With everyone being in attendance that was of any importance, the festivities began as food and drinks were served.
Each display of wealth was done in order to win the other noble families to their side and butter them up for the main event.
Milo and another appeared on the highest point gaining attention to themselves as those that supported them had started to ask for silence among the crowd.
They were beginning to set the tone for the gathering allowing the two heirs that would inherit their positions to be able to speak up without interruptions.
Since they were able to speak, Milo stepped forward first bowing slightly. "Hello my fellow Minks of distinguished families. I am here to express my sorrow and apologies for the recent events that took place.
As the sole survivor of my families main bloodline, I, Milo Meridian vow to set aside my families old grudges in order to solidify the peace within Zou. No more will there be fierce rivalries between two families causing unrest among our homeland.
I come together with the new head of the Glutt family to put aside our past grievances in order to build a better future. I hope you all can see our resolve to make things better and our commitment to Zou as we strive to earn back your trust."
He got many applauses from those who were inspired by his speech while some were putting on a show since they already knew what was happening.
Since the stage was set and Milo had waved toward him to continue, the young hyena mink stepped forward. "I thank the new Meridian family head for such kind words. I will be accepting this position after tragedy had struck my family too.
I do so with a heavy heart and am aware of the difficulties I will have to face in order to make up for a lot of our families mistakes. This is why it is best that old grudges are put aside in order to avoid further bloodshed and misfortune.
I, Fraser Glutt vows that from this day, the Glutt and Meridian families will join together in our operations in order to carry out our duties and work towards a better future for Zou."
Another round of applause began as the two youths stood between a document that was placed down on a wooden table.
All that was required was a signature or stamp of the family head then everything would be final.
Seeing that so many in the crowd were showing support for such a thing happening, those with negative feeling had to keep quiet.
Just as it was proceeding the way they wanted, noises came from their surroundings as the entire venue started to be surrounded by shadows until the figures were revealed.
Fraser was shocked to see such a scene and shouted. "Dukes! What is the meaning of this!? Is this an act of aggression towards two loyal families? You are surrounding so many guests too! Have you gone mad?"
Catvyper rolled around on the ground clutching his stomach. "Nyanyanyanyaa! I am tired of watching this foolish display. You can come out now-nya~!."
A smaller figure walked between the group of combat ready Minks and appeared in front of the crowd.
Several elders of the Meridian family dropped to their knees with stupefied looks filled with despair. "Impossible.. how.. how.."
Milo was among them and he took a step back losing his balance as he fell to the ground. "No.. how.. she should not be here.."
Pixel watched on as many were confused about her arrival along with the dukes intentions.
So many eyes were watching from all angles to see who among the crowd were showing such looked or had similar reactions.
It was like they were searching for any possible links to those they intended to target.
Pixel smiled cutely and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "I am sure many are confused how I am here yes? How could someone who is dead or missing possibly be here?
That is actually quite simple, the Meridian family handed my Vivre Card over to the Dukes. How could the Meridian family possibly be aware of my location and current state? Hehehe."
Her smile grew wider as she continued to explain. "If I arrived here with my other siblings and survivors then that would alert many of you so we had to go with this plan you see?
I could hide out waiting for the right time to reveal myself while the others are being protected away from Zou where you guys cannot track and get to them. Since they are not on the island, how could you possibly guess that I had made it back first?"
The moment that Catviper landed on the ship, the plan began to be put together as they began to strategise and plan out the best course of action.
Pixel was able to enter Zou again but the others could not since they would be tracked by their Vivre Cards.
In order to draw out the biggest traitors and those that posed a threat, it was necessary to lurk in the shadows watching and waiting while they were believing that they had won in their gamble.
With the help of the Dukes and the forces underneath them, it was very easy to monitor the situation as it developed.
Some of the subordinates of the Dukes had joined the other survivors and sailed away on the stolen ship so they could not be caught up in the following events.
Once it was safe to return, the ship would be brought back to Zou and they would be able to reunite with their loved ones at that time after all the danger was removed.
Pixel continued to tell her tale. "I stand here and accuse the Glutt family, those affiliated with them and several members of the Meridian family of treason! They colluded with humans to sell those of our tribe to slavers!
Several survivors barely made it back to Zou after being attacked and chased down by those of the Glutt family and those they were working with. Do you not find it strange that so many were captured and harmed yet here stands Milo who has not a single scratch on him?
If you are unaffiliated with these groups of traitors or wish to avoid being forced to submission then you should all get down and surrender! This is the authority of the three Dukes combined and a matter of treason so do not interfere or you will be charged with aiding criminals!"
Her words caused many who were pleased with how things turned out to suddenly crumble into despair.
Those with less of a spine or who had no involvement dropped down to the ground right away allowing for them to be taken away or to be allowed to leave once they were checked out.
Meanwhile a commotion broke out as several Minks began to join together to launch their counterattack.