"A mere human lord is far too arrogant," Kestia said coldly, her voice laced with innate pride.

"Yes, so I outright rejected him," Sileus replied.

"Hmm, well done," Kestia nodded.

"We've shown humans courtesy by avoiding force. Yet a mere lord dares to bargain with us," she snorted.

Lekui nodded seriously. "Since they don't know better, we shouldn't hold back. Make them too scared to interfere."

"Not advisable. We must gain prestige through civilized means, not violence," Sileus cautioned.

"The Dragonfolk today aren't savage monsters. That's why we've done so much—to prove it," Liya told Lekui.

Lekui fell silent.

*Sister, just stop. Scheming isn't your forte,* Liya sighed inwardly.

"We must defeat humans using their own methods to earn their respect for our wisdom and civilization," Sileus added.

"So now Earl Gorde targets us and backs Semos Trading Company—how do we respond?" Kestia looked at the three.

Silence filled the room as they pondered.

"Gelute herb is still available, but prices keep rising. Our treasures, squandered to this point, won't last much longer," Kestia said.

"Could we help the smugglers? Since they use force, we could too..." Liya suggested.

"A last resort. We shouldn't entangle with them," Sileus said. "Their gangs double as robbers, thieves, kidnappers."

"Alright," Liya instantly lost interest. Their lives didn't matter—only the herbs did. The smugglers jacked up prices to avoid risk.

"What about Semos Trading Company?" Kestia asked.

"They've bought all the Gelute herb. Their regular malt beer still sells, though stock piles up. They can hold out," Sileus reported. The situation was grim.

"We gave Gorde too much. Now he's ungrateful," Lekui grumbled. They'd paid a fortune for Lanche to marry in, yet faced targeting. It felt like a loss.

"Why not ask Lanche for ideas?" Liya proposed.

Kestia nodded at Sileus.

"I'll speak with Young Master Lanche," Sileus smiled. Kestia said nothing but was starting to rely on Lanche's wit.

Lekui watched them, bewildered. *Am I the only one who distrusts that useless guy? This makes us look incompetent, forcing the princess to depend on a fool.*

"Your Highness, Semos Trading Company's herbs aren't stored together. I can take them! Send me!" Lekui volunteered earnestly.

Kestia glanced at Sileus and Liya.

"Seems feasible," they agreed.

"If we avoid force but aren't caught, it should be fine," Lekui said confidently. A trace of a smile appeared on her stern face. *Finally, a chance to prove I'm not just a housemaid!*

"Proceed, then," Kestia nodded. "But retreat if discovered. No forced theft." She doubted the plan but didn't crush Lekui's spirit.

"Understood, Your Highness," Lekui replied eagerly, certain of success. Liya watched, worried.

Kestia signaled Sileus—he must act, especially since Gorde planned to kill Lanche and replace him. *Gorde truly sees no son in him. Lanche needs warning.*

That night, Lekui changed from her maid uniform, masked half her face, and sprang into action. Liya followed to back her up.

"Don't worry, sister. This small task is easy," Lekui said calmly.

"Uh, alright. I'll keep watch," Liya trailed behind. *How effective is this? Emptying their herbs won't solve anything unless repeated—which is impossible. Like a fool's errand.*

Soon, Lekui nimbly reached the Naviz Riverbank—the spot where Lanche had been summoned. Under darkness, guards patrolled the Semos Trading Company warehouse with lanterns; others played cards nearby. Lekui slipped past them unseen, making Liya tense on the rooftop. Combat-wise, Lekui was stronger—but her recklessness worried Liya.

Lekui evaded the guards easily, but the sealed warehouse door blocked her. Only one entrance, no windows, highly secure. Her solution: freeze the lock with ice-element magic until brittle.

"Magic fluctuation!" a card player shouted.

Guards rushed to the door, spotting Lekui. "Thief!"

Lekui froze, dumbfounded at being caught instantly.

Liya grabbed her arm. "Enough—we're exposed. Go!"

"If I kill them all, no one will know," Lekui insisted, ready to strike.

"My dear sister, don't be reckless! Don't escalate this!" Liya pleaded, gripping her hand.

Lekui frowned, unwilling. Guards charged, but she ignored them—she could withstand their blows.

"Move! Now!" Liya pulled her away. Reluctantly, Lekui dodged attacks and fled.

The guards saw two shadows vanish, utterly bewildered.

Soon, crowds gathered. President Semos arrived personally. They found only a frozen lock—and dropped the matter.