In the parlor, the head of Sloke Trading Company proposed a full partnership with the Claire Family.

Kestia’s brow lifted slightly at his words.

A “full partnership” meant handing Sloke exclusive control over brewing and selling Claire Beer?

“I heard Sloke has royal backing,” Sileus asked. “So you’re not worried about Earl Gorde causing trouble?”

Viscount Clarein jests,” Pietro chuckled, shaking his head. “His Grace is a truly trusted and cherished ally of the royal family. We’d never dare clash with him.”

He had no idea the Claires didn’t fear the Earl at all.

To commoners, however, the Earl was a towering noble—akin to a feudal lord guarding the kingdom’s borders. With only five earls in the realm, their status and influence were undeniable, like stars orbiting the moon.

Pietro’s meaning was clear: “We can mediate with Earl Gorde. I’m certain a friendly agreement can be reached.”

He smiled smoothly. “The tension between your house and His Grace stems from clashing strengths. As a viscount yourself, you naturally wouldn’t wish to be subordinate to an earl.”

“If a third party could balance this power,” he continued confidently, “wouldn’t your problem dissolve effortlessly?”

No one was better suited for that role than Sloke Trading Company.

Kestia remained unmoved. “We don’t want Claire Beer monopolized by any single entity. We want it spread across the continent—so every mercenary and commoner can taste its richness.”

Pietro blinked in surprise. “Such generosity?”

Kestia smiled faintly.

*It’s not my generosity. It’s his.*

*If he doesn’t care, let it spread.*

Pietro chose his words carefully. “I admire your vision, Miss Kestia, but this… may not be wise.”

“If this is about your feud with Earl Gorde,” he reasoned gently, “pride shouldn’t dictate business. Everything belongs on the negotiation table.”

“You misunderstand, Mr. Pietro. Spreading Claire Beer was always our plan. We are nobles first, merchants second.” Her tone was cool.

Pietro’s fingers tightened on his cane. He understood noble prestige outweighed profit—but that prestige wouldn’t fill *his* coffers. Monopoly meant gold pouring in.

“Monopoly is impossible,” Kestia stated flatly. “Secrets never stay buried. Once the recipe leaks, anyone can brew it. There’s no real barrier.”

Pietro frowned. “You’re determined on this path?” His gaze flicked to Sileus. Though Kestia held the reins, Sileus bore the viscount’s title.

Sileus smiled. “Her words are the Claire Family’s will.”

Kestia’s resolve was absolute—even if it meant surrendering mountains of gold.

“Miss Kestia,” Pietro said gravely, “allow me to arrange a meeting with my patron. She may change your mind.”

“The royal patron behind Sloke?”

“Yes. Sloke operates under Prince Edwin’s patronage. The lady I speak of is his second daughter, Yufi Sarn Greenshield.” Pietro’s voice turned solemn. “A gifted royal candidate for this year’s kingship election.”

Kestia gave a noncommittal nod, unimpressed.

“Is Lady Yufi currently in Bernoas Territory?”

“Indeed. With Earl Astris’s endorsement, she’s now a candidate. Her visit here seeks Earl Belnos’s support. Two earls’ backing would make her a frontrunner.”

Kestia glanced at Sileus, unfamiliar with the kingdom’s election rites.

“So Lady Yufi intends to use us to win Earl Belnos’s favor?” Sileus asked sharply.

“Not at all,” Pietro adjusted his monocle with a smile. “I share this to show how partnership benefits us both. Join Sloke—we’re six merchant families united as equals. Fair trade. Mutual aid. Strength against outsiders.”

He believed his offer irresistible. In this world, merchants survived only by banding together in guilds. Only collective power deterred greedy nobles.

Kestia’s reply was quiet. “We’ll cooperate with Sloke, Mr. Pietro—but not exclusively.”

Pietro’s frown deepened. “Then what value does our partnership hold?”

“None, it seems.” Kestia rose, signaling the end of the meeting.

Seeing her unwavering stance, Pietro sighed. “Perhaps my status is too low to sway you. May I send Lady Yufi to discuss this personally?”

Kestia considered it. “We’ll await her honor.”

After Pietro left, Kestia returned to her study, frowning. This business grew thornier by the day.

“Your Highness, partnering with royalty aligns with our true goal: establishing ties between the Dragon Realm and this kingdom,” Sileus reminded her.

“I know. But this arrangement leaves us powerless.”

“Precisely,” Sileus nodded slowly. “Lady Yufi only needs Earl Gorde’s support. She doesn’t need *us*.”

“We’d be mere pawns in their game. I refuse.” Kestia’s voice was calm, resolute. “If we must engage, we’ll back our *own* candidate.”

Sileus smiled.

*The princess grows ever more formidable.*