Beside the blazing bonfire, there were several men wearing black clothes with gold pendants hanging on their chests.
At first, the men were still chatting and laughing.
Suddenly, a businessman who looked like a leader stopped other people from talking.
"Shh! Be quiet!"
Everyone else shut their mouths, put their hands into their clothes, and held the hand crossbow hidden inside.
The leader's gaze glanced towards the darkness where the light of the bonfire could not illuminate. "Who is there?"
No one spoke.
"Friends, we are businessmen from Nilfgaard. If you want to find a safe place to spend the night, then we welcome you. Don't be shy. Come out and let us see you."
There was still silence all around.
Just when the companions thought that the leader was outsmarting the air, a thin figure walked into the place illuminated by the fire.
Several people were stunned.
Including the leader.
No one expected that what appeared in front of them was just a little girl.
What they didn't expect even more was that although this little girl also had the fear that children of this age should have towards strange adults, she had more of a condescending attitude.
"Are you the businessmen of Nilfgaard?"
Although wearing very common civilian clothes, Syanna still tried his best to look arrogant and commanding.
Because through previous secret observations, she had discovered that these people were not robbers or travelers.
But a businessman.
The tutor once told her and Anarietta that businessmen are the opposite of knights errant. Knights errant will do things that go against their own interests out of chivalrous spirit and honor.
Businessmen, on the other hand, only pursue profits.
If the profit is enough, they can even sell the ropes used to hang them.
Therefore, if you want to use their power, you must show your value and make them "profitable".
She made the right bet.
Syanna saw the business leader exchanging glances with others.
Then he asked tentatively.
"We are members of the Nilfgaard Merchants' Guild. Have you heard of the Merchants' Guild, dear lady?"
The business leader's polite tone and words made Syanna very satisfied.
When she was still in the palace, although the servants did not dare to hit her or scold her, they did not show much respect to her because of Curse of the Black Sun.
As for going on the road with the witcher, the treatment will be even worse. It's not as good as being in the palace.
Now, the merchant leader's respectful attitude finally made her feel more comfortable.
"Merchants' Guild of the Nilfgaardian Empire? I know you guys. You also have activities in Toussaint, but one of your members used some tricks at the knight competition some time ago to make my grandmother unhappy."
"This..."
The businessmen looked at each other.
The news that Lord Doug was killed in Toussaint has already been sent back to Nilfgaard as soon as possible.
Of course Nilfgaard Merchants' Guild will not protest to Toussaint for Lord Doug.
After all, Toussaint is Nilfgaardian Empire's "friend". Besides, Lord Doug is indeed not honest enough to do this.
It is understandable that everyone has a land complex and wants to own a piece of land of their own.
But you can't do this directly and nakedly at a knight's competition.
Do you think the audience is a fool, or do you think the referee is a fool?
Naked and openly cheating in a fair, just and open competition, do you think it is Nilfgaard?
And what shocked the businessmen was...
"Could it be that you are a young lady from the Duke's family?"
Syanna puffed up her small chest proudly. "You guys are quite discerning, yes, I am the descendant of "Lance Duke" Ludovic, the granddaughter of the Duchess Caroberta, Sylvia Anna."
The business leader was the first to kneel down.
"It's really His Highness... What are you doing standing still? Why don't you come over and salute His Highness?"
"Your Highness."xN
At the greeting of the merchant leader, everyone else hurriedly knelt down on one knee.
"Hmm."
Syanna felt great satisfaction. "Everyone, get up."
The business leader said indignantly.
"Your Highness, please forgive me for being presumptuous. You are a rich man. Why do you appear alone in the wilderness? Where is your bodyguard? This is too dangerous and irresponsible."
"I got separated from them."
Syanna just told a lie.
She concealed the truth.
And don't plan to linger on this topic for too long.
"Can you send me back to Toussaint? This place is not far from Toussaint. It shouldn't delay your affairs. And I can guarantee that Grandma will reward you heavily."
"Of course there is no problem," the merchant leader said without thinking, "But not because of the reward of Her Highness the Duchess, but out of respect for the nobles, especially the daughter of a duke like you."
"Zawan, go and cook some goat's milk. Your distinguished lady must have been starving for a long time... Come on, lady, eat some melon seeds first to cushion your stomach."
The businessman named Zawan ran away quickly and rummaged around on the carriage.
The business leader and others chatted with Syanna, sharing what they saw and heard during their travels.
In the pleasant chatting atmosphere, Syanna also gradually relaxed.
Ten minutes later.
Zawan came over with a bowl full of goat milk.
"Here comes the goat's milk, miss."
The business leader took one look and cursed.
"You idiot, if you don't help me cool down a little, how can I drink? Miss Jinzhiyuye, if your throat is burned, you won't be able to afford the compensation if I sell you!"
Zawan then suddenly realized. "Yes, yes, I was negligent. Don't blame me, Miss."
"You'd better forget it. I'll do it. Don't blow your saliva into it. No one wants to drink your saliva."
The business leader himself took out a small fan to cool down the hot goat's milk.
After fanning for a while, and seeing that there was no more heat coming out, the businessman leader touched the bowl of goat milk with his hand, then took out a spoon, scooped some out, and tasted it himself.
Then he respectfully handed the bowl to Syanna: "It's ready now. It's just right, neither cold nor hot. It's just right."
Syanna thanked him and took it with both hands.
At first she wanted to maintain her ladylike demeanor.
But when the first mouthful of goat milk flows down the throat, the unsatisfied stomach suddenly wants to ask for more.
This is much tastier than coarse whole wheat bread.
Syanna couldn't help but start to get excited.
Zawan showed a flattering smile.
"I added a little sugar, which should suit your taste. Children all like sweet things... I didn't mean that you were a child, Miss. Please forgive me."
The bowl of goat milk was quickly consumed.
Syanna wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Well, I forgive you. Also, the goat milk you cooked is delicious. I made a note of it. When we return to Toussaint, I will ask my grandmother to give you a little more money."
Thanks to Misaka4279 for the tip!