Hired

Contracts were straightforward. There wasn't a tangle of legalese that made understanding what you were agreeing almost impossible. You didn't need a law degree to look for hidden clauses or loopholes. Since the Sidhe society at large espoused jurisprudence, there was no body of tort or criminal law to wade through.

Our contract was a one-page document. I agreed to pay a set amount for services, while they agreed to provide services. Finally, both sides agreed that any discussions or proprietary information would remain confidential.

There was no need for archaic signing contracts in blood. I did have to affix and seal both contracts with my seal. Since I hadn't commissioned one yet, I had the hotel supply me with an ink pad. Using my fingerprint as the seal, I channeled a drop of my magic into the document.

[System Announcement – You have created your first contract. Skill – Bureaucracy Apprentice Level gained.]

I refused to discuss Oaths with them. Unlike Cedric's declaration, there was no need to hurry the process. We had just met, and I was uncertain of their skills. And their loyalty. It made more sense to get to know each other over the next few days and then re-visit the topic.

We did continue to discuss travel arrangements. Their programs and culture to respect and protect nature fostered policies that limited the scope and reach of civilization. One of the interesting facts I'd unearthed during my research earlier, had been the actual size of Talahm. The size of Jupiter, Talahm was twelve times as large as Earth. That meant there was a lot of unclaimed and unspoiled lands.

Once Henry explained that roads and highways were an affectation only found in cities, using mounts to travel made sense. The Sidhe had combined a mix of old-world sensibilities and affectations combined with new world practicalities. I rather liked the idea, which made me wonder if my rank was influencing my personality.

"How long will it take to get to the A'Daoine's fief, riding mounts?" I wondered.

"It depends on what we encounter," Cedric answered.

"The lands between fiefs and cities can be dangerous. Wild animals, hostile Sidhe, and naturally occurring obstacles may all cause delays.

"With no delays, the trip can take a few days. It is best to plan for the worse. In that case, planning for three weeks may be wise.

"A'Daoine has Portal facilities, so once we arrive there, we can arrive at the Capital instantly, that leg of our journey should pose no problems. It would just be a matter of when you are ready to move on.

"After you have paid your respects and been fawned on by Duke A'Daoine and his family," Cedric joked.

"Alright. Find out the expense for suitable mounts," I instructed Cedric.

"And Brianne, find out if any of the people I'll be interviewing own mounts of their own."

This enterprise was looking to be very expensive. I'd managed to establish a line of credit and had substantial funds on hand, but I was beginning to think this Prince rank was going to hemorrhage gold.

"Don't forget you were awarded Thom's possessions. I'm pretty sure he maintained a stable. And he had some Kelpies if I remember correctly?" Cedric reminded me.

I was glad for the reminder. I had been awarded five Kelpie as spoils when dealing with Thom. But after the conversation I'd overheard between Lord Kel and Lady Patricia, I didn't have much faith in actually attaining those additional rewards. Even if they were System assigned.

"Sir Henry," I sighed rubbing my forehead as I tried to ease the headache that was beginning to form. I wasn't happy to discover that Seelie were susceptible to tension headaches, "when you are contacting Lord Kel's staff, see if you can get a detailed list of any mounts, servants, serfs, slaves or retainers that Thom may have owned and are now mine by right.

"Brianne, coordinate with Cedric and Sir Henry to set up a time for me to meet people or claim any animals I may have inherited."

As I was gathering my thoughts wondering what else I should be doing, a knock at the door interrupted any further planning or discussion. Cedric drew his sword quickly when the door opened without permission, he only moved to relax when I recognized Jennie pushing a cart laden with food and beverages and greeted her.

"I thought you might be hungry by now, it is getting to be about time for dinner," Jennie explained as she set about sorting the dishes and placing prepared foods in the dining room. She was efficient and quick, and of course, knew about Brianne and Henry so had arranged settings for all of us.

"Enough work for now," she commanded, ushering us into the room and preparing individual servings. She didn't seem to care about our likes and dislikes when making her selections, but the sights and smells reminded my stomach that it had been sorely neglected.

Comfort food would be the polite term. She served dishes that were filling and delicious. Pretentious nouvelle cuisine may not have translated to this universe, but even if it had, Jennie was having none of it.

These were not small sampling portions that left one hungry again the moment you left the table. These were hearty portions of meat, vegetables, stews, and bread. The bread was what attracted my attention. There is just something about the smell of hot fresh baked bread that soothed the soul and comforted the spirit.

I had no idea what I was eating, something else to discuss with Caraid when I had a chance. But the meat tasted like the best steak I'd ever had. The stew reminded me of something I'd find in an old Irish Pub. And the ale was thick, dark, and had just the slightest hints of honey and floral notes of juniper berries, reminiscent of gin.

Was it a meal fit for a king?

Maybe not.

But it certainly suited this Prince.