Building connections

It was not a regular thing for noble families to show such displays in front of the other families and openly declare their hostility towards each other because the nobles often wore masks to hide their intentions and weaknesses from each other.

Once a weakness was revealed there would be many who were hoping to cause harm to them or would attempt to rise in status by knocking someone down.

In a case where a family had declared their hostility, most would side with those that had a higher rank or power so that they could gain the favour of them.

It was exactly the same once Rufus had stated his intent which lead most in the area to form their own opinions and ideas.

In many others opinions, the Meridian family had taken on an opponent they could not defeat and had invited their own destruction.

They all could just help the Meridian family with their fall then go to the Glutt family to be rewarded.

Far away from them, they did not know that they had all been observed by the three most powerful Dukes in Zou and that not a single one of them approved of the way they had reacted.

Baan revealed a look of disappointment. "These fools.. the Meridian family is an old noble family no matter how far it has fallen. Do they honestly believe that they could fall so easily and not gain help from others?"

Duke Dogstorm shook his head. "I think that the nobility have become too complacent over the years. They have had very little to do and have not encountered enough difficulties so of course they would turn out like this."

CatViper nodded in agreement. "Mm.. too much internal conflict and division within Zou is not a good thing. It leaves too many openings for outside invasions and interference in our countries affairs-nya~."

Baan turned to look towards the ongoing argument and then revealed a look of approval. "Someone has stepped up. Another young one with potential which does not fear making enemies with those bigger than themselves."

Duke Dogstorm and CatViper turned to observe. "Oh~ interesting~."

A cat Mink had stepped forward and applauded the actions and words of Rufus. "I really admire the Meridian family."

His interference caused many to look towards him and they all started to gossip among themselves.

"Who is that?"

"Do you not know? That is the young heir of the Marquis family that is always has a neutral stance."

"Then why is he getting involved?"

"I hear that the young heir is very different to most of his family but they still spoil him greatly."

The head of the Glutt family frowned. "Who asked you to interfere? This is a matter for the adults to handle."

He showed no respect towards Micah because he did not recognise him.

It was understandable since Micah rarely showed up to public gatherings and went outside but there were a couple of people which had seen him when visiting the family home.

Unfortunately the Glutt family head was not among those people because he had no connections to the family.

Micah ignored him and walked past as he stepped closer to Rufus. "Greetings Meridian family head. I have come forward to express my and my families intentions to join hands with each other."

He turned to look towards Cleo and held out his hand to beckon her towards him. "I would like to have a closer relationship with the Meridian family in the future and I have found my partner in life who can help with that."

Cleo stood frozen on the spot and then when she woke up, she slowly was going to step forwards until a hand grabbed onto her. "Mother? Brother?"

She turned around to see her mother and brother both looking at her with disapproval in their eyes.

Their gazes were both full of warning and coldness which made her hesitate until footsteps got closer towards them.

Meanwhile Rufus was watching everything and stayed silent but his mind was a mess. 'He wants to create ties with our family? Wait that punk has his eyes on my youngest granddaughter! No no no no! She is still just a baby! He chose the perfect time to step forward and propose just when many would start choosing sides. Sneaky brat.'

To Rufus, Cleo was the youngest child and was much too timid or soft so she could easily be picked on but he still doted on and cared for her enough to look out for her when she was having a hard time.

Marriage was unavoidable for most noble children and although there was not one arranged for Cleo, there had been a couple of requests which he had rejected.

He had gotten in the way of Cleo's mothers attempts to sell her off but it could not be halted forever so the sudden proposal was even more surprising.

As the grip was tightening on Cleo enough to cause her pain, a cold voice spoke. "Can you remove your hands from my future fiancé?"

Her mother hesitated then released her grip since she was in front of so many people and could not be seen going against the next heir of a marquis family.

Milo stood by his mother and glared towards Cleo with eyes filled with malice and resentment.

Cleo stepped away from her family and held onto the hand of Micah who dragged her in front of Rufus. "Grandfather.."

She looked very shy and nervous as she stood in front of him so Micah took the lead as he took a knee in front of everyone. "I ask for the ladies hand in marriage so that the two families can be joined to one another. I offer the support of my family in your future businesses and activities but will also offer the families aid if the Meridian family ever encounter any trouble."

He turned to look over with a gaze full of provocation towards the Glutt family head who had become a background character who was being ignored by everyone.

He then faced Rufus again as he waited for his answer but he couldn't help but look a little surprised once his gaze rested on Pixel for a moment but he quickly hid his emotions.

He did not realise that Pixel had been observing him for a long time and had already found him a little strange or suspicious.

Rufus remained silent for a while then answered after much careful consideration. "For now I will see how the two of you get along. It would be best to get to know each other better before officially becoming engaged."

He wanted to decline but he had noticed that Cleo had seemed to have taken a liking to Micah so he could only see how things would turn out after some time had passed.

They were still young and their feelings would either change or grow over time until the time when they were both old enough to marry.

Micah did not show any disappointment towards the answer and lowered his head to place a kiss onto the back of Cleo's hand. "I will visit the Meridian family very soon and I hope that she can be allowed to visit me too in the future."

Cleo blushed a little and nodded while Rufus looked a little annoyed. 'Damn brat and right in front of me!'