The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 81

Matsu gestured towards a nearby bench, indicating for Illiyas to take a seat. "Come on, just for a moment," he urged, a hint of concern in his voice. "You've been working hard."

Illiyas hesitated, glancing towards Queen Olivia for confirmation. When she nodded in approval, he relented, allowing himself to sink onto the bench with a grateful sigh.

"Thanks," he muttered, his expression grateful as he stretched out his weary muscles.

Matsu offered him a small smile before turning his attention to Queen Olivia and Emmy. He watched with a mixture of amusement and concern as the queen gently redirected Emmy away from the firearms, her voice gentle yet firm as she explained the dangers.

"Emmy, sweetheart, those aren't toys," Queen Olivia chided gently, her tone tinged with concern. "They're very dangerous if not handled properly."

Emmy pouted slightly, but ultimately relented under her mother's watchful gaze. "Sorry, Mama," she mumbled, her expression contrite.

Queen Olivia smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on Emmy's shoulder. "It's okay, dear," she said soothingly. "Just remember to always listen to your elders, alright?"

Emmy nodded solemnly, her eyes wide with understanding as she glanced up at her mother. "Okay, Mama," she replied earnestly.

Matsu couldn't help but smile at the exchange, a fond warmth spreading through him at the sight of the queen's gentle guidance. Despite the challenges of their world, moments like these reminded him of the importance of family and love.

Then Illiyas asked what he wants to talk about, Matsu says he's sorry for sentencing him to a year of manual labor and six months of house arrest during the trial.

Matsu listened intently as Illiyas spoke, his expression somber as he absorbed the weight of his words. "Look, I know I made a mistake," he admitted quietly, his gaze dropping to his hands. "But that doesn't change the fact that I regret what happened to you. I wish I could take it back."

Illiyas sighed, shaking his head. "It's in the past now, Seven," he said, using Matsu's agent name out of habit. "No use dwelling on it."

Matsu nodded, acknowledging the truth in Illiyas's words. He then shifted the conversation to Sunny, Violet, and Axel, his curiosity piqued about their well-being after so long.

Illiyas's expression softened as he spoke of his former comrades. "They're doing alright," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "Sunny's been helping out on her family's ranch, trying to make amends for her past mistakes. Violet's been focusing on her art, trying to carve out a new path for herself. And Axel... well, he's still finding his way, but he's doing better than before."

Matsu nodded thoughtfully, glad to hear that they were all making progress in their own ways. "I'm glad to hear that," he said sincerely. "They deserve a second chance."

Illiyas nodded in agreement, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, they do," he agreed. "And I'm grateful that you gave them that opportunity."

Matsu returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Despite the challenges they faced, there was hope for redemption and forgiveness, a chance for a brighter future ahead.

Then Matsu shifted uneasily, searching for a way to break the tension as it got quiet.

"Do you... um, have a girlfriend?" he asked tentatively, hoping to steer the conversation in a lighter direction.

Illiyas's reaction was unexpected. With a sudden shove, he pushed Matsu away, his expression darkening with anger. "No," he snapped, his voice sharp with irritation.