"So... What did you need me here for again?"
The Chief, better known as Haishi, could be seen standing at the end of an oval-shaped table, residing inside of the Council of Buraun's tower. Earlier this morning, Haishi had received a call—he was to visit the Council's headquarters by noon.
The sudden declaration from the Council jeered Haishi away from his current tasks momentarily. Ever since those warriors from Ryakudatsu appeared outside the barracks, being confronted by an angry Kou, Haishi was put into a small dilemma: attempt to house the siblings of Mizuki—Sona and Toshiro—or entrust them further under Ryakudatsu's care.
As Chief, Haishi has been given the highest authority over the homes of the warriors at the barracks—the vacant and the occupied. So, in a way that Kou was delighted to agree upon, the siblings were to be housed and nourished under Buraun's militant group.
But, all of that has been put to the side as Haishi needs to arrive at the pinnacle of Buraun—the Village Information Center. On top of the Village Information Center was the Council's headquarters, built directly on top, forming the tower that the village knows today.
Resuming the present time, sitting at the top of the tower, Haishi rubbed his head to soothe the aching pain that he has been experiencing ever since his return to the living.
"Chief," the Council member at the opposite end of the oval-shaped table named Shinrai Shutoku started, "we have called you here today in hopes of resolving a problem amongst Buraun."
With the concurring nods of the various Council members, Haishi eyed Shinrai. This was odd. Usually, the Chief was only ever required to manage the village's military—not internal village affairs.
Keeping a hand on his head as his other arm was folded around his chest, Haishi breathed in to speak, "Are there any issues correlated to our troops?"
Shinrai acknowledged the question with an answer, "Perhaps. But this is envisioned to solve nearly all of our problems—ranging from our village's supply of food and materials to Buraun's protection, and most of all, Buraun's solidarity."
Haishi remained silent, contemplating his next set of words. Being Chief has its perks, but deciding whether most, if not all, of the village's problems are to be solved with his help—he might as well go along with it.
"Okay, what's needed of me, then?" Haishi asked, his eyes bouncing from one Council member to another.
Shinrai's expression hardened slightly, being immediately noticed by the Chief. With a solid gaze, Shinrai spoke, "The Council has come to a unanimous vote, and it has been determined that in order to proceed as a successful village, we must exchange some forms of power from the Council to a hopeful and strong king. Chief... We reached out to you in hopes of you accepting the role of the future king, leading our village into solidarity."
Haishi's eyes widened. A king? Buraun has been run by the same system since its birth. How would the people take this information?
"Now," another Council member named Shikko began, "we are woefully aware of the village folks' stand with the Council's rule. Not many favor it, not since the fall of Asahi. Without them, we've been given a choice: to become our own dominion, like any strong village needs, or to gradually run back into the dirt, ruining the lives of hundreds of people. Your choice, Chief."
Haishi could feel another pang of aching from within his head, prompting him to grip his forehead in an attempt to better tolerate the pain. Could he even be king? It's a heavy task, and Haishi isn't quite sure if he could handle the position. However, if what the Council member said was true, then are they really doomed as a village?
"You do cherish this village, don't you, Chief?" A different council member questioned, it was an old man named Douji. "If we don't set our bearings straight, you, your comrades, and the people you protect will all be driven out of their homes if we don't. We need a king, Chief."
Haishi's headache worsened, his jaw tightened. As of right now, Haishi was in no place to run things. So, in hopes of settling things down, the Chief asked...
"... How long do I have to decide?"
XXX
Traversing the grounds of Adonai, three people could be seen walking throughout a forest. One was an old male that had brown hair with a few gray strands slipping in.
The second, and considerably younger, was a male with golden-blonde hair, carrying a sword that was concealed in a leather sheath strapped around his torso.
And the third person was a woman, having long, silver hair. She wore a ragged maid uniform with compartments made of leather wrapped around her waist.
These particular people were Father Laurence, Gabriel, and Rosaline. After fleeing from Ryakudatsu, these three have been wandering around the nation. Father Laurence has been the one guiding the group, while Gabriel and Rosaline have been serving as protection for the older man.
"Father," Gabriel called out to the ex-minister, "are you sure that you know where we're going?"
Upon their departure from Ryakudatsu, Father Laurence had previously stated that he knew of a safe place for them to stay. When he was minister, a group of his warriors found a hidden, underground base. It appeared empty as well as hidden by the trees of the forest it resided under.
"Put your faith into Father Laurence. He has led us through troubling times before, and he will do it again." Rosaline declared, her voice soft but stern.
Gabriel glanced at the woman, then proceeded to nod. It wasn't false. Father Laurence had led them through some hard times. Gabriel couldn't count how many times the elderly man had rescued him during his younger years. Gabriel never had a place to call home until Father Laurence appeared.
Father Laurence smiled gracefully at the young blonde as he said...
"Fear not, Gabriel. Where we're going will be safe. I promise."
XXX
Hey! Abrupt ending, but will be continued! Stay tuned to find out more!
Have a Great Day!
Peace – Cr1ticalz_