Following behind the man in front, there were two others who entered as well.
Although the two stood on either side of the man’s sand chair, judging from their expensive clothing and sturdy builds, they were clearly not ordinary guards, but rather seemed to hold management-level positions within a merchant association.
After giving the three before her a quick but polite once-over, Finihiya leaned forward slightly with a courteous nod.
“We just arrived as well.”
“Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet.” The man’s voice was hearty and cheerful. “I’m Royce Claford, Vice President of the Belgrade Association.”
“Hello, Mr. Royce.”
“It’s truly a pleasure to meet such a beautiful, graceful, and outstanding lady like Miss Kleia today.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Royce tilted his gaze slightly toward Darlian, who sat playing absently with the ends of her hair. “And this lovely lady is…?”
Finihiya was a little surprised that Royce hadn’t recognized Darlian.
Still, she didn’t feel the need to reveal Darlian’s identity. After all, their purpose here was merely to negotiate the sale of a formula.
For now, it was best to proceed with business. If things didn’t go smoothly, then perhaps Darlian’s identity could be used to their advantage.
“She’s my friend… Sasha.”
She made up a name for Darlian on the spot.
“Miss Sasha.”
Darlian lifted her chin slightly and gave a faint nod in response.
Royce didn’t show any displeasure at Darlian’s cold reaction. Perhaps, after years of dealing with nobles, he was already quite accustomed to it.
“Why hasn’t the tea been served?”
Just as Finihiya was observing Darlian’s slightly chilly demeanor, Royce’s deep, stern voice suddenly rang in her ear.
The anger in his voice caused a sudden, inexplicable fear to rise in Finihiya’s heart.
Even though she knew perfectly well that Royce wasn’t blaming her.
“Apologies, Vice President.”
The man standing on the left said this and hurriedly left the room.
With a heavy “thud” as the door closed, an oppressive and stifling atmosphere filled the room.
“My apologies, it was my oversight. I didn’t expect such a lapse in hospitality.”
Seeing Royce bow his head in earnest apology, Finihiya panicked, waving her small hand in front of her chest.
“No, no, please don’t worry about it.”
As Royce apologized again and again, the door opened once more.
Two hurried footsteps approached, and desserts and tea were served.
After this subtle interruption, the tense atmosphere gradually began to dissipate.
Royce was, after all, a merchant, quite skilled in conversation, and quickly steered the mood toward something light and pleasant.
“This tea comes from the Saint Margaret Theocracy—its flavor is quite mellow. Ladies, you must try it.”
Hearing that the tea was a product of her homeland, Finihiya’s beautiful brows arched in surprise.
Although, when it came to tea quality, the tea produced in the Theocracy was rather average among the human nations, it was still a rare joy for Finihiya to be able to taste tea from home in this foreign land of demons.
Grasping the handle, Finihiya carefully picked up the steaming teacup.
***
After taking a cautious sip of the dark tea, Finihiya’s brows knitted slightly. She tilted her head and looked at Darlian.
At that moment, Darlian also wore a similarly perplexed expression.
Hmm…
It seemed Mr. Royce had been deceived.
The taste of this tea was very different from the black tea of the Theocracy—in fact, it wasn’t even the same variety.
Even someone like her, an amateur, could tell.
Still, she didn’t plan to point it out.
Saying so might embarrass Mr. Royce.
“This tea isn’t from Saint Margaret.”
Just as she was thinking this, Darlian—who had been silent all along—suddenly spoke up. Her blunt words immediately froze the smile on Royce’s face.
“It’s not from Saint Margaret?”
“That’s right.” Darlian replied lazily, “I’ve had it many times. They don’t even grow this cheap Maiergen Tea over there.”
“…I’ve really made a fool of myself before you ladies.” Royce scratched the back of his head, forcing a smile as he explained, “I bought this tea from a human merchant who’d just arrived here.”
“Ahem, ahem…”
“Miss Kleia, are you alright?”
“I’m… I’m fine.”
Finihiya forced a stiff smile, her cheeks flushed as she reassured Royce that she was fine.
What surprised her was what Royce had said.
She hadn’t expected that among the newly arrived people in Yabadawi City, there would already be such unscrupulous merchants.
Maiergen Tea did circulate in the Theocracy’s markets.
However, it was quite cheap—a kilogram of Maiergen Tea only cost 1 Mihoer Copper Coin.
But Silver Moon Tea produced in the Theocracy could sell for 5 Mihoer Silver Coins.
That was a price difference of fifty times.
Just as Royce was ordering his men to change the tea, Finihiya cleared her throat and straightened her expression.
“This tea will do. We didn’t come here today just for the tea.”
Hearing Finihiya’s earnest words, the brightness in Royce’s expression faded, replaced by a shrewd, businesslike look.
“Since Miss Kleia puts it that way, let’s get down to business. I heard you came to me to sell something.”
“Yes, Mr. Royce.”
As she replied, Finihiya picked up the suitcase she had been carrying since entering, opened it, and took out a glass bottle from a hidden compartment, placing it on the oak table.
“And this is…?”
“A secret potion—I call it shampoo,” Finihiya explained. “It has excellent cleansing properties. Hair washed with this becomes soft and manageable—my hair is like this because I’ve used it for so long.”
Royce picked up the small glass bottle and played with it for a moment, then looked up at Finihiya’s beautiful golden hair, draping down like a veil.
“If ordinary citizens could achieve such remarkable results, then the secret potion you brought, Miss Kleia, is priceless.”
Though Royce said this, his tone suggested he wasn’t fully convinced.
“If you don’t quite believe it, Mr. Royce, you can have someone try it for themselves and see the results.”
At this, Royce fell silent in thought.
After a short while, he beamed a dazzling smile.
“Of course, I believe that a beautiful and elegant lady like Miss Kleia wouldn’t deceive me. But as for the effect of this potion… I’d still like to see it for myself, so I can properly assess its value and avoid giving too low a price.”
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