Chapter 73

When Ichi and Rize started their afternoon work, Eira was sitting across from Zirconia at a table in one of the rooms in the Nelson estate, listening to an explanation about the changes to her employment contract.

In front of Eira were two pieces of parchment, both labeled "Employment Contract," containing the same information.

The contract detailed her monthly salary, working hours, a general outline of her duties, and notes.

One copy was for the employer's records, and the other was for Eira to keep as a reference.

"Your basic working hours will remain the same until the dinner cleanup is finished, but if Kazura asks you to help with something outside of working hours, you should do your best to assist. The salary listed here takes that into account."

(Oh, my salary has doubled...)

Eira was frozen, staring at the salary section of the contract with a look of shock.

Eira's salary had been relatively high even when she was Rize's personal attendant, but the amount now presented was double that.

This amount even surpassed the salary of a military guard captain and was considered one of the highest among those working in the estate.

Furthermore, it was noted that a private room on the first floor of the estate would be provided, along with free furniture.

The excellent treatment made Eira feel elated, and her body began to tremble slightly.

What kind of duties would come with such high treatment, she wondered.

"The main differences from your previous contract are that the employment contract cannot be terminated by you for the next ten years, you will serve as an attendant to both Rize and Kazura, and you will also be responsible for training Marie. Additionally, any requests from Kazura should be given top priority and completed perfectly. Do you have any questions? If not, please sign here to complete the contract renewal."

Zirconia pushed a ceramic inkwell and a quill pen towards Eira, prompting her to ask questions.

"A, um..."

While reflexively taking the quill, Eira frantically scanned the contract's contents.

Although the doubled salary made her momentarily elated, the realization that she couldn't terminate the contract for ten years made her more cautious about the terms.

"Regarding the duties, I'm not sure if I can manage the workload of serving both Rize and Kazura. So, if I feel overwhelmed, can I consult with you?"

"Of course. I wouldn't expect you to handle an unreasonable amount of work. If necessary, we can even assign you a personal attendant. Besides, once Marie gets used to her job, your burden should decrease. It might be tough at first, but it should get easier."

Zirconia answered Eira's nervous questions with a gentle smile, indicating that she didn't intend to push Eira too hard.

Eira thanked Zirconia with a relieved smile and began to review the contract again.

(If I get a personal attendant, the shopping will be easier, and once Marie gets used to her job, taking care of Kazura might not be too difficult... But if my workload isn't significantly increased, why is my salary doubled?)

Eira raised her head from the contract and turned to Zirconia with a hesitant expression.

"...Zirconia, about Rize and Kazura... Could it be that..."

"Yes, I want you to help bring those two together."

Zirconia smiled and said it straightforwardly, despite Eira's hesitant stammering.

"Um, me...?"

Eira was taken aback and looked down, not expecting such a direct instruction. She hardly knew Ichi and had never spoken to him about anything other than work, so she didn't even understand his personality.

To get closer to Ichi, she needed to become more familiar with him, but Nelson and Zirconia seemed to limit information about Ichi, and she hadn't heard anything about him.

Being asked to do something with a person she barely knew was genuinely perplexing.

"Can I ask...? What if I don't do anything, and Kazura already seems to like Rize, and Rize seems interested in Kazura? Wouldn't it be more natural to let things take their course?"

"That's true, but there's also a possibility they won't get together, and that would be a problem. I believe you can do it, Eira."

Zirconia continued to push, maintaining a soft tone and expression.

"But, what about Isaac? Nelson has been promoting Isaac quite a bit recently."

Zirconia looked slightly surprised at Eira's question. Eira had never questioned or contradicted Zirconia's instructions before, so this was unexpected.

"Isaac is a good person, and his family is impeccable, so I agree he would be a good match for Rize. However, Kazura is even more suitable. It's hard to explain, but I believe in this."

Eira, who had never seen Zirconia angry, was nervous. She had only seen Zirconia angry a few times from a distance, and those were four years ago. While Zirconia rarely raised her voice, Eira had heard from other servants and guards about how terrifying she could be when angry.

Eira was afraid of upsetting Zirconia, as it could cost her her job.

Zirconia, however, didn't seem offended and continued after a moment of thought.

"I understand. I shouldn't have asked you to do this without explaining more about Kazura. I apologize."

"No, it's fine..."

"Then, what I'm about to tell you is a highly confidential matter. Please don't tell anyone."

Eira, who had momentarily relaxed thinking the previous instruction was withdrawn, tensed up again. Zirconia was about to share a highly confidential matter, which Eira didn't want to know, as it would likely get her into trouble. However, she had no choice but to listen.

"Can you sign the contract first? If you don't feel comfortable after hearing the details, you don't have to get involved with Rize and Kazura. It's okay to think about it."

Zirconia smiled and offered the quill pen.

(That's not okay at all...)

Eira mentally protested but nodded with teary eyes and took the quill. She didn't have the courage to refuse Zirconia's instructions.

After Eira signed the contract, Zirconia took it, verified the signature, and placed it on her side.

"Thank you. Now, about Kazura..."

"Yes..."

Eira, determined and serious, made Zirconia's expression turn serious as well.

"Kazura is not human. He is Gracior."

"...What?"

Eira, taken aback by the unexpected statement, asked for clarification. Zirconia's expression was serious, not joking.

"Do you know the legend of Gracior?"

"I, I know it... I heard it as a fairy tale when I was young..."

"Exactly the same fairy tale, or rather, something even more incredible, happened in Grisear Village about two months ago. The village, which was in a state of famine, has now fully recovered, and the fields, which were completely destroyed, are now incredibly bountiful."

"Um..."

Eira responded with a weak reply, overwhelmed by the unbelievable story. She had heard the legend of Gracior many times as a child but never believed it was real. However, Zirconia was saying that Gracior had actually appeared and saved the village.

"Without going into the details of how Gracior came to help the region, he is now working to revive the granaries around Isteria. He has also promised to help develop more efficient tools, improve flood control and sanitation in urban areas, though the extent of his assistance is not yet clear."

Eira listened intently, as Zirconia's serious demeanor left no room for doubt. The atmosphere in the room had changed, and Eira felt a cold sweat.

"Under normal circumstances, this would be more than enough to be grateful for, but for us, it's not enough. We need more, and we need it urgently to prepare for the war with Barbeur."

"Is... is the war starting again?"

Eira, hearing about the war, asked Zirconia with a worried look. During the previous war, fortunately, none of Eira's family members had died. Her parents and siblings were all alive, and the few relatives who had been injured in the military had all survived until the ceasefire.

However, if the war started again, someone might die this time. Her younger siblings were now of age to be drafted, and the thought of losing someone close to her was unbearable.

"It will start. Whether we want it or not, Barbeur will attack. It's a country without compassion, a demonic nation."

Zirconia's eyes flashed with intense hatred, but she quickly returned to her gentle smile, noticing Eira's worried expression.

"But if we can secure enough support from Kazura, we'll be fine. His knowledge and tools are beyond this world's standards. With his tools, knowledge, and the blessing he grants, we can definitely defeat Barbeur."

"Blessing?"

Eira, surprised by the sudden mention of a blessing, asked for clarification. Initially, she had not wanted to get too involved, but now she couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, a blessing. I believe Kazura grants a blessing to those close to him. Those who receive this blessing gain monstrous power. With that power..."

Eira couldn't immediately imagine what "monstrous power" meant, but if Zirconia said it was true, it must be. The ability to gain such power explained why Zirconia was so insistent. The opportunity to gain the power to defeat the hated Barbeur was too good to pass up. Even if it meant forcing Rize to seduce Ichi, Zirconia was rational in her approach.

Zirconia, who had been speaking with a slightly entranced expression, returned to her usual gentle smile when she noticed Eira's gaze.

"By the way, the plan to bring Rize and Kazura together is a secret. Don't tell Nelson or Rize. If you have any questions, come to me. I'll help you with anything."

"Understood."

Eira, who had unknowingly accepted the task, couldn't refuse now. The fact that she couldn't tell Nelson suggested that this was Zirconia's personal decision. Not forcing Rize to seduce Ichi also indicated that Nelson was a barrier.

This made Eira a pawn of Zirconia rather than Nelson, which was terrifying, but it was too late to change anything.

"You don't need to be so tense. If Rize is interested, it shouldn't be too difficult. Just give her a little push. Don't overthink it, or it might backfire. That's all. You can leave now."

"Yes, thank you..."

Eira, still uneasy, bowed and left the room. Zirconia, watching her go, sighed and leaned back in her chair.

From the situation in Grisear Village, it seemed that Ichi provided strong support and blessings to those he liked. If Rize and Ichi could fall in love, and he developed an attachment to the Isteria family and Isteria, it would likely lead to military support.

Although the initial request for military support was denied, this time it should work.

"It will be fine. This time, it will work."

Zirconia whispered to herself, then closed her eyes gently.