God of Contracts: Strongest Businessman

A few minutes ago,

Nestled in a relatively modest neighborhood, the Thorne Estate sprawled gracefully, its main residence radiating a subdued charm. Unlike ostentatious splendor, it exuded a refined allure, surrounded by manicured gardens of vibrant flowers and pristine lawns. Adorned with smooth, earth-toned bricks and intricate stonework, the exterior hinted at understated elegance. Large windows dressed in delicate lace curtains offered glimpses of the inviting and tastefully furnished interior.

At a single glance, the Thorne estate seemed to mirror the opulence expected of a noble Count, yet there lingered a whisper of restrained grandeur-a testament, some claimed, to the Thorne lineage's inherent frugality. Speculation ran rife about their choice of location within the Outer ring of the capital, distant enough to almost straddle the very borders of the city. Rumors suggested the Thorne patriarch's deliberate avoidance of the capital's bustling center due to its exorbitant expenses, a strategic retreat to the outskirts. Some conjectured that if not for their familial obligations tied to the military, the Thornes would have never built an estate in the Capital. These speculations, however, lacked substance, leaving the truth shrouded in mystery.

As a young man and his companion were led by a maid to the guest quarters, the question that echoed the sentiments of many visitors before them: "Why did they choose to bury themselves here?"

Bewildered, he couldn't fathom the reasoning behind such a choice. While he understood that residing in the city center meant higher living expenses, the trade-off seemed extreme. Renouncing numerous privileges, services, and infrastructures by dwelling on the outskirts appeared a significant sacrifice. The rumors surrounding Thorne's frugality intrigued him, yet he found himself grappling with the notion. Was it truly worth relinquishing these conveniences for what seemed like trivial savings? The estate's sheer grandeur contradicted any notions of financial constraint; the maintenance alone likely surpassed the budgets of several baronets. The inconsistency puzzled him. If thriftiness were the aim, why not opt for a more modest dwelling? The persistent question gnawed at him, compelling him to seek the truth behind the decision. The notion of frugality, to him, seemed a flimsy excuse-there had to be more to the story.

Unbeknownst to the young man, his companion seethed inwardly, a silent scream echoing through his mind: 'Idiot!'

Who, in their right mind, would blurt out such notions in the presence of a Thorne employee? Worse, the bumbling fool was oblivious to his blunder, his pensive expression masking his utter lack of awareness. He couldn't rely on this imbecile to navigate this delicate situation; he had to find a way to avert disaster. Regrettably, it seemed true that "Foolishness raced at the pace of thought," for before he could intervene, the fool persisted in his folly,

"Perhaps they realized they didn't belong among nobility," the oblivious youth mused aloud, lost in his self-congratulatory thoughts. "Thus, they opted to reside among their equals-the common folk-in the outskirts," Nodding in self-satisfaction, he remained blissfully unaware of his thoughts spilling into the open.

Ultimately, despite their esteemed military lineage, the Thornes retained their commoner status. Consequently, it wasn't outlandish for them to display a keen awareness of their societal position. This self-awareness could have led to their deliberate choice to reside among fellow commoners, finding solace and connection in the community beyond the realm of nobility. For the Thornes, embracing their common roots might have been a deliberate homage to their heritage, a conscious decision to remain grounded despite their achievements, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience with the commoners.

'Fuck!Fuck!Fuck!' The curses echoed loud in his mind, a silent cacophony of frustration. He couldn't fathom the audacity of his companion, casually spinning baseless theories within earshot of a Thorne household servant. The reckless disregard sent chills down his spine. Initially uncertain, now convinced, he couldn't shake the feeling that this fool had been sent deliberately to sabotage him. No one could be this profoundly ignorant-surely, this was a calculated move. It wasn't that he entirely disagreed with the analysis; he, too, had pondered the same notions. Yet, his reasoning diverged. He was certain this fool genuinely believed the Thornes viewed themselves as beneath the nobility, choosing the outskirts to evade their company. Ridiculous. Anyone with a modicum of sense and connections knew of the Thornes' long standing feuds with the nobles-so why attempt entry into their circles?

For centuries, the Thorne family had been embroiled in a bitter feud with the nobility, a conflict that had intensified with each passing generation. The incident involving the Thorne heir a few years ago merely served as the final straw, igniting a rift that seemed insurmountable. As a result, interactions between the nobility and the Thorne family were reduced to mere business transactions, devoid of any social or political engagement. However, this official severing of ties masked an underlying reality: the two entities were inextricably linked, each dependent on the other for their survival.

The Thorne family, despite their self-imposed isolation, maintained discrete connections with a select few nobles, individuals they deemed trustworthy and willing to engage in mutually beneficial dealings. For the remaining nobles, however, their options were limited. They were forced to either swallow their pride and negotiate directly with the Thorne patriarch, General Marcus, or resort to purchasing Thorne products through intermediaries, at a significantly inflated cost.

The nobility's dependence on Thorne products was absolute, a lifeline that ensured their continued prosperity and social standing. Without access to Thorne-controlled resources, the nobles would be stripped of their ability to maintain their lavish lifestyles and exert their influence. The Thorne family's dominance in the monster core and herb markets was unparalleled, holding a staggering 80% and 98% share, respectively. This economic stranglehold cemented their position as indispensable to the kingdom's nobility. Had they not dedicated their lives and wealth to the military and their independant city, they would undoubtedly reign as the Kingdom's wealthiest entity, surpassing even the royal treasury.

In spite of their near-monopoly, the Thorne army's influence over the Kingdom's economy was limited. Their remote base restricted their market to the Kamer Kingdom, and their extensive military expenses necessitated a steady stream of income. This prevented them from engaging in risky market manipulations. Consequently, the nobility, reliant on Thorne products, had to approach Marcus for supplies, and Marcus, in turn, was compelled to sell to maintain his army's operation. This delicate balance, however, was beyond the comprehension of this idiot.

The question of superiority between the nobles and the Thorne family was a complex and multifaceted one. While the nobles held sway in terms of social status and political influence, the Thorne family commanded immense military power and enjoyed widespread public support. This delicate balance of power made it difficult to definitively declare one group superior to the other.

And despite their acknowledgement of the Thorne family's usefulness, many nobles harbored a deep-seated belief in their own inherent superiority, viewing the Thornes as a necessary but inferior entity.

Yet, an undeniable truth loomed large: no noble dared openly confront or provoke the Thorne family. Tales of such bold acts were as rare as sightings of spirits-legends whispered but rarely witnessed. However, an unspoken understanding prevailed, hinting that with adequate incentives, many nobles wouldn't shy away from seizing such an opportunity. Thus far, the nobles had refrained from outright antagonism toward the Thornes, opting instead for a wary equilibrium of power... until now.

Edited by MoonsterDark