The minor episode had not affected Hudson. As his status continued to rise, he had inevitably grown distant from his old friends and relatives.
Not to mention those with distant ties—even his own brothers felt somewhat awkward around him.
Unless something major happened, his old friends and relatives generally would not disturb Hudson. For everyone's comfort, Hudson would not deliberately seek them out either.
Even for weddings or funerals, sending someone with a generous gift was enough. If he attended in person, he would not only overshadow the occasion but also bring them a great deal of unnecessary trouble.
After all, the web of relationships in the noble world was like a spiderweb.
Relatives and friends had their own relatives and friends. If they appeared too close, what would they do when the relatives and friends of those relatives and friends came seeking help?
Hudson would not be the only one with a headache. His friends and relatives would be even more troubled. Bringing someone to seek assistance was equivalent to trading Hudson's favor for favors owed to other friends and relatives.
The value was completely unequal—a guaranteed losing deal. Yet when it involved people they were too close to, or favors owed in the past, they had no way to refuse.
A suitable distance benefited everyone.
Looking at the compiled figures, Hudson was very satisfied. The ever-increasing flow of people through New Moon Port meant that its one-way outflow of money was about to change.
Only when the flow of people increased could commerce prosper. Though a large number of shops outside had already opened for business, in reality, it was all false prosperity created by Hudson himself.
They were all Lord Hudson's own businesses. With no rent and no taxes, fewer than ten percent of the shops could