The Alphenhausers lived in a castle of gold.
That phrase was not a metaphor, but the truth.
Its exterior bore a subdued silver hue, but anyone who stepped inside Alphenhauser Castle would inevitably realize—
Just how much wealth they had accumulated over hundreds of years.
Every piece of furniture that entered one’s eyes while walking through the corridors was a renowned article.
There was no gaudy brilliance to them.
If anything, perhaps their quiet, timeworn elegance hinted at the true value of masterpieces.
Of course, to an ignorant person, it would merely look like an old, worn-out castle.
Even so, that did not matter.
The Alphenhausers did not treat people of such poor taste as guests.
If anything, they would simply scorn them behind their backs.
The family of chancellors that had stood beside the Empire since its birth.
Such was the lofty pride of House Alphenhauser.
Since ancient times, they had been renowned for their loyalty to the Imperial Family and for their discerning eye in judging the value of both people and objects.
They always wished to…