Another Day, Another Job

For Bar, the next day went similarly to the last. In his classes, he was once again sandwiched between Gerard and Alice, both of them occupying most of his attention (and he, theirs) until classes were done.

As soon as the final one ended Alice grabbed his arm. “There's no club today, but would you practice with me in private?” she asked, smiling the same way she always did when they were about to duel.

Bar shook his head. Remembering Joan's words from the previous day, he thought Maybe Joan was right. Gently pulling his arm away, he replied, “Sorry. I'm...uh...busy today.”

Gerard, who hadn't moved yet, asked “Oh, are you going into town? I need to as well, so I can join you.”

No! I can't have anyone finding out I'm looking for a job, that's...

However, his thoughts were cut off by an unexpected entrant to the room. “Bar! Is Mister Bar in here?” came a voice from the door.

Recognizing the voice, he stood up and saw Miss Claire, who looked a bit frustrated on her tiptoes as she scanned over the classroom.

Seeing him after he stood up, Miss Claire beckoned to him. “Follow me to my office.”

Bar looked at Alice and Gerard in turn, and shrugged, before following Claire. I guess this got me out of that...situation, but it's still taking up my time...

Following Miss Claire for a while, they eventually got to a small room in the corner of the main building. With a desk and drawers taking up most of it, it seemed like a glorified broom cupboard that had been converted into her office. I know she's just the dorm mistress, but this is a little...

Miss Claire sat down and pointed to the chair opposite on the other side of the desk.

Bar awkwardly pulled the chair back in the little room he had, sitting down and banging his knees on her desk.

Miss Claire picked up a clipboard from the desk, clapping it gently against her other hand. “Bar, I was informed that you have two servants staying at your dorm. Is this true?”

Bar slowly nodded.

Miss Claire shook her head. “You know that is not allowed, right? Why did you bring two?”

“I didn't, I won Belle in a duel,” he explained.

Miss Claire raised an eyebrow, so Bar explained the circumstances surrounding Belle coming to join him and Joan. After hearing the story, she seemed to understand, and made a note on her clipboard. “I now know why, and I... won't fault your actions, but this still isn't allowed. Those dorms are too small anyway. And where is she sleeping? I know those servant beds aren't big enough for two.”

Bar shook his head, “Joan sleeps...” he started, before stopping himself, realizing what he was about to say, and blushing in the process.

Miss Claire paused for a moment, waiting for him to continue, before blushing heavily as she put together what he had been about to say. “Mister Bar! You can't be serious. You have your servant sleep in bed with you every night!?”

Bar was conflicted between wanting to explain the situation and not explaining anything. “Joan and I are...we have...”

Miss Claire, putting together the context clues, stated, “Bar, it's not proper to be so infatuated with your own servant.”

“It's not...Joan and I...”

Miss Claire shook her head. “Just because your servant is playing along doesn't mean she actually loves you.”

Bar was silent. There's no way. Joan isn't...no, it can't be.

Miss Claire, seeing he wasn't going to say anything, continued, “Look, just make arrangements for one of them elsewhere, whether it be in the city or sending on to your estate. I'd suggest...” she stopped, deciding not to finish her thought.

Bar nodded, standing up and walking out, looking distraught. Miss Claire seemed concerned, and held out her hand to stop him, but he didn't notice and walked out.

Deciding not to look for a job that day, Bar went straight back to his dorm. Joan wasn't scheduled to work that day, so she and Belle were chatting inside when he opened the door.

“Bar?” Joan said, rushing up to him after seeing his demeanor. “What's wrong?”

Bar just hugged her. After some surprise, Joan hugged him back.

Belle, who didn't seem to know how to react, chimed in, “Um...I'll make some tea!”

While she was heating it up, Bar and Joan sat down, with Joan comforting him. Bar explained the conversation he had had with Miss Claire.

After he finished, Joan hugged him again. “Don't worry, we'll think of something.”

Belle sat the tea down, pouring some out. “Um...shouldn't you just send me away? I'm sure you don't want to-”

Bar cut her off. “No, I don't want too. And besides, I want more than two anyway. I can't believe my plan is already falling apart...”

Belle blushed a bit before nodding. “I'll start making dinner.”

While Belle was cooking, Joan and Bar brainstormed ideas.

“Why don't we use my money to rent a room in town? That way it's fairly close,” Joan suggested.

Bar shook his head, “That would eat too much into our savings. Plus, I'd be worried about Belle on her own.”

“True. Well, what if I see if Dolly will let me stay with her at her tavern? She might let me bunk there for free.”

“Rejected. You know I want you here with me,” Bar said.

Joan blushed, “What are you going to do when you have lovers besides me?”

Bar thought seriously for a moment. “Just get a bigger bed?”

Joan blushed harder, slapping his cheeks in between her hands.

Belle, who had finished their stew, sat down bowls in front of them. “Umm...is it just this...Miss Claire?...who is saying there's an issue?”

Bar nodded.

“Maybe...maybe you can just explain things to her properly,” she said, poking her fingers together.

Bar shook his head. “I don't think that will work, she seems like a stickler for the rules.”

Joan, who was blowing on her spoon, contended, “Belle might be onto something. Miss Claire is a woman, after all. Maybe you just need to get your feelings...our feelings through to her, so she understands.”

Bar thought for a moment, but nodded.

That night, after another intense bout of lovemaking, Bar and Joan laid in bed together, holding each other.

“I'll make sure I properly find a job tomorrow,” Bar asserted.

Joan stroked her fingers through his hair. “I'm sure you'll...” She stopped, looking across the room. Standing up quickly, she scurried over to the door, which was open a crack. Blushing heavily, she closed the door, before curling up next to Bar again. “Sorry, I thought I closed that. I hope Belle didn't hear...”

Bar shrugged, “If she had, wouldn't she have closed it?”

Joan thought for a moment before nodding. “You're probably right.”

The next day, after class once again, Alice tried to drag Bar along. “There's club again today,” she said, with her usual smile.

“Sorry, I didn't get to do what I needed to yesterday, so I need to today,” Bar explained.

Alice looked disappointed, but nodded, and grabbed her bag to walk away.

Gerard was nowhere to be seen. He must have left right away. Oh well, now to get into town...

Bar successfully managed to get out of the school without any more interruptions, and started walking down into town. Taking off his uniform and stuffing it into his bag, so he wouldn't be recognized, he headed to an employment office. His plan was to try and find some higher-paying, but temporary, manual labor jobs, that paid more since they weren't regular work to entice workers. Since he (at least at the moment) wasn't reliant on the job for stable income, he had the luxury of taking these types of short term jobs. After a few minutes of searching the board inside the office, he found something that might fit the bill.

'Brick layer. No experience necessary. Mornings to afternoon.' Ah, that won't work, he thought, pinning it back up. I guess working evenings only might cause issues.

Scanning the board some more, he found another. 'Firewood chopper. Seasonal. Pay dependent on amount chopped. No time restrictions.' This should work!

Taking the notice, he went to find the address listed. It was a bit of a ways out of town, near the forest north of the academy.

As he made his way up, he saw a small house, where an old man was slowly chopping wood. When he was close, the old man stopped, waving jovially. “Why hello. I see I have a visitor.”

Bar nodded, handing him the job notice.

The old man smiled, “I had almost forgotten I put this up. I'm assuming you're interested?”

“Yes. I have...scheduling restrictions, so I was interested in something without a set one. Is it really just chopping wood?”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The old man smiled, “It is. I feel I'm a bit too old to chop all day, but I still need to sell my firewood. I figured paying someone to help would be worth it, if I end up having more.”

Bar nodded, assuming the calculations worked out. “Is working in the afternoon and evening fine?”

“I'd prefer it, actually, since I'm most lithe in the morning. Do you know how to chop?”

“Yes, I've done it some.” Usually when I'd take pity on old Marley and help him out. It was good for building muscles anyway.

“Alright, let's get to it then,” the old man said, handing him the ax. “Just do it until you're tired, and see me when you leave for your pay.”

Bar grabbed the ax and headed over to the chopping block. That was simple. Although, I guess this is a simple job.

Bar chopped for several hours, until his arms and back started to ache. Breathing and sweating heavily, he leaned against the ax. Looking up, he saw it was getting dark.

The old man walked out from his house, handing him some water. “Done for the day? You did a fine job.”

Bar shrugged. “Maybe. Do you know what time it is?” he asked, before draining the water in one swig.

The old man laughed, “Haha, I don't got a clock, but if I had to guess, it's probably a bit past 9.”

Bar's eyes went wide. Dammit, I completely forgot! Giving his empty glass back to the old man, he grabbed his bag and ran off.

“Sonny, you didn't take your-...” the old man started, but stopped as Bar was already out of earshot.

By the time he made it back to the gate, it was already dark out. Sneaking in, he tried to quietly make his way back to his dorm.

“Bar! That's you, isn't it!?” he heard an all-too familiar voice call out to him.

Turning around, he once again saw Miss Claire in her pink pajamas, wearing a coat and holding a lantern out.

As she walked over, Bar heard her sigh. “You know, I had a weird feeling I might find you or your servant out again, and...” she shook her head. “Follow me.”

Instead of her office, Bar was led towards the woman's dorms. He hadn't actually been over here (nor was he supposed to be), but it looked essentially the same as the men's side. They stopped at at the first one in the the row, with a '1' on the door.

Opening the door, Bar was struck by how cluttered it was. There was a pile of dishes in the sink, dirty clothes on the ground, and a stack of books next to the sofa.

Noticing he was looking around at everything, Miss Claire coughed, directing him towards her tea table.

Bar sat down, as Miss Claire wiped away papers (with drawings on them?) to one side. There was already some tea being heated, and she poured some for them before jumping into her chair and sitting across from him.

Bar wasn't sure what to say as she looked him over while sipping her tea. Trying to think of a good excuse, he remained silent.

Rather than being upset, Miss Claire seemed concerned. “First you and your servant two days ago. The issue with multiple servants in your dorm. And now I catch you sneaking back onto campus way past curfew. What exactly is going on?”

Bar still remained silent.

“Mis-...Bar, you can talk to me if you need too. I don't know what's going on, but the academy can help if there's some sort of trouble...”

Bar still remained silent.

“Are you up to something nefarious? Are you putting your servant up to something nefarious?” she asked.

Bar shook his head. “No, I...”

As he trailed off again, Miss Claire sighed. “I don't like doing this, but I think your servant, Joan, is a bad influence on you. She needs to be sent away if-”

Bar put his hands together, pleading with her. “Please...please don't. I love Joan. And she...she loves me. We...we're just trying to plan for our future together.”

Miss Claire blushed heavily. Coughing, she started, “She's your servant, you can't be serious...”

Bar nodded, “I am though.”

While Bar was worried Miss Claire might get more upset, she instead thought for a moment, taking another drink, before asking, “Please explain everything to me then, so I can understand.”

Bar, remembering Belle and Joan's words from yesterday, decided he had no other choice, and launched into an explanation of what had led to this situation. His distaste of other nobles, his proposing to Joan and giving her her servant papers, and them working to save up money for a house, and his plan to only marry maids.

By the end, Miss Claire was in shock.

Bar concluded. “I know it's not proper for nobles, but-”

“Screw the other nobles...” Miss Claire said.

Bar was stunned. “Wha-...what?”

“I said screw the other nobles,” she said angrily, her face matching her tone, and banging a fist on the table, causing a few drops of tea to spill out.

That's the part she's focused on!?

Miss Claire continued, “Always lusting after the other girls. The tall and slim ones. The big-breasted ones. Hell, even the plump ones. But never Claire. 'No, she looks like a child, find me a normal looking girl.' I'm right here, I can hear you! Bastards don't...”

Bar just looked in astonishment as Claire rambled on about her hatred of nobles.

“The woman aren't any better! Laughing at me behind my back. Telling me to go play with dolls...”

After she had ranted a good while, she was red and breathing heavily.

Bar tried to reassure her, shaking his head “I'm sorry Miss Claire, you were treated poorly just because of the way you look. Honestly, you have your own charms, so I don't know why-”

He was cut off, as Claire asked, “What!? You think so?” looking at him in awe.

Bar nodded, before realizing he might have an opening. Maybe if I butter her up, she'll look the other way. He continued, “Of course. I can appreciate a hard-working woman who takes her job seriously. And you're very...cute, the suitors passing over you because you're short made a huge mistake.”

Claire put her hands to her cheeks, blushing so hard she looked like she was burning.

Alright, just one more push... “Frankly you deserve much-”

He was cut off again, this time by Claire jumping over the table and knocking the teacups out of the way, grabbing his shirt, and planting a kiss on him.

Grabbing her as she was teetering over the table about to fall on him, he set her on the table. “Miss Claire!? What are you doing!?”

Claire started to unbutton her pajamas. “I want in.”

“Wha...what?”

Claire continued “I want in on your 'Plan'. You like me, right? You said I'm cute?”

“Well yes, but...”

“Then take me, too! I finally found a man who likes me, so I'm going to convince you to marry me,” she said matter-of-factly, trying to pull off his shirt.

“But, Miss Claire...”

“Just call me Claire.”

“...Claire, I don't know if this is really a...”

“I know I'm not a maid, but I promise I can help out. I just want someone to love me,” she said, stopping with her attempt at undressing him, kneeling on her table and crying.

Bar didn't know what to do, so he just stood up and hugged her, letting her cry into his shoulder.

After a couple minutes of her crying herself out, she wiped away her tears. “Please Bar.”

Bar was overcome with emotions as he stood there looking at her. “Are you really sure?”

Claire was insistent. “What is the hangup? Am I too old? Were you lying-.”

“No, I just don't...we barely know each other, and...” Bar stopped, trying to think.

Claire shook her head, “We have our whole lives to get to know each other.”

Bar had run out of rebuttals. I mean, she is really cute, and she probably can help us... “Okay, if you're really sure...”

Claire instantly brightened, wrapping her arms around him and crying again, although this time in joy, before starting to undress once more, taking off her bra and sliding off her pajama bottoms.

“You wanna do it here?” Bar asked.

Claire nodded vigorously, “I don't wanna wait any longer.”

Bar sighed, before pulling down his pants.

Claire looked in awe at his member, which was already erect, before smiling gleefully. “See! I can excite a man.”

Bar nodded, assuming this was an insult she had received in the past. “How could I not be...”

Claire blushed again. “Okay, stick it in!”

Bar shook his head, “Don't we need too...” he started as he pulled down her panties.

Claire shook her head, “I'm already so wet it I don't need any help...”

Bar leaned over and gave her a kiss anyway, this time sticking his tongue in. Claire wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in closely. After making out for a few moments, Bar took his member and slowly inserted himself.

Claire blushed, panting heavily. “Hey, be careful! It's my first time!”

Bar nodded, “I am...you're just...really...”

With one final push, Bar got himself all the way in, his member completely hidden within her.

Claire 'yipped', a look of pain on her face.

“Sorry, I just...”

Claire shook her head. “No, it had to be done.” After a few moments, she caught her breath. “Please continue.”

Bar nodded, slowly sliding himself in and out. Claire was still wincing in pain, so Bar decided to try and distract her by sucking on her nipples.

“Hey, what are you doing!?” Claire asked, startled.

“They're too cute for me to ignore,” Bar explained, before grabbing them with his hands and squeezing. Despite being nearly flat, Bar stilled played with them to the utmost.

Claire seemed ecstatic that he was enjoying himself, tears basically showing in her eyes, before pulling him in again for another kiss.

After this, Bar was about at his limit. “Do you want me to...”

Claire shook her head, wrapping her legs around him. “No, do it inside. I want your kids!”

Bar wasn't sure how to respond to that sudden proclamation, but decided to acquiesce and thrusted hard as he came deep inside her. Careful not to fall on top of her, he put his elbows on the table, leaning over inches from her face.

As she was breathing heavily, her hair disheveled, she had a huge grin on her face, grabbing his head and lifting herself up to kiss him once more.

After a tender kiss, Bar waited a few moments, before pulling himself out.

“Um...” Claire asked, not sure what to say. “Did...did you enjoy it?”

Bar was surprised, “Uh...yes. Did it look like I wasn't?”

Claire seemed unsure still. “Did you...are you really okay with me? I got caught up in my emotions, but....” she trailed off.

Bar nodded, “Yes, I...um....I think we can make it work. It seems like you've had your troubles too, so I think you'd fit right in with us.”

Claire gave a weak smile, “It's a bit sad, but you're probably right.”

Sitting on the table still, she took a deep breath, then switched back into dorm mistress mode. At least, her demeanor was, Bar had trouble taking her completely seriously when she was still mostly naked. “I'll have another bed brought to your room.”

Bar protested, “It's fine, Joan-”

Claire smiled, “No, it's for me.”

Bar was taken aback, “I know we agreed to marry, but don't...”

Claire shook her head. “No, I can't let Joan monopolize you. She has too much of a head start already!”

“It's not a competition...”

Claire responded, “Of course it is! I can't-”

Bar cut her off, leaning over and giving her a kiss.

Claire seemed to calm down.

“See? I'll give you as much attention as you want...”

Claire squirmed a bit at this, before coughing. “Fine, fine, but I'm still sleeping over there with you when I can.”

Bar nodded, “Okay...I'm sure Joan will understand.”

Claire smiled and nodded, “She should. I'll make sure no one gets suspicious of you and your plan. Well, our plan, now. Plus, aren't you forgetting something?”

Bar raised an eyebrow. “What's that...?”

Claire crossed her arms, laughing haughtily, “Hehehe, you're forgetting that I've been saving money for years now! I've got a decent amount in the bank. I don't get paid a lot, but I also haven't had anything, or anyone to spend my money on.”

Bar realized the implications, “That's amazing! We'll be able to buy an even larger house! Although, I guess we'll need one, with all the wives I'm getting...”

Claire blushed again, giddy look on her face “Finally being a wife...I'm sorry a noblewoman, if a lowly one...”

Bar shrugged, “What are you saying at this stage!? Plus, if all the noblewoman I met had been like you, I might not hate them as much.”

Claire blushed even deeper. “Do you want to....stay here tonight?”

Bar gulped, “I....Joan and Belle are probably worrying about me.”

Claire looked down after that response, but nodded.

After this, they cleaned up the table and spilled tea, before getting dressed and, after Claire took one last kiss, Bar left.

Walking back to the dorm, Bar felt a weird sense of dread. I already told Joan I was going to take multiple wives, but it makes me nervous actually telling her I found one...

As Bar opened the door to his dorm, he was accosted by Joan, who wrapped her arms around him. “Bar...I was starting to get worried.”

Bar hugged her back. “I'm...sorry...”

Joan nodded. “It's okay. You found a job right? I'm sure you were just working hard.”

Bar shook his head. “No, I...I mean I did, and I was, but that's not...”

Joan seemed confused. “What's wrong? Wait...did Miss Claire find you again?”

Bar nodded.

Joan grimaced. “That's...unfortunate. Are we in more trouble?”

“No, I...umm...” Guess I just need to explain. Deciding to let it all out at once, Bar sat down, and detailed out the day's events.

As he finished, he looked up at Joan.

Joan smiled and gave him a thumbs up. “Nice job! I didn't think you would just seduce her, but that'll definitely buy us some time.”

“You're not mad?”

Joan raised an eyebrow. “Why would I be mad? I mean you're doing this for us, aren't you?”

“Well, yes, but...”

“I am a little concerned about what will happen when she realizes you fooled her.”

Now Bar was confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well, how long do you plan on keeping this up? Until you graduate? Eventually she'll find out you tricked her.”

“Oh...I was...” Bar blushed. “I wasn't intending it as a ruse. I...meant when I said I'd take her as a wife, too.”

“Oh...” Joan responded, also blushing. “Sorry, I just thought...well...nevermind.”

“What is it?”

Joan winced before continuing, “Well, I didn't think you'd seriously be into her. I thought you just wanted to marry...well, woman like me. Maids.”

“I did...well, I still do. I guess...Claire's story resonated with me. Maybe I partly pitied her, too. And then things kinda just...happened.”

Another awkward silence filled the air.

Meanwhile, Belle was trying to melt into the wall after hearing this conversation.

In another part of campus, Claire was rolling in her bed, hugging a pillow. Bar! He's so amazing! A sexy image of Bar, much more attractive than the actual man, floated through her mind, causing her to blush.

Claire felt like she had been given a new lease on life. She always put forth maximum effort into her dorm mistress job (much to the chagrin of the academy students) but had started to feel beaten down working the thankless job year after year.

But now... she smiled, giddy at the circumstances. Now I have something to work for! she thought, smashing her face into her pillow and kicking in glee.