Before the Industrial Revolution: The aristocratic economy relied entirely on land rents and feudal privileges. By controlling manors, collecting rent from tenant farmers, and monopolizing local judicial and administrative powers, they were at the absolute top of the economy.
After the Industrial Revolution: Traditional land rent income was impacted by industrial capital. Some conservative nobles gradually declined due to their insistence on holding onto land, while enlightened nobles turned to investing in railways, mines, and factories, gradually transforming their original land advantages into capital advantages to maintain their wealthy status.
For example: Nobles relied on resources such as cotton, iron ore, and coal, which were in high demand during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, to grow incredibly wealthy.
However, as time passed, the Industrial Revolution initiated by Roselle had already lasted for over a hundred years. The "advantages" of the old nobility were becoming fewer and fewer. Correspondingly, more and more ordinary people became capitalists through generations of wealth accumulation and the tide of the era.
Once this new class became wealthy, they began to seek higher social status, such as purchasing a "noble" title for their family or entering the political field to grasp power.
Naturally, these "old-money" nobles could not stand by and watch the "children of former serfs" infringe upon their fundamental "legislative power." Thus, they pressured the House of Lords to stipulate that a noble must possess land corresponding to his rank, which greatly slowed the "rate of erosion."
The birth of this bill also welded shut the Door of the House of Lords to the greatest extent possible. However, there were still some who became "nobles," such as the lowest-ranking Knights and Baronets.
A Baronet title could be purchased by donating to a political party; the price was clearly marked at 300,000 pounds for a Baronetcy, without a seat in the House of Lords.
Although they could not enter the House of Lords, they could enter the House of Commons through elections. Through the House of Commons, they could also obtain certain special powers, so new people continued to purchase them.
At the same time, the nobles in the House of Lords were not all members of the "Conservative Party" of old-money nobles like Duke Pallas Nigen. In recent years, nobles have also been continuously transforming, becoming the "New Party" representing capitalists. But no matter how much is said about this situation, it is nothing more than the result of uneven distribution of interests.
Night fell, and as the lights began to glow, Altair also arrived at Count Hall's home for the banquet as scheduled in her own carriage. Although the invitation stated that one could take their carriage, you couldn't actually do so; after all, he was just being polite.
By arriving in their carriage, were you trying to suggest that your own family was bankrupt?
Seeing the many carriages at the entrance of Count Hall's home, Altair couldn't help but marvel at the sheer number of people. Fortunately, Count Hall had an excellent wife who arranged everything perfectly; otherwise, it would have been in chaos by now.
The crests on the carriages indicated that big shots were gathered here today; perhaps throwing a random brick could hit a Baron.
When the carriage reached the main entrance, one could see a butler dressed in a black formal suit, holding a guest list, loudly announcing names and titles at the main entrance.
After Altair had removed her cloak and gloves, she was led to the reception hall.
Upon entering the reception hall, she saw Count Hall and the Countess standing at the entrance to welcome guests. After they exchanged bows...
The Countess, Caitlin Hall, was also surprised to see Altair's companion: "Madam Anna, I really didn't expect that you would be the one accompanying Count Altair to the banquet today. The Holst Family welcomes you."
Altair's accompanying teacher, Madam Anna, said directly: "I am Count Altair's etiquette teacher. I was invited by her to attend the banquet this time; I hope I'm not intruding."
...After a round of pleasantries, a maid took their handbags and pets. Led by the Countess Caitlin, they entered the hall and were introduced to everyone.
Since not everyone had arrived yet and the banquet hadn't officially started, Altair and Audrey left the banquet hall, planning to return just before it began.
After finding a place to sit in the garden, Audrey held the Black Panther and said, "Where did you buy this pet? It's really cute; I want to buy one too."
Since the Black Panther was still a cub, at most three months old, and its size was only that of a medium-sized domestic dog, it wasn't too difficult for the seated Audrey to hold it.
Altair smiled and said, "I'm not sure where it can be bought. Count Strauss brought it back from the Southern Continent. If you want one, you'll have to ask your father to look for it for you."
"Oh, I forgot, your second brother, Alfred Hall, is also in the Southern Continent. You can send him a telegram and ask him to find one."
Audrey nodded, agreeing with Altair's suggestion, and said, "I'll have my father send a telegram to my second brother tomorrow to ask him to find one for me. He's really cute, like a cat. A big kitty with a cat's habits and a dog's size."
Audrey was like she had found a new toy, stroking its back, touching its belly, and fiddling with its paws.
Watching her actions, Altair warned, "Be careful of the Black Panther's claws and teeth. He has already grown sharp milk teeth; don't get scratched."
Audrey stroked the fur, which still had the fluffy texture of a cub, and laughed, "I know, I won't touch his dangerous parts."
"You have no idea what kind of life I've been living lately. Every day I have to undergo intensive etiquette training, including the standard depth of a curtsy, the propriety of talking to the opposite sex, and dance techniques."
Mother even personally teaches knowledge regarding marriage alliances, such as how to observe the other party's family background and character. It's boring to death. Did you go through all this back then too?"
At this time, Audrey had not yet undergone rigorous etiquette training. Her youthful nature was still present, so it was normal for her to complain about such things.
Altair smiled and said helplessly, "No, at most I only had etiquette classes with Madam Anna and the others."
"I didn't study so many complex courses like you did."
Perhaps the play just now had relaxed Audrey's mind and body, making her forget about Altair's family background.
When she realized it, she quickly apologized.
Audrey lowered her head and said softly, "I'm so sorry, Altair. I just forgot about your family's situation."
Altair explained to her, "It's okay, Audrey. This happened a long time ago, and I've already started to forget. It's fine; you don't need to blame yourself."
...Before long, a servant came to the garden to find the two of them. Upon seeing them, the servant explained that the banquet was about to start and they could prepare to enter.
Because they had been playing with the Black Panther in the garden, they needed a maid's help to tidy their formal dresses. Once they were finished, the two slowly walked back to the hall.