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Four Days Later.

Janelle has been working late to get everything in order, to the point that the staff who show up to prepare Liseth's meals and do her house upkeep were surprised to see she was still there. Two long nights working in her office, taking delivery of some office supplies, heavy duty filing cabinets and a few other ideas she's had, all expenses properly recorded.

Then, another night of fishing through everything she could find to set up her initial system, and becomes quite proud of her work already bearing some fruit as she prepares to meet with Liseth'erend'oreana.

She knocks to announce herself for their usual afternoon briefing, then steps in once beckoned, carrying a file as one of Liseth's house staff nervously wheels in small cart with a projector behind her.

Janelle bows, rising up to adjust her glasses. "I hope you will forgive the theatrics, Ma'am, but I was hoping this would make things easier to show to you."

Liseth'erend'oreana blinks at the sight, but nods. "Well, you are certainly punctual, Janelle. I would say I was waiting for you, but I barely had the time to realize it was the time for it already. Please, go ahead." She motions with a claw, attempts to give a small smile to the staff member but only ends up scaring her.

Janelle takes the cart from the staff before she ends up apologizing to Liseth'erend'oreana and running out of the room, leaving Janelle to set up the projector with a sigh, almost speaking to herself, "I really don't know why everyone is so scared of you..."

She puts her initial report on the projector, "A small investment for the projector, but I think it's worth it." She clicks it on, and the report displays in much larger format along one of Liseth's walls. "First, a summary of today's mail. Nothing terribly exciting, but there was a request from your company for a statement, so I'll write one up this afternoon for you."

Liseth blinks a few times at the larger text. "...I don't actually know, how no one realized to bring a projector up here before. Not even me, I admit."

Janelle allows herself a smile. "I enjoy problem solving, ma'am."

She switches to the next page, "And then... A summary of my work with the filing system. First line is my initial investment... I admit, I have spent quite a bit more than intended, but felt fire proof cabinets worth the cost of installation. Not for fear of fire-breathing, mind you. Still, within the records I have saved from my first week on the job you will see here several instances of money saved already. Your contractor has apparently billed you for the window installations three times now. In addition, your electric provider is practically charging this penthouse personally for the power of this entire building. I've already received one discount from the contractor. And an apology. He assured me no more invoices will be sent after I re-confirmed the initial payment. The City power is a different story, but I will keep asking questions until I see results."

Liseth listens, stares, blinks a few times then lowers her head: "...that bad, huh?" The dragon looks positively mollified, having gotten her first direct feedback since... well let's not go back there.

She sighs, lifting a paw to her snout before looking at Janelle: "...there is a saying that this critter called 'bat' is blind. Maybe they should update that to say 'dragon'."

Janelle sighs sympathetically, "I am sorry... but it's hardly unusual, I'm afraid. That may not make you feel better, but it's true. These two are probably the worst offenders, and may not be the 'honest mistakes' we shall have to pretend they are. But there are smaller items that likely are just small clerical errors that anyone would miss if they weren't looking."

She taps her glasses and gives Liseth a reassuring smile, "But you have me now, and I am looking."

Liseth sighs again, then gathers herself, taking in a big breath before turning to Janelle again. The dragon smiles, at least soft of.

"I... I guess I do. If what you have brought to me today is true, I may have some individuals to show teeth to."

Janelle grins, "I will certainly not stop you if you wish to make a personal response. I may make a recommendation?"

Liseth glances at Janelle: "...I am curious, for sure."

Janelle bows her head. "I recommend, if you think a personal visit is in order, that you be nothing but kindness to anyone below the highest position. Stern and direct, but polite. Kind. Patient. Unless you are certain you are in the room with the person directly responsible."

She considers a moment, "And then... Well... Humans respond poorly to the threat of immediate harm. It will get you results... And earn you an enemy. Plus potential legal action is more trouble than it's worth. But if you can make them imagine what you could do... The human imagination is our greatest strength and weakness, ma'am. You may find humans far more willing to stay on your good side when they don't know what you will do. Beyond that... The old sayings are best sometimes, ma'am. Win allies and charm snakes."

Liseth raises her claw when Janelle starts speaking, but has lowered it by the time she is finished.

"Oh."

The dragon hesitates: "Uh... maybe I will file that action for, uh, later... when I know exactly who to talk to, and all that..." She trails off, looking aside, clearly ashamed.

Janelle smiles. "Trust me... If I had teeth and claws like yours, my first instinct might be to go threaten a few old bosses of my own, ma'am."

Liseth glances at Janelle: "But... that is not what one might... recommend, to get things working in this town... right?"

Janelle nods, "I'm afraid not."

The dragon gives a deep, defeated sigh.

She is quiet for a long moment.

Finally, she looks back up to Janelle: "Then... I h-hope you can guide me to learn from my mistakes."

Janelle nods again, pushing her glasses back up. "You're willing to listen, Liseth'erend'oreana. If you weren't... I probably wouldn't be trying so hard. Unless you still think you may scare me off."

Liseth'erend'oreana turns her neck to look at Janelle: "...do you think that is my intent? It is not."

Janelle chuckles, only a little confused, "Was... that not the joke you made when I first hired on? That I may only last a week? I promised you two. Minimum. But I don't intend on going anywhere, nor did I think you were being serious about the prospect of driving me away either."

Liseth stares for a moment, then finally nods. "Well. I did joke about that. But..." She trails off, shaking her head. "Nevermind. I lived through changing the planet I am on, I can live through minor and private embarassment. Show me what we need to do to get my finances in check, Janelle."

Janelle straightens up, her smile growing noticeably. "It will be my pleasure, ma'am."

Liseth is quiet for another moment, the nods. "I hope not too much of a pleasure."

Janelle chuckles as she gets out her list of notes, "I can't help that I love my job."

Liseth raises an eyebrow, but eventually just nods. "Fair enough. So... what are your recommendations on how to move forward?"

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