In the 21st century, it's rare for corporate executives to dive into politics.

Except for a certain man whose entire life goal is colonizing Mars, or thatbulldozer chairmanfamous for his "Did you even try?" motto—those are the exceptions.

From a modern, rational perspective, no merchant would blindly jump into politics just because they were given voting rights.

But the Middle Ages were different.

If there was an opportunity to participate in politics,everyonewanted in.

As the Viscount of Rothschild and the owner of the Rothschild Trading Company, I would naturally claim my place as anImperial Parliament Advisor.

"The good stays with us, the bad gets passed on to others."

"Sebastian."

"Yes, my lord."

"How about I give you a present?"

"What kind of present do you intend to give me?"

I handed him a box sealed with the imperial insignia.

Sebastian hesitated, unable to accept it right away.

"My lord, why would you bestow such an honor upon someone like me...? What exactly is in this box?"

"You’ve worked hard supporting me all this time. Just take it. I won’t deduct it from your bonus, so don’t worry."

"You know I don’t work for the bonus, my lord."

"That may be true for you, but not for everyone else."

Many of the employees at the trading company would walk away without hesitation if their salaries were cut.

Some might even jump ship for better offers elsewhere.

"Loyalty doesn't bind our company—profit does."

Other nobles, and even merchants who owned trading companies, often claimed they were motivated byloyaltyrather than money.

But a company owner couldn't afford such illusions.

Otherwise, they’d take one step too far and end up running a"family-like company."

"I consider you family, Sebastian. When Leo grows older, you will be his mentor. In fact, you’ll oversee the education of all the young men in our family. I’ll ensure that no one in the household can challenge your status."

"...My lord."

"To those who serve with unwavering loyalty, reward them beyond measure."

That was the Rothschild family motto.

Sebastian had demonstrated such loyalty.

So, I motioned toward the box.

"Open it."

Our house never engaged inpassion pay—not even a hint of it.

If anyone so much as uttered the wordspassion pay, I would personallyhunt them down and destroy them.

That strict principle was what allowed us to prosper.

If even one of my co-conspirators had betrayed me, I wouldn’t be standing here with my head intact.

"I know exactly how it feels to be exploited."

"...I shall open it."

Sebastian gulped and lifted the lid.

Inside was a high-quality parchment document.

As he read it, tears welled up in his eyes.

"...My lord. Do I truly deserve this? An appointment as anImperial Parliament Advisor?"

"I would’ve taken the role myself to represent the Rothschild Trading Company, but an advisor cannot simultaneously serve as a parliamentary member."

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

It was like trying to be both amilitary commanderand acity mayor—impossible.

So I needed someone I trusted completely to represent the Rothschild Trading Company in my stead.

"Since I'm a noble, stepping back isn't an option."

The correct approach to business wastaking everything you could get—so long as it didn't kill you.

The East India Company and the wise scholars of the British Empire had already proven that.

"And as an advisor, you’ll be granted abaronetcy—though only for your lifetime."

This was something the nobles had strongly pushed for.

They recognized the rising value of merchants and didn’t object to appointing them asadvisorsto the Imperial Parliament.

However, theyrefusedto allow commoners to enter the Parliament as mere merchants.

So, as a compromise, merchants appointed as advisors would ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) be grantedbaronetstatus.

France had done something similar.

They bestowedknighthoodupon those who taught them swordsmanship—albeit only for a single generation.

Likewise, theSwordmasters’ Guild(which was more like a formal training institution than a fantasy warrior order) ensured that guild masters receivednoble treatmentduring their tenure.

"But for you, Sebastian, I went a step further."

"There are two documents inside, right?"

"One is your officialImperial Parliament Advisorappointment. The other is a certificate, personally signed by His Majesty, granting you abaronetcy."

"This means the Maserati family is now a fully recognized baronet house."

"My lord..."

"You’ll be busy assisting me, so while you aretechnicallyHis Majesty’s vassal now... I’ll be counting on you."

Sebastian fell to both knees, pressing his forehead to the ground.

"I shall never forget this grace—not even in death."

"Then make sure tolivea long time. At least until the Rothschild banner flies across the entire New World."

I pulled him to his feet.

"On a day like this, you wouldn’t be able to concentrate on work anyway. Just go home early. Celebrate with your wife, boast to your kids—whatever you like."

Men lived for the validation of their families.

There was even statistical evidence thatmarried mengeneratedthree timesmore economic value thansingle men.

Sebastian was old enough that he could retire and spend his days doting on his grandchildren...

But human nature didn’t change so easily.

"Thank you, my lord. However, there is one matter that slightly concerns me."

"What is it?"

"Do you truly believe that merchants will compete for these advisory and council positions?"

Evengovernorshipswere worthless if the person offered the role wasn’t interested.

Most high-ranking merchants were already busy running their trading companies.

Would theyreallywant to take on additional responsibilities in politics?

Didn’t they care aboutwork-life balance?

But I was certain.

"Oh, they'llkillfor it."

Gallios Alios, chairman of theGallios Alios Trading Company, was gathering all available funds to prepare for the city council election.

"How much liquid capital do we have right now?"

"Seven hundred gold coins."

Fabio dealt with thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of gold coins as if they were pocket change.

But for a small trading company in a provincial city, evenone hundredgold coins was a massive sum.

With that much, one could buy amansionin a small town.

For a company based in Gallios, a city of20,000 people, risking700 gold coinswas the equivalent of betting their entireright arm.

"Raise it toone thousand."

"It’s possible, but it would strain next month’s budget."

"Youidiot! Do you even understand what happens if welosethis election?"

Gallios Alios sighed deeply in frustration at his subordinate’s ignorance.

Previous city council elections were held amongguild masters—who simply backed policies favoring their close associates.

They didn’t activelydestroymerchants they didn’t like.

But this election was different.

This time,powerful merchantsthemselves were the candidates.

"If thatNeapolitan bastardwins a council seat, do you haveany ideawhat will happen to us?"

It was obvious.

He would wield every bit of political power to pushdisadvantageouspolicies against his competitors.

Of course, if heopenlyabused his authority, other council members might vote him out.

But there wereendlessways to subtly harass rivals.

Citingminor tax violationsto impose fines.

Refusing to overlookregulatory gray areasthat were previously tolerated.

Calling forrandom inspectionsat the most inconvenient times.

Sure, Fabio had built a system whereonly Rothschild-affiliated merchantswere exempt from such abuse...

Butno one elsein the Empire knew that yet.

"Think logically. Which trading company do you trust more—onerunby a council member, or a random merchant?"

"...The one with political backing."

"Exactly. Once I secure a seat, I’ll recoup the election costs throughincreased sales alone. And if I push for favorable policies, who knows? I might even become alord’s official vassalsomeday."

Frommerchanttonoble.

Just like how the Rothschild Viscount had risen from being thesecond sonof a minor noble family tothe pinnacle of commerce.

"Prepare for the election. Iwillwin—by any means necessary. Start rallying the local merchants, hold policy meetings,buy foodfor the inns!"

"Understood!"

And thus, across the Empire, abloodlessbutmercilesswar erupted over Imperial Parliament Advisor and city council seats.

Fabio, of course, remained untouched by the chaos.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com