A King's Business
Solis had always understood that true power wasn't just about magic or political authority—it was about control over wealth and influence. Unlike other nobles who hoarded their riches and relied on heavy taxation, Solis had taken a different approach.
For the last three years, he had been building a business empire in secret. Under a false identity, he founded Solara Industries, a company that produced luxury hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and cosmetics. His products were affordable for commoners yet high-quality enough to be sought after by nobles, ensuring that every social class contributed to his growing fortune.
Unlike the other noble families who hoarded their wealth, Solis funneled his business earnings directly into improving the Clover Kingdom. He used these funds to build schools for commoners, increase orphanage funding, and secretly invest in infrastructure projects that benefited the lower class. In just three years, his contributions had made a noticeable difference in the lives of the people—yet almost no one knew he was responsible.
An Evening Visit to the Orphanage
One evening, dressed in plain noble attire rather than his usual regal clothing, Solis walked through the streets of the capital, eventually arriving at a small but well-maintained orphanage. This was one of the many institutions he had been supporting, using profits from Solara Industries.
The moment he entered, laughter and cheerful voices filled the air. Children who had once been on the brink of starvation were now well-fed and clothed. They played in the courtyard, running and chasing one another, their faces bright with joy.
The orphanage director, an elderly woman with kind eyes, immediately bowed upon seeing him.
"My lord, your generosity has saved us. We no longer struggle for food, and the children have proper beds to sleep in. We owe you everything."
Solis simply nodded, his expression calm but unreadable. He did not do this for recognition—he did it because no one else would. This was how the kingdom should function. A ruler should protect and nurture his people, not exploit them.
As he watched the children play, a thought crossed his mind.
"I wonder how different Asta's life would have been if Hage Village had been given proper funding. If the orphanages had enough resources from the start."
A part of him felt bitter. The current noble system was outdated and cruel, hoarding wealth for itself while allowing the weak to suffer.
"I will change this kingdom. No matter what it takes."
A Noble's Suspicion
While Solis was busy building his secret empire, not all nobles were ignorant of the changes happening in the kingdom.
Among them was Duke Reinhardt Faust, a high-ranking noble and a staunch traditionalist. Unlike others who dismissed Solis as an ambitious child, Reinhardt was wary.
Recently, he had noticed an unusual trend—commoner businesses were thriving more than before, and the lower classes were no longer as desperate as they once were.
"Something is happening beneath the surface," he thought. "And I intend to find out what."
Reinhardt's eyes narrowed as he examined a report on Solara Industries. The company was rising too fast, and for some reason, its wealth didn't seem to be benefiting any known noble house.
"Who truly owns this company? And why do they seem so interested in aiding commoners?"
Reinhardt did not yet suspect Solis directly, but he knew one thing for certain—someone was challenging the noble hierarchy from the shadows.
And if it was a threat to the noble class, he would put an end to it.
The Growing Divide
As Solis' hidden empire flourished, so too did the seeds of opposition. While commoners unknowingly benefitted from his actions, traditional nobles began to sense that their power was at risk.
And though Solis had avoided direct confrontation so far, he knew it was only a matter of time before the noble class realized what he was doing.
For now, he would continue to build his influence from the shadows. But soon…
The nobles would learn exactly what kind of king he intended to be.