"Ah," Edric said by way of answer, his smile not faltering. So, she was either the muscle or the perk. He rather hoped that she was the former, and not just because he had no interest in that sort of perk. No, he would like the idea that this unassuming, lovely little girl was much more dangerous than she seemed. It just made life more interesting.
"I suspect I would find out in the course of conversation anyway," he mused, "but perhaps I should be more straightforward. You are a representative of this firm, which is by all accounts quite connected here, sent to ask me for my allegiance. Is there a particular reason why I came to that attention?" He regarded her thoughtfully. "And how many others are on this same list?" After all, he doubted that he made such an impression already that they sought him solely. They had to be consolidating power. Before she could answer, he added, "Would you like a drink, my lady?"