A Small Gift

Grand Duke Giovanni's operating principles were clear.

He was not bound by such things as morality or honor, pursuing only rational choices based on practical gain.

In some ways, it was a creed closer to that of a cold-blooded merchant than a noble.

However, public opinion of Grand Duke Giovanni was quite positive.

This was because Giovanni had consistently donated considerable sums to benefit the socially disadvantaged.

Giovanni's good deeds were the result of extremely rational calculations.

If a mere few coins could buy him favorable public opinion, wouldn't that be a profitable deal?

Giovanni despised morality and honor, but he did not disparage the value they held.

After all, it was precisely such intangible assets that revealed their true worth in times of crisis.

As a result, people everywhere praised Giovanni as the most honorable and noble of aristocrats...