It had been five months, and our plans were right on schedule. Introducing modern businesses into the Kingdom was going to give our economy the boost it desperately needed. What was even better? We were finally free from those pesky business contracts with the Duchies. Speaking of which, it was time to bring the Corajes—the only loyal Duchy—into the imperial fold.

The Corajes were known as the surviving descendants of the House of Kidlat (House of Lightning, one of the original houses—please refer to Episode 12), exiled to the mountains by the scheming Duchies. I needed to meet with them urgently.

I gathered my parents, my brother, and Isidoro for a meeting. This modern knowledge I possessed was going to revolutionize our food culture. Bringing 20th-century business ideas into the 1700s was sure to draw attention, especially from greedy nobles. But I had a plan—I would patent our ideas with the royal seal.

"I've called you all here because it's time to make the royal family beyond rich," I announced proudly.

"You could've just said 'rich,' baby brother," Gavino remarked, looking puzzled.

"No, BEYOND RICH. We'll squeeze every penny from nobles and neighboring countries," I explained with a mischievous grin.

Their reactions were priceless.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"Son, do you think you've become too focused on money since your awakening?" the Emperor asked with concern.

"Did the awakening mess with your priorities, my dear?" the Empress chimed in, her voice soft with worry.

"Seriously? Our current wealth won't cut it to deal with those annoying nobles. The imperial family needs to lead the economy. We have to be the powerhouse that keeps this empire thriving," I argued passionately.

Isidoro smiled as he sipped his tea elegantly, and my butler Esteban nodded in agreement. They understood exactly what I was aiming for.

"In that case, what kind of business are you thinking of starting first?" Gavino asked, genuinely curious.

Well, I suppose I can't keep them in suspense any longer.

"The first business venture will be…"

To be continued.

✌️

-ClassVillain05