Across both the East and the West, it is said that family is a bond bestowed by the heavens.
They are the ones who share the happiest moments of my life and stand by me during the saddest ones.
However, when issues like power, feelings of inferiority toward each other, differences in status, and wealth become entangled, it can quickly turn family members into those who cannot coexist under the same sky.
“Just like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
“Although my relationship with Albert isn’t one of irreconcilable enemies, to be honest, it’s not exactly good either.”
I have never caused Albert any disadvantages.
If I truly wanted to, I could easily ask Duke Visconti or the Emperor right now to obtain the title of Baron Medici.
But in the long run, it wouldn’t be good for me, and besides, I didn’t want to take away my brother’s title, as we share the same blood.
Moreover, without him realizing, I’m in a position where I’m providing the Medici family with unreciprocated goodwill and benefits.
“He’s just blinded by jealousy and envy, treating me as an enemy.”
The dumbest thing in this world is trying to befriend someone who cannot be my friend.
No matter how much money I give him or how endlessly I pour my heart out, he will either see me as a pushover or harbor even more animosity toward me.
It’s said that there’s no tree that doesn’t fall after ten attempts at seduction, but I’d be handcuffed in the process.
“Is Baron Medici inside right now?”
At that, a servant of the mansion politely responded.
“He is currently focused on his duties.”
“Please tell him that my brother urgently wants to speak with him and that he should spare a little time.”
When making such a request to another family, it’s customary to offer a few silver coins as a gesture.
It’s not because I want to throw money around.
It’s because servants, who have not received gifts, sometimes slip in a bit of nonsense, which could lead to trouble.
“I don’t need to do that since I’m Albert’s brother.”
“Please wait a moment, Baron.”
Before long, the butler came and respectfully led me to Albert’s office.
The moment Albert saw me, he welcomed me very warmly.
“Oh, Fabio. It’s so nice to see you like this.”
Although Albert is the Baron of the Medici family, a significant part of his power relies on being close to me.
Well, if I dig around a bit, there would be several pieces of evidence for that.
“My brother’s wife is the biggest proof.”
So, in front of others, he has no choice but to act friendly with me.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Baron.”
“Haha, you can call me ‘brother.’”
He babbled some nonsense about how little the age difference is and how I should call him ‘brother’ in a casual setting.
Honestly, it’s more realistic to refer to Duke Visconti as ‘father-in-law’ than to casually call him ‘brother’ in private.
“No matter how close we are, we must respect your authority as a Baron.”
“That’s true.”
See? His true feelings just came out.
And after a little while, the fake smile that had bloomed on Albert’s face completely vanished.
“You must be busy, and I must be busy too, so you didn’t come here just to have a cup of tea or to hang out like we did when we were young. What is it that you want this time?”
Honestly, I want to get along a bit better with this guy.
Privately, he’s still my brother by blood, and publicly, he’s a Baron of the Medici family and one of the titans of the empire.
“While you may know, Baron, this time the Spice Guild issued a command targeting me, telling Café Medici not to sell sugar. Thanks to that, I nearly suffered a great loss.”
Albert sighed upon hearing my words.
“I regret to hear that such a thing happened. I should have helped you; I’m sorry.”
Elders often say that if they freely babble their thoughts, they’d get sewn up with needles.
Now I understand why they would say such harsh things.
If you had any intention of helping me, you should have acted right after the sugar sales ban was issued.
If it were someone else, especially a major stakeholder in the Spice Guild who holds a quarter of its management rights, the guild master would have tucked his tail and run.
“Even if you’re lying, at least put some effort into it.”
Still, it’s better to say nice things.
Since we are family, he can’t really stab me in the back, but I also can’t just take revenge recklessly because Albert sees me as an enemy.
“It’s already in the past, so it’s alright, Baron.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
An arrow that has flown cannot return, and there is no way to scoop up the water that has been spilled in this world.
Once time passes, it can’t be turned back.
Since I resolved it well, it might be a dirty feeling, but I can consider it a good thing.
“That’s that, but I won’t forget how you messed with me.”
Albert bowed his head before me.
For a moment, I wondered if he genuinely felt sorry for me.
However, there was no sign on his face that he felt regret over the trouble I almost faced.
“Am I more irritating to you because I’m doing fine?”
“I’m sorry that I, your brother, couldn’t help you.”
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freewebnovel.cσ๓.
“It’s fine. I have no feelings of regret toward you regarding this matter. Surely there must have been some circumstances.”
Even a speck of dust should be expected to feel disappointment.
And since I became independent, I have never once expected anything from Albert de Medici, the Baron of Medici.
That guy has never congratulated me for my success or offered to help when I faced difficulties.
Even though he’d benefit directly or indirectly if I did well.
If my brother were a judge or a prosecutor, the chances of facing injustice during police investigations would vanish. If he were a doctor, he could enter the emergency room even without being gravely ill, surpassing dying patients.
Also, if he were a corporate executive or the head of a company, he could secretly receive job recommendations for family members.
“But this guy only felt jealousy even when he experienced things that could help him?”
What can you expect from a person who cannot even distinguish between right and wrong due to jealousy and envy?
Albert firmly grasped my hand.
“Thank you for understanding me even though you must have gone through tough times, Fabio. It seems like family is all you can rely on.”
No, if I had to trust you, I might as well believe that Koreans would live off pickled radishes instead of kimchi.
Am I crazy enough to trust you, Albert?
Hah, I’ve endured so far, but I guess I don’t need to hold back any longer.
No, if we can’t be friendly, then...
“Baron, I have something I want to discuss privately, so could you please dismiss all the servants and attendants around us for a moment?”
“There are only you and me in this office; what is there to worry about?”
The talk I’m about to have is a threat, that’s why.
Until now, I’ve only given to you and have never received anything in return.
Well, even for my father’s sake, I was planning to let it slide as long as I could take something away.
To be honest, if I give you anything, you should at least firmly grasp the reins of the guild master of the Spice Guild, who you can control.
“Who said that? When you are chastising a middle manager, do it where subordinates can’t see.”
Honestly, what happens to Albert de Medici is irrelevant.
But I don’t want to drive a nail into my father’s heart, who tried to raise me with love as much as possible, considering me a noble among the aristocrats of this era and this country.
If rumors of conflict between me and Albert spread, it would also bring disadvantages to me.
It would be best to eliminate any ears that could overhear us.
“Please dismiss them. This is a warning I’m giving you as the Baron Medici.”
The fact that I specifically mentioned the title of Baron means that the statement I’m about to make will be made solely in the public domain and not in the personal domain.
Upon realizing that, Albert immediately stood up and sent all the servants outside.
After about five minutes, I crossed my legs and sat down.
No matter how much the other person is my brother, I cannot have a relaxed attitude in front of a Baron who holds a higher title than mine.
“It’s similar to how the head of the Pereira Guild used honorifics with me.”
Of course, I’m not doing this shamelessly without thinking.
“Today, I want to talk openly about the feelings I’ve kept inside. Although our families have separated, aren’t we still brothers sharing the same surname and family name? If there are misunderstandings, they must be resolved.”
Misunderstandings, yes, there is one misunderstanding between us.
“Baron Medici, do you know whose merit it is that you’re sitting in that seat right now?”
I may have a lower title, but I won’t lose to you, you foolish man.