I think you'll find the term applied to german and french medieval barons which only nominally paid head to their oath of fealty and generally controlled a choke point on a transport route.It's a good explanation, but still the specific term "robber-baron" referred to the 19th century unfettered capitalists, not actual barons. In fact, Elma's father is the opposite of a robber-baron because he values his family's military prowess above political manipulation, control over the trade and manipulation of the industry, all of which define the term robber-baron.
Guy is a count trying to act on a small minded scale like a some sort of a baronet, but he's very specifically not a robber-baron.
To be fair, I'm not really familiar with either French or German aristocracy. The only noble system I know is Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth one, which is known for being an European oddball for a reason. Still, I think that Raubritter or Robber Knight is easier to understand term in modern context.I think you'll find the term applied to german and french medieval barons which only nominally paid head to their oath of fealty and generally controlled a choke point on a transport route.
Generally by levying extra and excessive toll. With plenty of complaints on historical record...
Notably the Eiffel and Ardennes are full of the remains of their castles and strongholds.
The 19thC capitalists were johnny-come-latelies regarding this type of gouging and got the monniker because it already existed and fit them to a tee..
What he meant was "Rather than focusing on making yourself this super powerful man among men, you should instead focus on making your territory itself strong" and he's 100% right. Aizus idea is extremely flawed in their goal of protecting their kingdom, as if Aizus does make himself a man capable of winning 1v1000....it means nothing cause while he's doing that he alone won't be able to protect his territory or the kingdom himself. On the other hand, all 3 of the other nobles have a multitude of strong fighters on their side. And in war, numbers matter....a LOT.That jester marquis is gold. The funny thing however is that he may actually be wrong on this. Aizus' ideal of an invincible one man army noble doesn't seem impossible under this system. Kalos' build had basically infinite health through regen, and infinite mana through hp>mp conversion. Unless he is hit by a purification spell, he could sling spells all day everyday and tank a lot of punishment. As long as he doesn't get swarmed, eventually winning a 1v1000 (even though it was probably an exaggeration in the first place) shouldn't be impossible. It's just impossible with the knowledge the nobles have.