The first noble to come forward was an upstart that specialized in the plantation business.
Calling his plantation business a "high-end farm" was not incorrect, as this noble not only produced half of the total sugar cane consumed within the Empire, but also raw materials needed to produce a variety of medicines. The combined income made him one of the richest men in the Empire. However, until Duat attempted to invade Isythre, this noble was not at the highest level of the socio-economical status.
[1] And still, your sausages are RAW! WHERE IS THE LAMB SAUCE?!?!