Chapter 23: Chapter 23
After getting the Elder's permission to let Hyogo stay, Hyogo and Hana both left the elder's house.
Hana's brother: "You are going to regret your decision of letting him stay elder. It's still not too late to go back on your decision before it's irreversible.
He glared at the elder.
Elder: "Give it a rest Hyogo I've made my decision and it's final. Didn't you see him? He was a respectable person that was accountable for the damage he did to our forest. I can't view him as a threat to us. Just because you've had a bad experience with those involved in the war it doesn't mean they are all the same. You need to keep an open mind when making decisions and not delude yourself with your emotions. This is why I can't make you the elder of the village with how emotional you are Zeke. How am I supposed to trust you when you can't even keep your cool in front of a member of the war.
Zeke: "I'm the only one that can protect our village elder! So make me the next one! I'll keep us safe from those outside our village. We don't need to let them stay. We are fine by ourselves and that's for the best. We can't afford to be so lenient on outsiders that are potential threats to us!"
The elder couldn't help but sigh at the sight of Zeke.
Elder: What did Zeke see to change his mind against the members of the war he used to love them more than anyone in the village. Before he was more energetic and open minded like Hana but this is how he became after going to pay the village's taxes. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have let him pay it when it's the elder's job to do it. He was perfect to be the next elder but my hastiness in teaching him what an elder should do brought him his downfall and corrupted him. Now I can't rely on him like before the rest of the villagers aren't up to the task either to become the next elder. As they are all afraid of outsiders it wouldn't work out well the only one left is Hana. She is still accepting of them and that attitude I'm sure will help out the village in the future.
Elder: "You won't be the next elder Zeke, you aren't right for the job anymore. Your sister is going to be the next elder and there's no use in arguing."
Zeke clenched his fist tightly trying to keep himself under control.
Zeke: "I see you are no different than the other villagers. All of you suck up to Hana like someone you worship. That's why she acts the way she does just like a child because you spoil her. When you eventually realize you're mistaken, feel free to come to me and I'll protect the village."
Elder: "You were no different than her when you were younger if anything you were more interested in the outside world than her."
Zeke: "The difference between me and her is that I grew up and realized that the outside world isn't as great as it sounds. It's best for us to protect ourselves here and only us."
After their exchange of words Zeke walks out of the Elder's home.
Elder: "... What could I have done differently so he didn't turn out like this."
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