@littlekoo It's been established the Grandfather was a brilliant businessman who grew the family's power exponentially in his life. That in itself is telling since it means he likely spent little time raising his children but with discipline. That means it was unlikely children could go to him for love or teachings as they would have been afraid. Thus, they look for affection and validation from other sources, most notably the asslicking nobles who showered them with praise to take advantage of their family's newfound power. As such, they grow up arrogant and conceited, using fear and anger as a means of coercion and letting go of their bottled up feelings, instilling the same in their children. Unfortunately, I know of a couple of families who've gone through this, with a brilliant patriarch/ancestor but not very praiseworthy descendants.