บท 25: Contract
Flora Fauna nervously smoothed her skirt as she waits in a luxurious waiting area. The only sound heard is soft soothing music emerging from hidden speakers and the clacking of keys. The secretary looks up as Flora meets her gaze. "Mr. Noir will see you now, Miss Fauna," the secretary dutifully said before returning to finish drafting a letter for Mr. Noir, her boss.
Flora climbs to her feet and trots carefully across the floor not wanting to damage anything with her hooves. With care, she opens and shuts the door to only find herself in a large office with a wonderful view. Ignoring the neat shelves on the side filled with books in the center of the room is a large desk with two seats before it. Seated at the desk is a man neatly dressed all in black typing away.
Before Flora can further approach, the man glances up at her and says, "Aw, please do not mind me. My apologies but I was just finishing a bit of work, please have a seat, Miss Fauna, I shall only be a minute."
Flora complies as she tries not to gaze around the room, but rather stares at the nameplate on the desk that reads, "Mr. Noir." And as promised exactly a minute later, the typing comes to a halt. Mr. Noir opens a portfolio and says, "Now, Miss Fauna, it is my understanding, that you have some questions before taking the position, is that correct?"
Flora firmly says, "Yes, Mr. Noir, I do. Mainly concerning my pay and regarding my being a satyr. Is the employer aware of my being part of the satyr family?"
"That is not a problem, Miss Fauna. The employer is aware and finds no issues with that. Regarding your wages and benefits, I have them right here. Please read them over carefully and check if they are to your liking," Mr. Noir calmly said as he handed over the portfolio to her.
Flora takes the portfolio and begins to read. Her eyes widen at the wages and benefits being offered. They sound too good to be true. She narrows her eyes and carefully says, "Mr. Noir, it is my understanding this is a legal operation?"
"Of course, Miss Fauna."
"The wages and benefits are outrageous Mr. Noir for the position. I am not certain I can accept under these terms and conditions. I would like to meet the employer in person before I make up my mind," Flora retorted.
Mr. Noir solemnly studies her as Flora firmly gazes back. "Very well," Mr. Noir said, before rising to his feet and walking out the door. Fauna gazes with confusion at being left alone when the door opens to reveal a too tall, thin woman closing the door behind her.
The woman though neatly dressed her face conveys an air of arrogance that cannot be hidden. But surprisingly enough, the woman did not take a seat across the desk, but rather across from Flora. The woman calmly says, "I was told you had questions. Very well, I'm here to answer them."
Flora composes herself and pointedly says, "Miss-, before we start, I want to make it clear, that I have no intention of being a sexualized object nor will I engage in such actions with humans who view me as an animal rather than a beast. I am strictly being hired to be a manager for an auction house. Which will be legal and law binding and will not have any trade with the black-market.
As for my question, why me? Why not hire a human or denizen such as an elf? Without a doubt, they will bring in clients merely because of their looks," Flora pointedly said noticing a small twitch on the woman's face at the mention of Elves.
"First most, allow me to introduce myself, I am Izo Reed. Regarding your comment, I completely agree with you. I have no interest in using for such things other than strictly your position and as for trading with the black market that will not happen. But will you be fine with handling an anonymous alchemist? The alchemist will be legally working for us but wishes to remain anonymous," Miss Reed firmly answered as Flora moved to respond.
Miss Reed swiftly adds, "Now before your answer, I wish to address your question about why I chose you over the other candidates. For one, I liked your presence and style. I thought you were vastly being underestimated and as a fellow woman, I enjoy giving other females an opportunity to grow.
And why I didn't choose an Elf to be my manager as is common practice, I- am not speciesist my any means, but let us just say, I generally dislike them. I bear them no ill will, but I can't help but hold on to old lingering feelings. However, should you choose to hire an elf, I will not be opposed and will act accordingly at work," Miss Reed honestly stated.
Flora is quiet for a moment as she ponders the comment. "Very well, I will accept the terms and conditions including that of the alchemist. Regarding hiring, do I have a free hand to hire those I deem suitable?" Flora firmly asked.
"That is correct and that is the precise reason for your hiring. I have already hired three guards from the hiring house, Mr. Noir has already sent them the information for hire and they have accepted. Everything else, Mr. Noir will promptly hand over for you to review. Are there any other questions before I leave?" Miss Reed calmly stated.
Flora wracks her mind, but for the moment, she can't find a question that cannot be addressed from the contents of the portfolio. "No, Miss Reed, that will be all," Flora promptly said.
"Very well, I expect to have reports regularly sent to me and in the meantime, should an emergency arise, Mr. Noir will handle the situation unless it is deemed otherwise. It was nice to meet you," Miss Reed said as she extends her hand to be shaken.
Flora's eyes widen, but she firmly shakes the extended hand. "It will be a pleasure working with you, Miss Reed," Flora sincerely stated.
The handshake over Miss Reed promptly leaves as Mr. Noir returns to the room. Mr. Noir carries a second portfolio containing documents that need to be signed. Before seating himself at his desk, he hands over the contents to be signed.
With sparkles of interest in her eyes, Flora happily accepts, but carefully reads the outlined contract. She didn't find anything out of the ordinary as the contract requests that she is to be retained for two years. But any job fulfillment less than a year will carry a fee as a breach of contract. Should a situation arise, she must inform management a month in advance, vouch and hire the new manager. Everything else is about the consequences of theft, and so forth, the usual policy standards.
Satisfied, Flora initials, signs and dates the documents. Flora returns the portfolio back to Mr. Noir, who promptly has his secretary take them, whilst Flora studies the contents of the portfolio. With interest, she notices that that not only is the auction house but will also house crafting quarters and administrative offices as well.
In fact, a company had already been legally set up as a sister business allowing for products made to be sold directly to the auction house. The company's name is Marchen Inc. With a pleased expression, she nods in approval. Flora would have suggested such a tactic, but it looks like her employer was quite intelligent after all.
Satisfied, but worried Flora says, "I am aware such valuable contents cannot be taken home. I am to leave them here, but-."
"Not to worry, a temporary office has been set up on this floor. Promptly present yourself here and tomorrow, Marcella, my secretary will show you to your office. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me," Mr. Noir said as he handed her his card.
Flora sighs with relief as she takes the card and sees herself out of the room. The secretary doesn't even glance up as Flora takes the elevator down below. She contains her excitement until she exits out of the building and excitedly calls her mother.
The phone rings a couple of times, before her mother answers. "Yes, this Patty."
"Momma, I got the job!" Flora excitedly shrieks.
"What! Congratulations pumpkin! Wait, it's not a pervert, right?" Her mother rather concerned asked.
"No, momma. I met with the employer and she is a woman. And I know what you're going to say, but she doesn't seem like a pervert. If anything, she is a bit speciesist. She doesn't like elves," Flora whispered the last bit over the phone.
"Really? How strange, humans love those annoying pointy ears," Her mother cheerfully mumbled.
"Momma, it is inappropriate to call them pointy ears, they have a name, Elves or Dryadales," Flora reproachingly said.
"Yes, yes. But tell me, more about your job!" Her mother excitedly asked.
With glee, Flora gives the details, she can share as she trots back to her apartment. It was a good day for her, that she even paused at a Flower Shop to buy a couple of snacks. It was a luxury she couldn't afford except for every now and then. And after all, a girl must watch her figure lest she loses it.
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