Chapter 326: Deal With a Duchess (2)

Words : 662 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 326: Deal With a Duchess (2) "I... have. The wine business first... that is something that I still would like some time on, but I am willing to give it a try. Another few days before I have my first barrel of wine - sadly not aged, but it'll be a nice benchmark for what I can make - and we can discuss it more then. Again, I'd rather not promise something that I have no means to deliver, let alone something that could cost me quite a bit of money." The Duchess nodded, looking back towards the land and locating the grape trees quickly, saying "Nature Magic is something else, isn't it? Usually a grapevine takes a year to reach maturity, though that can be expedited with mana infused soil... And yet, here you are, growing them in mere days! That's part of what makes Nature Magicians so valuable. You can grow food anywhere, anytime with them. I look forwards to having a taste of the wines you make as well. Hopefully the deliciousness of your teas is a testament to how well you handle your crops..." She looked back at me with a smile, and I nodded in response, continuing on with the next matter of concern. "As for the position of being your secretary, well... again, I would need quite a few guarantees that it would be something that I can not only do, but something that won't compromise my safety or my family's safety. On top of that, I hope you weren't going to ask me to provide 'comfort' to the people that you interview and talk with, Duchess..." Smiling at me still, she leaned back into her chair again and took a sip of her tea, replying "The thought crossed my mind. The chat I had with Trabyia, the little I've seen of your family... Miss Astra, you are adept at sexual relations, and it would seem quite open to them. However, no, I am no barbarian. I wouldn't force you into sex with my clients and peers. That remains entirely up to you, and as long as it is done inside the confines of my own properties, I can promise your safety. Outside? Not so much. Besides..." Her smile widened for a moment, and those sky blue eyes trailed over my body as she added "I wasn't lying when I said that I wanted something nice to look at... You're a ravishing woman, Miss Astra. Even someone like myself, who keeps business and pleasure separate, wouldn't mind having a 'secretary' like yourself~!" "No being forced into sex, no risk to my family, no risk to myself, guaranteed pay, set hours, and protection from you from the Nobility as long as it feels 'unwarranted'." She raised a brow at that, the red haired woman amusedly saying "As long as you don't commit a crime or do something that could harm the Queendom, I think I can manage. Besides, I understand that a beauty like yourself would draw some... unwanted gazes, especially amongst the Nobility. Very well then, Miss Astra; we can draw up the contract now, or would you like to wait?" "Now, if you please." The Duchess retrieved another piece of paper from her stuff and placed it on the table, showing me the general outline before speaking me through what she was writing down, showing the changes and additions to me each time and getting my agreement to it before continuing on, eventually placing three separate papers in front of me and having me sign them. Reading them over again - and with Sari coming by to read them as well - I eventually signed them, agreeing to an initial month of work beneath the Duchess and all the other details that needed to be agreed too. With that, I had become an employed woman, to a Duchess no less~!

Chapter 326: Deal With a Duchess (2)

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