“Which one might I ask? There are many maids here. Perhaps you inquire of the one you just met,” he tapped his fingers. “Quite a mystery that one. They all fetch for a steep price, did you come to buy from me?”
~~~~~~~
Amara clinked the teacups lightly as she set them down on a tray. The tea she made always was so inviting and warm, but she could never touch it. Much like her flower arrangements, the tea sets mattered too. After finishing steeping the tea, she poured it into the cups, the final drop fell with a satisfying sound. How she wished she could finally taste the oh so inviting drink.
Isabelle crossed her legs, saying, "Yes, indeed. What is your proposed price?" But even as she spoke the words, she found her mind wandering to his words, Quite a mystery, that one. A mystery?
“Most of the maids are around $40,000-$90,000, depending on where they work, their experience, their work time, and occasionally other factors. Her price is rather high though,” he pointed his finger at Amara as she approached with the tea. “She could be bought as low as $400,000, due to the facts that her species is undetermined, her work, experience, and her obedience to do anything and a few other things.”
~~~~~~~
Amara bit down on her tongue once she heard the last part, out of both fear and excitement. She placed the tray down next to the pair, then placed their tea in front of them. She then headed back to the door, ready to continue the days work.
"Species? She is… not native to this world?" Isabelle inquired. "How strange," she muttered under her breath. She'd never met a… how should she put it nicely… an alien before.
“Never the less, her work is excelling. I will not just merely except money for her, perhaps you have predicted this?” Nethan picked up his cup of tea, swishing it around.
"Interesting, in what way is she worth the high prices?" she asked, curious. So the other maids were pretty expensive, but this one… This one was special, she could tell. The high prices — 400 thousand dollars, and more, still. The tell-tale signs were there.
“I haven’t owned her for too long, but she can and will do absolutely anything you ask her to, whether possible or not. Her skills are very well honed and she has incredible memory. Her resolve is also very high, which may or may not be a good thing. She’s just a perfect balance and tailor maid for this job,” he paused, then continued. “When I bought her they didn’t specify why she was this expensive though, even after looking through all of her records and trying to lower her price because it was so un-realistic, nothing showed.”
"Huh, okay. Fascinating," Isabelle replied, leaning forward just a bit. "I'd like to pursue my interest in that one."
It wasn’t uncommon for people to pertain interest in Amara, she had been sold and sold over again. Nethan would not part with her unless given a good enough payment.
“Would you mind elaborating on this? Do you wish to stay to study her work, and possibly buy? Do you simply wish to buy her? Invest and co-use?” Nethan asked, then took a sip of his tea. The tea was made exactly how it should have been, he would’ve smiled had he been alone.
"I simply wish to buy her, what is your price?" Isabelle asked, leaning back again. She brushed a stray hair out of her face, her shining blue eyes looking up at Nethan.
“My price you ask … ? Minimum: $450,000, a replacement of competent skill within a 3 month max. time frame from the purchase, proof of legitimate buying, not using her as a gift, and how you will use her. She’s essentially a premium good, so she should be used well.” Nethan was wondered but this person, so confidently shown and buying away his best maid immediately.
Isabelle thought for a bit, looking up at the ceiling. Four hundred fifty dollars… money wouldn't be too much of a problem. But a replacement of competent skill… now that would be harder. Thankfully, she could probably call up her sister for some help. "I see, shall I wire the money over to you?" she asked, finally speaking.
“Of course, of course,” He waved his hand nonchalantly, but inside did not wish to give away his greatest treasure so soon. “I’ll have her finish up here so she can join you shortly.”
~~~~~~~
Amara fiddled with her duster as she moved to the next room. Was she really here to buy me? She wondered. She started to dust the corner of a frame, then paused to look at the paintings contents before continuing. Her stomach turned, would this lady be any better than all the others?
