Matsu, Calie, and Marie followed the family heads into a quieter room, concerned about the serious expressions etched on their faces. Tiago Izata, Agapē Mazzen, Sargon Valako, Chilli Tamika, Sidric Sykros, and Bonnie Moklull wore looks that conveyed a mixture of disappointment and disapproval.
Tiago, the eldest among them, spoke with a solemn tone, "Matsu, what you did out there was not appropriate. It's not about expressing emotions but about maintaining composure. You've embarrassed your entire clan in front of guests and the younger ones."
Calie's expression shifted from concern to one of disbelief, "Embarrassed? Are you serious? Matsu was sharing a heartfelt moment about Peony with the clones. How can that be embarrassing?"
Marie, typically quiet but equally impassioned, added, "It was a beautiful moment of connection and love. The clones wanted to know about their sister, and Matsu was sharing memories with them. How could that possibly bring shame to our clan?" Matsu was happy that they considered themselves a part of his clan, while the other family heads were shocked that they had claimed to be a part of the Yamatori clan, even though they are Matsu's fiancées and have Yamatori ancestors.
Agapē Mazzen attempted to rationalize, "We understand the sentiment, but emotions should be kept private. Displaying such vulnerability in front of others, especially guests and children, isn't the way."
Chilli, renowned for her calm demeanor, intervened, "I believe this was a deeply personal moment. And for the children, it might have shown them that it's okay to express feelings." Sargon, known for his practical approach, nodded in agreement. "There's a time and place for everything. Matsu, it's commendable that you shared these stories, but this setting might not have been the most appropriate."
Matsu's brows furrowed in a mixture of frustration and indignation. "So, you're saying that being honest and vulnerable about our family history, about Peony, was wrong? I will never apologize for sharing the love and memories we have for her."
Calie's eyes blazed with fervor. "The connection we have with our family, past and present, is not something to be hidden or denied. These stories are a part of us, and sharing them is important for our younger generations."
Marie's usually calm and chill demeanor was replaced with a quiet determination. "Matsu wasn't wrong. His emotions were genuine, and the children understood. They showed him kindness and empathy. Isn't that the values we want to instill in the next generation?"
Calie and Marie's hearts were racing, standing up for Matsu, but they were very afraid of what would happen since they had no power like Matsu. They knew that they had no right to say what they did, but Matsu shouldn't feel any shame for being himself.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as each side held their ground, their principles and perspectives in stark contrast. The family heads, rooted in tradition and etiquette, clashed with Matsu, Calie, and Marie, who valued emotional connection and preserving the family's stories.
In the end, the conversation reached an impasse. It became evident that while traditions and appearances mattered to the family heads, Matsu, Calie, and Marie believed that fostering understanding, empathy, and preserving their family's heritage and emotional connections were equally crucial. The clash of values left an unspoken tension in the air, lingering as a silent disagreement among them.
After a prolonged silence, Chilli Tamika, who had been relatively quiet throughout the conversation, decided to speak. "I think we need to consider that Matsu is the youngest among us, and he's dealing with something incredibly sensitive. Sharing his emotions with the clones was a way to connect with them and to honor Peony's memory. It's a lot to expect a 15-year-old to handle everything perfectly."
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The Shards of War: Ascension and Secrets
Action"Ascension and Secrets" is the sequel to "Covert Saviors". Matsu will have to navigate life as the CEO of Kagayaki Industries, the Leader of the Yamatori Clan in Eclispe City, and as the current 15th best player in Ironhaven. He will see that the tr...