After they had went to a secluded place, Rufus turned to Felice and Pixel then listened to their explanation. "So everything has happened as you have told me, we should expect further trouble in the future. It is obvious that we cannot sever ties with the Glutt family and there is an existing grudge between us."
Pixel and Felice listened quietly then Pixel asked. "What is the reason for their persistent targeting of us?"
Rufus looked over his two eldest grandchildren and let out a tired voice as he spoke. "Most of you know our family history or at least a part of it. Like most noble families, it was not uncommon to marry other families to form political or business ties which means that there may be more than one partner in marriage. I was such a person just like your father who had to accept marriages for those purposes or for the good of the clan, it was the same for my father and his father going back a very long time.
This fate cannot be avoided if we wish to maintain our stability with the other families.. the Glutt family were our fiercest rivals in the same field of business and had connections outside of Zou so it was decided that to avoid further rivalry and to strengthen Zou's power as a whole, I had to marry one of their bloodline so that our families would be tied together.
On the surface, everything seemed normal as both families continued to prosper but that was just an illusion I created for myself. If I had paid more attention to the internal affairs of the family then I would have noticed the influence the Glutt family had over our family for a long time and over my son."
Pixel put her hand on her chin while in thought. "So are their actions out of greed or do they have a grudge with us? Which is it?"
Rufus replied in a cold voice. "We are playing a game of survival of the fittest. In competition between two families over the same way to support ourselves, we are both enemies and there will be a winner or loser. The winner is king and will reap the benefits while becoming more powerful but the loser will lose everything which will possibly include their lives too.
While there may be some hatred or greed mixed in, their main purpose will be to remove or take over their main competition. That is if my guess is correct."
Pixel's brows furrowed. "If they are related to the heirs through our grandmother then is it not to be expected that they would have approached one of us and offered their support already?"
Felice went pale and glared at Pixel. "They did not recruit me or anything so do not try and frame me!"
It was natural for her to jump to that conclusion in that situation since Pixel had suggested such a thing while Felice had been approached by them already.
Although their intent was different from what was suggested, it was enough to make others suspicious of Felice and her connections to the Glutt family.
Someone could easily come to the conclusion that the actions of the Glutt family could have been a cover for their real purpose.
Rufus looked over towards Felice and frowned. "Let her continue."
Felice looked a little upset and lowered her head. "Yes grandfather."
Pixel continued to speak. "Judging from their intention to provoke me and Felice while making one of us act against them, it can be concluded that they had targeted Felice to damage the family and her position within the family. I was just targeted because I got in the way of their plans but there is no evidence to say that I am not a suspect too since I got away unharmed while everything I could be saying may be a lie but.."
Felice looked over and was shocked. "What do you mean?"
Rufus nodded. "I agree that you could be suspected by others if this was told to others but I do not believe you would be swayed by their words."
He knew that his granddaughter was not so easy to control and she had others backing her so the Glutt family would have very little ability to turn her to their sides.
Even if Pixel had hidden greed within her heart for the family or greater power, she was not the type to lend the power of others and would achieve everything through her own efforts.
Pixel revealed a relaxed smile as she explained. "I do not qualify for them to take notice of or to help because I do not qualify to inherit the family head position even if I do come from the families direct line. Sister is the eldest child and has a stable position within the family while her political influence is very positive so she is less likely to be approached. It needs to be someone who can still inherit but needs help to put them as the family head, they need to be someone that can be turned against the family and possibly be manipulated."
Felice's eyes widened. "So you mean that it could be Maximillion, Cleo or Milo?"
Rufus lowered his face into his palms. "I had already suspected that this might happen one day but it may have already come. I tried to reign that kid in a little but I do not know if any of it has worked."
There were many similarities between Milo and his father in the way they acted which had worried Rufus so he tried to teach Milo well and scold him when he went down the wrong path which was what he failed to do for his son.
He hoped by doing so, things could change and he would not have to end the life of another of his bloodline with his own hands but it felt like fate was playing a cruel joke on him.
He thought to himself. 'It has to be Milo that they have approached. Maximillion may not be so smart and can be easily influenced by those around him but he still has loyalties to the family, he would not do anything to damage the family our the families name. Cleo is much too soft and has often been used by her brother but she is a kind and righteous child at heart. I do not want to suspect Milo and point the finger because that may just push him over further towards their side but what can I do?'