Chapter 20 - The contract -

It was the day after the eclipse. Nothing happened at this time. Although the past had changed, she did not know what the consequences of her actions would be. She had to remain vigilant and prepare for anything. The future was uncertain and she had to be ready for any eventuality. She took a deep breath and geared herself up for the journey ahead. No matter what happened, she was determined to face any challenge that might come her way. She was ready to move forward and make the most of whatever the future had in store for her.

At that moment someone knocked on the door. She opened the door and saw a familiar face. A smile spread across her face as she realized she was not alone on this journey. At that moment knew that no matter what happened, she could count on her new friend's support.

Christopher visited her room with breakfast in bed, asking, "Good morning, how are you feeling?". Everyone was surprised to see the Lord visiting a woman personally first thing in the morning. She blushed and tried to hide her shock. She was unsure of what to say, so she simply replied, "I'm feeling well, thank you." Christopher smiled and said, "Good, I'm glad to hear it."

Christopher was not expecting her to provide an elaborate response, but to simply acknowledge his presence and that she was feeling well. His smile indicated his satisfaction with her response, showing he appreciated her politeness. He bowed his head in respect, then entered the room.

As he walked in, she couldn't help but smile, thinking "Well, it's nice to know chivalry isn't dead!"

A small terrace has been adapted to accommodate breakfast at the lightest possible time.

He pulled out her chair, bowed gallantly, and said, "Madam, your breakfast is served!"

She took a seat and looked at the freshly baked bread. It had a wonderful smell. He then served her a cup of steaming hot tea, with a spoonful of honey. She thanked him and smiled, eating the warm bread. It was delicious.

"My Lord," I tried to start a conversation. "Oh, please call me Christopher," she interrupted him. It made her blush.

"Christopher, we should draft a contract." She said confidently. "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to be so direct," he said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

She nodded, returning to his smile. He took out a pen and paper and wrote down the contract terms. The first part was the simplest of all, with both benefits:

A (Christopher) will give B (Elvyra) a shelter to hide and live in from now on.

B will provide A with information.

From then on things got easier to carry on.

Both looked at that paper satisfied. "I think it is acceptable," she said.

In response, he said, "Looks like we have an agreement now." They shook hands and made the deal. He picked up the paper and put it away in his briefcase.

Then he left the room and said, "For today, you need to rest and recuperate." It was as if he had said to stay here until I found you a job. The only thing she could do at that point was sit still for a while.

Fortunately, they did not see Azul yet. I still have a point down my sleeve, in case of emergency.

"Azul, Shadow, we should keep our eyes wide open," I suggested, just in case.

"Don't you trust him?" asked Azul

"My own family betrayed me. This is just prudence." He nodded in approval. It was true.

"You have us on your side," said the shadow. "She is right!" empathized Azul. I was really lucky to meet them in this life.

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"My Lord, what is that?" Riccardo was confused while looking at his Lord smiling amusingly.

"Just a contract." He put it in the safe. It made no sense to put a contract there. It must have been very significant.

"About the woman, what do you plan to do?" the Lord sighed turning back to Riccardo. "She will stay here." This answer left the guy speechless.

"Where is she planning to stay?" I asked him again

The Lord replied, "Exactly where it is right now.".

It was unbelievable that the Lord hated women near him and a woman. But then he remembered the night before and how his Lord hugged that woman. Was that woman the one he fell in love with? No! That is impossible.

Riccardo couldn't believe that, having spent so many years with him.

"My Lord, there is someone who wants to meet you" interrupted the Butler. "Who is it?" he asked.

"Baron Philips that fool was here again begging for more money. His audacity got on the Lord's nerves, but he had no proof of illegal trading. This was so he could bury him once and for all.

He entered the room with the same inexpressive face as always, pissed off. "How can I help you again?" he asked.

"My Lord, I'm here for a short visit. I've got a gift from the South." He was in the south, where there were commercial operations in agriculture and other trades that Lord Christopher couldn't catalog, but it was illegal in a sense.

"Hmm, I see." The Lord was not impressed, which made the Baron sweat. The baron lacked loyalty; he only wanted the Lord's money and favor to continue his business.

"Hahah, I see you well my Lord." He tried to stir up the water but the Lord was wise to the Baron's tricks and thought, "Nice try, but you can't butter me up with words like that!"

The baron smiled and bowed his head in acknowledgment. He knew the Lord was too smart to be fooled by such an obvious ploy. He had to come up with a better plan.

"I would like to know what your business involves, Baron Philips" Christopher started to get pissed off and it could be felt in the air.

He knew he had only one chance and the request was strong, so he sweated.

"My Lord, the Marquise's daughter is now of marriageable age. May I suggest we expand the territory?" That was too much of a request.