The atmosphere maintained its tension after Sylana disappeared into the mist because it created a heavy atmosphere that resembled a physical barrier. Madam Valliere turned her body toward Flare while she maintained her intense gaze which showed her ongoing anger.
The mood of her face became dark as she used her voice to speak with dangerous intensity.
The inquiry
"Care to explain?"
which she made showed her complete disdain for the other person.
"You almost killed Lita with your reckless actions."
Flare maintained her composure while Madam Valliere spoke because she felt Madam Valliere's authority.
She understood that she needed to take responsibility for her actions because she had done something wrong. She chose her words with care after she waited for a brief moment before she showed her respect by lowering her head.
Flare began her speech with
"My lady"
and spoke clearly, but her words showed her feelings of regret.
. "I recognized the spell Sylana was using. It was puppet magic—a very high-tier spell. I've seen it before... on a friend."
Her voice faltered slightly because she remembered a painful memory but she continued.
"She was taken over by the same kind of manipulation, and by the time anyone realized, it was too late. The spell had consumed her. I couldn't allow that to happen to Lita."
Madam Valliere responded with an expression of suspicion when she listened to her explanation.
"So you decided to take matters into your own hands?"
She said coldly.
"You disobeyed your orders to protect her inside the mansion, and in doing so, nearly risked her life."
Flare kept her eyes fixed on him without breaking contact while she faced the serious charge against her.
"Yes, I acted on my own,"
She admitted,
"But I couldn't stand by and watch. Sylana's control was subtle—too subtle for anyone to notice right away. I knew that if I didn't stop her immediately, Lita would've been lost."
The room experienced a moment of silence, which Madam Valliere used to select her appropriate words. The anger in her eyes continued to burn, but her true feelings appeared as a softer emotion that lay hidden inside her.
Flare had the right answer according to her understanding. Sylana's magical powers posed a major threat because Flare's actions prevented the situation from escalating into a more serious emergency. Her admission about this matter would mean she acknowledged her wrong judgment about Sylana's actual threat level.
Madam Valliere exhaled a deep breath after she waited for an extended period.
"You were reckless,"
she said, her voice still hard but less biting.
"But... perhaps you had no choice."
Flare showed some relaxation while she maintained her protective stance. She realized that the present situation continued to place her at risk.
"I only want to protect Lita," Flare said quietly.
"I have sworn my loyalty to her."
Madam Valliere maintained her long stare at Lita before she turned her attention toward Lita.
"She is my daughter,"
She said, her voice softening just a fraction.
"Her safety is my most important obligation."
Flare confirmed.
"And I will do everything in my power to ensure it."
Madam Valliere needed another break before she exhaled her furious emotions.
"Very well,"
She said, turning to walk away.
"But mark my words, Flare: if you ever act without my permission again, your loyalty will be the last thing you lose."
Flare and Lita remained in complete silence after she exited the room.
Lita, still reeling from the intensity of the recent events, couldn't help but wonder why Flare had taken such drastic action. The curiosity gnawed at her, and she finally asked
"Flare... why did you do that? Why risk everything for me?"