The Return

Some time passed before a ship arrived on the outside of Zou underneath Zunesha.

It did not take long for the ship and those on it to be hauled back up by the combined efforts of the Minks.

Each of them were welcomed back warmly by the friendlier Minks while others questioned them on what had happened out on their travels.

The crew that had arrived in front of everyone were not from Pixel's ship so many of the surviving Glutt family members and the other survivors began to tell their own story.

"Sniffle.. argh.. those damned sneaky humans."

"It came from nowhere and we could only get away with those of us who survived."

"What happened to the others?"

"Do not ask.. ah.. it was so painful to watch!"

"Alright alright.. I will tell you all."

"Humans used devious tactics to harm so many of us Minks and dragged away the injured or disoriented of us."

"So how come you are unharmed?"

"A few of us noticed something strange and were able to avoid the blast that happened early enough to save others around us."

"Then where are most of the Meridian family? What about the Glutt family head?"

One smaller figure stepped forward showing himself, it was Milo of the Meridian family who few knew about but there were some important figures who recognised him.

"Young master!"

"So you are safe!"

"Oh it is so good that there is still someone within the main line to return!"

Everyone who was already aware of what had happened started to welcome Milo back enthusiastically until more started to question Milo.

Milo stood there silently and put on a sorrowful look. "I am afraid to tell you all that many lives were lost and many more were captured by the humans. The Glutt family head has been killed trying to save as many lives as possible.

I am afraid to say that my brother and sisters have either died or have been captured just like so many including my grandfather. With a heavy heart, I will have to step up in my grandfather's place to offer my thanks to the Glutt family who helped to overcome this crisis.

I hope that our two families can put aside our past conflicts and work together to show a united front for the sake of Zou. Thank you all for your support."

He bowed to everyone further making many believe that he was humbling taking on the role that only he was left to do just like it had been practiced.

It made many feel sympathy towards his situation and others would praise him for not falling into despair during such a difficult time.

The key point was the goal he had put forward which would gain the support of so many.

Everyone wanted there to be less internal conflicts on Zou so they could live in harmony with each other but the Meridian and Glutt family were among the families that did not get along or had a long fued.

Having such a feud settled and there being cooperation between the two families was something everyone could get behind so many would be supportive of it happening.

it was like Milo was their most important piece that could unite the two families to strengthen Zou.

Watching so many become fooled by the speech that he had rehearsed, Milo was laughing at them all internally.

He maintained his look of sorrow while hiding his greed for power until he was escorted back to the Meridian family.

Once he was behind closed doors with several loyal people around him, his facade dropped showing a cruel smile. "Still no word about my siblings?"

One of the elders bowed. "Young master, there was some movement so we thought they were coming back here so planned to intercept them. It seems that they were unable to find their way back or they encountered troubles on the way."

Milo's gaze was gloomier as he asked. "It is to be expected. Can you not send a small force to chase them down? You must be able to track them yes?"

His intentions were obvious and the elder was quick to realise them. "We will begin preparations soon and their Vivre Cards are still kept within the family so it should be quite simple to track them down."

Milo looked impatient upon hearing such a response. "Try to hurry it up since they could arrive and disrupt our plans. By the way, how is my mother?"

The elder showed a smile as they explained. "Young master, your mother is settling in well in her new home. She is eagerly awaiting you to return to her side. There is one thing.."

Milo knit his brows. "That is good but what do you have to ask?"

The elder hesitated for a moment before asking. "What about your sister? Do you think your mother will be upset to hear the news of your sister?"

Milo shook his head. "My mother has never favoured her and if she proves to be a hinderance to my succession then she would be willing to kill her own daughter with her own hands. You all truly do not know how much my mother favours me over her daughter.

If she heard you hesitating to take action against her daughter at a time like this then she would be the first to correct you so get those thoughts out of your head. Cleo should have expected this kind of treatment the moment she joined hands with others."

A shiver went down the spine of the elder along with many others who were in the room but they could not refute Milo.

Cleo may have been his sister and only twin but that was not enough to spare her life when she could prove to be a hinderance to their plans.