'See? I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. You're certainly living up to the title I bestowed upon you, Sir Richard The Impatient.'
Linkin grinned inwardly as Richard became fed up. At this point, there was no longer any need for him to add fuel to the fire. After all, never interfere with an enemy while he's in the process of destroying himself—this was one of the rules that Linkin lived by.
'Go ahead. Keep digging that hole as much as your heart desires. I'm half tempted to thank you for making things easier for me.'
If Richard was not blinded by his pride and anger, he might have still had a chance to win Lovell over again.
In the end, Lovell had a longer-standing partnership with Richard. Due to this, there was already a certain level of trust established between the two sides.
If Linkin were in Richard's shoes, he would have played around that trust and Lovell's indecisive business nature to sway him back over to his side.
Fortunately for Linkin, Richard did not have the patience nor humility to take that path. If not for that, Linkin would have never thought of snatching away Richard's client from right underneath him.
Lovell looked at Richard with a stunned look of disbelief. He was taken aback by Richard's sudden outburst. But more than that, the words he said just now were a clear-cut threat!
In all the time he has known Richard, this was the first that Lovell witnessed this side of him. The Richard he knew, while sometimes forceful and firm on his views, had never behaved in such a ludicrous way while spewing threats. Needless to say, it rattled Lovell to his core.
"Sir Richard, we've known each other for over a year. I take full responsibility that my choice may put you in a tough position with your other client, but your words just now were too harsh. Is there a need to go so far?" Lovell questioned with a visible frown.
Even if the two of them could not be considered friends, Lovell still saw Richard as a close acquaintance who had his best interest at heart. It was simply that they had finally come to a fork in the road in the future approach they wished to take.
Richard was set on selling the smithy, while Lovell had not yet given up in his heart. In the end, their viewpoints did not align. That's why Lovell did not fault Richard for being upset. In Lovell's eyes, Richard had every right to be frustrated with his decision. Still, Lovell believed that even if Richard was angry, it did not give him the right to threaten him and his livelihood.
"You think my words are harsh? Hmph, just you wait! Do you think anyone will do business with some declining smithy after you've insulted the Flame Wreathed Serpent? Ignorant man, do you even know who's behind us and the client who's made you an offer? It's the Mystic Emporium! If you think you had trouble finding clients before, you're in for a rude awakening!" Richard scoffed as he glared at Lovell and his lips curved into a vengeful smirk.
"The Mystic Emporium?!" Lovell gasped as his eyes widened in shock.
"Hmph, I tried giving you a chance, but you're too mindless to take it. I'll wait and see how you come crying and begging to me after you're scammed by that guy. Speaking of that guy... Was this his plan all along? Was it just an act to get me to let my guard down? Yes, now that I think about it, it's too much of a coincidence. Can it be that he's part of the Golden Hand?" Richard thought to himself as his cold gaze shifted over to Linkin.
When he mentioned the Mystic Emporium just now, it was to gauge Linkin's reaction. As a result, Richard noticed that Linkin did not seem alarmed or fearful. That was not the typical reaction of a Merchant when they heard that name spoken. The sole reason that would be the case is if they had someone behind them who stood on equal footing. And as far as Richard was aware, the only other Merchant Group in the city with influence and wealth capable of rivaling the Mystic Emporium was the Golden Hand.
"The Mystic Emporium and Golden Hand have been rivals for many years and are always trying to one-up each other. We've kept the project under tight wraps, but if the Golden Hand has already discovered our intentions and is preparing a counterattack, I have to warn the Mystic Emporium as soon as possible." Richard contemplated.
"We're leaving!" Richard yelled as he turned his nose into the air and made his way toward the door.
Right after Richard spoke, the members of his group quickly stood to their feet and followed behind him while shooting fierce looks at Linkin and Lovell.
"Have a safe trip, Gentleman Richard, and company. I won't be seeing you out." Linkin said casually with a friendly smile on his face.
Richard gritted his teeth and glared at Linkin one last time before huffing as he stormed out the door with his group.
Click!