Chapter 7

I Will Accept a Lifetime Contract (3)

Feeling sulky, I looked again at the contract I had been clutching so carefully, afraid of wrinkling it.

It listed in detail my duties, benefits, and salary.

‘Huh? What’s this? An allowance for “maintaining dignity”? And extra pay for working overtime outside my official hours?’

On top of that, there was even a clause saying a private guest room in the annex would be given to the tutor.

“How is it? Pretty good deal, right? Do you know how much trouble I had convincing my super strict brother?”

Lynette leaned close and whispered with a sly smile.

“Elsie, you won’t find conditions like this anywhere else.”

And she was right.

Honestly, these terms were way too generous for someone with my résumé.

With this much pay, I could easily open a shop in my own name—and maybe even buy a house in the near future.

‘Should I just sign? It seems like what happened a few nights ago is being treated as a perfect crime. Otherwise, these two wouldn’t be treating me so kindly.’

Yes. That had to be it.

‘Alright. Let’s sign it. If something goes wrong later, I can always quit.’

A stable job, steady pay, under a powerful employer—what could be safer?

I clenched my fists in determination.

‘No matter what, I’m getting this job!’

Just then, Eclipse called my name.

“Bloomhire.”

“Yes!”

“I apologize for my sister’s rudeness. Please, forgive her.”

He bowed his head slightly as he spoke politely.

Rude? Oh, please. That was nothing! I waved my hands quickly.

“No, no, it’s fine. Really. It didn’t bother me at all.”

Because I already planned to take full compensation for that “rudeness”—

‘Through a monthly salary, aka financial therapy!’

I gave a bright smile. Eclipse’s expression was a little strange as he looked at me.

“…Good. That’s a relief.”

Yes, very relieving indeed. Especially since he still hadn’t figured out I tried to scam him!

I carefully placed the contract on the desk. Both siblings looked at me closely.

Before signing, I raised my head to meet Eclipse’s eyes.

“Um, would it be possible to make this a lifetime contract?”

“…”

Eclipse seemed taken aback by my bold request. After a pause to gather his thoughts, he replied calmly:

“You are not a slave. There’s no need to bind yourself like that.”

I understood what he meant. But still… voluntary slavery didn’t sound so bad to me.

‘Where else am I going to find a job that provides this much? This is heaven compared to the streets.’

I was convinced—anyone in my shoes would think the same.

“Then… how about at least extending the contract period?”

The written term was two years.

But I had noticed a little clause beneath it: “Contract extension negotiable upon agreement.”

I pointed to the line.

“Here—it says extensions are negotiable, right?”

“Yes, but…”

Eclipse’s expression was doubtful, as if reluctant to agree.

‘Did I push too hard? What if he changes his mind and cancels the whole offer?!’

Panic struck. Before he could say anything more, I snatched up the pen and signed the contract right away.

Lynette clapped her hands and laughed.

“Now that the contract’s signed, does that mean I can call you Teacher Elsie?”

“Yes! Please call me whatever you like, Saintess.”

I gave my new student—and customer—a cheerful smile.

‘Those golden eyes really do symbolize gold coins!’

For the first time, I understood why people fell into religious devotion.

With confidence, I walked up to the desk and handed the signed contract to Eclipse.

“Here. The contract.”

As I waited for his response, my gaze slid to the glass bottle on his desk.

‘Now… what about that?’

It was wonderful to be reunited with my lost treasure, but how could I take it back without seeming suspicious?

‘If I just ask for it outright, he’ll think something’s fishy. Ugh, what should I do?’

Next to the bottle sat the silver candlestick I had once tried to steal. But it didn’t matter anymore.

‘The only thing that matters is that bottle.’

Only by retrieving it could my crime be erased.

Eclipse spoke again:

“You’ll be staying in the annex behind the main house. Since there’s still time before your official duties begin, it would be wise to return home first and bring back whatever belongings you need.”

“…”

“From now on, Silberne will inform you of your schedule. Also—”

But I wasn’t listening. My eyes were locked on the glass bottle.

Then I felt his gaze on me. When I glanced up, Eclipse was staring, suspicious.

“…What are you looking at, Bloomhire?”

I jumped and laughed nervously.

“Oh, nothing! It’s just… that candlestick—it’s beautiful.”

“…The candlestick?”

“Yes!”

I nodded furiously.

‘No way can he know I was staring at the bottle.’

Flustered, I rambled out words I didn’t even mean.

“I always used wooden candlesticks before. They only held one candle. But this one—it’s silver and holds five candles at once! It’s so lovely that I must have zoned out.”

I had never spoken so quickly in my life. By the time I finished, I was panting from the effort.

“…I see.”

Eclipse fell silent, thoughtful.

“…Your Grace?”

“If you want it, you may take it.”

“…Huh?”

I blinked like a startled deer.

“You mean… you’re giving me that candlestick?”

“Yes. We have plenty of spares.”

Oh. So this was his way of showing off his wealth?

‘Or maybe he’s just welcoming me as one of his people now.’

I bowed awkwardly to hide my confusion.

“Thank you, Your Grace. I am unworthy of such generosity.”

The words sounded way too formal, but I couldn’t help it.

Soon after, Silberne escorted me out of the office.

Instead of my precious bottle, I now carried the silver candlestick with five candles.

“The Duke’s gift. Please treasure it.”

“Y-yes…”

“Your room is on the second floor of the annex. First we’ll stop there, then head to Wendelton to gather your things.”

“Sure…”

I barely listened, still dazed. Servants bowed to me as we passed, but I hardly noticed.

‘I can’t believe this. How could so many coincidences line up so perfectly?’

Everything in the past few days felt like a dream.

‘Me. Just a background extra. Now the heroine’s tutor?’

And my employer… the final villain of the story?

And I had once tried to scam him?

‘What kind of ridiculous life is this?!’

At last, we reached the annex. Silberne left to tend to the carriage, and I stood before the room assigned to me.

I stared blankly for a long while, until a voice called out.

“Miss Bloomhire?”

The sound snapped me back.

A maid with red hair stood before me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Penny. From today onward, I’ll be serving you.”

What? Even a mere commoner tutor got a personal maid here?

‘Money really is amazing.’

I nodded in wonder and greeted her.

“Hello, Penny. I’ll be counting on you.”

“And I on you, Miss Bloomhire. This will be your room from now on. Please, come inside.”

I followed Penny in.

“…Wow.”

Dark green wallpaper decorated with intricate patterns, polished wooden furniture, and a cozy harmony that made it feel like a cabin deep in a forest.

The soft carpet covering the floor was spotless, not a speck of dust anywhere.