NOVEL NEXT Chapter 81
Family is said to be an affinity bestowed by heaven, regardless of East or West.
They are the ones who share the happiest moments of my life and stand by me during the saddest times.
However, when power, inferiority complexes, differing stances, and wealth become intertwined, we can quickly become unable to share the same sky.
“Just like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu from the Three Kingdoms.”
“While I wouldn’t say that Albert and I are sworn enemies, honestly, our relationship is far from good.”
I’ve never done anything to harm that Albert guy.
If I truly wanted to, I could ask Duke Visconti or the Emperor right now to grant me the title of Medici Baron.
In the long run, that would not be beneficial for me, and I refrained from taking the title from my brother, who shares the same blood as me.
Moreover, unbeknownst to him, I’m actually providing unreciprocated favors and benefits to the Medici Baron Clan.
“He’s just blinded by jealousy and envy, that’s all.”
The most foolish thing in this world is to try to get close to someone who can’t be friends with you.
No matter how much money I give or how much I pour my heart out, that person will either see me as a pushover or look at me with even more hostility.
It’s said that if you pursue a woman, there’s no tree that won’t fall after ten tries, but that doesn’t mean you won’t end up in handcuffs.
“Is the Medici Baron inside now?”
At those words, a servant from the mansion answered politely.
“He is currently engrossed in his duties.”
“Tell him that his brother has something urgent to discuss and would like him to spare some time.”
In other clans, it’s customary to offer a few silver coins to make such requests.
It’s not that I want to throw money around carelessly.
It’s because a servant who hasn’t received a gift might slip in a few awkward remarks, and that could be problematic.
“I don’t need to do that since I’m Albert’s brother.”
“Please wait a moment, Young Baron.”
Before long, the butler came and respectfully led me to Albert’s office.
As soon as Albert saw me, he welcomed me warmly.
“Oh, Fabio. It’s really nice to see you like this.”
Though Albert is the Medici Baron, much of his power depends on our friendship.
While there could be plenty of evidence for that if one were to look around,
“My brother’s wife is the biggest proof.”
So, of course, he has to pretend to be friendly with me in front of others.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Baron.”
“Haha, just call me brother.”
That’s just the kind of nonsense where someone says there’s hardly an age difference and expects you to call them brother.
Honestly, it’s more realistic to call Duke Visconti ‘Father-in-law’ instead.
“No matter how close we are, we should respect the Baron’s authority.”
“That’s true.”
See? The true feelings come out.
After a while, the fake smile on Albert’s face completely disappeared.
“You must be busy, and so am I, so you didn’t just come to have tea or to hang out like when we were kids. What’s the matter this time?”
I honestly want to get a bit closer to this guy.
After all, he’s my brother by blood, and he’s the Medici Baron, one of the magnates of the Empire.
‘Though the guild’s real power lies with another uncle.’
Still, it’s always advantageous to reduce the number of enemies, and increasing allies is always good.
“As you know, Baron, this time, the Spice Guild issued an order to stop selling sugar at Cafe Medici targeting me. Thanks to that, I was about to suffer a huge loss.”
Upon hearing my words, Albert sighed.
“I heard about that unfortunate event. I should have been there for you. I’m sorry.”
The elders often say when they have a loose tongue, they get sewn up with a needle.
I think I understand why they said such harsh things now.
If you had the intention to help me, you should have acted immediately after the sugar sales ban was imposed on me.
If it had been anyone other than a nobleman, but the owner of the Spice Guild, who holds a quarter of the management rights, had taken action, the Guild Master would have tucked his tail between his legs right away.
‘At least make your lies a bit more sincere.’
Well, I should at least say this nicely.
We’re family, so that guy can’t stab me in the back, but I also can’t just take revenge impulsively because Albert is hostile.
“It’s already in the past, so it’s fine, Baron.”
“I appreciate you saying that.”
Once a arrow has flown, it cannot return, and there is no way to pick up spilled water in this world.
Time, once passed, cannot be turned back.
Since I handled it well, it might be a nasty feeling, but I could also consider it a good thing.
‘But that doesn’t mean I’ll forget that you’ve messed with me.’
Albert bowed his head in front of me.
At that moment, I wondered if he really felt sorry for me.
However, his expression showed no signs of regret for the trouble that nearly fell upon me.
‘So it seems he’s actually more annoyed that I’m doing fine.’
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t help you, brother.”
“Not at all. I hold no regrets regarding this matter about you. Surely there must have been some circumstances behind it.”
One should always expect at least a tiny amount of disappointment to avoid disappointment.
And I have never expected anything from Albert de Medici, the Medici Baron, since I became independent.
He has never congratulated me for my successes nor offered help during hard times.
Even though there would certainly be something that could fall directly or indirectly to him if I did well.
If my brother were a judge or prosecutor, the chance of being wrongly accused during police questioning would be zero, and if he were a doctor, he could enter the emergency room right away even if he wasn’t dying himself.
If he were an executive at a conglomerate or the president of a company, he could secretly receive job solicitations for his family.
‘Yet this guy has been nothing but jealous despite experiencing something beneficial himself.’
What can you expect from someone who can’t even rationalize due to jealousy and envy?
Albert firmly grabbed my hand.
“Thank you for understanding me despite the hardships you’ve faced, Fabio. It seems that family is all we can count on.”
Nope, I’d rather believe that Koreans will happily eat pickled radish instead of kimchi.
Am I crazy enough to trust you, Albert?
Phew, I’ve held it in till now, but maybe I’ve held back enough.
Honestly, if we’re not going to get along, then…
“Baron, I’d like to discuss something discreetly, so could you kindly send away all the servants and attendants around us?”
“You’re worried about something when it’s just you and me in the office?”
The conversation I’m about to have is to threaten him.
Until now, I have only given without receiving anything in return.
Well, for the sake of my father, I was going to let it slide just by receiving something.
But to be honest, if you’re willing to give me something, you should at least have a firm grip on the reins of the Spice Guild Master that you can control.
‘Who said that? When dealing with middle management, do it where the subordinates can’t see.’
Honestly, I couldn’t care less about Albert from the Medici Baron Clan.
But, I also don’t want to drive a nail into my father’s heart, who tried to raise me with as much love as possible for a noble in this era and country.
If news of our conflict circulates, there will be disadvantages for me.
So, it’s better to eliminate all the ears that could eavesdrop on us.
“Do clear the area. This is a warning I’m giving as the Young Baron of Medici.”
The fact that I specifically mentioned the title “Young Baron” indicates that what I am about to say is strictly a matter of public concern, not private.
Realizing that, Albert immediately got up and sent the servants outside.
After about five minutes, I crossed my legs and sat down.
No matter how much he is my brother, I must not act impertinently before a baron who holds a higher title than I do.
‘It’s somewhat similar to how the head of the Pereira Guild uses honorifics with me.’
Of course, I’m not here just to be shameless without a reason.
“I want to express my feelings clearly today. Although our branches have separated, isn’t it undeniable that we are brothers with the same surname and family name? If there is a misunderstanding, we must clear it.”
A misunderstanding, yes, we certainly have one between us.
“Medici Baron, do you know whose merit it is that you are sitting in that position now?”
Even though my title may be lower, I’m not inferior to you, you foolish human.