Meeting Baan

Pixel had been brought before Duke Genghis Baan and was escorted by her grandfather. "This is my granddaughter, Pixel J. Meridian."

Pixel stepped forward and bowed slightly as she displayed her noble etiquette. "Pixel greets the great Duke Genghis Baan."

Genghis Baan nodded calmly as he looked at her for a moment. "I had heard before from your grandfather but you really do not resemble any of your family members. If you did not have the same eyes then perhaps even your grandfather may not believe it."

Pixel remained silent as she had been used to such remarks for a long time already.

Rufus rolled his eyes and coughed. "Of course she is my own blood. I can tell that much even if I had some faults over the years!"

It seemed as if they were old friends and could talk casually to each other but Pixel had stood there quietly and was well behaved.

Baan let out a yawn and then said. "If what your grandfather has told me then you possess great talents. Such talents need to be nurtured for the sake of Zou and I can offer you a way to improve yourself but it will be very difficult."

Pixel knelt down with a look of determination. "If you ask it of me then I will be willing to take up whatever hardship it may be."

She had already known of the three dukes that had the most power in Zou and one was offering her an opportunity so she could not let the chance slip by.

Rufus looked at his granddaughter in approval. "There you have it."

Baan nodded. "Hmm.. Some might be of the belief that the three dukes are separate factions and there could be some conflicts among us in secret but that is far from the truth. I have long seen Duke Dogstorm and Duke Catviper as close family or friends, when they departed the island and had not returned, Zou had lost two promising heirs of two major families and I was left to control the chaos after my own father passed away. When they had returned, they returned as strong individuals that could gather many strong supporters behind them."

He then looked at Pixel and asked. "Tell me how others would view my actions of welcoming them back and how I have let them develop to their current power and influence?"

Pixel answered. "Some would speculate that you wanted to save face and were welcoming them back as a way to hide your true feelings about their unexpected return. They would believe that there may be some rivalry or bad blood between the three duke families and them leaving Zou for some time had only worsened the situation. While allowing them to build their power and influence, that power could easily be taken away if they make some kind of mistake so some would see it as a trap you have let them fall into from the beginning. However.."

Baan nodded. "Go on."

Pixel continued. "Each Duke has their own way of doing things and their own power structure. One protects during the day, the other protects during the night and another has influence over the people if Zou and makes the decisions that drive the island's future direction. If you did not wish for the other two Dukes to gain power then you could have stopped it one way or another by now."

Baan nodded. "We lost our sense of unity a long time ago as ambitions and ego got in the way, without the three dukes to lead by example and hold the place at the top, two spaces had opened up and some wished to find replacements. You can imagine the situation back then but I could only hold off and hope for their return. When they finally returned, I was very relieved and they had come back strong enough to control the dangerous elements that lurked in the dark."

He then sighed. "Of course, they did not remove everyone as there will always be those that have escaped being found out. With the growth of the Night Guard and the Musketeers, Zou has become so much stronger and is even more united even if the other two dukes are not in the best of relationship right now. Nobles and commoners alike greatly respect them both and are willing to join them so the amount of conflicts have lessened. A select few will still be waiting for their chance so we must remain vigilant at all times."

Rufus nodded. "Un. I still have not got my revenge for the damage done back then. They must be waiting for another opportunity to present itself."

Baan smiled. "It is not yet time. We need to be sure we can catch them all in one move before we decide to act."

Pixel raised her hand. "So what is it that I will be doing?"

Baan looked very serious as she said. "You will be training with Cat Viper and will be working as a messenger between me and him. You can continue your usual daily life or family duties but your new tasks and training are equally important."

Rufus looked very serious as he said. "You will have to adjust your lessons and sleeping schedule so that you can work alongside the Night Guard. By the way, what about that hedonistic son of that family? What did he say to your offer?"

Baan showed a look of discomfort as he complained. "Do not mention him.. he is an annoying child that only knows to spend and spend. Although he has some potential in fighting and is lucky with getting lots of wealth back from his spending, he only seems interested in tinkering with different gadgets and seeking his own entertainment."

Pixel tilted her head with a confused look on her face. 'Who are they talking about?'