Then name your terms

Jean’s fingers tightened slightly around the quill resting on her desk, the polished wood creaking under her grip. The scent of ink and parchment filled the air as she leaned forward, her blue eyes steady beneath the golden chandelier’s glow.

"I assure you, we take full responsibility," she said, her voice measured but firm. "The Knights will cover the cost of repairs, and I will personally oversee the restoration efforts." She paused, letting the words settle before adding, "If you permit it, I’d also like to station additional guards around your estate as a gesture of goodwill."

Henry scoffed, his polished leather shoes clicking sharply against the marble floor as he paced before Jean’s desk. The gilded embroidery of his coat shimmered under the chandelier’s light, each agitated movement making the fabric hiss like an offended cat.

"Additional guards?" His voice dripped with derision. "Do you take me for some helpless merchant? My family’s walls have stood for centuries without needing babysitters from the Knights."

Jean’s gauntleted fingers flexed slightly against the polished surface of her desk, the faint squeak of leather the only betrayal of her tension. The golden cross earrings at her ears caught the light as she tilted her head just so, the motion calculated—like a knight assessing an opponent’s stance before parrying.

"Then name your terms," she said, her voice smooth as the ribbon in her ponytail. The black bow trembled imperceptibly with the draft from the open window, carrying the distant scent of dandelions and smoldering stone from the ruined manor.

Henry paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered her offer. He had come here expecting a fight, but Jean's calm demeanor and reasonable proposals were throwing him off balance. Still, he wasn't about to back down now.

"Restoration of my manor, restoration of my family's reputation," he said slowly, "and I shall have one of the female knights as my personal servant."

Jean raised an eyebrow at the request, but she couldn't deny that it was within his rights as a noble. "I understand, sir. However, I cannot allow my female knights to be used as personal servants. It goes against our principles."

Henry scowled, clearly not pleased with her response. "Then who will it be?"

Jean took a deep breath, her blue eyes meeting his steadily. "I will offer myself as your personal servant, on the condition that my identity remains hidden."

Henry considered her proposal for a moment before nodding curtly. "Very well, Miss Gunnhildr. You have a deal."