The marriage between the Farnese Count and Medici Baron families was celebrated with grandeur.

In true noble fashion, they rented the cathedral in Florence, where thousands of guests arrived, dressed to the nines and feasting on luxurious delicacies, while costumed performers added to the spectacle.

It felt less like a wedding and more like a massive local festival.

"No wonder this cost a fortune," I thought.

To the guests and onlookers, this was what set nobles apart. But it was all just wasteful extravagance.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly noticed the groom and bride approaching my seat. The ceremony …