Madeleine listened silently, it wasn't often Delia opened up, let alone talked about her mom.
"Even while she's not here, I want to do my best to do right by her. She may be somewhere far off, or she may be dead. But, what I know is what's in front of me. My will is to get stronger so I don't lose anyone else that important to me," Delia took a deep breath before continuing.
"I admire your strength big sister. What you've gone through since your youth. Being treated like a valuable chess piece instead of a human being. Then being tossed aside the moment you were no longer useful. Finding peace after years of struggle, then finally settling into a little bit of happiness, just to have the people you trusted the most take it away from you…
"And yet you sit here, smiling. Yes, it's a smile from pain, but it's a smile nonetheless. You do this, while I can't even get over a woman I call mother that probably left on her own."
Madeleine looked over to Delia, shocked.
Delia smiled bitterly, "I know you all tried to hide it from me. But, if you think about it, the answer is obvious. She isn't dead. She was taken and forced to marry into the Clyte God Clan. Father wasn't strong enough to protect her after his power was sealed…"
Delia's voice was faint. But, then, she continued firmly, "But, I will be. No matter how hard I have to work. I'll build up my power, find allies, and bring my family back together."
Madeleine watched Delia mature before her eyes with a smile on her face, "It seems we doted you a bit too much," Madeleine nodded firmly, "After I'm cured, I'll grow stronger with you little sister. I'll stand against a God Clan with you, even if we have to fight them alone."
The two girls hugged each other, finding comfort in each other's weakness and strength.
**
After the two girls collected their emotions, Delia stood ready to begin practicing again. Madeleine grabbed her lyre, prepared to support her little sister.
Delia sword swung in an arc, "You know, the central pillar world is opening tomorrow. The quota is actually much larger this year. There seem to be a lot of new Storm family members."
"Storm family?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure if they're from the Storm family. But, they're all blond and blue eyed, so I kind of just made the assumption."
"Really? That's odd. Although, I did hear once from my father that the Storm family is actually a large clan branch that decided to break from the main branch for some reason or another."
"I heard my father say much the same thing after I was wondering why we allowed them to join the pillar family alliance. He made it seem like he didn't really have much of a choice but to accept…"
"Hmm…"
"Also, while you were dealing with your illness flaring up," Delia said tactfully, "They moved up the date of the Big Sect tournament. It seems they found a way to power up the dimension opening treasure much faster. They're planning on using your wedding as an opening ceremony for the tournament."
"Oh? You'd think the bride would get to choose things like this," Madeleine said bitterly.
Delia giggled, "Since Akihiko is so much weaker than you, you could have that harem you always wanted. Then you can have as many more weddings as you want to get it right."
Madeleine laughed genuinely for the first time in what seemed like forever, "Don't joke around so much. Why would I waste a wedding on a concubine," Madeleine said mischievously.
"Hahaha, Akihiko should feel honored, being the first husband. But, those seniors from the Big Sects are going to be very angry when they get here. I'll be surprised if he isn't beaten half to death during the tournament."
"Isn't Akihiko already part of the Big Sects? I believe it was one under the jurisdiction of a higher tier Kami branch family, why would he be in the tournament?"
"Yea, but the world opening is quite different this year. Because the world they're opening is so much more powerful than the others, the treasure can only support a limited amount of people entering at one time even with the new power supply they've found. So, instead of all the Big Sect disciples entering, they have to actually limit it this time."
"Oh? Seems like none of our students will get a chance to go this time…"
"Yea… to think they groomed us first year pillar family members for this, just to be disappointed in the end."
"Don't look down on yourself so much. Your will of the sword has already reached the 3rd level. Don't think I forgot that you only picked up the sword at the beginning of the school year. Just 2 months and you're already this great."
"How could I compare to Dyon? He reached the 9th level of the will of music, and we're the same age."
Madeleine sighed, "Dyon has been playing music for more than a decade, it was easy for him to transition his understanding into a will. If he picked up the sword, he might be even slower than you in comprehending it."
"Oh? So, it's like this," Delia said as she continued to swing her sword. She was secretly relieved. Dyon's speed of progress could really hurt someone's pride.
"So, little sister Delia, you and Meiying will be my maids of honor, right?"
Delia smiled, "Of course. Whatever I can do to make this easier for you."
Madeleine smiled as she continued to play a sweet tone. The sound of the melody and a sharp sword filled the afternoon sky.
**
On Kami peak a dark mansion stood stoically. It was eerily reminiscent of a gothic church, with large and narrow windows. However, the atmosphere was ruined by the booming voice of an expert.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST THE PROFOUND STONES IN A BET!" Elder Kami was enraged.
The General stood before him, trying his best not to pass out.