It is said that a beautiful woman cannot live long due to the jealousy of other women, and a genius becomes the target of hatred from ordinary people, leading to a short life.

    I have tried to avoid making enemies as much as possible, like the persona non grata Jeong Do-jeon, Oda Nobunaga, and Wallenstein from the Thirty Years'' War.

    “Did you really manage to obtain the rank of Major Baron at such a young age?”

    “I heard he got a staff position without any significant achievements?”

    “What an arrogant brat, just a second son of a baron.”

    Among a flock of chickens, if I stand out like a crane, even if I try not to create enemies, people around me will become jealous and envious.

    From now on, it won’t just be about threats to their livelihoods.

    There will also be trash who seek to be hostile simply because they dislike my success.

    It feels just like 21st-century Korea.

    There are employees with better looks than mine, subordinates with greater abilities, and colleagues with more money.

    Such individuals are scattered throughout the nation, always trying to bury those who excel in office politics.@@@@

    ‘If I had solved the weapon and military supply issues solely with money, how much more would they be gnashing their teeth?’

    But I have no intention of hesitating or lowering my head under such pressure.

    When I become the object of someone’s jealousy without it being my fault, the best course of action is to face it boldly.

    I walked confidently towards the stage for the award ceremony.

    Was it said that shadows exist because of light?

    If there are people who envy me, there are also those who genuinely acknowledge my achievements.

    “When I heard that a 21-year-old kid was a lieutenant, I thought the world was ending, but it turns out he is the real deal?”

    “Whether it’s at Cafe Medici or elsewhere, he seems to be capable of anything.”

    “Is that what they call a genius bestowed by heaven?”

    Aside from the Duke of Visconti, my father, and the Emperor, more than half of my allies are also supporting me.

    So I shall continue on the path I believe in, with my head held high.

    Standing confidently on the platform, I received the gazes of dozens of nobles.

    “His Majesty, Emperor Vitruvio of Toscana, has arrived. Please take your seats!”

    With those words, the sound of nobles sitting down echoed through the hall.

    I also knelt on one knee and bowed my head at the same time.

    It wasn''t long before the Emperor stood before me.

    “Everyone, raise your heads.”

    When I looked up, the Emperor was smiling.

    It seemed he was quite satisfied with my achievements.

    If he were dissatisfied, even the kindest person would be quite angry, but I didn’t think I needed to worry about that.

    ‘Well, after all, what I’ve done is far beyond mere achievements.’

    “The attendant will now read the accomplishments of Fabio de Medici.”

    The attendant summarized my achievements to the assembly.

    The provision of seaweed and maternity care facilities that reduced the number of dying mothers and infants, the distribution of coffee that allowed scholars and bureaucrats to focus on their work.

    I played a decisive role in rebuilding the 1st Division, exposing the Pereira Guild’s misdeeds with righteous conduct.

    In response to that, I bowed my head even lower.

    Even with just the supply duties for the 1st Division that I optimized, the scale of the interests is equivalent to a small city, and to be given two? I can’t help but feel grateful.

    Once the Emperor departed, everyone rose and withdrew.

    Both the Visconti and Sforza factions likely had much to say about the emergence of a new ace.

    Though the Duke of Visconti didn’t directly encourage me...

    Honestly, just him bringing his followers here indicates he’s paying a lot of attention to me within the faction.

    ‘Now he’s even encouraging me directly? This will only create more enemies within the faction...’

    So there’s no need to feel disappointed.

    I reaffirmed my title and status once more.

    “Major Baron Medici.”

    Unlike when I was merely a knight, I can now operate as an independent noble.

    I feel like I’ve risen faster than I anticipated.

    However, I don’t think I will struggle to handle this position.

    I can certainly do better in the future than I have up to now.

    And now that my title has risen, I should distribute bonuses to the employees and servants of the Medici Guild and hold a family celebration.

    Lost in good thoughts on my way back, Albert, the current Baron Medici, approached me.

    “Baron Medici, thank you so much for gracing this occasion.”

    “How could this brother miss the moment his younger brother becomes a Major Baron?”

    Even if he wanted to kill me, he couldn’t skip this event.

    If he didn’t show up, he’d be pointed at among the nobles as someone who doesn’t even care for his own family.

    Albert clapped my shoulder with a smile.

    “I can’t believe you’ve already built a staff career at that age and risen to the rank of Major Baron by your own efforts. I am truly proud of you.”

    They say people die when they do something they’ve never done, so why is he suddenly acting like this?

    Did he get struck by lightning or something?

    “Every time I attend a social event, your name comes up at least once, but now you’ll hear praises about you until your ears bleed.”

    “Why are you being so embarrassing?”

    Then Albert’s expression suddenly changed.

    He spoke in a serious tone, low enough for only me to hear.

    “Don’t forget humility. There’s a saying that great success at a young age doesn’t end well. As your brother, I advise you to take heed.”

    People really never change, do they?

    Still, I have no intention of being hostile toward you. Since I was born into the Medici family, I’ll be sure to take care of interests and gifts...

    Just please don’t be jealous of me.

    What a disgraceful act it would be to envy your younger brother.

    “I will keep that in mind, brother.”