The shop manager personally led Karmit and Draco inside.
A few young witches and wizards were already having their measurements taken for new robes.
"Sir," the manager said, "please wait in the upstairs private room. I'll send someone to take your measurements. I'll also fetch the accounting books for you."
Karmit shook his head. "You can send someone to take our measurements, but forget the books."
The manager froze. "You're… not going to check them?"
"I don't need to," Karmit said with a light smile. "You're the manager. Naturally, I leave everything in your hands. I trust you."
A wave of warmth surged through the manager's chest. He straightened unconsciously.
"Thank you for your trust, sir. I will never disappoint you."
Karmit nodded and headed upstairs with Draco.
As soon as they entered the private room, Draco blurted out, "Cousin, why would you trust a Muggle? You should check the books. What if he steals your money?"
"Draco," Karmit said, "don't think like that. Do you really believe a Muggle could fool a wizard?"
Draco hesitated, then shook his head.
"Exactly," Karmit said. "A Muggle can't hide anything from us. If I wanted, I could read his thoughts or search his memories in an instant.
Since he can never deceive me, what difference does checking the books make?
If he ever steals from me, I'll know."
Draco listened carefully, wide-eyed.
Karmit continued, "You're the future head of the Malfoy family, and you'll also be one of my most capable, trusted allies.
I don't want you to be like those foolish wizards who can only fight. I want you to handle greater matters.
So you must learn how to use people."
Draco's eyes brightened.
Karmit pointed downstairs. "Did you see the manager's reaction? I trusted him completely. Genuine trust is rare—and priceless. For that trust, he'll work twice as hard for me.
There is an old saying: 'A man will die for the one who truly understands him.'
Only then will people serve you wholeheartedly."
Draco grew visibly excited, especially when Karmit mentioned trusting him with important responsibilities.
"But what if he does start stealing your money?" Draco asked. "Do you kill him?"
"No," Karmit said. "That's the second lesson. If someone touches your interests, but the loss is insignificant, you can let it go."
"Why? You always say everything is for greater benefit. How can you let go of your own?"
Karmit smiled. "Because he must know you saw the loss—and chose not to pursue it. That creates guilt. It creates fear. He won't dare steal again, because he'll be afraid you'll discover it.
And because you didn't punish him, he'll be grateful.
You trade a trivial sum of money for someone who becomes permanently loyal, fearful, and indebted. Tell me, Draco—what's the better investment?"
Draco's eyes lit up. "You're right, cousin! We have plenty of Galleons. We don't lack money. What we lack are people who can truly be used. If a few Galleons can secure someone like that—it's worth it!"
"Correct," Karmit said. "Don't obsess over small profits. Think long-term. Some things are more valuable than gold."
Draco nodded vigorously. "I understand, cousin. I'll remember."
Karmit continued, "Muggles can't use magic, but many are brilliant at business and management.
Remember this: lower yourself when facing someone who's better than you at something. Everyone has strengths. Learn from all of them."
"Arrogance won't make you superior. But if you can absorb everyone's strengths and then surpass them—
When you reach the top, your path will be built from all you've learned, and the world itself will lie beneath your feet.
That is true strength."
Draco didn't understand everything, but he remembered every word. His cousin was never wrong.
"I'll keep it all in mind," he said.
"Good," Karmit said. "Always think before you act. And when dealing with others, do not be arrogant. True nobles do not need to be overbearing—they are refined."
Draco nodded forcefully, committing the lesson to memory.
Karmit watched him quietly.
Little Draco, he thought, you still have much to learn. And everything I'm teaching you today… is a form of leadership in itself.
Soon, the manager returned with a tailor.
Karmit told them to measure Draco first. While Draco's measurements were being taken, Karmit struck up conversation with the manager.
He truly understood the art of dealing with people. He asked about the manager's situation, challenges, and needs.
By the end of the conversation, the manager looked on the verge of tears—full of gratitude and loyalty.
Once Draco was finished, the tailor began measuring Karmit.
Despite having his past measurements on file, robes were loose-fitting and Karmit was growing fast, so they always needed updated numbers.
While this was happening, Draco grew bored and asked to go downstairs to wait for Lucius and Narcissa.
Karmit agreed and let him go.
After nearly half an hour of detailed measurements, the tailor and manager finally left.
Just as they did, Draco returned—face flushed and practically glowing.
Karmit raised an eyebrow. "Draco? Why do you look so excited?"