Chapter 17 : The gathering of the clans

The massive gates of the Royal Castle creaked open, revealing an ornate hall lit by floating lanterns and gleaming crystal chandeliers. Red carpets lined the marble floor, leading straight to the elevated seats reserved for the Seven Great Clans.

Walking at the center of attention were Lord Haruki Fujimoto, Lady Reina Fujimoto, and their son, Shin Fujimoto.

As they stepped inside, the room fell silent.

Every pair of eyes—nobles, guards, and especially the heirs of other clans—turned toward them. Whispers echoed softly, but none dared speak aloud. The Fujimoto Clan, ranked number one, held unmatched prestige. And Shin, though just fifteen, already had the reputation of someone destined for greatness.

The other children, standing beside their parents, stared at Shin like predators sizing up their prey.

He didn’t flinch.

Like a cold statue carved from obsidian, Shin stood tall and motionless beside his parents’ throne, his expression unreadable, his presence immovable—an unbreakable wall.

Lady Reina gracefully took her seat beside her husband. Lord Haruki leaned slightly toward Shin and began speaking quietly:

“Shin, listen carefully. You’ll need to know who you may face.”

He subtly gestured toward the opposite seats as he introduced them.

“Over there is the Kurogami Clan. That’s Lord Daiki, and Lady Satsuki. Their son, Kaito, is your age. He’s dangerous. Cold. Silent. Specializes in shadow magic—he blends into darkness like air.”

“Next to them is the Akimura Clan—Lord Raiden, Lady Yuna, and their daughter Rika. She’s fast, fierce, and temperamental. Lightning is her weapon—and her mood.”

“Beside them, you’ll see the Shirayama Clan. Lord Hayato, Lady Aoi, and their daughter Emi. Nature and spirits bend to her. She’s soft-spoken, but don’t underestimate her.”

“Those with the stars on their robes? That’s the Hoshino Clan. Lord Seiji, Lady Tsukiko, and their daughter Luna. She sees what others don’t. Star magic. Celestial sight.”

“Next is the Ishiguro Clan—Lord Tetsuya, Lady Kaede, and their son Goro. Earth and metal. He’s a fortress. You won’t break him easily.”

“Lastly, the Raijin Clan—Lord Jinnosuke, Lady Misaki, and their daughter Ayame. She’s rough, aggressive. Thunder roars when she moves. A born fighter.”

Shin listened silently, barely nodding.

Then Lord Daiki Kurogami stood.

“Since all heirs are here,” he said, voice deep and smooth, “why don’t we let them talk? After all, they may have to fight one another. The tournament we paused five years ago… may resume soon.”

The other Lords murmured in agreement.

Lady Reina nodded politely.

“Let them interact. A battle begins long before the first strike.”

One by one, each child was encouraged to step away from their parents and gather near the center. Slowly, groups began to form. Awkward greetings. Small exchanges. Silent tensions. Subtle glares.

But Shin didn’t move.

He stood alone, arms at his side, eyes locked somewhere far away. He wasn’t thinking about the tournament, nor about their stares.

He was thinking about Sakura.

“I wonder what she’s doing right now…”

He didn’t care about their eyes. Didn’t care about their judgment. While they saw him as the one to beat, the strongest among them, Shin's heart and mind were elsewhere.

The others whispered quietly, glancing toward him.

“He’s not even trying to size us up.” “He’s ignoring us…” “What is he thinking?” “Is he that confident?” “Or arrogant?”

But Shin remained frozen in place, face blank. Only one thought echoed in his mind:

“Sakura… I hope you’re okay.”

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Clan Index – The Seven Great Clans of the Realm

Fujimoto Clan (Rank: #1) The most prestigious and ancient clan, respected for both power and legacy.

Lord Haruki Fujimoto – Calm, strategic, known for balancing power and wisdom.

Lady Reina Fujimoto – Fierce and graceful, a respected figure in the court.

Son: Shin Fujimoto – The protagonist, a silent prodigy who carries the future of the clan.

Kurogami Clan (Rank: #2) A feared and secretive clan, often associated with espionage and silent assassinations.

Lord Daiki Kurogami – Silent, calculating, and feared even among nobles.

Lady Satsuki Kurogami – Cold and mysterious, known to vanish without a trace.

Son: Kaito Kurogami – Quiet and emotionless, but unnervingly precise and calm.

Akimura Clan (Rank: #3) A warrior clan with a fiery reputation, known for their aggressive strength and battlefield dominance.

Lord Raiden Akimura – Hot-headed and explosive, never backs down from conflict.

Lady Yuna Akimura – Tactical and controlled, balances her husband’s energy.

Daughter: Rika Akimura – Sharp-tongued, bold, and unafraid to strike first.

Shirayama Clan (Rank: #4) A peaceful and wise clan, deeply rooted in the traditions and guardianship of the land.

Lord Hayato Shirayama – Gentle yet firm, carries ancient wisdom.

Lady Aoi Shirayama – Known for her deep connection with unseen forces.

Daughter: Emi Shirayama – Kind-hearted, calm, and often underestimated.

Hoshino Clan (Rank: #5) Esteemed for their insight and prophecy, they are looked to in times of uncertainty.

Lord Seiji Hoshino – Speaks in riddles and visions, a mystic among lords.

Lady Tsukiko Hoshino – Elegant, distant, and always observing.

Daughter: Luna Hoshino – Dreamy and soft-spoken, but unpredictable in her strength.

Ishiguro Clan (Rank: #6) Sturdy and unshakable, this clan is known for defense, structure, and resilience.

Lord Tetsuya Ishiguro – Strong and steady, the living image of strength.

Lady Kaede Ishiguro – An intellectual force, crafts enchanted weapons.

Son: Goro Ishiguro – Big-hearted, strong, and loyal to the core.

Raijin Clan (Rank: #7) Militaristic and intense, they believe in strength above all and train like soldiers.

Lord Jinnosuke Raijin – A harsh warlord with an iron will.

Lady Misaki Raijin – Disciplined and fearless, never leaves her blade.

Daughter: Ayame Raijin – A fierce tomboy, relentless and proud of her strength.