‘Rumors are always exaggerated, but in her case, even the portrait doesn’t do her justice.’
Today was Dustin’s first time seeing Cecilia in person.
He was genuinely impressed.
Not one to believe in nobles’ flattery, he knew they often had a habit of exaggerating the smallest details, especially in assessing appearances.
It was a common saying that hardly any noble truly knew what their ancestors looked like.
Portraits hanging in noble homes were almost always of breathtakingly beautiful people.
Dustin mentally upgraded Cecilia’s ‘importance level’.
‘With beauty like that, she could shake the continent.’
For now, under the protection of Grand Duke Jericho, she was safe. But should that protection falter, greedy hands would reach out from all directions.
‘Life won’t be easy for her.’
With a lifetime of world travels and seasoned insight, Dustin could foresee the storms she’d face.
“Your Lordship.”
Several merchants hurried over to Russell, glancing at Cecilia with wide eyes.
They stared at her, lost in thought, until Russell spoke.
“What is it?”
“Ah, our apologies. We brought a list of this shipment’s goods. Some items are missing, and others have been substituted, so we need your approval.”
Russell took the documents and reviewed them, starting from the last page.
“The total isn’t as agreed, is it?”
“It couldn’t be helped. Some substitute items had price adjustments.”
“What couldn’t be helped is your problem. Looks like we’ll need to review the contract.”
“Your Lordship, please, consider our situation. If we sell at the original price, we’ll face significant losses.”
Hoffman appeared beside Russell, gauging the situation as the lord spoke,
“Looks like we need a fresh negotiation.”
And Hoffman responded calmly.
“Yes, Milord.”
The merchants exchanged defeated looks.
Negotiating with Hoffman was exhausting. Even after wearing him down, the best they could achieve was barely breaking even.
If Hoffman had been unreasonable, they might’ve walked away. But he kept just inside the line, leaving no room for a decisive rejection.
Despite the cost in time and effort, Ewen’s caravan couldn’t cut ties with Lagos Castle. The goods exclusive to the castle were too valuable.
While Russell discussed matters, Cecilia quietly slipped away.
She didn’t feel the title of Lagos Castle’s lady truly belonged to her. Coming to the castle had been inevitable. There was no alternative.
In her mind, she was only passing through.
Since she wasn’t committed to this place, it was better not to involve herself in its finances or contracts.
As she glanced around, she noticed a wagon unloading fabrics. Fabric was a domain she knew well.
Cecilia made her way toward the fabric wagon, while Dustin casually followed, pretending to observe his surroundings.
‘Everyone’s itching to get a look.’
Everyone nearby was sneaking glances as Cecilia passed. Even the most seasoned merchants couldn’t hide their reactions.
Dustin found it amusing that Cecilia seemed oblivious to the attention, as though it were only natural that she would draw every eye.
The caravan’s wagons served as both transport and makeshift shops. One wall of each wagon unfolded to create a small, wooden stall.
Cecilia examined several fabrics displayed on a stall.
“Um… we haven’t finished setting up yet…”
A young merchant, busy unloading fabric, glanced back to speak but froze when he saw her. His face instantly flushed.
“W-What can I help you with?”
“Silk. Undyed.”
“Silk? Yes, of course! Please wait just a moment. All of them, I’ll bring, um…”
Before finishing his sentence, the young man darted into the wagon, as if fleeing. Moments later, he stumbled out, his arms full of silk rolls.
Watching from a few paces back, Dustin chuckled.
“Here they are, all the undyed silks we have.”
There were three varieties.
All of them were in shades of white, each with subtle differences.
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