Making a choice [part 4]

As the counselors plotted in the shadows, their malice wrapped in the silence of the night, the nanny and I, exhausted after running for several hours to return to our estate, found ourselves facing the urgent need to seek refuge for the night.

Our choice, dictated by prudence and knowledge of the dangers that surrounded us, fell on one of the structures managed by the Ryushin family, a bastion of safety and respect where we hoped to find shelter and comfort.

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The structures managed by the Ryushin family were conceived as safe and private refuges, true sanctuaries where family members and their most trusted allies could find peace and protection to rest.

These buildings are often hidden and located in strategic places, so that it is not possible for someone to find them by wandering randomly, and they represent a safe place where every guest can rest.

Moreover, their existence is justified by the need for protection, in a world where rivalries between noble families can lead to open conflicts and the need to find true places of rest that guarantee privacy to keep internal affairs and the unique abilities of family members secret.

And they are the consequence of the decision not to use the teleportation system, despite its convenience, for security reasons.

Indeed, although a vast teleportation network is certainly efficient, it is also vulnerable to intrusions and sabotage, making more traditional and controllable methods of travel preferable.

Because of this, the Ryushin family has chosen to limit the use of teleportation to situations of extreme necessity.

And, to ensure safe access to their facilities, the Ryushin family has decided to implement an identification system based on soul signatures, which are very difficult to change, which is why they are used as a means of identification.

For these reasons, they are a more reliable method than the use of any kind of physical traits, including genetic information, which can be falsified.

In this case, a medallion representing the family crest is used, with the soul signature of the current patriarch.

And, this system not only confirms identity but also family membership, ensuring that only those who have the right to access can enter.

And it is an additional level of security that protects family members and their secrets, ensuring that their legacy and power remain safe from external threats.

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The decision, although made by me with reluctance because I wanted to continue to advance, was necessary for our safety and to rest adequately.

This is because it was impossible for us to teleport, as the teleportation system, although a faster and more convenient option for covering great distances, was not usable.

Indeed, its vast network, although efficient and convenient, presents significant security risks.

Such a large and interconnected system is difficult to protect in every part; and so if someone were to take over a node of the network, they could access numerous facilities and cause incalculable damage.

The structure we took refuge in was hidden from prying eyes, a place where only the descendants of the Ryushin family and selected members could find shelter.

It was an imposing building, with smooth stone walls rising majestically towards the sky, with corner towers equipped with arched windows, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding gardens, where fountains danced to the rhythm of ancient melodies and paths wound between well-kept flower beds and marble statues.

Inside, the decor was a perfect balance between luxury and functionality.

Each room was a sanctuary of peace, with fine fabrics and hand-carved furniture that told the story of an ancient nobility, while the common rooms were decorated with embroidered tapestries and crystal chandeliers that sparkled like falling stars.

To access this fortress of tranquility, it was necessary to pass an impeccable security check.

By now, the night had fallen like a veil, and silence enveloped this resort of the Ryushin family.

The full moon illuminated the gardens, casting dancing shadows on the marble statues.

The nanny, guardian of our identity, approached the entrance portal with the Ryushin family medallion in hand.

The medallion was not just a symbol of belonging; it contained the soul signature of the current patriarch, Ryushin Chi, a unique imprint that guaranteed the authenticity of the bearer.

With a fluid gesture, the nanny presented the medallion to the scanning device embedded in the wall next to the gate.

The tension was palpable as we awaited the machine's verdict.

A beam of light examined its surface, searching for the soul signature.

Then, after a moment of silence, the device emitted a crystalline sound that broke the silence:

Access was granted.

The doors opened, revealing an atrium that promised safety and rest.

Crossing the threshold, we were enveloped by an atmosphere of calm and grandeur.

The walls, decorated with tapestries depicting the deeds of various Ryushin heroes, seemed to whisper stories of courage and honor.

Incense burned gently in discreet corners, spreading a scent that spoke of home and ancient times.

The nanny guided me through the silent corridors to our rooms.

As soon as the door closed behind us, the weight of the outside world seemed to vanish.

The room was a haven of understated luxury, with soft fabrics and carved furniture that told various cycles of history and tradition.

After settling our things, we sat down to rest.

The nanny, always vigilant, settled into a chair by the window, while I lay down on the bed, letting the comfort and security of that place lull me into a deep and restorative sleep.

The night passed without incident, and in the morning, sunlight streamed in waves through the curtains, promising a new day.

A day that would bring new challenges, but also new opportunities.

For now, though, there was time for another moment of peace, to gather strength before facing what awaited us outside those protective walls.

And it is on this very special day, filled with numerous events, plots, and intrigues that occurred in hidden places, that the day of my birthday came to an end.