"You-" Richard was about to speak; however, Linkin was a step faster.
"Please accept my sincere apologies. It would seem that my hand mistakenly slipped just now and the door ended up closing. I hope this benevolent gentleman doesn't take offense to this small accident and forgives this little misunderstanding." Linkin said clearly in an apologetic manner without losing his smile.
Richard opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it after being at a loss for words. He furrowed his brows as a visible frown appeared on his face.
Richard was just about to put Linkin in his place and scold him for his ignorance; however, he was taken aback by Linkin's apologetic behavior and thrown off.
As for the door being closed by accident, Richard was still somewhat skeptical. But he did not know Linkin well enough to determine whether or not he was telling the truth.
If Linkin had not immediately apologized and given an excuse, perhaps it would have been impossible to find a fault to exploit. However, Richard understood that if he made a big scene after the person in question had already given an explanation and apologized, it would only end poorly for him.
That was when it suddenly dawned on Richard. That's right—he had taken the reisai!
"I don't know what you think you're trying to pull, but don't even dream of walking away after embarrassing me in front of a client." Richard thought to himself as a cold look flashed through his eyes.
"Ah, by the way, you dropped this," Linkin stated as he held out the reisai.
As if reading Richard's mind, Linkin followed up, "I know how important even a single reisai is for those who are less fortunate. Surely, it is something that you cannot bear to part with. Do not worry; to make sure that you don't suffer, I will also throw in a few chisai. As fellow merchants, we should look out for one another in times of need and hardship."
By the time Linkin finished speaking, everyone who stood in front of the doorway was left speechless with dumbfounded expressions.
Less fortunate? Throw in a few chisai? Need and hardship? Did this crazy guy know who he was talking to?!
"Making such a big deal out of nothing! It's just a reisai! Do you think that I, Richard Hyblaze, leader of the Flame Wreathed Serpent Merchant Group, am so poor that I need to take back what I've already given?! Preposterous!" Richard scoffed as he declared proudly.
"Did you just say Flame Wreathed Serpent? The Flame Wreathed Serpent Merchant Group?!" Linkin exclaimed as his eyes widened in shock and a look of excitement and awe appeared on his face.
Seeing Linkin's reaction, Richard's irritation seemed to vanish into thin air as a prideful aura suddenly formed around him.
"That's right, the Class 3 Merchant Group, Flame Wreathed Serpent. Seems you've heard of us." Richard stated with a smirk.
"How could I not have heard of you?! This private room—please feel free to use it to your heart's desires! It's just that, well, if Sir Richard doesn't mind, I would like to make a bold request. It would be my greatest honor to personally see how the famous Richard Hyblaze conducts business. Please allow me to be an observer." Linkin said anxiously.
However, on the inside, Linkin was grinning from ear to ear.
Flame Wreathed Serpent? Richard Hyblaze? Needless to say, he'd never heard of them until just now!
'I guess no matter if it's here or on earth, people like this guy who are used to being above those around him sure enjoy having their egos inflated. Don't worry, I'll give you all the flattery you want. So, hurry up—hurry up and step forward to become the first one I devour in this world.'
In less than a handful of seconds, Linkin controlled the entire conversation flow without Richard even realizing it.
Not only that, but he got Richard to brush over the reisai issue and had already gained a profit with practically zero effort.
More importantly, Linkin completely adjusted Richard's outlook of him and made him believe that he now held all the power in his hands.
But what Richard failed to realize was that the moment Linkin opened the door—he was already dancing in the palm of his hand!
Richard took a moment to size up Linkin. He was surprised to learn that Linkin was, in fact, a merchant.
In truth, Richard wanted nothing to do with Linkin after their initial encounter. But, for some reason, he no longer found Linkin's presence to be an annoyance or bother.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to sit in and observe. Who knows? Perhaps you'll get lucky and learn a thing or two." Richard said with a grin.
"As long as I can use this private room, it doesn't matter. He can sit and observe all he likes. It's not like it'll change anything." Richard thought to himself.