Cecilia felt a pang of guilt.

Having lived one lifetime already, she knew she must differ somehow from a true twenty-one-year-old.

“No matter how kindly you speak, I have nothing to offer you. As you know, I’ve only just arrived at Lagos Castle.”

“I’m not offering mere empty compliments.”

Dustin chuckled softly.

“Then why did you ask to see me?”

“I wish to make you a proposal, Madam. Would you consider becoming an advisor to our merchant guild?”

“An advisor to your guild? Me?”

“Yes, Madam. The Ewen Merchant Guild began by trading foodstuffs and has grown steadily since. While it’s a vital market, it also has its limitations. Merchants, to avoid obsolescence, must continually grow. That’s why we aim to venture into the luxury goods market.”

“You plan to deal with the nobility of the continent?”

“Yes. To be frank, we’ve tried several times but failed. We concluded that our judgment was lacking. We believe you, Madam, could offer us invaluable advice.”

In truth, Dustin wasn’t certain.

No matter how dazzling Cecilia’s life had been at the grand ducal estate, she was still young to have accumulated significant experience. Moreover, enjoying luxury goods and discerning their value were entirely different matters.

However, Dustin decided to take a gamble on Cecilia’s ability, demonstrated by her immediate acknowledgement of the new silk product.

Business, after all, often resembled a gamble.

The greater the risk, the greater the reward upon success.

“How could I possibly help while living here at Lagos Castle?”

“The Ewen Merchant Guild visits Lagos Castle five or six times a year. We could organize and bring the necessary materials for consultation during those visits.”

“What sort of materials?”

“They could include summaries of our past failed attempts or proposals for new ventures.”

“I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“All you’d need to do is share your impressions after reviewing the materials.”

“……”

“Of course, we intend to offer a significant advisory fee for your efforts. Please don’t misunderstand. As merchants, we believe sincerity is best expressed through tangible compensation.”

When Cecilia didn’t respond, Dustin grew anxious.

He guessed that the advisory fee wouldn’t be an enticing offer to someone as affluent as Cecilia.

Moreover, members of high society often avoided direct dealings with merchants, viewing such interactions as beneath their dignity.

Cecilia’s silence, however, stemmed from a different reason.

She was stunned.

Such a proposal was beyond anything she’d ever considered.

‘He wants to pay me just for sharing my opinions?’

Even including her past life, Cecilia had always been a consumer.

She’d never earned money using her own abilities.

“Would I truly be of help?”

“I’m not a merchant who wastes money on futile endeavors. How about drafting a contract today? I’ll accommodate any conditions you desire. If you have Hoffman prepare it, you won’t suffer any losses, Madam.”

Dustin was determined to secure a definitive answer.

And any agreement must be documented.

Nobles were often fickle. Those who looked down on merchants frequently disregarded verbal promises.

After a moment’s thought, Cecilia instructed a maid to summon Hoffman.

A short while later, Hoffman arrived.

After hearing Dustin’s explanation, Hoffman’s eyes gleamed.

“Madam, if you leave this to me, I’ll ensure you receive the best possible terms. Are there any conditions you’d like to include?”

“Hmm…”

Cecilia hesitated before speaking.

A noblewoman discussing money openly could be considered unseemly.

“I’d prefer to receive the advisory fee in easily liquidated goods.”

As soon as she said this, she studied Hoffman and Dustin’s expressions.

Neither seemed bothered in the slightest.

“Understood. Let’s go, Caravan Master. I’ll make sure to squeeze out every last bit for you.”

Hoffman grinned mischievously, prompting Dustin to shudder.

Later that evening, after finishing her dinner and resting, Hoffman returned with Dustin and another merchant in tow.

As the three entered the drawing room, Cecilia immediately identified the winner and the loser by their expressions.

Hoffman was relaxed and satisfied, like a man who had just feasted, while Dustin’s face was stiff with dissatisfaction.