The garden was elegantly arranged with chairs and tables, their pristine white covers fluttering in the soft evening breeze. Yet, an underlying tension hung in the air. Guards stood at strategic points, their hands resting on the rifles slung across their chests an unusual sight for a birthday party.
Akira navigated through the setup, his movements precise. His freshly cut hair was a stark contrast to the shoulder-length style he had sported just yesterday at the engagement ceremony.
He meticulously inspected every detail, ensuring everything was in its proper place. He stopped by the cameraman, who adjusted the angle and let Akira focus on the display screen.
The image captured an elderly man seated on a plush green sofa positioned near the grand staircase. White-haired, deep crimson eyes, and a faint smile that spoke of wisdom and authority.
Edgar Hawthorne.
From the staircase, Zenjiro descended, his polished shoes making a faint tap against the marble steps. He reached the back of the sofa and glanced to his right.
"Masashi, where is everyone?"
He asked.
A young man in a sleek black suit approached. His features bore no resemblance to either Edgar or Zenjiro.
"They're on their way, Dad,"
Masashi replied smoothly as he walked towards him.
Akira stepped forward, his voice carrying a casual yet deliberate tone.
"Hold on a second, Masashi."
Zenjiro turned toward him, one eyebrow slightly raised.
"What is it?"
Akira met his gaze.
"Dad, how about a picture of just the three of us? You, Grandpa, and me."
Zenjiro hesitated for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"Alright."
Masashi took a step back, allowing the trio to take their places. As he did, Zenjiro offered a small smile.
"Well done on the Gekko State deal. You handled it well."
Masashi inclined his head, his expression calm.
"It's my birthday gift to you, Dad"
Edgar gave an approving nod.
"Well done, son."
"Thank you, Grandpa,"
Masashi replied.
Akira observed the exchange before signaling the cameraman. The shutter clicked, capturing the image of Edgar seated in the center, Zenjiro standing behind him, and Akira positioned to his left.
Minutes later, family members began arriving. Yuri and Mina were the first, followed by Mayumi and her family. Only Akira was absent from the gathering.
Yuri scanned the assembled group and mused aloud,
"It's good we managed to take some family photos before the guests arrived."
"Come here, kids,"
Edgar called warmly.
Two children giggled as they ran toward him. He lifted them effortlessly onto his lap, their laughter blending with the soft murmur of conversation. Mayumi stepped forward, presenting a small, elegantly wrapped box to Zenjiro.
"Happy birthday, Dad."
Zenjiro unwrapped the box, revealing a luxurious timepiece. He smiled.
"Thank you, Mayumi. This is a terrific watch."
Finally, Akira approached the group. Mina turned toward him, eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him. Her gaze lingered on his hair.
"What happened to your hair, brother?"
she asked, tilting her head.
Akira shook his head dismissively, Then he gestured toward the stranger.
"What's he doing here?"
Mina cast a glance at him.
"He's Mayumi's brother-in-law,"
Yuri said casually.
"Masashi's younger brother. Mayumi invited him for the group photo."
Zenjiro, meanwhile, swapped his old watch for the new one, testing the weight on his wrist.
"Dad, do you like it?"
Mayumi asked, watching him intently.
"Of course,"
Zenjiro replied with a small nod, the faintest of smiles tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Mina then stepped forward with her own gift.
"Happy birthday, Dad."
"Thank you,"
Zenjiro said, taking the case she offered. Inside, a sleek pair of stylish sunglasses rested against the velvet lining. He slid them on, adjusting them slightly as he turned his head.
Mina nodded in approval before shifting her focus to Akira.
"You didn't get anything for dad?"
Mayumi scoffed.
"You returned with empty handed?"
Akira turned toward Zenjiro and smirked.
"I cut my hair. Dad prefers short hair."
Mina rolled her eyes.
"It's Dad's sixtieth birthday. You should've given him something special. A haircut, really?"
Yuri, who had been watching Zenjiro, spoke.
"A haircut is a commitment. It's a very special gift."
Mayumi sighed.
"Mom, you always defend him."
Zenjiro gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on Akira.
"Nice haircut… but you looked good with long hair too. It suited you."
Akira grinned.
"I'll grow it again, Dad."
He stepped closer to Yuri, lowering his voice.
"Mom, did you invite Grandpa's family back to the village?"
Edgar, who had been silently observing, closed his eyes for a brief moment. Yuri met Akira's gaze and replied firmly,
"No."
"This was the perfect opportunity to make things right,"
Akira pressed.
Yuri's expression didn't waver.
"We sent them an invitation to Mayumi's wedding. Did any of them show up?"
Akira sighed.
"We just sent the invite. We didn't personally go there to invite them."
Zenjiro's voice cut through the tension.
"Come on, everyone. The photographer's waiting."
Akira clenched his jaw but stepped back into position.
The photographer captured the moment. Edgar sat in the center, the children, Shin and Sachi, perched in his lap. Behind him, Zenjiro and Yuri stood side by side, their postures straight, dignified. Masashi stood to their right, Mayumi beside him a step below, her husband's younger brother positioned on her side. Mina took her place on the left, just a step below Yuri.
Only Akira stood slightly apart from the rest, the distance making him look almost like an outsider within his own family.
…
As the evening deepened, the garden came to life with the chatter and laughter of arriving guests. The warm glow of string lights illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows across the finely set tables. Servers weaved through the gathering, refilling glasses and offering delicate appetizers on silver trays.
Then, a new arrival stirred the atmosphere. An old man stepped through the entrance, flanked by two rows of guards. Their presence was unmistakable broad shoulders, rigid postures, hands resting near their holsters. Their weapons were not just for show.
Masashi, stationed near the entrance, approached with a measured stride. He greeted the man with a respectful nod before they walked away speaking.
The garden stretched behind the mansion, its neatly paved walkway weaving through vibrant flower beds and manicured hedges.
The air carried the faint scent of jasmine, blending with the earthy aroma of freshly watered grass. Lanterns cast a soft golden glow along the path, illuminating the quiet steps of two figures moving at an unhurried pace.
Akira walked beside Edgar, his grandfather's firm yet gentle hand resting on his shoulder.
"Grandpa?"
Akira voiced.
Edgar turned his deep-crimson eyes toward his grandson, their sharpness undulled by age.
"Yes, my boy?"
Akira hesitated for a moment before asking,
"None of your family ever visits us. Why is that?"
A faint sigh escaped Edgar's lips as he slowed his pace. His gaze shifted to the cobblestone path ahead, as if searching for answers buried in the past.
"My family… broke apart. Now, they are scattered across the world."
Akira frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Edgar's fingers tightened briefly on his shoulder before releasing him.
"It would take me forever to explain."
A long silence stretched between them. Then, almost reluctantly, Edgar added,
"I had to let go of my older brother's hand. But I didn't realize I had lost my grip on the younger one too."
His gaze lingered on Akira for a moment, the weight of unsaid words pressing between them.
"Come visit me sometime, and I'll tell you everything."
Edgar came to a stop. The guard trailing them halted as well. Akira stole a glance at the man, standing rigid with a watchful gaze, before turning back to his grandfather.
"Do you still remember our village?"
Edgar asked suddenly.
"I never forget anything, Grandpa."
Edgar's lips quirked upward, but before he could respond, a voice interrupted them.
"Hey, hero! Come, I'll introduce you to the governor."
Masashi stood a few steps below them, one hand casually resting in his pocket.
Akira exhaled, already shaking his head.
"No, I'm not interested."
Masashi frowned.
"If you plan to run the business now that you're back, you need to know who the big players are. Come."
"I told you, I'm not interested in this game."
Edgar studied the exchange silently before motioning toward Akira.
"Come."
But Akira shook his head. "I'll see you later, Grandpa."
Edgar nodded and continued down the steps, disappearing into the mingling guests. Akira turned back to Masashi.
"You first have to understand the game,"
Masashi said.
"What do you even want to do with your life?"
Akira's lips curled into a smirk of his own.
"That's a tough question."
Masashi arched an eyebrow.
"Do you even have an answer?"
Akira chuckled, his smirk widening.
"Would you be able to hear it?"
Masashi scoffed.
"Let's see what you do."
Akira shook his head and stepped past him.
"You won't be able to see it."