A few days later, in Rafoldrod, a night banquet was held in the grand mansion of a certain successful and well-known smithy family.
The mansion itself was a testament to their craftsmanship with its architecture and intricate ironwork that spoke to their legacy.
This family had been the cornerstone of Rafoldrod's metalworking industry for more than a hundred years, providing a wide array of metalworks to the city's inhabitants.
When the government extended an offer to produce parts for the revolutionary traction engine, they were among the three families that enthusiastically accepted the task.
True to form, doing the government's bidding had proven immensely rewarding, and their wealth had expanded exponentially as a result.
The night of the banquet was a resplendent affair, celebrating their remarkable growth in wealth and prosperity.
Even though there were no nobles in sight, there were still many distinguished guests from across the city and beyond.
They were more than willing to attend in the mansion's grand halls, which were adorned with banners and ornate decorations, a testament to the family's pride in their metalworking heritage.
The banquet hall itself was a sight to behold, with long tables adorned with sumptuous dishes and an array of fine drinks.
Laughter, lively conversations, and the clinking of glasses filled the air, underscoring the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.
However, unbeknownst to most of the guests who were revelling in the joyous atmosphere, the banquet served as a facade to conceal a discreet meeting convened by the head of this smithy family.
As the night wore on and many guests continued to enjoy the festivities, several chosen individuals slipped away from the bustling hall.
With a quiet nod and a knowing glance, they departed from the revelry, making their way to a secluded room within the mansion.
This room, tucked away from prying eyes, was dimly lit by a single chandelier, casting long shadows across the richly upholstered furniture.
The atmosphere within was markedly different from the joviality outside.
Seated at the head of a polished mahogany table, Albert Ferron, the head of the family and a man of great influence in the metalworking industry, presided over the clandestine meeting.
His sharp eyes which hinted at both wisdom and shrewdness, scanned the room with a discerning gaze.
In the past few years, he had seen unexpected changes and reforms instigated by the king.
Even someone as experienced as Albert had been forced to stay on his toes, adapting to the evolving landscape of industry and commerce.
The Ferron family hadn't escaped unscathed.
As a business that had long stood, Albert harboured an aversion to change.
Each alteration in the established order meant a financial setback for the Ferrons, eroding the comfortable position they once occupied in the market.
They were no longer the beneficiaries but mere spectators in the reform.
Albert, however, was not oblivious to this. It was evident that these decisions were made to prevent old and long-established businesses like his from amassing too much power.
Still, he refused to sit idly by and let the family business become obsolete.
He knew that something needed to be done to maintain his advantages.
Interestingly, Albert was not alone in his feelings. Others who coincidentally connected to the Ferron family through marriage thought the same.
As a result, Albert, along with representatives from two other influential families, decided to take action.
However, just three of them would not be enough and the risks would be too high.
Thus, they gathered like-minded individuals in the old business world who were experiencing the same problem.
To reduce the risk concentrated on them, they even invited not only old and established businesses like his, but also several new and rising businesses he deemed necessary to fill in.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Albert began, "I want to express my gratitude to each of you for accepting my invitation to this meeting. I'm pleased to mention that all of you were chosen after a strict screening process. This meeting is not merely as business associates but as a collective force facing rapid changes."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "For the past few years, the various reforms have brought uncertainties that demand our attention and cooperation. It's clear that we share common concerns. This gathering, I believe, can be our strength and voice, in navigating these rapidly changing times. We can leverage our resources and influence to ensure our continued success."
He let his words hang in the air, awaiting the reactions of those gathered around the table.
Many nod their heads up and down, agreeing with the head of the Ferron family.
Evan, Aunt Tina's firstborn and a notorious wastrel, was the first to speak up.
His voice carried a tone of indifference that matched his reputation all too well. "Yeah, I get the gist of your idea, but what are we supposed to do?"
He leaned back in his chair, seemingly more interested in the drink in his hand than the discussion at hand.
While his mother is busy managing the Tina Texlie Co, here's her son, enjoying this banquet.
"Dear," Irene interjected smoothly, addressing Evan with a patient tone, "the key to achieving our goal is to make our presence known to the king. We must demonstrate our strength and unity, showing that we are a force that cannot be ignored."
After so much hard work, this Blackout agent had managed to exert a subtle influence over Evan, guiding him to align more closely with her objective.
His compliance, though not absolute, was an achievement in itself.
Moreover, her job became much easier knowing that there were people dissatisfied with their king.
"Lady Irene is right,' Albert nods. While he is not entirely pleased with Evan's presence, he recognises his value due to his family's position as the largest fabric exporter.
He then turned his attention to the matter at hand, "As for how we showcase our strength, it requires cooperation from all of you. The answer is already with us—our own commodities."
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