Gaius shook his head, his response firm and clear. "That's not the reason why I acted as I did."
"Then what is it? You better have a good reason, or I will think you're unworthy of being the next head of this massive body," Lord Drakon countered, his words laden with a challenge.
Gaius met his father's gaze, his expression composed as he explained his strategy. "The ingredients I purchased from Valerius are of the highest quality. As you've always said, one must treat the people they wish to befriend with honesty and integrity. When he asked me to purchase the herbs for him, I went out of my way to buy the best quality ones.
"Moreover, the island where these herbs are primarily produced was hit by a natural disaster a week ago, and a massive amount of the herbs there was destroyed, meaning there will be a shortage of them.
