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.

    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.