With the rising conflicts which were beginning to heat up, a large figure quickly appeared between them. "That is enough. From now on the three dukes will oversee this matter."
The head of the Glutt family was shocked at the sudden appearance and stepped back. "Y.. yes of course."
He could be out of control as he liked most of the time unless someone appeared which had much more power and status than him.
He was the type who bullied the weak but feared the strong but if he saw a moment of weakness in those above, he was not against using foul means and taking advantage of an opponents time of weakness.
Since the dukes and a marquess family had stepped forward, he had no choice but to back down.
Baan was followed by Catviper and Dogstorm as he began speaking to everyone in a stern tone. "I want this matter to end here. This is a matter between the children and we should leave it at that. As for who was the victim and the culprit in this… I think each person has their own opinions but it cannot be proven since most of it had happened within the forest. Both sides have their own stories and they are both different so one of them must be lying. However I want to see an end to this so we will forget everything that happened. I will send someone to treat those wounded."
Rufus stepped forward and bowed. "If that is your decision then the Meridian family will accept it. The Meridian family only wish for the stability of Zou."
Rufus stated his intentions clearly and stepped back while thinking over what had happened. 'Baan must have came forward at this time only after watching for a while. He must have been examining the noble families and their individual stances.'
Social and coming of age events were just a way to bring the nobles together in one place so they could connect with each other, socialise and trade information but there was another clear goal involved.
Everyone was testing the waters and seeing who was allying with who along with trying to pry into certain families future intentions and plans.
When Pixel was attacked, Baan and the others trusted that she could avoid danger so they held off appearing so that they could observe how everyone reacted to the Glutt family head's outburst.
It was clear that certain families had supported him even though he attacked a child and most neutral parties seemed to favour the Glutt family over the Meridian family.
There was clear favouritism and bias in their decisions so their disciples family was going to suffer in the future.
Rufus stated his intentions firmly so that his grandchildren and family honour would not be tarnished by bowing down and accepting the fault.
He was about to step in until an unexpected person intervened first from one of the people he had a keen interest in.
The sudden alliance was good news for the Meridian family but it was not good if a large rift was built between the families which caused many to take sides.
The peace that had been kept for so long would be destroyed as the families would go to war with each other then Zou would lose most of its fighting potential to defend itself or assist Catviper and Dogstorm in the future with their own war.
Catviper and Dogstorm looked very threatening behind Baan as they glared towards the Glutt family head.
The Glutt family head bowed and saluted. "The Glutt family accepts your decision."
Baan showed a small smile then replied calmly. "You may go and see to your son's treatment. Now everyone… the banquet shall begin!"
Micah held out his hand towards Cleo and spoke. "Would the lady like to join me for a dance before our meal?"
A small group of Minks appeared with different musical instruments and began to play a tune while one started to sing.
The calm and soothing music spread around which allowed everyone to settle down and enjoy the banquet.
Pixel was dancing with her mother who had a look of worry in her eyes while Cleo joined Micah to dance together.
Several others from different noble families joined in so the banquet became very festive and lively.
Baan was observing from far away with a smile on his face as the young Minks enjoyed their cooked prey with their family members or friends then turned to Catviper and Dogstorm. "What are your thoughts?"
Dogstorm was the first to speak. "The Glutt family will not give up and this event has only helped to expose that truth. They could be a danger to Zou or may have already been a problem in the past. I have no proof but when I watched the family hea attack Pixel there was a moment where he was determined to kill her after she avoided his first hit."
Catviper added. "There is clear hostility between the two families now but if I know Pixel well enough then she would have not started it. My guess is that the Glutt family is playing dirty tricks."
Baan nodded. "I will call for Rufus later when there are less eyes watching so I can hear the truth from him personally but be sure to talk to that student of yours to hear her side. Who knows if that old man will change some details to protect her… he acts like he does not care for her but today has proven that he does dote on her quite a bit."
Dogstorm replied after thinking a little. "There is clearly many lower families that seem to support the Glutt family along with some with a noble status below them. I feel that their hold over that many families could be a potential threat to the higher families. If this continues then there could be a call for a restructuring of the current nobles rankings."
While most families in either noble status had earned their right in their current generation or the past, the families remained there until they were deemed to be no longer of a help to Zou and were just sitting in place while enjoying the benefits of their status.
It was not uncommon for those families to be overthrown by other families by various means or even being voted out of their position.
If enough gathered together then even a marquess or duke could be stripped of their status since they did not fit in with the current outlook and vision of the masses.
Even if the Glutt family gained a lot of support and followers no matter the means they used to do so, they would only have to continue to gather more and hold a council to vote out the current powers.
If enough agreed then the power structure would be changed and the Glutt family could be given the opportunity to take many other families under their command since those that had been voted out were unable to protect their branch and retainer families.
Baan looked towards the deep forest with a calm and peaceful look in his eyes. "Do not worry about those things too much. Just focus on building your own groups up, they will surely become your greatest support no matter what happens in the future within the nobility. A new age is coming and I believe that several key figures will help to build that. There will be some resistance but I believe that those involved will not be so easy to stop."
His gaze rested on many young figures dancing and eating with a happy atmosphere around them. "Our task is to look over the young ones and provide a stable environment for them to grow up. When it is time for them to reach their full potential and make their own achievements is when we can pass over the responsibilities and have a long rest."
Catviper began to laugh. "You sound like an old man-nya~."
Baan let out a sigh. "Maybe I am just feeling a little sentimental right now with the current atmosphere-baa~."