The patriarchs of the Great Houses were quick to recognise that only the Elfs possessed the refinement and vision necessary to transform the crude, early Ghibberling astral boats into the cornerstone of a new civilisation. The Merchant Prince, Hugues di Pluie, was a central figure in that endeavour. He coordinated with House di Ardeur and House di Daziré to engineer the first true astral ships, which later established the very foundation of astral navigation as the world knows it today.

When the fundamentals of ship construction eventually became public domain, Hugues refused to participate in the inevitable race toward mass production. He had no interest in competing with the industrial volume of the Empire, the League, or independent ports. Instead, he observed that while the world now knew how to build a basic frame, it lacked the specialised mastery required for elite gear.

Using a staggering amount of his House’s wealth, he bought out the exclusive manufacturing secrets of his former partners. In doing so, House di Pluie became the sole proprietor of the exquisite technologies and the allods required to produce them. He named the venture Elfin Splendour and abandoned general shipbuilding, narrowing tge production line to focus on the superior gear that others could not replicate: mana cannons, raycasters, demon traps, and luxurious ship decor. Every piece remained a unique, lethal work of Elfin art, personally overseen by Hugues.

At the height of his success, Hugues made a decision that sent shockwaves through Elfin society: he traded his status as a Patriarch for direct ownership of his company. Such a move was entirely unprecedented; never before in history had a Patriarch voluntarily stripped themselves of their title and House. To this day, many Elfs see this move as a deep, cowardly betrayal of his own House, an escape from real responsibilities.

Following his resignation, he joined the Free Merchants' Guild and shortened the company name to Splendour. His ultimate goal was the Club of Oligarchs -- an elite circle where entry for a sitting Patriarch was just impossible. It was only by becoming unaffiliated with the Great Houses that he was able to secure his seat.

Now known publicly as Mr. Splendour, he operates entirely outside the open market, catering only to prestigious white-listed clients.