Chapter 49 – The Burden of Staying

The throne room was filled with incense and whispers.

Qingsai stood as King Zhuanyi, Prime Minister Fengrui, and Grand Mage Yanshou discussed new "titles", "ceremonies", and "marriage duties."

> "A child can be shaped," the Prime Minister said. "He is still moldable, still… persuadable."

> "His destiny is tied to Orilan," said the Grand Mage. "Let him learn from us. No need to wander."

Qingsai said nothing, but in his soul, the Spirit Goddess stirred.

> "Your light is no one's leash. Your path is older than any kingdom."

That night, he walked silently into the chambers where his four wives slept—each one a piece of his young heart.

Meiyan, regal even in sleep, her violet hair glimmering in the candlelight.

Chunsi, curled gently, her soft breathing steady.

Lianhua, a picture of serenity, her silver-blue hair splayed around her face.

Meilian, even in slumber, clutched a plush toy like a playful kitten.

Qingsai bent over each of them, kissed their foreheads, and whispered:

> "Forgive me. I must go."

He left a letter on his bedside table, weighted with a riverstone. In it, he wrote:

> "I love you all. But I cannot become the man I must be while trapped in silk and politics. I must master the Six, confront the darkness stirring across Myria, and understand what it truly means to be Soulkindled. I will return. Stronger. Wiser. Yours."