By the time Linkin finished speaking, Val'Niya seemed to be at a complete loss for words.
"He appears easygoing on the surface but there's no mistaking it. This man—he's dangerous." Val'Niya thought to herself.
Whether Linkin was playing a well-thought-out trick on her and came prepared beforehand, or if it was truly the work of his observation skills alone, to Val'Niya, both were equally as terrifying.
Of course, initially, Val'Niya was leaning more toward the former than the latter.
From just her clothes, looking at her once and reading a bit about her in the Book of Assistants, he was able to discover that she was from a noble household? Who would believe something so ridiculous?!
However, the more Val'Niya thought about it in depth, the more she started to see the path of logic Linkin followed. It also helped that she had just personally witnessed Linkin steal away a client from a Class 3 Merchant. And based on the verbal exchange that took place, it did not seem as if Linkin knew Lovell or Richard beforehand.
Val'Niya also found it hard to persuade herself that somehow Lovell and Richard were in on putting on such a convincing act just to deceive her. Therefore, she had no choice but to accept the truth—Linkin possessed an extraordinary eye for detail unlike any she'd ever come across before.
Val'Niya took a deep breath as she quickly regained her composure. She knew that vehemently denying Linkin's claims would only draw heavier focus onto her. Also, if she simply walked out of the private room, it would not change the reality of his discovery.
"All I can do is perform damage control and hope for the best." Val'Niya mulled.
"This information... I hope that you can keep it to yourself. It is as you've said, I prefer not to share my secrets so easily with others." Val'Niya stated seriously.
She then warned, "The matters of my family; it is best that you do not speak of it any further. I am saying this not as a threat but for your own safety."
'Oh? For my safety? Her family must be pretty messed up if she's putting it that way. I'll admit that I'm even more curious now. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or luxury of satiating that curiosity. Right now, there are more important matters to settle.'
"Since it is a request from Miss Val'Niya, consider the previous matters never spoken of. Now that that's settled, there's something that I wish to ask you," Linkin said with a friendly smile as he immediately changed the topic at hand.
"What might that be?" Val'Niya inquired attentively.
"Miss Val'Niya—will you join the Chesire Cat Company as its Assistant?" Linkin asked sincerely.
In the face of that question, Val'Niya paused for a moment. A part of her was still hesitant. There was something about Linkin that both terrified and intrigued her. Perhaps it was his light-hearted expression and keen observation skills, or maybe it was his seemingly unwavering confidence in the face of everything. Whatever it was, for some reason, Val'Niya found herself drawn to him. And, with just a few words, her stance regarding Linkin went from piqued curiosity to strong interest.
"The Class 5 Merchant Linkin of the Cheshire Cat Company—I have to learn more about him." Val'Niya thought to herself.
"I'll consider it," Val'Niya finally answered with a helpless sigh.
She then continued, "But I need to know more about you and your background. You seem rather knowledgeable for a Merchant in your position."
Linkin smiled enigmatically and said, "Let's just say that I've had a lot of experience in the world of business. I've traveled far and wide, and I'm fortunate enough to have learned a great deal along the way."
"That's a rather vague answer. Can you be more specific?" Val'Niya commented with a raised brow.
Linkin gave a light-hearted chuckle and replied, "I'm afraid I can't reveal all my secrets just yet. But I can assure you that I have nothing to hide. If you decide to work with me, all I can say is that, in the future, you won't come to regret it."
Val'Niya closed her eyes as she fell silent for a few seconds. Not long after, she opened her eyes with a newfound look of clarity.
Val'Niya nodded thoughtfully and responded, "Truthfully, I still need some time to think about any long-term commitments. But for now, I will accept the position as an Assistant of the Cheshire Cat Company with the terms of a one-month contract."
"Great. Then, allow me to officially welcome you as the first member of the Cheshire Cat Company. I look forward to working with you over the course of this next month, Miss Val'Niya." Linkin stated calmly.
'With this, I've secured my first meal ticket- I mean, Assistant. I do hope that you don't disappoint me, Miss Val'Niya.'
"I, as well, am eagerly anticipating our cooperation. As for the contract, we can finalize it on the first floor of the Merchant's Guild before our departure. For now, I believe that we should focus on finding a solution to Mr. Lovell's problem. Since you spoke with such confidence earlier, I assume that you already have a suitable idea in mind?" Val'Niya inquired.