"And for common travelers?"
"We emphasize durability, restorative properties." His grin spread. "Same jar, two stories. Elite packaging for courts, rugged tin for caravans."
Estella's shoulders shook with a soft laugh. "You're selling alchemy and narrative." She lifted her glass in toast. "I adore it."
"Then we're halfway there." Mikhailis's eyes gleamed. "Next hurdle—ingredients. Rare herbs, spectral petals, powdered moon-pearl—supplies we can't always source locally." He turned to Rhea, expression earnest. "Your ties to Serewyn's council—customs chiefs, guild heads—are stronger than any contract I could draft."
Rhea's gaze sharpened like frost forming on glass. "You want me to leverage my connections for trade privileges?"
