Discrepancy

"Troublesome? They aren't the lazy type who doesn't know how to earn their keep, right?" Linkin inquired.

Sini shook her head and replied, "No, if that were the case, she would have already been kicked out of the Assistant Association."

"Then, there's no problem," Linkin said as he let out a light sigh of relief.

'What troublesome? I've dealt with mob bosses, corrupted politicians—even guys who'd sell their own mother if it meant they could earn a profit. Compared to that, what kind of trouble can some assistant give me?'

"Is the person you have in mind somewhere in this book?" Linkin asked curiously.

Despite Linkin's words, Sini still appeared doubtful. However, in the end, Linkin's insistence paired with his nonchalance in regard to her warning, Sini could only release a helpless sigh.

"What am I thinking recommending her to a new merchant? But, then again... This guy seems to be open-minded. I can only hope that he does not take it to heart and end up feeling discouraged." Sini thought to herself.

"The person I wish to recommend is listed on page 85," Sini answered.

Without wasting a moment, Linkin flipped through the pages of the book of assistants until he arrived at the 85th page.

'Let's see... Grade 10 Assistant Val'Niya, Age 19, Kasgata Female. Skills are... advanced reading and writing? What is this? Intermediate-level arithmetic is listed here as well? This... It doesn't make any sense.'

So far, all of the Grade 10 Assistants that Linkin viewed in the book of assistants possessed basic reading and writing skills as that was the minimum requirement for becoming a member of the Assistant Association. However, none of the Grade 10 Assistants had any arithmetic skills whatsoever.

Though what was more bizarre to Linkin was the fact that even the Grade 5 Assistants he skimmed over did not have such an impressive skill set.

'To have this kind of skill set, as a Grade 10 Assistant no less; there's no way those merchants would have let a talent like this slip through their radar undetected. Is it really only because of her troublesome nature? Hm, wait- This can't be right.'

"I feel like there are several things wrong with this page. But, setting those other things aside—are you sure that the yearly salary listed here is correct?" Linkin asked with furrowed brows and a slight frown on his face.

"That book is updated hourly and its contents are confirmed by a minimum of three Grade 5 or higher Assistants. I can assure you that it houses no mistakes." Sini answered calmly.

'How strange.'

The reason Linkin was taken aback by the yearly salary had nothing to do with the asking price being too high. In fact, the price itself was entirely nonexistent as the yearly salary was listed at zero. In other words, she would be working for free!

'Based on the stories I've overheard in the inn lobby, I know that it's not uncommon for the masters of certain crafts to take in apprentices in this world. The role and status of an apprentice mimic that of the interns that exist back on earth. If her purpose is purely to gain experience as an assistant then it makes perfect sense. But if Miss Sini here isn't overexaggerating the influence of the Assistant Association, then it's too far off base. That being said, if this person is doing what I think she is—I really may have just found a diamond in the rough.'

Linkin inwardly grinned as he closed the book of assistants.

"I want to meet her. Can you set it up right away?" Linkin requested.

Sini took the book off the counter and placed it away from sight.

She nodded and happily replied, "Yes, I will make the necessary arrangements right away."

"In the meantime, please follow me," Sini said as she gestured respectfully for Linkin to follow after her.

The next moment, Sini stepped out from behind the receptionist area as Linkin moved alongside her.

Not long after, Sini led Linkin upstairs to the second floor of the Merchant's Guild.

Upon their arrival, Linkin saw that the second floor was a long hallway with red carpeting and several sturdy wooden doors lined up on each side of the walls across from one another.

Sini opened one of the doors in the hallway and revealed a small yet comfortable room with a table in the middle and built-in seating lined up against the walls. There was also an unusual crystal the size of one's head embedded in the ceiling that acted as a light source and kept the room moderately lit.

"This is one of our private rooms. Typically, these rooms are reserved for Class 3 or higher merchants; however, I will allow you to stay here while I await a response from the assistant whose services you are requesting. It usually takes no more than fifteen minutes to receive a reply, but please keep in mind that it can take upward to an hour." Sini explained.