[The Swiss Alps, Europe]
A convoy of black SUVs wound its way up the foggy mountain road.
Inside the lead vehicle, Alex looked out the window. Looming ahead was the Sterling Castle. It was massive, built of dark grey stone, sitting on a cliff edge like a predator watching the valley.
"It looks... old," Alex muttered.
"It is 500 years old, Master," Sebastian replied from the front seat. "It has been the seat of the Sterling Family for generations. Until you bankrupted them."
The car stopped at the massive wooden gates.
They did not open.
Sebastian honked the horn. Nothing happened.
"Luna," Alex said.
"On it." Luna stepped out of the car. She was wearing a long trench coat over her tactical gear. She walked to the intercom.
"Open the gate," Luna ordered. "The new owner, Mr. Alex, has arrived."
A sneering voice crackled over the speaker. "We do not recognize a 'Mr. Alex.' We serve only Duke Sterling. Go away, tourists."
Luna looked back at Alex.
Alex rolled down his window. He used God's Eye. He could see through the stone walls. In the gatehouse, an old head housekeeper was sitting with his feet up, drinking wine.
[Name: Alfred] [Role: Head Housekeeper of Sterling Castle] [Loyalty: 0 (Hates you)] [Thought: "This upstart foreigner thinks he can take our home? I will make him wait in the cold until he leaves."]
Alex smiled. "Sebastian. How much is a new gate?"
"Perhaps $50,000, sir."
"Cheap," Alex said. "Ram it."
"Sir?"
"I said, Ram it."
Sebastian nodded. He shifted the armored SUV into low gear and floored it.
CRASH!
The heavy wooden gates splintered into a million pieces as the SUV smashed through them. Alfred, the housekeeper, spilled his wine all over his uniform as he watched the convoy roar past the wreckage.
The convoy stopped in the courtyard. Alex stepped out, adjusting his suit.
The castle staff—twenty maids, cooks, and gardeners—ran out, looking terrified. Alfred came running, his face red with rage.
"You barbarian!" Alfred screamed. "You destroyed a 15th-century gate! This is a historical landmark!"
Alex looked at Alfred.
"I own the landmark," Alex said. "I can burn it down if I want."
"You..." Alfred trembled. "You may have the deed, but you have no class! We will never serve you! We are loyal to the Duke!"
"Loyal?" Alex checked the System.
[Tycoon's Aura: Active.]
"I don't need your loyalty," Alex said, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "I need your obedience."
He pulled out a stack of cash. Not $100 bills. 500 Euro notes.
"I am doubling everyone's salary," Alex announced. "Effective immediately. Anyone who wants a raise, stand on the left. Anyone who misses the Duke, stand on the right... and then get off my property."
The maids and gardeners looked at the thick stack of Euros. Then they looked at the angry, broke Alfred.
One by one, they walked to the left.
Within ten seconds, Alfred was standing alone on the right.
"Traitors!" Alfred screamed. "For a few coins, you sell your honor?"
"For a 100% raise," the Head Chef shrugged. "Yes."
Alex looked at Alfred.
"Luna," Alex pointed to the gate. "Help him find the exit."
Luna grabbed Alfred by the collar and dragged him toward the broken gate.
"Welcome home, Sir!" The remaining staff bowed in unison.