The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 19

Exander, feeling the weight of the revelation, commented, "That's pretty sad. They're using you, Calie, and Marie as pawns to further Eclipsia's agenda."

Matsu chuckled and shook his head. "Sad? No, not really. If anything, it's the other way around. The elders are the pawns here."

Exander raised an eyebrow in confusion. "The elders? But they're the ones advising and setting up these engagements."

Matsu explained, "Yes, they advise, but they hold no real power. They're essentially the keepers of tradition, the ones who cling to the old ways. The true power lies with the heads of the seven major families, the leaders of the seven clans, and they listen to the elders merely out of respect for tradition. In reality, the elders have zero influence in the city. They're more like living archives than puppeteers."

Blaze smirked, adding, "So, in the grand scheme of things, Matsu's engagement might be seen as a rebellious move against Eclipsian traditions."

Matsu nodded. "Exactly. I'm challenging the established norms, trying to forge my own path. Love, politics, and traditions—it's a complex dance."

Exander, still processing the intricacies of Eclipsian society, said, "Well, it sounds like you're not just breaking away from traditions but also challenging the power dynamics within the city."

Matsu grinned, "You could say that. It's a constant juggling act, trying to balance personal desires with societal expectations. But hey, that's life in Eclipsia for you."

Exander, processing the information, asked, "If the elders have no real power, how did they set up your arranged marriage with Calie and Marie?"

Matsu scratched his cheek, deep in thought, and then his eyes lit up with realization. "Ah, right. It's because they were appointed as the guardians for me and my sisters after our parents passed away. As guardians, they had the authority to oversee our well-being and, in their eyes, ensure the continuation of the Yamatori line through arranged marriages."

Blaze and Exander nodded in understanding. Blaze commented, "So, in a way, they used their role as guardians to influence your personal life and maintain traditions."

Matsu nodded. "Exactly. It's a bit convoluted, but that's the way things work in Eclipsia. The elders may not hold political power, but their influence in personal matters, especially concerning the Yamatori family, is significant."

Exander, absorbing the complexity of Eclipsian traditions, said, "I see. It's a mix of tradition, authority, and family dynamics."

Matsu grinned. "Welcome to the intricate web of Eclipsian society. It's a delicate balance, and I'm navigating it the best I can."

Blaze added, "And challenging it along the way."

Matsu chuckled. "Exactly. It's about finding my own path amidst the complexities."

Calie  snuggled up to Matsu, expressing their happiness about the engagement. Calie grinned, "Now that we're engaged, we get to have Matsu all to ourselves."

Matsu chuckled, leaning in for a kiss. "True, I'm all yours." However, he quickly pulled away, teasing, "NOT, remember our agreement?"

Exander looked puzzled, while Blaze shook her head, admitting she had forgotten about the agreement. Curious, Exander asked, "What agreement?"

Marie sighed and whispered to Matsu, calling him a tease. She then explained to Exander, "We have an agreement. We're allowed to pursue other people romantically, and there are no hard feelings. It started when we first reunited after being broken up for a year, and we were repairing our relationship. Now, it's more about keeping things low-key, so people don't catch on that we're together."