Maria still didn’t take the box. She shook her head dismissively. “It’s just a simple formula—it doesn’t even qualify as a formula—and you haven’t gained much profit from it. It isn’t appropriate.”

After all, the insect repellent was easy to make, with materials sourced locally. Simon had to invest manpower and resources to sell it, and all he got in return was some worthless beans. The profits he had made so far probably weren’t even enough to buy a single large pearl like the ones on the earrings.

Simon insisted, “It’s very appropriate. Several barons have written to me, wanting to purchase the insect repellent formula, but the formula isn’t...