes me...so happy."
"Yes, I understand." Durandal nodded earnestly, looking at Theresa. Gradually, she began embracing this unfamiliar yet captivating warmth, her smile deepening with genuine joy.
Theresa once again cradled Durandal's head against her chest, speaking with incomparable tenderness, filled with unspoken happiness and love: "Even though you don't remember, Cecilia, let me tell you—Siegfried, that unreliable fool, and I, we both loved you dearly. When you were about to be born, it took us considerable time and effort to find the name 'Kiana,' which symbolizes beauty, gentleness, fortune, and preciousness. We bestowed this name upon you, embodying all our love and blessings..."
Everyone knew what happened next; their love and blessings ended tragically, unacceptable to all involved. Chaos and despair consumed everything until today, when these estranged family members finally embraced each other anew, expressing long-lost familial affection.
Theresa's abrupt silence conveyed her sorrow to Durandal as well. She wrapped her arms around Theresa's waist and nestled closer, saying,
"Don't be sad; we've reunited today. I can't promise that I'll remember everything, but I swear I will treat you both like family from now on. We'll spend lots of time together."
"Yes, you're right—it's a happy occasion, not one for sadness." With her long-lost treasure finally returned, Theresa hugged Durandal tightly, smiling radiantly.
On the sidelines, Kiana felt somewhat awkward, fidgeting with her fingers. The name Theresa spoke with such significance was currently being used by her. It made Kiana feel as if she had stolen something precious from Durandal, filled with guilt and unease.
Theresa released her embrace and warmly beckoned Kiana over with a smile.
"Kiana, come here too."
"Oh, okay."
Kiana approached the bed and crouched down next to Durandal, positioning herself at the same height so they could all look up at Theresa together.
Two with silver hair and one with golden locks, yet all three shared eyes as clear and blue as the sky—a testament to their familial bond.
Theresa took both girls' hands and placed them together. With gentle smiles on their faces, she said softly:
"I know you two are good kids who have likely reconciled privately already. Our relationship and experiences may be unique, but we've ultimately come together. As your somewhat inadequate aunt, I hope you can treat each other like true sisters, supporting one another through life's challenges ahead. Are you willing to consider yourselves sisters?"
"Of course!!!" Kiana enthusiastically exclaimed.
"Yes, it is my great honor to be Kiana's big sister," Durandal responded gracefully.
The sisters, one full of energy and the other poised, answered simultaneously.
As they exchanged glances, Durandal maintained her reserved smile, while Kiana grinned widely, showing no hint of lingering tension between them.
This heartwarming scene brought tears to Theresa's eyes once more, finally easing the last heavy burden from her heart.
The trio chatted for hours until Theresa began showing signs of fatigue. With smiles on their faces, Kiana and Durandal took their leave.
Theresa watched them depart with a smile, which gradually faded long after they had left the room.
Meanwhile, deep within her consciousness domain, Blue-eyed Theresa, carrying Judah, faced off against Gold-eyed Theresa, seated atop golden chains.
"Ooh-ooh-oooh, barely escaping that peril by relying on external aid. Now you're here to flex your newfound might before me, coward?"
"I'm not here to argue."
"Then what do you want?"
Herrscher Theresa lazily yawned, still awaiting Theresa's response when Judah suddenly shot toward her, causing her pupils to contract sharply.
"Boom!"
With immense force, Judah was restrained just inches from Herrscher Theresa by several sturdy golden chains. She then leaped off her chain swing, wearing a menacing grin, and declared:
"Well done! Getting straight to action saves me quite some time. Hand over my body now!"
"This body is mine, and I demand those abilities too! After finally obtaining the cherished treasure I've always dreamed of, I won't let anyone disrupt anything around me—no matter if it's even another aspect of myself!"
"Ha ha ha! How shameless!"
"Hand over all your abilities and obediently retreat to the darkest corner of my mind! Or I'll convince you with my fists!" Theresa clenched her fist, bent her knees, and leaped towards Herrscher Theresa.
The Herrscher Aspect represented an unpredictable force. Theresa couldn't fathom what she was thinking or what actions she might take. To safeguard everything she had fought so hard for from further complications, Theresa resolved to tightly seal this persona deep within her psyche, leaving no chance for rebellion. This determination stemmed not only from her role as an elder but also from fulfilling her promise to Cecilia.
In response, Herrscher Theresa met her with equal defiance, showing no signs of yielding.
Theresa aimed to protect all that she had gained thus far, while Herrscher Theresa believed it fell far short. There were enemies yet to be eliminated, numerous areas ripe for improvement—how could they compromise now?
And so, the battle for control, abruptly halted before the God of Honkai, reignited once more.