The Shards of War: Ascension and Secrets

Chapter 4

As Matsu settled into the second car, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach. The drive to the center of the city was filled with tense silence, and he found himself lost in his thoughts. The car eventually came to a stop in front of a grand, ancient building that served as the council chamber for the city's elders. Matsu stepped out of the car and was met by a group of stern-looking individuals, all of whom held significant power and influence in the city. One of the elders, a grizzled man with a long white beard, stepped forward and addressed Matsu. "Matsudo Kagayaki, we have summoned you here today to discuss an important matter. You are aware of the responsibilities that come with being the head of the Kagayaki family, are you not?" Matsu nodded, his voice steady but tinged with nervousness. "Yes, I am aware. I understand the weight of my responsibilities." Another elder, a woman with piercing eyes, spoke up. "Good. We have observed your actions closely, Matsudo Kagayaki. While you have been successful in maintaining the family's influence and wealth, there is one matter that requires immediate attention." Matsu took a deep breath, knowing that he had to address the issue head-on. "I assume you are referring to the arranged marriage between myself, Calie, and Marie."

The elders exchanged knowing glances before the woman continued. "Indeed. The elders have been patient, allowing you to focus on your duties and responsibilities. However, it is time to revisit this matter. The Kagayaki family's future depends on it." Matsu's heart sank. He knew that this moment would come eventually, and he had hoped to delay it as long as possible. "I understand, but I must be honest with you. Calie, Marie, and I have discussed this matter, and they are willing to continue with the arranged marriage. They believe it's for the best." The elders exchanged another set of glances, this time mixed with surprise and concern. The grizzled elder spoke up again, his voice stern. "Matsudo Kagayaki, you hold the power to dissolve this arrangement. The future of our family rests in your hands. We cannot afford to let personal feelings interfere with our responsibilities." Matsu nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand the gravity of this decision, and I will take it seriously. I will discuss it with Calie and Marie again, and we will come to a resolution that is in the best interests of the Kagayaki family." The elders seemed satisfied with his response, and the grizzled elder nodded. "Very well. We will await your decision. Remember, Matsu Kagayaki, the future of our family rests on your shoulders."

As Matsu prepared to leave the meeting with the elders, he couldn't help but feel that there was another pressing matter he needed to address. With a deep breath, he turned back to face the council of elders. "Before I go," he began, "there's something else I'd like to discuss with you, something of great importance not just to me, but to the entire city. It concerns the mission to find the Lost Sages of the Stars." The elders exchanged curious glances, and the grizzled elder nodded for Matsu to continue. "I suspect that the Desolans and the Arkladians may be involved in the disappearance of the Lost Sages," Matsu explained. "Their knowledge and abilities could be instrumental in our city's future prosperity, and their absence is felt more with each passing day." The stern woman from earlier frowned, clearly concerned about what Matsu was suggesting. "What do you propose, Matsu Kagayaki?" Matsu's expression grew determined. "I believe it's time to use more...unconventional methods to locate the Lost Sages. We've exhausted conventional means, and if we don't act swiftly, our city's future may be at risk." The elders deliberated among themselves for a moment, their expressions grave. Finally, the grizzled elder spoke up. "Matsu Kagayaki, you have always been resourceful and dedicated to the well-being of our city. If you believe that more aggressive tactics are necessary, we grant you permission to proceed, but with caution."

Matsu bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your understanding. I promise to use every resource at my disposal to find the Lost Sages and ensure our city's future remains bright." With the elders' permission secured, Matsu knew that he had a challenging road ahead. The fate of the Lost Sages of the Stars and the destiny of Eclipse City rested on his shoulders, and he was determined to see this mission through to its end, no matter the cost. As Matsu sat alone in the car on his way back to his family home, his emotions were in turmoil. The weight of the decision he had to make about the arranged marriage with Calie and Marie bore down on him, and he felt a crushing mix of anger, frustration, and sadness. Tears streamed down his face as he punched the seat in front of him in a fit of frustration. He knew that bringing up the arranged marriage could change everything. It had been a year since they had been apart, a year that had been agonizing for him. But the thought of potentially drifting apart from the two people he loved most in this world was unbearable. Matsu couldn't bear the idea of losing them or damaging their relationship. The internal struggle raged within him as the car continued its journey. The prospect of facing such a challenging decision weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew that he needed to find a way to navigate this situation without harming the bonds he held so dear.