In a secluded Minka atop one of the world's tallest mountains, Kato, a man of significance, was meticulously reviewing documents provided by his intelligence department.
Suddenly, the calm was interrupted as the door slid open, and a maid hastily entered the room. "Shota has returned," she announced.
Kato's reaction was immediate. He rose swiftly and instructed, "Gather all executives to the meeting hall." His voice carried an air of authority.
"Understood," the maid replied with a bow, quickly leaving to carry out his orders.
Kato then made his way outside to meet Shota, his concern evident. Shota and his men had arrived a day later than expected, stirring a sense of unease in Kato. As he stepped outside, he was greeted by Shota and his group.
"What happened...?" Kato asked, his voice low. He noticed something amiss about Shota's appearance. "...Why does your skin look so skinny...?"
Shota, caught slightly off guard by the question, responded, "Ah... We unexpectedly spent a bit more time at the Elven nation."
Kato nodded, somewhat relieved. "Hmmm... well, it's good that nothing bad had happened..." His comment, though seemingly casual, was laced with genuine concern, which was unusual for someone like Kato, who was known for his absolute confidence in the strength of his men.
Well, then get organized and come to the meeting hall as soon as possible," Kato instructed before heading to the meeting hall himself.
Left behind, Shota felt a twinge of confusion. He was well aware of Kato's usual demeanor and expectations. The unusual tension and worry in Kato's behavior signaled that something was happening.
As he prepared to follow Kato's instructions, Shota couldn't shake the feeling that the atmosphere was more tense than usual.
Shota, still adjusting after his trip, arrived at the meeting hall to find a scene more grave than he had anticipated. The hall was filled with all the executives, including Suzuki and the elders, indicating the seriousness of the meeting. Quickly finding an empty spot, Shota sat down, and almost immediately, Kato began the meeting.
"I gathered everyone here to talk about our recent tragedy," Kato announced, setting a solemn tone.
The hall fell silent until one of the executives broke the quiet. "I believe it is best not to dwell on the past," he suggested.
Kato acknowledged this, but added, "Yes, I also believe that, but I do think it is best to regain our honor." His words implied a need for action to restore their standing and dignity.
"Vengeance, is it not?" an elder interjected, interpreting Kato's intention.
Kato quickly clarified, "Not vengeance, simply regaining our lost honor."
"You are making a fool of yourself," the elder scoffed, challenging Kato's stance. "It's still vengeance, or are you trying to give it a new definition?"
Suzuki, sensing the tension, interjected with a sharp glance at the elder. "I advise you to watch your words," she warned, her gaze stern.
The elder raised his hands in a gesture of innocence, yet his words carried a warning. "All I'm saying is that you are creating the path of despair. Once you take your vengeance, it will create an unstoppable force of vengeance and hatred. I advise you to stop to avoid any more bloodshed."
The room was heavy with the weight of his words, but it was Shota who spoke next, breaking the tension. "I will follow any path you desire," he declared, signaling his loyalty to Kato. The sentiment was echoed silently by the others in the room.
Kato, reassured by the support, smiled and turned back to the elder. "I will do things my way," he stated firmly.
...
Seraphina's arrival at her estate in the Kingdom of Veridiania was a moment filled with quiet wonder and newfound appreciation. Throughout the journey in the carriage, she had been absorbed in observing the scenery outside the window, sights that were both familiar and yet newly vivid to her.
"So this is what the estate looks like..." she whispered to herself, her voice soft with awe. The world, once obscured from her vision, was now a canvas of colors and details she was seeing with fresh eyes.
As the carriage came to a stop, Seraphina didn't wait for assistance. She swiftly opened the door herself and hurried inside, her excitement and eagerness to explore her surroundings palpable.
The servants, who had been waiting outside to receive her, expressed surprise at her uncharacteristic haste. "Milady...?!" they called out, taken aback by her sudden rush.
Seraphina, barely pausing, rushed into the estate, her dress held up to ease her movement. She whisked past the head butler, leaving him in a state of shock. As she passed, he noticed something extraordinary – her eyes sparkled with life, and each step she took was filled with confidence.
In one of the rooms of the estate, Seraphina's parents, Swiss and Mary, were present, enjoying a quiet moment together. The sudden entrance of their daughter, however, instantly changed the atmosphere.
Swiss, Seraphina's father, stood up quickly as she burst into the room. He was a gentle-looking man with short brown hair, his face marked by the slight wrinkles of age. His reaction was one of surprise and concern.
"What's going on?" Mary, Seraphina's mother, also rose from her seat, her maternal instincts kicking in. She mirrored her husband's aging appearance, yet her black hair and violet eyes gave her a youthful look, making her seem younger than her actual age.
As both parents focused on Seraphina, they noticed something extraordinary about her eyes. There was a clarity and brightness that hadn't been there before. Even though they knew the chances were slim, as parents, they clung to the hope of any possibility that could improve their daughter's life.
Swiss, having already passed down the title of duke to Seraphina to protect her and ensure her future, was visibly moved. His voice quivered with emotion as he said, "Your eyes..." He quickly closed the distance between them, a mixture of hope and disbelief in his expression.
Mary, equally moved, practically ran towards her daughter. The possibility that their daughter's sight might have been restored was overwhelming, a miracle they had scarcely dared to hope for.
The room was filled with a tumult of emotions as Swiss and Mary eagerly approached Seraphina, seeking confirmation of what they saw.
"Mother... Father..." Seraphina spoke softly, her voice filled affection. "You two look so lovely." Her words simple words didn't mirror the fact that this was her first time seeing her paretns.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Swiss and Mary's faces lit up with joy as they embraced their daughter. Seraphina opened her arms to welcome their hug, a moment filled with love and relief.
...
After the initial wave of emotion subsided, the family of three settled comfortably onto a sofa. Swiss sat to the right, Mary to the left, and Seraphina nestled between them, the center of their attention.
"How did it happen?" Swiss asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and amazement.
"Un-huh," Mary echoed, equally eager to understand the miraculous change.
"It was a goddess," Seraphina revealed, her answer straightforward yet incredible.
"A goddess?" The parents exchanged a look of bewilderment. "Are you sure?" Swiss asked.
"Yes," Seraphina confirmed. "These eyes that were said to be an incurable curse were suddenly cured." Her words carried a sense of reverence and gratitude.
The parents absorbed this revelation, their expressions a mixture of astonishment and contemplation.
"That being said, I wish to pour all my faith into this goddess," Seraphina declared, her decision firm.
"What...?" Swiss responded in surprise. In their country, deviating from the worship of the established goddess was considered blasphemous. The notion of suddenly adopting a new deity was not just unorthodox but potentially disruptive.
"And I will ensure that this country faces a new goddess to serve," Seraphina stated with conviction. Her words implied a deep commitment to the deity who had restored her sight, and a desire to share this divine presence with her nation.