Disagreement

In just another ordinary lesson, Harley and Pixel were both showing off their talents as they were very smart and able to learn things quickly.

Whether it was the introductory lessons to navigation, celestial movements of the sun and moon, business, politics and other things, they were able to show that they each had great talent for them.

The celestial studies were strange at first but after hearing about the transformation ability of the Mink tribe, everyone was able to understand the need for knowing such things.

If they are able to better predict the positioning of the moon, the weather and the time when it would be a full moon then they would be able to make use of their Sulong form and plan battles for the right timing so that they could have an extra trump card.

If there was even the slightest error or miscalculation then they would be left without a backup or their transformation may be interrupted mid battle by a change in the weather.

Many variables were always going to be important in determining a Minks life and death and their Sulong form was the most risky method or tactic to use.

Not a lot of noble families had access to such knowledge but the Meridian family were one of the more intelligent bloodline or type of the Mink tribe which had continued its research and contact with the outside world for many generations.

However the lesson they were currently attending was one about politics and rankings as the teacher had just finished voicing their own personal thoughts on rankings and their importance for the structure of those on the island.

"And so.. those in high positions hold a lot of power and responsibility so that they can maintain the peace and help keep the island safe without any other problems. Those in the high rank have to act as examples for those lower and have to be cautious of those below them or their competitors so that they are not dragged from their position. We have not had a real king or queen for some time now so the three dukes have the most power right now while those other noble families have a little power of their own. Your family used to be much greater but it was reduced to this state because you had competitors in the same field and the family suffered from many internal and external problems. Your families competitors eventually rose up and your family fell so I think you should be aware of my lesson this time. Luckily there are many rules in place to prevent others from rising up with dirty tricks but there will always be those who act in secret."

Pixel raised her hand and then began to ask. "You may be right about being vigilant against others but you are very wrong about what you have stated. If the family has ambition then we are just as ambitious as those that have risen above us and knocked us down. We want to rise up again and someone will have to fall for that to happen so can you really say that just because someone is from a lesser family or a commoner background that we cannot trust them? It seems… you are judging them with too much of your own bias."

The teacher snorted. "If a noble family is capable enough, has contributed enough and can show their value then they deserve their position. As for commoners? They lack the education and starting point as the nobles so how can they possibly compete without using tricks?"

Pixel shook her head. "Commoners have their own values and teachings as do rich or noble families. Each has their own structure and have their own advantages and disadvantages. I would say that children in noble families are put under far more stress and have to grow up much faster from an early age as opposed to commoners who get to grow up in a more loving environment where kids are allowed to be kids."

The teacher crossed his arms. "Are you unsatisfied with the way your family is raising you? A half blood like you is already lucky enough to receive support from the family but even your bloodline does not match the family rules, in another family you may be discarded early and not receive this kind of support. So ungrateful."

Pixel shook her head. "No, not at all. I am a half blood of a commoner and noble but I am also a mouse Mink within a strict noble family which has many requirements for its heir, I have been aware of my restrictions and what I cannot have from a very early age. While I am grateful to the family for the support, is this the furthest that I can really go? Do I have to be restricted to the family and serve them forever? Can't I make a life for myself?"

The teacher showed a look of ridicule on their face. "You cannot inherit the position as head of the family so this will be your limit. The only way to rise higher would be to be capable enough to earn a position for yourself and be recognised by the three dukes which is impossible for you. I mean your supporters are all from lower backgrounds so how could they possibly compete against the noble children and help you to achieve that?"

Harley lowered their head and remained quiet. "…"

Pixel noticed their unease and patted their hand as she turned to the teacher. "What you have said does have some truth but I will be the judge of that. I know their worth."

The teacher showed a look of irritation. "I do not want to argue with a child any longer, the class is finished! See you all next lesson."

While she left the room with Harley, there were several pairs of judgmental eyes on her back which had come from the teacher and the young heirs of the family.

Pixel was slowly learning more about the island, the structure of the hierarchy and the rules involved so as she was growing, she was starting to question things she had been taught one after another as her own views and thoughts were forming.

She was not a true noble as many had considered her as a half blood noble while they also looked down on her for her mouse bloodline so she had thoughts about what to do about her situation.

In order to deal with the scorn and not be stuck serving the family for life, she would either have to leave the island or the family so that she could build her own influence that was better for her mentality.

She had spend a little time being fed the families and teachers philosophies while her paranoia grew towards others but while she was around her new friends, she was able to let down her guard.

Her previous viewpoints were shattered and she was able to start searching for her own way of living.

While she had to be vigilant in her position and guard against those inside and outside of the family, she wished that she could live a fun and carefree life with her family and friends.

The lesson was just another one of the things she had begun to question along the path she had started to follow.

Her place within the family was a difficult one because she could not inherit the head position and she still had to deal with the battle for succession as the siblings would compete against each other which would possibly result in death.

Those around her would be caught up in the power struggles too as she was caught in the middle of the battle for succession so she had very few options.

The bonus was that the resources available to her were many as she could make use of her sword, her businesses, the teachers and the families library to help her grow as much as possible.

Usually a small mouse would become food when surrounded by so many cats and other predators but Pixel did not fear her siblings as she was only vigilant of those much older so she hoped that the time could pass by safely before she has some sort of plan for the future.