章節 21: Empire of Asherah

Andromeda awoke to the gentle embrace of morning's first light, the soft hues of dawn painting her spacious room in a tranquil glow. She blinked away the remnants of a dream she couldn't quite recall, a preference born from the knowledge that some dreams had the power to leave her restless and disquieted. In this new life, she had little room for restlessness. Her path was one of determination, vengeance, and ultimate ascension.

With an elegant stretch, Andromeda gracefully rose from her grand bed. The room around her spoke of opulence and refinement, creamy walls adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to come alive in the early morning light. Her bed, framed against the wall, bore its own intricate designs, a testament to the craftsmanship that adorned the Bethel estate. A lovely cupboard held a treasure trove of toys from her childhood, a testament to a time of innocence she had left far behind. A delicate desk and two plush chairs were nestled by the large window, offering a perfect view of the blossoming gardens below. On the opposite side stood a dressing table, adorned with trinkets and perfumes fit for a noblewoman. A separate room held her extensive collection of dresses, each more exquisite than the last, while an adjacent spacious bathroom awaited her daily rituals.

After completing her morning routine, Andromeda made her way to the study area, where Head Butler Dinsmoore awaited her. He was a tall, slim man with a clean-shaven visage, glasses perched atop his nose, silver hair, and keen brown eyes. Dinsmoore was a figure of impeccable refinement, always silent but never unnoticed. He had been tasked with teaching her the ways of etiquette, history, elemental mastery, and mathematics until a new tutor was arranged or the issue with Lady Sylvette was resolved.

"Good morning, Master Dinsmoore," Andromeda greeted with a polite nod as she entered the study area, her mind already working fast. She was elegant and had used the perfect mannerism as she had entered the study. Dinsmoore didn't say it but he was observing her impeccable etiquettes. While Andromeda had been a mature and refined child before, her manners now were way more refined, he couldn't find any mistake. It was astounding.

"Good morning, Princess," Dinsmoore replied, his voice carrying the faint traces of admiration for the eager student before him. His real purpose here wasn't just to teache Andromeda but also test her level of understanding of the subjects. She had been studying under Lady Sylvette for past six months and the duchess wished to know how her daughter was doing academically and with the incident with Sylvette, now she was also wondering if she had been the right choice. "Shall we begin with our history lesson today? What do you know about the history of Empire of Asherah?"

Andromeda settled into her chair, her eyes alight with intellectual glint. She didn't seem nervous but calm and composed. "Of course, Master Dinsmoore. "

Andromeda began recounting the history of the Empire of Asherah with a sense of authority that belied her age. Her words flowed like a carefully woven tapestry of knowledge, each thread revealing the grand narrative of their lineage.

"In the year 1569," she started, "the Flame Deity, in her benevolence, bestowed upon our world a divine gift. She gave a portion of herself, which took form as the first Paladin of the Flame Deity, Lonan. His purpose was to purge the land of the necrosis plague, a dark scourge that threatened to consume all."

Dinsmoore listened intently, his gaze unwavering, as Andromeda continued.

Andromeda's voice held the gravitas of centuries past as she unraveled the tale of Lonan's love and sacrifice. "Lonan was a veritable force of nature, unwavering in his dedication to his divine duty. In the course of his mission, he found love in the most unexpected of places: the heart of a human princess from the small country of Whitewell. Alas, the annals of history have been unkind to her name, leaving it lost to the ravages of time. Yet, in a profound gesture of love and union, Lonan chose to take her name, becoming known as Lonan Bethel."

Andromeda's words painted a vivid picture of the challenges this love brought forth. "But love, even for one as noble as Lonan, carries its own burdens. The mortal princess, burdened by the power of bearing a child of flames, bestowed upon this world two heirs: Peitho Lonan Bethel and Kaled Ruelle Bethel. One embraced their father's name as a middle name, while the other carried the mantle of their mother's lineage. However, the joy of birth was tempered by the sorrow of loss, for the princess's life was tragically claimed during childbirth."

With a sense of inevitability, Andromeda continued, her words resonating with profound truths. "The strife that had long raged among the elemental forces beyond the family's domain extended its reach within their hallowed halls. Peitho and Kaled, both born with the pyrospiria, inherited their father's unique gifts. Lonan, ever aware of his children's fate, foresaw the impending turmoil."

Her eyes reflected a somber understanding as she delved further into the narrative. "For coming years , this inner conflict persisted, mirroring the strife among the elemental forces. Every country wished for more power and they wanted more children with the blessings. The saints of other deities found themselves ensnared in this unfortunate struggle, as neighboring nations sought to seize greater power. This insatiable greed plunged the continent into turmoil and sparked a devastating war that threatened to engulf the world."

Pausing briefly, Andromeda let out a soft sigh before drawing the threads of history together. "It was not until a 300-day period of divine seclusion, during which the deities finally heeded the pleas of their saints and the children bearing their blessings, that they expanded their grace to more individuals. This act averted the imminent collapse of their own existence and the world itself. In the process, the kingdom of Whitewell was absorbed into other nations venerating the Flame Deity, and even neighboring lands with differing faiths, uniting to form the grand Empire of Asherah in the year 1600."

Dinsmoore, his eyes reflecting a newfound appreciation for Andromeda's wisdom, nodded solemnly. He began to contribute to their intellectual exchange, weaving tales of bygone conflicts, alliances both enduring and fleeting, and the indelible legacies of past leaders that continued to shape the present. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, a symphony of intellect and curiosity.

As they delved into discussions about the ensuing years, the emergence of other noble houses, and the harrowing conflicts that marked the continent's history, their exchange evolved into an intellectual dance. The arrival of tea and refreshments was but a backdrop to the vibrant discourse. Conversing with Andromeda transcended the bounds of age; it was akin to conversing with a scholar well-versed in the annals of history and the nuances of human nature. Her deep knowledge, coupled with her logical reasoning and insightful perspectives, painted a portrait of a young noble with a profound intellect.

As the hours slipped away in the midst of their engaging conversation, Dinsmoore noticed that the sands of time had not been idle. Four hours had passed, and during that time, his demeanor had undergone a subtle transformation. What had begun as a simple tutoring session had evolved into a deep and intellectually stimulating discourse with the young noble under his care. He was genuinely impressed by the depth of Andromeda's knowledge and the thoughtful insights she offered on a myriad of topics.

With a sense of satisfaction, he finally spoke, "My lady, I must say that I am greatly pleased to have had this conversation with you. Your grasp of history and your ability to dissect complex matters are truly remarkable."

Andromeda acknowledged his words with a gracious nod, her eyes gleaming with a spark of curiosity and intellect. "Thank you, Dinsmoore. I have always found history and the workings of the world to be fascinating subjects."

Dinsmoore's lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed, they are. Tomorrow, we shall delve into a discussion of the Pyro Religion, a topic of equal importance in our realm. Until then, Lady Andromeda, I bid you a good day."

With their exchange concluded, Dinsmoore took his leave, leaving Andromeda to her thoughts and her next destination: the training hall.

Andromeda's profound knowledge of history and her insatiable curiosity stemmed from her multifaceted upbringing. She had not been merely a barbarian commander, as some might have assumed, focused solely on the art of warfare. Instead, she had spent a considerable portion of her life as a duchess and a potential queen candidate, where matters of diplomacy, culture, and history were integral to her role.

For Andromeda, knowledge was a bridge to understanding the world around her, a tool she wielded to uncover hidden secrets and lost relics. It was through this thirst for knowledge that she had unearthed the ruins of a forgotten sanctuary and ventured into the mysterious land of plagues, uncovering cryptic hints of an ancient dark deity in the process. Her intellect and inquisitiveness had always been her allies in both the world of nobility and the world of warriors.