Ask her why she isn't collared if it's the law.

The question bursts out before you can stop it, your hands gesturing toward Ms. Tavita's elegant suit and bare neck. "Wait—you're a woman. Where's your ... ? If it's the law—"

Ms. Tavita's professional smile doesn't falter. She reaches up with one manicured hand and tugs down the collar of her white blouse, revealing a thin band of dark leather underneath, almost invisible against her brown skin. It's sleek, discreet, nothing like the obvious hardware locked around Rosaria's neck.

"I am collared, Mr. Zuccarelli. All women on Patruda are." She releases the fabric, the collar disappearing again beneath her suit. "Female staff at The Gilded Harness are all owned, either by their husbands or by the hotel corporation. Our collars are designed to be professional and unobtrusive—we're employees, after all. But the legal requirement remains."

She gestures toward the reception desk, where you now notice the other female staff members. Their uniforms are immaculate, their bearing professional, but yes—now that you're looking—each one has a thin leather band at her throat, partially concealed by their uniforms.

"Local women are typically owned by their husbands, fathers, or employers," Ms. Tavita continues, her tone matter-of-fact. "Tourist women like your wife are owned by their traveling companions. The restraint requirements vary a bit based on context. Staff are permitted to work with minimal restraint during business hours, as functionality is required."

Mikaere adds helpfully, "Ms. Tavita's restraints are applied after her shift ends. The hotel maintains a changing room where staff transition to personal custody."

"Exactly." Ms. Tavita nods. "When I leave work this evening, my husband will collect me. I'll change into more... traditional arrangements for the journey home." She says this without a trace of discomfort, as though discussing her commute. "But during work hours, I'm permitted relative freedom of movement to perform my duties."

You stare at her, trying to process this. Behind you, Rosaria makes a sound—a sharp, furious "Mmmph!" that could mean anything from 'this is insane' to something far more profane.

"The system adapts to necessity," Ms. Tavita concludes. "Your wife, however, is a tourist. So the full restraint protocols apply. Which is why I really do recommend proceeding to your suite, where we you can decide on your options more privately."

She glances past you toward Rosaria, still bound to the trolley, her hips shifting in those small, involuntary movements. "Your wife will be much more comfortable once you've had a chance to review the orientation materials and understand how to properly care for her during your stay."