Timing

"Yes, I will do so at once." The young woman who was a part of Richard's group replied.

The young woman called Lynda appeared to be in her early twenties. She had neatly kept short black hair that reached down to the lower nape of her neck and her eyes were the color of amethyst. She wore an outfit that almost resembled those of the Assistants at the Merchant's Guild; however, it did not have any of the visible insignias.

Lynda waved her right hand over her left as a faint glow emitted from a ring on her finger.

'Oh? That ring—excluding its design, it's almost perfectly identical to the one that William guy had back at the Den of Everdreams. I really want one of those.'

A scroll appeared in Lynda's right hand in the blink of an eye. She opened the scroll and carefully slid it across the table to Lovell.

Lovell stared down at the scroll placed before him with a defeated look in his eyes as he released a small sigh. He felt that no matter what he said, Richard insisted that selling the smithy was the only way forward.

Lovell did not want to accept Richard's way as the only choice; however, if a Class 3 Merchant like him said it was impossible, then what hope did he ever have of succeeding?

Could it be that his decision truly was too selfish and close-minded?

"Maybe Sir Richard is right. This offer is generous and I probably won't get another like it. Perhaps it's time that I let go of the smithy..." Lovell thought to himself as he let out a heavy sigh.

"Take as much time as you need reading it over, Mr. Lovell. When you finish, I'm sure you'll see just how accommodating and sincere my client is with this offer. The contract already has their signature. All that's left to do is to provide your own and our deal will conclude." Richard said in a reassuring tone.

Lovell looked down at his left hand with a defeated expression. He released one last sigh and seemed to have made up his mind. He reached his hand towards the scroll and prepared to seal the deal.

When Richard saw this, a gleeful look flashed through his eyes as his lips curved into a grin.

However, just as Richard was about to place his thumb against the contract.

"Wait-" Linkin started to mouth, but it was quickly drowned out by the sound of knocking at the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Linkin held his words back as his gaze traveled to his door.

Lovell, who was just about to sign the contract, stayed his actions as his gaze shifted to the door.

When Richard witnessed Lovell's pause, he glared over at Linkin and said, "Were you expecting a guest?"

"Ah, I got so caught up in learning from Sir Richard that it slipped my mind. I hope that you can pardon the intrusion." Linkin said as he rubbed the back of his head and playfully laughed it off.

'Talk about timing.'

Linkin stood to his feet and walked over to the door.

Click!

When Linkin opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of a young woman.

The young woman was of the Kasgata race and had long, flowing hair that was a mix of pink and purple colors. Her cat ears were perked up atop her head and her tail curled comfortably around her left leg. She wore a white blouse and black vest with a black skirt that stopped just above her knees. The blouse had a ruffled collar and the vest possessed golden buttons that were neatly aligned.

Black stockings traveled up the young woman's legs and on her feet were a pair of heels that matched.

The young woman was remarkably beautiful, with big, bright eyes resembling the sun's warmth and a cute button nose.

She had a confident and professional expression on her face with an aura that followed suit.

The young woman's nose twitched a few times as she glanced into the room before her gaze met with Linkin's.

Although this was Linkin's first time seeing her in person, he had viewed her picture once before in the Book of Assistants.

This young woman was the Grade 10 Assistant Linkin had been waiting for, Val'Niya.

"My na-" Val'Niya started to make her introduction; however, Linkin quickly cut her off.

"Ah, Miss Val'Niya, I've been expecting you. I'm glad you could make it. Our friends here were just in the middle of closing a deal. Come, this is a good chance for you to learn a thing or two." Linkin stated as he stepped to the side and gestured for Val'Niya to enter.

'Now then, my lovely assistant. This will be your first test.'

Val'Niya's brows rose as she seemed thrown off by Linkin's behavior. But she swiftly adjusted herself and maintained a professional demeanor.

"Yes, pardon my intrusion," Val'Niya said as she stepped into the room and gave a small respectful bow.