The Great Mercator System

Chapter 6: Future Head of House De Long

The passage of six years had transformed House De Long from a crumbling noble house on the brink of financial ruin into a rising power in Valford. Under the surface, however, this newfound stability had been carefully orchestrated by one person—the mysterious Joker.

Simeon De Long, now twelve years old, had spent the last six years maneuvering from the shadows, turning House De Long’s decline into opportunity. He built wealth through underground control, influenced key figures, and systematically removed obstacles. But the key to securing his family’s future lay in his brother, Bryan De Long II—the second son and now their best chance at solidifying their position among the nobility.

Bryan had always been competent, but as the second son, he had lived under the shadow of their eldest brother, George De Long, the expected heir to the family title. However, George was a man of tradition, honor, and rigid ideals—qualities that made him predictable but ultimately vulnerable in a world where cunning and adaptability ruled.

Simeon understood that for House De Long to not just survive, but thrive, Bryan had to become the next Earl, not George.

To make this a reality, Simeon positioned Bryan as the one who always had solutions to the family's problems. Through subtle manipulations, the right merchants, advisors, and allies all found themselves indebted to Bryan. When a drought threatened the family’s grain stores, Bryan "secured" an alternative supply just in time—though in reality, Simeon had long orchestrated the deal through his underground contacts. When rogue bandits attempted to attack a trade caravan, Bryan’s forces miraculously arrived in time—because Simeon had already ensured the attack would happen under his controlled circumstances. Every success increased Bryan’s reputation.

The nobility of Valford took notice. The servants whispered of Bryan's growing influence. Even their father, Earl Bryan De Long I, began to favor his second son over his first.

And George? He didn’t even realize that his path to succession was slowly being eroded beneath his feet.

However, power attracts attention, and not all of it was favorable.

House De Long’s rise did not go unnoticed. Rival noble families from across the Kingdom of Eldoria—lords who once ignored them—now turned their attention toward Valford, searching for cracks in their foundation.

From the coastal city of Vellharrow, the House of Ravenshore began forging alliances with minor lords to counter De Long influence in trade. They controlled sea routes and mercantile guilds, and their grip over maritime commerce made them a dangerous foe.

In Ironholde, a fortress city known for its knights and military academies, House Ironwood started whispering concerns about House De Long’s growing power. They commanded knighthood orders and elite mercenary companies, and any conflict with them would be bloody.

From the capital, Rexedoria, the House of Montclair, which held deep ties to the royal court, had begun questioning how House De Long had turned its fortune around so quickly. They represented the old-money aristocracy, nobles who thrived on influence rather than force.

And worst of all, from the northern city of Frostmoor, House Vandemir, known for its ruthless tactics and control over intelligence networks, had begun sabotaging De Long supply chains and manipulating their business rivals. Unlike the others, Vandemir played dirty.

Each of these houses had its own motives, but they all shared one thing in common—House De Long had risen too far, too fast, and they wouldn’t stand for it.

Simeon had worked tirelessly to position Bryan as the ideal heir. But influence alone was not enough; they needed something more. A decisive victory.

And so, he laid a trap.

The nobles wanted a scandal? He would give them one—but it would be on his terms.

Using his network, he discovered that Lord Edwin Ravenshore had been involved in an illicit operation with a corrupt merchant—one who had been skimming royal taxes and laundering money through noble houses. Carefully, he arranged for evidence to be delivered to the royal auditors—evidence that implicated House Ravenshore but carefully omitted House De Long from suspicion.

The result was a devastating financial and reputational blow to one of their greatest enemies. Ravenshore’s trade partners withdrew in fear, allies hesitated, and their influence weakened overnight.

And Bryan? He stepped forward as a trusted, reliable noble who ensured the royal auditors had everything they needed, cementing his status as a competent leader within the nobility.

House De Long had gained another foothold.

But Simeon knew that this was only the beginning.

The sharks had tasted blood. Now, they would come harder than ever.

And he would be waiting for them.

Got it! The next chapter will focus on how Simeon identifies the fertile lands to the south of Valford, dominated by sugarcane farming, and devises a plan to introduce rum—a revolutionary new alcohol that will change the market. The chapter will show his research, experimentation, and the strategic steps he takes to control production, distribution, and demand before the nobility or rival merchants catch on.

I'll also highlight the political and economic implications—how disrupting the existing wine and ale markets might draw unwanted attention, how he manipulates supply chains, and how he ensures House De Long becomes the undisputed leader in this new industry.

Let me write it up now.

To the south of Valford lay a vast stretch of fertile land, known for its lush sugarcane fields. For decades, farmers had cultivated the crop, harvesting its sweet juice for molasses, syrups, and crude sugar, which were sold to merchants who supplied the kingdom’s markets. But Simeon saw something more—a missed opportunity.

In Decem, there were only two widely consumed alcoholic beverages: Grape wine—a luxurious drink reserved for nobles and royalty. Ale—the commoner's drink, brewed in nearly every city and town.

Nothing existed in between.

That’s when inspiration struck. Rum.

A drink stronger than ale, yet cheaper to produce than wine. A drink that could appeal to both nobles and commoners alike—if marketed correctly.

Simeon wasn’t a brewer or a distiller, but he didn’t need to be. He had information, resources, and influence.

He started by studying the properties of sugarcane and the methods farmers used to refine it. Molasses, the thick, dark byproduct of sugar refining, was often discarded or used as cheap feed for livestock. But he learned that by fermenting it properly, it could be turned into a potent new liquor.

He needed experts—alchemists, brewers, and herbalists. Through Sebastian’s network of informants, he tracked down individuals with knowledge of fermentation and distillation, bringing them under his fold under the guise of experimenting with new medicinal tinctures.

To avoid drawing suspicion, he spread the research across multiple locations, ensuring no single person had the full picture.

The sugarcane fields were controlled by landowning farmers, who paid taxes to the noble houses in Valford. While House De Long had some influence, House Montclair—a powerful noble family from Rexedoria—held the largest stake in sugar exports.

To bypass them, Simeon needed to secure his own supply.

Using Emma’s connections with the local farmworkers, he discovered that many smaller plantation owners struggled under Montclair’s harsh trade policies. Through well-placed intermediaries, he offered them a new deal—a direct buyer who would pay better rates and guarantee long-term profits.

They accepted.

Without even realizing it, House Montclair was losing control of the sugarcane industry, one farmer at a time.

Though the operation remained in the shadows, Simeon needed a public face to help establish legitimacy when the time came to introduce rum to the market.

That’s where Bryan De Long II came in.

Now seen as the rising star of House De Long, Bryan had gained the favor of nobles and merchants alike. Using their secret pact, Simeon positioned Bryan to start investing in "new agricultural ventures"—nothing outright suspicious, just enough to stake an early claim in the industry before rivals caught on.

After months of careful planning, the first batch of distilled sugarcane liquor was produced. The result was crude but promising—stronger than ale, smoother than expected, and possessing a distinct, rich aroma.

Simeon had the foundation of an empire in his hands.

But creating something new was only half the battle.

Now, he had to make the world desire it.

***

Refinement – The first batch was only the beginning. Simeon instructed his team to experiment with aging techniques, herbs, and storage methods to improve the quality and taste. Exclusivity – The first bottles would not be sold to commoners. Instead, they would be gifted to nobles under the illusion of a rare, exotic delicacy—a drink so exclusive that only the wealthiest could obtain it. Scarcity & Demand – He would limit the initial supply, ensuring demand outweighed availability, making nobles desperate to acquire it before their rivals.

Simeon wasn’t just making a drink.

He was crafting a legend.

A new gold rush was about to begin—one made of liquid gold.

And House De Long would be at the center of it all.