God of Money: Reincarnated as the Weakest SSS Rank

Robert took some documents from his desk and handed them to him.

"We are very close to achieving Castle status. That would not only raise our status to unimaginable heights, but it would also raise Velharthe's status throughout the Empire."

"The largest lands we have and most of the nobles under our command belong to the South, so if we move up a level and the region does too, no one will be able to say anything against our status."

Mark nodded, reading the documents. "Do you think there's anything in that place that can help us?"

"Yes," he said, pointing to a part of the document. "The Mafias. We don't have many connections with them, but they practically control the Industrial District. While they don't have much real power, the reality is indisputable: they have managed to establish themselves in this world in an impressive way."

"They even control local businessmen. Recently, they forced several top-level businessmen to sell all their industries for only 10 million. Do you understand the magnitude of their control?"

Mark frowned.

'10 million for top-level businessmen's companies? Shit, that's a blatant and shocking threat,' he thought.

Not only did it indicate their power over them, but it also showed how vulnerable civilians are without the protection of magicians. And that's the biggest problem.

Magicians aren't willing to protect civilians unless paid astronomical sums. Thus, it becomes a vicious circle in which businessmen remain unprotected.

That's where the mafias come in.

"They can provide the protection that businessmen need, so it's understandable that they seek them out," Robert said.

"But they are forced to comply with their demands. Is it profitable?"

"Of course it is. The mobsters control everyone who could kidnap them or threaten their families. As long as the businessmen pay tribute every so often, they will have their protection."

"But even so, it seems that a businessman died, according to this. And it was caused by a mobster who wanted to take his companies away from him." Mark couldn't understand what his father meant.

But this was exactly what his father needed to get to the heart of the matter.

"That's the issue I want you to look into. The local mobsters don't mess with them, but the young man I'm telling you about controls them completely and is ruling tyrannically, but anyway. The dead businessman is a troublemaker who thought that buying up the southern locals would make the North advance."

"The new leader wasn't going to allow that, so he took all his businesses away and killed him. Recently, there's been a rumor going around that he did it because he wanted to declare war on the North. He's got guts, so I want you to meet him."

"Are you planning to subdue him, or is your idea to ally with him? I don't think the Industrial District Mafias, which are so divided and weak, will provide significant help in obtaining Castle status," Mark replied.

And Robert nodded. "It's true that they're not very important. But if we enter the equation, it won't be too difficult to unite the north and south of the Industrial District again. That's what I want."

"We know that the North is a nuisance to our plans. They are so extreme that they oppose any progress and, therefore, they will also oppose, along with the Asoist Church, our advancement to the next level. But what if we move first and neutralize those in the North? Maybe we can get that man's attention."

"Everything will be easier then."

Mark finally looked up from the documents and looked at his father. "By that man, you mean..."

"Yes. Aster Mane. He is the only mobster who could shake an entire capital if he set his mind to it. So if we side with the mobsters most inclined to his way of doing things, we may be able to form an alliance."

Mark finally nodded. "I see. If Aster Mane supports us, no one will oppose the birth of the Eighth Castle," he murmured.

Robert smiled. "It seems you finally understand."

"Haha, okay, Father. I'll go to that place and meet with the local leader. If things go well, I promise I'll bring him to meet you."

"I'll trust you. I know you'll do a good job as always. You don't need to bring him for now, as we'll be busy for a while."

"Then I'll ask him to send you a greeting."

With that, they both said goodbye and went to get ready.

--

The Industrial District, Sunday morning.

Rainbow Street is usually very busy on weekends, as that is when people go out to buy everything they need for the week and take advantage of the opportunity to shop since, for many, it is their only day off of the week.

But today, the number of people was unusually high—not just civilians. There were many cars in different parking lots.

Cars are a sign of wealth and status. Not everyone can afford them, so seeing so many together was amazing.

Businessmen, mobsters, and important people from the city arrived in different types of cars and carriages, and they all gathered at the company that was to be inaugurated today.

The signs were huge on the buildings that made up the company.

The previously small, slightly abandoned buildings had been drastically transformed recently. Dimash originally thought it would take longer because he thought they had to expand upward.

But Jessy's impressive ability to create interiors saved them a lot of work, allowing it to be inaugurated sooner than expected.

Many people watching from the luxury restaurants were surprised whenever they saw a famous businessman enter.

Even drama actors and politicians went there.

"God, what kind of status does that woman who created the company have? I heard she's very young." One of them couldn't help but exclaim in shock.

"I heard she's the secretary of the new regional leader. Although both are young, they belong to a very important Ascended family. Maybe even one of the Great Houses."

"Someone that impressive? No wonder so many rich people are coming..."

"Well, those are the rumors going around. No one really knows who this new leader is, but apparently, he's called Lord Carwine."

Just then, a fleet of cars pulled up at the entrance.

"Those are... so luxurious? Aren't they the latest exclusive models from Merchs-Benzc?" A man stood up, banging on his table in the process.

No one could blame him. Everyone was in shock.

Those cars were several times more luxurious than the rest of the ones here. Well, maybe they weren't that different, but...

They were exclusive!

The sale wasn't open to everyone. While these cars weren't that fast, they had all kinds of magical protections. It is said that even powerful level 4 or 5 magic couldn't destroy them.

They are only sold to high-ranking nobles or people who are very important to the Merchs-Benzc company.

Suddenly, the doors opened and about nine people exited the cars. One of them stood out from the rest because of his amazing clothes.

He wore a purple suit that stood out beautifully against the fine white linen shirt underneath. A top hat adorned his head, featuring a peculiar symbol of the letter N with a small crown on top.

"The Neville Family!" Many shouted in shock.

"No... not only that... Isn't he Mark Neville, the Young Master?"

"G-God... How important is the new leader that even a Neville would come to attend his parties?"

"..."

Silence finally fell over all the restaurants when Mark Neville entered, followed by his people.

-

Inside the offices, Louis looked at a beautiful but playful woman in front of him.

"I didn't expect to see you again so soon, Miss Rebecca," he said.

She laughed playfully, yet sincerely. "I didn't expect you to be the new leader of the South either, you know? Now I'm in trouble. My father has ordered me to come and marry that guy, sigh. How am I supposed to tell him that I'll have to marry such a stressful guy?"

Louis shrugged. "If you were to marry me, I fear your entire family would jump for joy. You would bear one of the most distinguished surnames this world has ever known, after all." He scoffed.

She stared at him. "Hahaha, well... it's true that the Habsburgs are impressive. I'm afraid even my father would jump for joy when he finds out you're one of them. Somehow, he's quite a fan of their history."

'Habsburg, huh? So even they were fooled. You're impressive, uncle.'

He smiled.

"Oh? So I'll get along well with my father-in-law, then."

"Tsk. Enough nonsense." She decided to stop the games, even though she had started them.

"Tsk, sourpuss." He muttered.

She ignored his insult. "I came because I noticed the aggressive movements being orchestrated in the south and north. I didn't expect it to be you who was doing it."

He blinked. "Hm? Are you concerned about my well-being? I didn't expect you to be so kind, Rebecca." He teased again, which set Rebecca's head ablaze.