[Uh oh, he's not sure he likes how serious she turns all of the sudden. Her use of the word contract makes him wary. Is that one of those cultural things for her?]

A-all right. I... [He swallows hard against a rising flood of anxiety.] I'll ask. Um. Just. Sometimes, I ask too much when I shouldn't.

Yes. He's... in charge of governing a large chunk of territory. It's a very prestigious role. I'm his personal servant so that comes with a lot of responsibility. [Or, it should. But Max isn't actually a decision maker about much more than superficial details.]

What is your father the director of?