Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 58

As some time passed, Matsu found himself longing to return to Ironhaven. The city held a significant place in his heart, and with everything that had transpired recently, he felt a strong pull to go back. During a meeting with the other chancellors, Matsu decided to make his intentions clear.

"I'm going to Ironhaven," Matsu began, looking around the room at the chancellors gathered. "I want to perform a surprise 'undercover boss' check on Kagayaki Industries to ensure nothing bad is happening or that they're not slacking off while I'm away."

There was a brief pause as the chancellors exchanged glances, each one reading the room before one of them finally spoke. "That's fine," Agapē said with a hint of amusement in her voice, "but you need to find better excuses to go to Ironhaven. It's clear you've been wanting to go back for a while now."

Matsu chuckled, realizing that his true intentions were more transparent than he'd thought. "Maybe so, but this is something I have to do."

Then, almost offhandedly, Matsu added, "I'm taking my sisters with me on the day of The Soul Eclipse."

The reaction was immediate. The chancellors all turned to him, their expressions shifting from mild amusement to shock and concern. The room fell silent as they processed what he'd just said.

Chancellor Tiago leaned forward, his brow furrowed in confusion. "The Soul Eclipse? You're planning to go to Ironhaven on that day? What are you planning, Matsu? That's a sacred day meant to see and connect with dead loved ones. You're just going to waste it like that?"

The other chancellors nodded in agreement, their concern palpable.

Matsu met their gazes evenly, his tone firm but calm. "I'd rather do the ritual in a place I've done it before and feel comfortable. Ironhaven holds a special meaning for me, and it's where I want to honor those I've lost."

Chancellor Sargon spoke up. "We understand your connection to the place, Matsu, but it's still a surprise. Ironhaven isn't a place we'd expect you to perform such a sacred ritual. Are you sure it's what you want?"

Matsu nodded without hesitation. "I'm sure. My sisters and I have our reasons. The memories we have there... it's where we've faced our past and found strength in each other. I can't think of a better place to honor those memories."

The chancellors looked at each other, weighing his words carefully. Eventually, Chilli sighed and leaned back in her chair. "If it's what you truly want, Matsu, then we won't stop you. But just know that the Soul Eclipse is a time of reflection and connection. Make sure you're prepared for what it might bring."

Matsu gave them a grateful nod. "I will. Thank you for understanding."

With that, the tension in the room eased slightly, though the chancellors still exchanged wary glances. The decision was made, but the implications of it lingered in the air, unspoken but felt by everyone present. The Soul Eclipse was a powerful and emotional time, and Matsu's choice to spend it in Ironhaven with his sisters would undoubtedly be a significant experience for him.

That afternoon, Matsu returned home, his mind already focused on the journey ahead. The decision to return to Ironhaven had been made, and now it was time to prepare. He methodically packed his things, ensuring he had everything he needed for the trip. The Ironhaven estate was a place of calm and reflection for him, a sanctuary where he could reconnect with his past and find peace in the present.

After he finished packing, Matsu grabbed his keys and headed out to pick up his sisters. They had all agreed to return to Ironhaven together, a chance to be with Calie and Marie in a place that held so much meaning for them. The thought of the upcoming journey filled him with a mixture of anticipation and solemnity.