Dian felt uneasy about the council meeting from the moment he heard about Kalies. A quiet dread had settled in him. He did not want Gorika to join hands with Kalies. Deep down, he knew Kalies would kill him. After all, Dian was the true reason behind Gretchen's death—a secret buried so deeply that no one yet suspected the truth.
That afternoon, Dian decided to meet Yakubo.
Yakubo was sitting in the Garden of Seven Gates. His pet dog rested beside him. He appeared completely at peace, gazing at the sky while gently stroking the animal's fur. There was something timeless about him—calm, composed, unreadable.
"Yakubo," Dian called.
Dian carried a strange respect for the old master. Despite Yakubo belonging to the Arkan clan, Dian truly believed in his wisdom.
"Master," he said softly.
Yakubo turned, a faint smile touching his lips. He gestured toward the grass beside him.
"Sit."
Dian sat.
"I hope your mind is at peace," Yakubo said calmly.
Dian looked at him. "How can I be at peace when we stand at the edge of war?"
"A war," Yakubo replied, "can be stopped if one acts wisely."
"The Seven Gates have stood for justice for generations," Dian said firmly. "The Arkan clan must be stopped."
Yakubo's expression did not change. "Why?"
"Because they are cruel. They invade, they raid, they kill. They make people suffer."
Yakubo studied Dian carefully. "Is that why you hate them? Or are you trying to deceive yourself?"
Dian's jaw tightened.
"You carry judgment in your heart," Yakubo continued. "And judgment, if left unchecked, brings destruction."
"I will not allow a king or queen from the Arkan clan to sit upon the throne of Seven Gates," Dian declared.
Yakubo smiled faintly.
"And who are we to decide who is worthy?" he asked. "The throne is open to all—regardless of race, class, or gender. The throne chooses its owner. We are merely witnesses."
Dian's eyes darkened.
"I will not allow inferior blood to pollute something so valuable," he said coldly.
Yakubo's hand stopped moving over the dog's fur. For the first time, the peace in his gaze shifted—just slightly.
And the silence between them grew heavier