The other guild masters are influenced by the merchants but maintain a certain degree of independence.

    Even if the merchants decide not to trade, it’s still possible for them to somewhat develop their own supply chains or sales routes.

    However, the spice guild cannot avoid being controlled by the merchants.

    If the Medici baron’s merchant group and the three families that monopolize the spice trade collaborate to cut off supplies, there won’t be any sugar or pepper available.

    In short, their means of survival would be entirely cut off.

    Moreover, the current Medici baron secretly dislikes Fabio.

    ‘If we show that young brat the bitter taste of reality, he might offer us cheaper pepper next time.’

    “I believe none of the masters here are unfamiliar with Cafe? Medici. I often go there to enjoy coffee and pastries.”

    Cafe? Medici is a trendy, small social venue.

    Although they aren’t formal nobles, they wield noble-level power and must maintain a noble-like appearance due to their slightly inferior bloodline.

    They also experience feelings of inferiority toward the blue-blooded individuals who were born fortunate.

    ‘They cannot fall behind nobles even in culture.’

    That’s why they generously sponsor all kinds of performances, plays, literature, and arts, even without much knowledge.

    Visiting Fabio’s cafe? is a necessity for survival rather than just a matter of preference.

    “Fabio is a major client of our spice guild. He purchases dozens of tons of sugar every month. I believe everyone knows the reason for that.”

    At Cafe? Medici, they never skimp on sugar when making desserts.

    They pour it in liberally to create cakes, cookies, tarts, and donuts.

    This is essential to impress nobles who enjoy sprinkling pepper on their wine or using pepper instead of flour for fried chicken.

    Moreover, in Florence, where lavish banquets are held daily, “Fabio’s desserts” are always a must-have.

    Thousands, even tens of thousands of servings of desserts are sold daily.

    While the nobles may not be aware, guild masters of this level are well-informed.

    “Our spice guild plans to stop selling sugar to Baron Fabio de Medici from now on. I also intend to issue a command to the spice guilds in other cities.”

    Upon hearing this, the guild masters present applauded.

    This could strike a significant blow to Fabio while not provoking the emperor or Duke Visconti.

    Moreover, it would inevitably be a devastating blow...

    ‘Merchants rely on trust and consistent sales; if the sugar supply is cut off, their dessert sales will also stop?’

    Even if the sugar supply resumes later and they can restart business, they will find themselves in competition with other latecomers.

    They will never regain the absolute top position in the dessert market they currently hold.

    However, the most painful issue for Fabio will be...

    “Merchants must uphold promises and transactions, no matter the reason. Otherwise, trust will be lost. Everyone here has likely experienced losses and wept in business because of that, right?”

    Even if it means incurring losses of hundreds, or even thousands, of gold coins, trust must be maintained.

    Only then can they eventually recoup their lost money, even if it takes some time.

    ‘While money can be earned again, regaining lost trust takes much longer.’

    “If a young man loses trust, recovering from it won’t be easy.”

    The guild masters present didn’t believe that this alone would bring Fabio down.

    While there are young and capable merchants, the Baron de Medici is a monster entirely different from them in terms of capability.

    ‘He can’t possibly fall just because of this.’

    “I’d prefer it if you only spoiled me as much as possible, Young Master... If I see you looking at a cat and petting it with a loving smile, I think I’ll feel jealous.”

    If only there were no guards around, I might have playfully pinched her cheeks in my room.

    Since there was no one else, but the presence of others made me hold back, which was a bit disappointing.

    However, seeing Chloe getting jealous over a kitten was more than enough.

    I could tease her with it when we returned to my room.

    While lost in happy thoughts, I noticed Chloe’s face turning bright red as she clenched her fists.

    Did she make some sort of resolve?

    With her fists slightly clenched, she nodded her wrist.

    What I taught her was certainly not that, but it reminded me of the cat ear headbands worn by maids at maid cafe?s, who often meow adorably.

    “I want you to spoil me as much as you do the cat, Young Master.”

    If there had been no guards around, I could have teased her more openly.

    But it was a bit unfortunate that I couldn’t do so with others watching.

    Still, witnessing Chloe’s jealousy over a kitten was satisfying enough.

    I could play around with her teasing when we returned to my room.

    Lost in that happy fantasy, I saw Chloe’s face turn red as she balled her fists.

    “Even though I’m not a cat, I hope you’ll spoil me like you do with a kitten. I’ll try my best, even if it’s a bit embarrassing.”

    I couldn''t possibly think of adopting a cat now.

    Really, why would I need to adopt a cat?

    Upon closer examination, it seemed that raising a cat would be an inefficient use of my time.

    Of course, I didn’t change my mind just because of Chloe’s cuteness.

    ‘I’m not that indecisive of a person.’

    With that in mind, I quickened my pace.

    I should finish my work as soon as possible and relax today.

    Upon entering Cafe? Medici, Antonio greeted me warmly.

    “Today, I’ll specially serve you in that room over there.”

    Our cafe? has a room set apart from others.

    While the usage fee is quite high, it guarantees privacy for nobles to discuss confidential matters or engage in more passionate displays of affection with their lovers.

    ‘Of course, that doesn’t mean you can build a Great Wall in there.’

    “Alright, I’ll have an espresso.”

    “Yes, understood.”

    Antonio ordered an espresso, an Americano, and cookies from his subordinate.

    As soon as the ordered food came out and the door was locked, he spoke in a serious tone.

    “The spice guild has stopped the sugar supply.”

    ...... I was planning to have some fun with Chloe and the kitten today. Who dares to mess with us?

    That insolent brat, really.

    _____________________________________________

    TL note:

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