Cecilia looked back and forth between Peter, whose expression had turned stiff, and the silk on the stall.

If she bought the silk, it was clear the young merchant would be in trouble.

‘It can’t be helped. I’ll just have to do what I did before.’

Previously, she had solved the problem of lacking undergarments by tearing up her petticoats.

Typically, the inside of a dress’s skirt was lined with a layer of white blended silk. Though it wasn’t of the highest purity, it was passable in a pinch.

If she used the same method this time, it would last her a few months.

“It’s not as though I need it badly enough to snatch up pre-contracted goods. So, can I place an advance order for the next shipment?”

“Of course.”

“What I need is pure silk, not a blend. Bring me only the genuine article.”

“But of course. I’ll make it a priority.”

As Cecilia turned away, she spotted Russell.

She paused for a moment, gave him a slight nod, and then walked past.

Russell watched her retreating figure.

A moment ago, when they had been alone together, she had been casual, but now she suddenly treated him as a stranger.

For reasons unknown, he felt a pang of disappointment.

“It’s been a while, Lord. Have you been well?”

Russell turned his attention to Dustin.

“It has been a while. I trust you have been well too, Leader.”

“Just the usual day-to-day. But what brings you to the castle at this time?”

“And what brings you here, Leader? You rarely visit the castle before winter.”

“I happened to have business nearby, so I thought I’d stop by.”

Dustin had come, curious after receiving Hoffman’s letter urging him about the furniture delivery. He was glad he had come.

“These silks, I’ll buy them.”

“They’re already claimed.”

“But surely with your authority, that’s a small matter, is it not?”

“Nothing is a small matter. Unless, of course, you’d like to put it on your tab.”

Russell chuckled slightly.

“Let’s do that.”

“Oh?”

Dustin’s eyes widened in mock surprise before he smiled playfully.

“But what do you intend to do with these silks?”

“Do I need to disclose the purpose of every purchase?”

“If it’s for a gift, I thought I’d have it wrapped for you.”

Russell didn’t deny it, and Dustin laughed to himself.

He had never sold pure white silk during any visit to Lagos Castle before. He didn’t even bother bringing it, as there was no one there to buy it.

Clearly, the lord was unaware of the typical use for pure white silk. And, of course, he was oblivious to what it meant to gift such an item to a lady.

‘This trip has truly been worthwhile!’

This kind of amusement brought renewed vitality to life in one’s later years.

‘However…’

Dustin found himself deep in thought.

‘So, Hoffman’s grumbling wasn’t just fussing.’

He wondered if he needed to tighten the reins on his information network. The intel he had received was far from accurate.

He had noticed that Cecilia, after glancing at Peter’s face, had decided against purchasing the silk to avoid causing trouble for the young merchant.

It was a rare consideration, especially from a noblewoman, even if she wasn’t one to indulge in pampering.

Thinking back on their earlier conversation, Dustin smiled to himself.

‘She’s not only beautiful but also a fascinating lady. And that knowledge of fabrics is remarkable. Well, she must be accustomed to using only the finest materials.’

True to his merchant instincts, Dustin began to contemplate how he might use Cecilia’s expertise. After all, luxury goods were the most profitable items for a merchant guild.

But luxury goods were also notoriously tricky to handle—money alone didn’t guarantee success. They had to satisfy the discerning taste of the highest nobility.

Most members of the Ewen Guild had risen from the bottom, which perhaps explained why the guild often lagged behind others in the luxury goods sector.

But right now, what Dustin most wanted to know was something else—the story behind Russell and Cecilia’s marriage.

‘I assumed this marriage was tied to some trade deal…’

Yet today, he was beginning to doubt it.

The look in the lord’s eyes as he watched his wife was gentle. It didn’t seem to be mere imagination.