The tests were rather simple for me, having had the three concubine slaves as teachers.
For the trial, they simply asked me to write, to count and above all to serve the customers by pretending to be one of them.
I served them, provided information about the items, and so on.
My queen, always on my neck, hidden by my hair, spoke to me through her floating hallucinogens, just in case something went wrong.
"Well. Now, I'm going to ask you a few questions about yourself."
"Okay."
"What skills do you have, besides those we've already seen?"
"I know how to fight with a sword."
"A sword? Were you a former warrior?"
"A former noble... but my kingdom was destroyed."
"I understand your skills better now. Anything else?"
I blushed slightly, my eyes darting from side to side. Timidly, I continued:
"I can play the lute a little and paint... but my skills aren't that exceptional."
"Don't say that; I'm sure you can create lovely things."
"Well, that will be all for today."
"Come back in three days; we will let you know if you are hired or not."
"Okay. Thank you for your time."
I bowed slightly to thank everyone. My gaze then met Isolde's. I immediately blushed, realizing our eyes had met. But quickly, I regained a serious expression.
Isolde narrowed her eyes slightly, noticing my blush. Her tongue gently glided over her lips to moisten them. But she didn't react further.
I wasn't sure if all these reactions had the intended effect… but I hoped so.
As we left, my queen reassured me:
"It went rather well; Isolde is a little interested in you."
"Congratulations, your first step has been taken."
"Thank you, my queen."
The following three days, I simply trained to improve my skills.
On the third day, after a shower, I headed to Isolde's trading room.
Once inside, the receptionist immediately led me to the previous room.
In the room, two other people were already present.
"You are all three hired; congratulations!"
We all bowed to thank her.
Days passed in work, dedicating myself to it with utmost seriousness, trying to attract Isolde's attention.
Mirelia often came to sell her potions, creams, and lotions, making Isolde happy with the sales. The two often talked.
Most of the time, it was me who brought her to Isolde, which made my job easier.
I touched Isolde a little longer than necessary, even if it was just for a fraction of a second, or I would steal glances at her while blushing.
In addition to that, in front of her while working, I made a few clumsy gestures, falling to get closer to Isolde and grabbing her by the arm.
I blushed, then quickly got back on my feet.
Mirelia immediately apologized.
"I'm so sorry, Madame Isolde!"
"I accidentally placed my foot as she passed by, without meaning to."
Isolde looked at Mirelia, frowned, and narrowed her eyes. But quickly, she offered us a half-amused and tender smile.
"It's okay, Madame Mirelia."
Then her gaze returned to me.
"Elysia, are you alright?"
She touched me with her fingertips, and her touch electrified my body. A persistent warmth lingered around the area she touched, making me blush.
I lowered my eyes, stammering.
"Um..."
She looked at me with a slightly tender smile.
"Tell me, Elysia."
"I'm sorry; I think I twisted my ankle a little…"
"Show me."
She observed my ankle, which seemed slightly twisted.
"Sit next to me."
I immediately obeyed, limping slightly.
Once beside her, I almost pressed against her, my hands gripping a small part of her top, blushing slightly.
Isolde stared at me for a few seconds, seeming to ponder how to react, before finally turning back to Mirelia to continue talking. But I caught a quick glance in my direction, and in her eyes… pleasure? Amusement?
In reality, I didn't have an injury, but my queen used her hallucinogens to make Isolde believe I did.
When Mirelia left, Isolde looked at me, amused.
"How long are you going to hold my shirt?"
"S-Sorry! I completely forgot!"
I quickly pulled my fingers away… but also with some reluctance.
Isolde simply laughed, shaking her head, amused.
"It's fine."
We stared at each other for a few seconds before I turned my head away, embarrassed and shy.
"Actually, Madame Isolde, we have no work left after Madame Mirelia."
"Can I train with the sword, while playing music or painting?"
"Okay, but play music. Even during training, it could help relax the employees."
"Thank you, Madame!"
Without thinking, I quickly placed a kiss on her cheek before blushing violently.
Isolde widened her eyes slightly, surprised.
I immediately stood up and ran away… or rather, limped away.
Then, I began to play the lute in front of everyone, singing to relax them.
And it worked quite well!
Isolde looked at me for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions, but mostly a certain satisfaction at my performance… and perhaps at my request for training.
Once the music ended, she approached me, lightly applauding.
"To think you told us you had only minor skills!"
"Thank you, Madame Isolde."
"From now on, you can play the lute, even during training, when there are many clients, to relax them, or when we have finished working, in the evening."
"Can you?"
"Of course!"
I pretended to be extremely joyful.
"Thank you so much, Madame!"
Then she simply walked away.
As for me, I continued to play. From time to time, servants came to ask me to play something, which I did with pleasure.
Isolde quietly read her book once she had moved away, flipping through the pages to find her passage.
I continued to play music, and once finished, I played a melody that Isolde loved.
I glanced over and saw her watching me, stopping her reading. She no longer read. Her expression was indecipherable, but her fingers tapped on the book at certain passages.
A thrill of joy coursed down my spine, knowing that my plan was working!
"You play it much better than the others."
"I love this music, Madame. So I practice it as often as I can."
I saw her smile with joy at the corner of her lips.
With a soft murmur, she ordered me to continue playing.