The Burden of Destiny | Sequel to The Aura Within

21 | Moving Forward

"Is it wise to go forth with the ball for Day of Unification? I believe we should reconsider it what with recent events and all."

"That is precisely why we should move forward with the ball. People have begun spreading rumors about another war blooming soon."

"Is that so? You know, all of this could have been avoided if you had been more careful."

"We are not here to point out our faults with how the Obsidian Knights are being handled. Right now, the safety and wellbeing of our citizens are our top priority. By going forward with the ball, we will be able to take things back into our control. Besides, I am more than certain that there would have been a huge protest if we were to cancel such a historic event all of the sudden."

"Because pleasing the mass is the right thing to do, correct?"

Elliot ran a hand through his platinum locks of hair in a frustrated manner. General Hayes's scowl deepened as he sharply glared at the duke. This debate had been going on for over an hour, but it felt as though it had gone on for eternity. With the annual ball for Day of Unification coming up in less than a month, the topic had been brought up to the attention of the royal council. The answer should have been obvious, but of course, not everyone thought the same way.

Nicholas was growing tired of Elliot and General Hayes always butting heads. He was glad that the royal council consisted of only five members. With these kinds of debates, or arguments when it came to Elliot and General Hayes, there would always be one vote that decided what course of action would be taken. Whatever was decided, the other person tended to grow bitter; there were always hard feelings by the end of it. In fact, Nicholas was impressed both men managed to tolerate being in the same room considering how much they despised each other.

"Gentlemen, we have heard both sides of this argument, but do note that Her Highness will have the final vote," Nicholas reminded them. "If there are any more arguments about your stance, say them now before we all take a vote."

Both Elliot and General Hayes glanced at each other. The general motioned for the duke to go first, mostly because he was confident that he had the upper hand in this matter instead of Elliot. The duke nodded at General Hayes before standing up, his posture straight and his head held high.

"Your Highness," he addressed the queen with his professional voice. "This ball is much more than just a party. It is a reminder of the day you stepped up to rule this region after King Lawrence's unfortunate death. It is a celebration of the bond you and your subjects built since then. What would they think if this special event were to be canceled? All I ask is that you please consider what Day of Unification truly means."

After giving his closing statement, Elliot sat back down. Queen Rin's hands that rested on her lap balled up into fists at the mention of her coronation. It brought back terrible memories of her broken relationship with her husband's subjects and the citizens of the region he loved so much. They had resented her, but she still held her head high to serve them as best as she could. Even back then, she understood that she could never live up to her deceased husband's legacy. If Elliot hadn't stepped back then, she had this sinking feeling that she would have driven away from the throne altogether.

General Hayes stood up and cleared his throat, snapping the queen out of her thoughts. All eyes were now on him and his argument regarding the future of the event.

"We were blindsided by the attack on Heiwa Town and the Acacia Valley skirmish, which was confirmed to have been instigated by a witch among their ranks," the general stated matter-of-factly. "In fact, had our spy not tipped me off about the Obsidian Knight's next attack, Terapago would have met a terrible fate. If we fail to take precautions from here on out, they will seize the opportunity to catch us by surprise once again. There will be no guarantee we will recover from there. Your Highness, the safety of the region rests on your hands."