The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 48

The Next day, Matsu was invited by President Stratton to put in his two cents on the new laws they're proposing for Cascadia. Matsu's presence in the political meeting raised a few eyebrows among the politicians gathered to discuss laws in Cascadia. With his feet casually propped up on the table and a captain's hat obscuring his face, he certainly didn't fit the traditional image of a politician. Madame President Stratton, however, acknowledged him with a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the debt owed to him for the tragedy that had befallen his parents half a decade ago.

As the discussions unfolded, the proposal to limit movement across borders caught Matsu's attention. With a nonchalant attitude, he declared, "Overruled, you can't do that." The politicians exchanged puzzled glances, some audibly questioning why a kid was even present in such a formal setting.

Madame President Stratton, understanding the curiosity, intervened with a solemn reminder, "Gentlemen, we owe Mr. Kagayaki a debt. His parents were attacked and killed on our soil when he was just a child. The fallout from that incident did not cast us in a favorable light. We must consider his perspective."

Matsu, still lounging in his chair, responded with a casual wave of his hand. "Yeah, yeah, it's all about public image, isn't it? I just don't want to deal with border restrictions when I decide to go on a spontaneous taco run to the next country over."

Some politicians remained skeptical, but the acknowledgment of Matsu's role in their troubled past silenced further objections. Madame President Stratton, maintaining a diplomatic composure, continued the meeting, aware that sometimes unconventional figures like Matsu could wield unexpected influence, especially when it came to matters close to their hearts.

Then Matsu's tone shifted from nonchalant to more serious as he continued, "But in all seriousness, you can't restrict movement between borders. Every month, for 20 days straight, I have to return to Eclipsia to meet with other chancellors and discuss matters in our country. I always come back here at night since the talks can get pretty lengthy. But hey, I live here, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to jeopardize my defense contract, would you?"

The politicians, now more attentive to Matsu's words, exchanged glances. Madame President Stratton, recognizing the weight of his words, added, "Mr. Kagayaki has played a crucial role in our international relations. His presence here is an asset to our nation. We need to consider the practical implications of any laws we propose."

Matsu, leaning forward now, dropped the laid-back façade and emphasized, "I'm not just a CEO or a Tactical Takedown champion. I'm also a Chancellor of Eclipsia, and I have my own responsibilities. You can't impede my ability to fulfill them. It's in your best interest to keep the borders open how they are."

Some politicians nodded in agreement, realizing that Matsu's influence extended beyond just his economic contributions. Madame President Stratton, ever the diplomat, seized the opportunity to steer the conversation toward finding a compromise that would satisfy both the need for security and the practical realities of Matsu's unique situation.

As the meeting continued, Matsu's unexpected presence proved to be an influential factor, highlighting the interconnectedness of his various roles and the intricate web of relationships that governed both his personal and political life.

Later, as the meeting drew to a close, Matsu gracefully stood up, signaling the end of the discussion. However, not everyone was content to let the matter rest peacefully. One bold politician decided to take a jab at Matsu, labeling him a coward for not publicly disclosing his engagement to Calie and Marie.

Unfazed, Matsu shot back with a calm demeanor, "I prefer to protect their careers, just as you would likely want to protect yours. Not everyone needs to know about personal matters, especially when it comes to the public eye."