A couple of days later.
In the Bombyx family mansion sat Ki, Elizabeth, Adam, Isaac, Miranda and Agnes.
Ki had a serious look on her face as she looked at her family. "I called everyone together to discuss on how we will get through our biggest test so far. It seems that grandmothers sister has caused another problem for our family and it may end up being fatal to us this time."
Agnes looked at Ki and frowned. "What have they done this time?"
Isaac spoke up to give a brief description. "Her husband gambled away their property and all of their money. I believe he also offered up his families lives to the gambling hall and there is no sign of them within the city anymore so that has confirmed our suspicions. The worst case scenario she has leaked any information about the family that she knows so either the family will be targeted soon or at least be asked to pay back their debts. Judging from the current situation in Wolfden city it is estimated the people who took over the gambling hall are really greedy and may resort to looting, killing and abducting people on our lands if they are informed of the families history and built up wealth. The gambling hall boss may have some connections with outside forces so it may become even more problematic if they are involved too."
Adam and Elizabeth listened quietly but Elizabeth began to display worry on her face while Agnes looked very upset. "I knew something like this would happen… I should of just said no all those years back. I know what kind of person she is… the moment she faces difficulties she will betray us without feeling an ounce of guilt.
"How will this affect our business?" Miranda began to worry about the businesses in Wolfden city.
Isaac thought for a moment. "The biggest issue is the transportation of the goods to the city to keep the businesses running and have certain recipes in constant supply during this time but there are other ways to prepare for this by stocking up early which I have already done. Since we own the businesses within the city the city is duty bound to ensure our businesses aren't disturbed. If they are disrupted by illegal means then they run the risk of offending the rich and noble circles. So we should be able to get by with the business side of things with the support of the Nix, Seren and Bifta families."
Miranda nodded upon hearing his words and spoke once more. "I will talk to you later to come up with some countermeasures."
Isaac quickly agreed. "I was expecting you to ask."
Agnes looked a little uneasy and asked. "What should we expect in the coming days?"
Isaac put his thoughts together and then spoke in a grave tone. "Worst case scenario the people supporting the gambling hall currently are aware of everything about us. They will try to isolate us from the outside world and begin to enter the village, we suspect that they will begin to gather forces within to village to turn them against us all and launch an attack. During this time we need to pretend to be unaware of them and let them do as they please so we can achieve the greater goal of our plan."
Agnes looked towards Ki and asked. "What is the greater goal?"
Ki smiled upon noticing her grandmothers smart thoughts at guessing she was the one behind everything. "We need to weed out potential traitors and dangers to the village. While we did evict others in the past right now many workers for the family or the villagers have enjoyed safety and a healthy life while being supported by our family but there will always be times when we will meet a bigger crisis and those peoples actions could serve to cause our ruin. I want to use this as a chance to test them and so I need everyone to act normally and deal with things how you usually would. Once things become dangerous I will resolve it."
A cold light flickered within her eyes and this was noticed by Agnes who looked a little surprised. "Are you sure this is something you can deal with?"
"I have been training a lot and have some trustworthy people behind me so I believe that we can handle everything. Everyone else should just work hard to protect themselves during this time." Ki thought for a moment and added. "I will try to capture one of the ringleaders for information which you can use to report it to the martial alliance. This way we can try to solve some issues within a Wolfden city with their help and clean up some dangerous factors."
Elizabeth had visible fear displayed on her face. "How can we leave our daughter to handle something like this?"
Adam finished analysing everything as calmly as possible but ended up agreeing with wife and frowned. "I agree, we can't let our daughter have blood on her hands over something like this. Surely we can come up with another solution to get through this."
"If you can come up with a solution that does not involve violence then don't speak. I assume our enemies this time want nothing but to hurt us." Agnes looked at her daughter and son and then turned to ask Isaac. "I assume that you have already discussed this with my granddaughter so is everything thoroughly covered? You know that everyone lives hang in the balance."
Isaac bowed and pressed the palm of his hand against his heart. "I promise I will make sure everything is successful. The young miss is very capable for a child her age and is able to protect herself in times of danger. She also has me to support who is well versed on war tactics, use of terrain and various other things to support from behind. She has her private forces and Marilyn to assist her so I don't think she will suffer any harm and this is something that they have been preparing for all this time."
Agnes looked into Ki's eyes. "Do you think that you can handle this? Do you think you can kill if faced with that kind of situation?"
"I didn't want to mention this but since I need to earn your confidence that I will not hesitate.." Ki sighed before telling her grandmother. "Over the years we have been honing our skills against bandits who have been harassing our carriages and setting up camps near the village. I have already got blood on my hands and it's something I had to experience as I chose to walk down this path. Martial artists are always faced with conflict and eventually they will have to learn how to kill when necessary."
Agnes showed a look of sadness. "I see.. so that's what happened. No wonder things have been so smooth over the past year. Will you truly be okay placing the lives of those you have ended on your small shoulders?"
Ki showed a look of firmness? "I do not kill anyone for no reason. I have my own rules, if they try to harm me or my family then I will not hesitate and if they are a danger to others and causing lots of problems that hurt the lives of innocents then I will also not hesitate to strike."
Adam coughed to interrupt. "If this is the decision you have made then you must be firm in your decision. I wish I could be of help in these matters more but I know you have been working hard in your training so just do what you wish to do."
Elizabeth began to tear up. "My baby. You have grown up so fast and I feel like I haven't been able to give you much or help you with anything as you have grown."
Ki shook her head. "You both don't need to do so much for me. You have already done enough and always give me everything I could ever need. I will remain firm in my decision father."
Agnes nodded in appreciation and walked over to rub Ki's head lovingly. "Just do what you wish to do. I will support you in everything and if you encounter any difficulties ask your parents or grandma for support. Although we aren't exactly tough and able to help with these matters we can handle other things."
"Isaac you need to update the family on the Wolfden city matters in preparation to solve the current problems there." Ki turned to Isaac and gave him an order before getting up to leave the room.