Shortly after defusing the problem of Esther -- I mean with Esther, Jote proceeded to the Servant Academy. Being a well known figure in the country, dozens of students and teachers bowed out of the way as quickly as possible (giving him direct access to the Head Mistress).

Shortly he stood before the open door of an ederly -- pardon me -- distinguished and well retired maid of the royal court. "Lady Mara, it has come to my attention that our four guests from Tumal do not have any maids at this time. Can you help me select them?"

"Your Lordship, we have no more girls in either the noble or commoner courses that we can assign them. There are more than enough men, however the penalty.... You do know it is severe enough that we would be asking or forcing them to sacrifice their futures if their status would have risen, My Duke?" Jote well knew of this penalty. It was once thought a myth.

Jote quitely responded: "My mother's personal maid was forced to accept that penalty. Her father tried to prevent it. Alas, she was the last student enrolled in the course and it was an order from the King. Even years later when the contract could have been broken because of Mother's graduation, the humiliation from that time had served to keep her in that position for life."

"No, I will not force your students, Lady Mara, to suffer the penalty by becoming their maids, but I would like to interview and offer them the choice. If they decline, they will not be allowed to say who the prospective employers are or what the penalty is. But, if they are brave, and willingly sign the contract...." Jote knew that few men, if any, would willingly allow magic to change them into women just for a job. Granted, few of the commoner students would really have that choice upon graduation as not only would they be bound by their employment contracts for life, but they were all trained as assassins and foot soldiers by the military.

"Mother's maid eventually did marry one of our butlers and have several sons. They are a very happy family and some even attend this school. Please ask the top four nobles and top eight commoners for those interviews as soon as possible. I don't want to leave the girls unprotected any longer than required."