Hemon followed the maid down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

The maid walked ahead of him, leading him. He found her movements graceful and confident while enjoying the sight of her hips swaying side to side, slightly. She is dressed in a tunic that falls just above her knees. The tunic is belted at the waist, with a decorative metal buckle and leather strap which accentuated her curves rather well.

On her feet are sturdy leather sandals, and her hair is styled in a simple updo, held in place with a metal hairpin.

As they approach the room meant for their meeting, Hemon notices the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes from different wars, of different people, scenery, animals and a few of fighters in an arena. He takes a deep breath, savouring the warm, woody and slightly sweet scent of incense in the air.

They turned a corner and stopped before a wooden door. The maid opened the heavy wooden door and stepped aside, allowing Hemon to enter the room.

His eyes immediately fell on the large, circular table in the centre of the room, surrounded by cushioned benches. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, and the floor is covered in brightly coloured rugs. The air is filled with a sense of calm and reverence, as if the room itself is the most serene place in the whole of the city.

He nods in appreciation, then turns to Neja, who greets him with a warm smile. Neja stands at the head of the table, a stack of papers neatly arranged in front of them.

Neja: "Thank you for coming to see me, Hemon, on such a short notice."

Hemon: "Of course, it's my pleasure. But before we get down to business, let me take a moment to appreciate this room. It's truly a work of art."

Neja: "Indeed, it is a testament to the rich cultures my family has spent decades trading with. Please, take a seat."

Hemon nods and takes a seat across from Neja, settling in comfortably on the cushioned bench. The maid steps forward, offering them each a cup of steaming tea.

Neja: "Shall we begin?"

Hemon: "Yes, let's."

He took a deep breath before speaking.

Hemon: "Actually, there's something I need to tell you first, Miss Neja."

Neja leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say.

Hemon: "I almost didn't come today. I was very close to outright not turning up to your invitation and to your proposal,but…"

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Neja: "But here you are."

Hemon: "Here I am."

He gave a slight nod.

Neja, intrigued by his admission, pressed onwards and asked him.

Neja: "And what made you change your mind?"

Hemon: "Turns out I have a weakness for eyes."

Neja raised an eyebrow after hearing him.

Neja: " And who's eyes might those be, Hemon?"

Hemon gave a sly grin, eyes twinkling with amusement.

Hemon: " Now, now, Miss Neja, that would be telling. Let's just say they were the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen and they were the deciding factor in my decision to come today."

Neja laughed, charmed by Hemon's coy demeanour.

Neja: " Well I'm glad that you are here. Now, tell me your answer, Hemon."

Hemon: "I'm interested in your offer Miss Neja."

Neja flashed a bright smile and said.

Neja: "Wonderful! Let's proceed with the contract then."

And with that, the two of them got down to business, discussing terms of the agreement and finalising the details of Hemon's sponsorship.

Hemon felt it was the right decision to sign with them and he was especially glad that he came since it gave him the opportunity to see her eyes once more.

Neja: "I think you already know about this part, but still I would like to go over this once just to be clear.

The Order, as you know, has a fixed structure or bands for the fighters. They have also fixed the minimum guaranteed amount to be paid to fighters according to the band they fall in.

They have 5 tiers or bands to classify every fighter in the professional level.

Band 1 is reserved for the champion alone.

Band 2 is for the top 3 contenders to the champion.

Band 3 is for the rest of the fighters in the professional level.

Band 4 is for the Up-and-coming fighters with potential. Mostly for fighters who just crossed the first threshold of the professional world.

And lastly, Band 5, which is newcomers with limited to no experience."

Neja paused to see if Hemon was following what she was trying to say and she found him very much focused on her. His eyes were looking straight at her own eyes.

Neja cleared her throat before speaking further.

"Band 1 receives a minimum guarantee of 5 Gold Rais or 5 million Rais.

Band 2 people will get 2 Gold Rais.

Band 3 will get 1 Gold Rais.

Band 4 receives 700,000 Rais.

And finally, Band 5 receives 500,000 Rais."

Neja paused and found him fully focused.

She continued on.

Neja: "As per the Order rules, I can only offer you a Band 5 contract with a minimum guarantee of 500,000 Rais.

What I can do is offer you a short 3 year contract where if and when your band changes then your minimum guarantee will match the Order requirement.

But I have high expectations for you, and I know you have the potential to move up the ranks."

Hemon nodded while maintaining eye contact.

Neja:"I'll cover all your housing expenses upto the upper limit for Band 5 fighters. If you reach a higher band, I'll increase your housing compensation.

I understand it's important for a fighter to have a comfortable place to stay and train.

We currently have no living quarters within the compound, but we do have a large training area which will be all yours to use as you fit."

Hemon's expression was still but he listened intently.

Neja:" As for your gear and weapon maintenance, I'm afraid you'll have to handle that on your own. Currently we don't have the services of a weapon master, but we do have a goal of hiring one in the future. In the event we do hire one, then we will also provide you with gear and maintenance compensation."

Hemon frowned slightly but Neja continued on.

Neja: " During the contract period, our family will cover all medical expenses incurred during tournaments and in training.

What we won't tolerate is any type of participation in unsanctioned fights and won't provide for any medical expenses incurred during it."

He nodded in agreement.

Neja: "My family will take a 40% cut from any and all prize money you win. It's a non-negotiable clause for us."

Hemon raised an eyebrow, but Neja didn't flinch. Her confident and devious nature was on full display as she held Hemon's gaze.

Neja: " And as a primary rule, we will sponsor and pay any entrance fees to any tournament you want to participate in. What tournaments to enter and what to sit out will be entirely your decision."

Neja leaned a bit forward and gazed into Hemon's eyes, maintaining eye contact as she spoke with confidence and a hint of deviousness.

Neja: " That concludes our contact terms and conditions. So, what do you say Hemon… are you ready to join my family?"

Hemon waited a few seconds before cracking a smile and nodded.

Hemon: "Yes, I'll join you Miss Neja."

Hearing his answer, a slight blush appeared on her cheeks as she flashed a big smile.

Neja: "Then I'll prepare the documents for you to officially sign today. Please wait here and rest, I'll be back shortly with the contract papers."

She excused herself and walked out the door, her stride exuded confidence as in her mind she knew she had her crown jewel.