The grasp of Govts does not reach everywhere, to say it mildly. This leaves a power vacuum for wealthy families, at least those marginalized in politics and living in the countryside. Govts often relegate broad authority over such areas to them through 'land deeds'. This allows these families to further grow in strength, should they not succumb to violence. It also means that we are considered aristocracy of sorts, too. The Big Factions are not very happy about these practices, of course.