"You're absolutely right. I intend to use your family's fabric to make clothing for commoners."

Merkens' expression darkened.

Indeed, most nobles looked down on commoners. The thought of their house's fabric being worn by commoners would surely feel like a stain on their family's honor.

"Miss Liang Di... you..."

Liang Di shook her head. "I know what you're about to say. But I must share some unfortunate news. I had my people investigate our tailor shop in Nanwei City. Since most fabric couldn't be sold and was rotting in storage... they sold it to commoners at the original price plus one Viter coin per piece (thirty-five Viter coins equal one silver coin)."

Merkens' expression shifted from anger to shock, then settled into silent dejection.

A faint smile touched Liang Di's lips. She knew she was close to success.

"Even if the Mister Family buys a full quarter's worth of your fabric at a high price—so what? Duke Merkens, are you truly fixated on such petty gains? Don't you want a steady flow of gold and silver coins every month? Will the Mister Family keep paying that price forever? Won't they suffer losses?"

"The Mister Family... their tailor business only started two months ago, right? Do they truly understand fabric and formalwear? Does the Mister Family hold more prestige than our Langwendi Family?"

Each rhetorical question struck Merkens like cannon fire.

Merkens was sharp—not just a duke, but a shrewd merchant. That was precisely why Liang Di had traveled so far to propose this partnership.

"...Miss Liang Di. I believe you're right."

Admiration glimmered in Merkens' eyes. "So what cooperation do you propose?"

"House Langwendi will take all of House Nolan's fabric. We'll lower the price by one Viter coin per five pieces. And our tailor shop will share twenty percent of all Viter coin profits with House Nolan."

Merkens' brow furrowed slightly at "lower the price," then smoothed at "share profits." Twenty percent was generous.

"Good."

He agreed without hesitation.

"Then, Miss Liang Di—pleasant cooperation."

Liang Di smiled, extended her hand, and shook his. Deal sealed.

"Duke Merkens—pleasant cooperation."

As she left, Liang Di turned back to Merkens, who was seeing her off. "May I ask—what species are those short trees outside? I've never seen them in the Sotran Empire."

"Ah, from the Rabimei Empire. I liked their look, so I planted saplings at home. If you like, I'll send some with the fabric delivery in two days."

"Thank you. Could you also include some leafy branches?"

"Of course."

Merkens didn't ask why. He simply assumed she admired them.

—— Two Days Later ——

"Older Sister Liang Lin, what should I watch out for at the noble academy?"

Liang Di wore the academy uniform: a brown fitted top highlighting her generous curves. Beside her, Liang Lin looked rather plain—which she preferred; anything larger would hinder sword training.

"Um..." Liang Lin scratched her cheek, recalling how she'd nap through academic lectures. "Not much. Just don't fight."

She added, "Our schedules differ. I take swordsmanship and equestrian classes. We share grammar and etiquette, but not dance or astronomy."

"Hmm?"

If Liang Di remembered correctly, noble girls didn't take combat classes.

"Oh, I'm the exception," Liang Lin said, catching her confusion. She puffed proudly, adjusting her collar. "I'm the only female student in swordsmanship and equestrian. And not one boy isn't afraid of me."

*Pfft~*

Liang Di hid a smile at that smug little gleam.

A maid moved to push Liang Di's wheelchair. Liang Lin raised a hand. "I'll push her. No need."

The maid hesitated, glancing at Liang Di.

"But—"

"Tsk." Liang Lin clicked her tongue.

"Let her push me. It's fine," Liang Di reassured the maid.

"Yes, Miss Liang Di."

Liang Lin shot the maid a cold look and pushed Liang Di away. *She called her 'Miss' but not me. Rude. When I get back—punish her... make her scrub the third-floor corridor twice!* (She puffed her cheeks, fuming.)

On campus, Liang Di noticed students freeze, tremble, or flee at the sight of Liang Lin.

"Ahem."

Liang Lin flushed slightly. "They're just... too timid. I haven't done anything..." (Her voice faded.)

Liang Di guessed it: beaten by her, or witnessed it. Traumatized.

To ease the silence, Liang Lin checked the schedule. "First period is grammar. I'm with you."

At the stairs, Liang Di instinctively raised her arms to be carried.

"Why raise your arms? Don't worry—I've got this."

Liang Di looked down. Her wheelchair hovered midair. *She lifted me... and the chair?* She turned. Liang Lin stood effortlessly, eyes clear, expression blissfully clueless.

*This woman is terrifying. No wonder they run.*

Third floor.

Liang Lin opened the classroom door. Noise died instantly. A student choked back words. The teacher—near tears, wary of nobles—lit up seeing Liang Di.

"L-Liang Lin! You're here?"

"Mm."

*She commands more silence than the teacher.*

"This is my sister, Liang Di. You've likely heard of her."

Publicly, the Langwendi Family claimed the twins: Liang Di, frail since childhood, sent to Shuijin City for recovery, recently returned.

Privately, nobles whispered she was illegitimate.

Exactly the effect Auston wanted. If all saw Liang Di as a bastard daughter, contesting rights with him would grow far harder.