Well, this should be interesting. Huh?

Sam nodded as the two of them climbed the stairs to the large wooden doors. The sky was clear, and the morning air was cold and fresh.

I haven't trained properly in days.

Alex's thoughts wandered as they reached the top of the stairs.

This house is exciting, but I need to get everything settled soon. I can't let my progress stagnate.

He was itching to get back to leveling up and pushing his skills further. Alex turned to look at the gravel roundabout and the large front lawn. The snow had melted, revealing beautiful green grass with straight lines. He took a deep breath, smiling.

Sam stopped and turned to look back at the front lawn with Alex. The teenager had fed off Alex's excitement since their tour. Mary said Alex should have the keys by Monday.

Even though it was the day before that, Alex had gotten permission from the Harringtons to use the house as a meeting spot for hiring potential staff. They’d been happy enough with Alex’s willingness to purchase the property quickly and with cash upfront that they assisted him in lining up connections for the interviews.

Alex reached into his spatial pouch to remove the mansion key. At the same time he checked the pocket watch that Olivia had gifted to him. The old timepiece had taken some getting used to, but the two-month break from his cell phone had helped. He was making it a habit to carry the watch and looked forward to testing it in the next Rift.

9:18. Not much time until he’s supposed to get here.

Alex felt butterflies in his stomach as he thought about interviewing a lifelong butler. The Harringtons knew the property well and had recommended that Alex ideally hire three people: a chef to stay on-site full time and a maid to come for a few hours per day, five days per week. The third, and they had assured him, the most important, was a head butler. The butler would also stay on-site full time, but there was a noticeable difference in this recommendation, Alex noticed.

For the chef and maid positions, Alex had received multiple recommendations and resumes to look through; however, for the butler, there was just one recommendation. They had been insistent that Alex take the man seriously and strongly recommended he hire the man on the spot.

I hope it’s a good recommendation and not just a family friend or something…

Alex felt some amusement come from Sam’s connection and he turned a mock glare on the teen.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Mark. I know he’d think this was funny, too.”

Sam smiled in response, and they entered the large house together. As they entered, Sam moved immediately toward the courtyard. In the last two days, Sam had been abnormally talkative about the prospect of having his own garden and trying to grow special, magical plants.

It wasn’t long before Alex saw a car coming up the driveway from the second-story office window. It felt awkward to take the stairs two at a time and compose himself before opening the grand door. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at how well-dressed and composed the man appeared.

Damn. That’s a good-looking old guy.

Edwin Hartley was an experienced butler who’d recently lost the head of his house to a Rift excursion. This was one of the main reasons Alex was interested in meeting with the man. He was used to the idea of Awakened people.

Alex took in his appearance as he ascended the stairs and was immediately impressed. He looked every inch the stately butler Alex would have imagined, even down to the white hair and perfectly groomed mustache.

Is this a requirement of being a head butler or something? He looks so suave, what the heck.

Edwin looked fit for his age, wearing a well-tailored waistcoat and shined shoes that conveyed his professionalism. His blue eyes scanned the front of the mansion with quiet appreciation. As he reached the top of the stairs, he paused to adjust his sleeve cuffs. It was a small gesture, but to Alex is seemed calculated and like one that spoke to a great attention to detail.

Alex continued staring at the man's impressive mustache until Edwin reached the top of the stairs and cleared his throat politely.

“Mr. Moore, I presume?”

Presume? Pre-suuume.

Alex had to restrain himself from mimicking the man’s perfect posture. “Um- yes, sorry. I’m Alex, welcome. Thank you for joining me today.” Alex extended a hand for the man to shake.

Edwin looked at it a bit shocked but took the offered hand before scanning the front of the house. “It’s a pleasure. I appreciate your consideration for this position. You have a beautiful home, Mr. Moore.”

Alex laughed and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, it is. Let’s head inside and talk."

Did that make me sound like an asshole?

He opened the door, relieved that Edwin followed with a neutral expression, seemingly unbothered. They walked up the stairs and to the office, where Alex offered the man a seat before sitting in the other chair next to him.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The butler’s face remained neutral except for a slight twitch of his eyebrow as he looked from Alex, seated next to him, then to the empty chair across the desk.

Alex looked from him to the desk, then decided to stand in front of it instead. He leaned on the sturdy wood and faced the older man.

“Mr. Hartley, you come very highly recommended from the Harringtons. Did you know them well?”

“No, sir. I did not, but my previous Head of the House knew them well.”

“Well, you must have made an impression. Could you tell me a bit about your work experience?”

"If I may, I have had the honor of managing estates for notable families for over three decades. My duties have included overseeing large households, coordinating events, and managing finances.”

Alex scanned the man’s resume again as he spoke.

That’s putting it modestly. His resume is crazy. Can I be in charge of someone like this? Henderson was my boss for the last few years, and he seems like a less qualified manager than this guy…

Time to just lay it all out on the table, this is only going to work if he understands where I’m coming from and what I need.

“Look, can I be honest with you?” After a nod, he continued. “I’m way out of my depth here. Hiring full-time staff to manage an estate is not something I imagined myself doing in my lifetime, let alone at the age of 28. I don’t want to be rude here, but I don’t even know what to do with you. I’m not used to ordering people around or hiring people. You have been doing this for a long time, and if we are going to work together, I need you to understand that I’m likely not going to be anything like your previous employers. Will that lack of formality bother you? I just want to be comfortable and for the house to be comfortable.”

Edwin cocked his head to the side as if looking at Alex in a new light. “Very well, Mr. Moore. Your candor is refreshing. I have served individuals of varying dispositions, and I assure you that my role is to adapt to your needs. It is clear you value a certain ease in your household, and I shall endeavor to provide that while maintaining order. My duties will be carried out without undue stiffness if that is your preference."

Alex felt a weight lift off his shoulders. “That sounds perfect. Honestly, I just need someone who can handle all this stuff that’s over my head and help me make sense of it all.”

Edwin gave a small nod, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I believe we shall manage quite well, sir.”

“One more thing,” Alex added, “I want to make sure you’re properly compensated for your experience. I’d like to offer you a generous salary, enough to make sure you’re comfortable and happy here.”

Edwin raised an eyebrow slightly, then gave a small nod. “I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Moore. We can discuss the specifics, but rest assured, I am quite content to serve to the best of my abilities.”

“There is something else important to talk about before finalizing anything. I hope this isn’t too sensitive of a topic, but your previous employer was an Awakened?”

Edwin nodded solemnly. “Yes, he was. He passed away several weeks ago when entering a Rift near his hometown.”

Might as well rip off the bandaid.

Alex reached up and took the illusory mask from his face. The [Mirage] that was running through the Mana Spinner silk flickered before it shattered, and his normal face was revealed.

There was a brief moment where Edwin’s eyes widened, otherwise, he remained composed.

“I’m Awakened, and the friends that I plan to come live here with me, are also Awakened. This is the life we plan to immerse ourselves in, and I’d like to make sure you’re alright with that. We’ll put ourselves in danger, perhaps get injured or come home battered. I plan to use the estate grounds to train my friends and create a space for them to grow stronger so that they don’t die out there.” For the first time in the conversation, Alex felt his resolve firming.

This is what all of this is for. I can’t forget that.

“I understand.”

“It’s not a requirement, but I’d also like you to give some thought to Awakening with us.”

The statement caught the butler by surprise, and he inhaled sharply. “Me? Why?”

Alex shrugged. "There is more information coming out about non-combat classes, and I thought it might interest you. You’ve devoted your life to this, so why not see what happens when you Awaken? It could help make your job easier or enhance your abilities." He raised his hand when he saw Edwin shaking his head. “Don’t say no right now, but think of it as an open offer and something we could revisit later. Like I said before, it’s not required for the job, and I won’t force it on you either. But I really believe this is the way our world is moving, and I’m realizing that I’m currently at the forefront of that push. I think it could be helpful to surround myself with other capable people.”

There was a tense pause as they looked at each other, and when the seated man nodded, Alex let out a sigh of relief.

“That was really everything I needed to talk with you about before offering you a job. If you’re not bothered by this life,” He gestured at his face, with the large scar and Heavenly Eye of the Celestial Sage in full view. “I’d be happy to have you join me as the head of staff. I’m sure there are a lot of other logistics we’d need to work out, and I’ll need your help navigating that, but you’re sort of my only option for this position, and I know I’ll need the help.”

Edwin smiled, “If you are comfortable with it, I shall take the liberty of making initial arrangements to bring the estate to your desired state of comfort and function.”

“Yes, please. That would be a huge help,” Alex replied, relieved. “Welcome aboard, Mr. Hartley.”

“Thank you, Master Moore. I shall not disappoint you.”

Alex noted the change in the way the older man addressed him and waited for him to speak.

“Please, call me Edwin. Mr. Hartley is too deferential for our positions if I am on your staff. It is the proper way of address.”

Oops.

“See, that’s the kind of stuff I need to know. Alright, Edwin, it is.” Alex felt a bit odd calling a man more than twice his age by his first name, but by the small smile on Edwin’s face, this seemed to make him more comfortable.

Alex leaned back slightly, considering Edwin for a moment before making a decision. "Edwin, instead of just sorting through these resumes, would you mind staying this afternoon? I have a few more interviews lined up for the chef and maid positions, and I'd really appreciate your feedback."

Edwin nodded. "Of course, Master Moore. It would be my pleasure to assist you."

They spent the remainder of the afternoon interviewing candidates. Edwin's presence was invaluable—after each interview, he offered concise feedback, pointing out details Alex hadn't considered. Alex found himself gaining more confidence, learning how to evaluate potential staff, and understanding what qualities mattered most for his household. By the end of the day, Alex felt relieved, knowing he had Edwin by his side to guide him through the process.

They finished their afternoon by discussing the logistics of Edwin moving onto the estate grounds. Edwin agreed to return each day over the coming week, not only to assist Alex and Sam in getting settled but also to continue familiarizing himself with the estate and the other staff. They also arranged for the chef and maid candidates they had selected to come by during the week, even if they weren't ready to fully move in yet. This way, Edwin and the other staff could meet Alex's friends, who would begin moving in on Monday, and Alex would have a chance to build rapport with them before everyone settled in permanently.