Ashlyn almost lost herself in the exhilaration of new possibilities within the tower. The prospect of generating an additional 70 charges daily was appealing, but Marta's patient vigil outside reminded her of the impending etiquette meeting. Exiting the tower, she was greeted by Marta's relieved sigh. The door sealed shut behind her, the golden key clattering to the ground.
Together, they hurried back to the Riverside Hotel, their carriage ride smooth and thankfully devoid of further interruptions. Upon their return, the pair made a brisk detour to the restroom. Ashlyn needed to freshen up, acutely aware of her inadequacy in the face of an etiquette specialist.
Entering the meeting room, the environment shifted from the professional setting of their previous consultation. Sofas and plush chairs replaced the formality of a conference table, creating a more relaxed, but still distinctly refined atmosphere. Julian was already deep in conversation with the etiquette consultant, a woman whose style embodies chic discretion. She wore a tailored blue coat that perfectly complemented her silhouette, paired with a crisp, white blouse peeking neatly at the collar. Her trousers, a matching blue, expertly tailored to fall just so over her black shoes. Her hair was styled in a simple, but elegant, low bun, and on her wrist was a slender, silver bracelet, that matched her pair of simple earrings.
Each movement she made was infused with an effortless grace, an aura that seemed to permeate the room. Ashlyn, usually indifferent to her own appearance, couldn’t help but compare her casual attire with the consultant's polished ensemble. It was an uncomfortable realization, almost bordering on intimidation.
“Mistress Quinn, I’m honored,” Charlene Jadot said, her bow conveying graceful deference, almost compelling others to mirror her gesture.
With an amiable nod, Ashlyn eased herself onto the plush sofa opposite Charlene. As Julian gracefully offered her a cup of tea, the resonant found herself self-consciously straightening her posture, aiming to have an aura of respectability and authority of her own. Her efforts didn't go unnoticed, as Charlene subtly nodded in acknowledgment while jotting down notes in her book.
“Mr. Quinn already explained the Mistress's endeavor to establish a new House, which is quite rare,” Charlene remarked, her tone bearing restraint but genuine excitement, momentarily piercing through her otherwise professional appearance.
Ashlyn shifted uneasily at the mention of 'Mr. Quinn,' a title that seemed alien in the context of their growing friendship and far removed from the notion of family bonds. The remainder of the retainer arrangement only added to her discomfort.
At that point, Charlene opted for being direct and addressing the matter at hand. “The House is lacking in retainers. It’s quite a significant issue, given that the Mistress wants to attend the Academy,” she stated as a matter of fact.
“Are four… not enough?” Ashlyn blurted, her eyes widened in disbelief. She had just committed to binding individuals she'd known for a few days to her House, and by extension, to herself, for life. And now, the consultant was suggesting she needed to bring even more people on board? It seemed excessive.
“Far from it. Because the Mistress is the sole resonant of the House and still undergoing training, certain allowances may be granted. However, the House should still have at least a dozen retainers,” Charlene clarified, her eyes scanning over her notes as she spoke.
“A dozen retainers?” Ashlyn echoed, her voice tinged with incredulity.
Charlene, far from being perturbed by Ashlyn's reaction, seemed thrilled by the prospect of educating such an unseasoned resonant. Working with Houses typically meant interacting with intermediaries rather than the resonants themselves. Her experience was mostly limited to dealing with wealthy merchants or those with ambiguous intentions. Engaging directly with a resonant, especially one in the early stages of establishing a House, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Charlene's smile widened as she enthusiastically addressed each of Ashlyn's queries. Gradually, the complex social rules began to unravel, becoming more comprehensible to the young resonant. To Ashlyn's surprise, her initial disdain for Hold etiquette started to wane. Although she still found the system inherently unfair and demeaning, she began to understand the necessary compromises needed to keep the resonant-centric society working.
As she listened, her perspective shifted. Raised in a world of scavenging and survival, she hadn't fully comprehended the challenges of sustaining a large population within the Hold's walls. However, she was intimately familiar with the harsh realities of life outside – the constant threat of environmental calamities, food scarcity, and settlements disappearing overnight. The Hold's very existence hinged on the resonants.
Charlene explained that understanding the Hold's etiquette began with recognizing the resonants' critical role. They were the nails holding the Hold together. To start, the Central Tower's massive ring protected the city from environmental extremes, mitigating the corrosive rain and other hazards. Although not foolproof, it significantly reduced the potential for harm. While outside it was common for people, entire families, to perish due to the hostile nature, it was rare for such a thing to happen in the Hold.
The city's food supply was also resonant-dependent. While grain production took place in specialized settlements, it thrived under the protection of resonant-powered rings and ringtech. The economy revolved around ring currency and ringtech, with public health concerns like plagues and contamination falling under the purview of resonant-led government initiatives. Even healthcare, prohibitively expensive as it was, predominantly relied on resonants' skills. Security and defense against external threats were similarly resonant responsibilities.
Ashlyn absorbed the information, recognizing that resonants were the lifeblood of the Hold. Their sudden absence would undoubtedly spell doom for the city. The divide between resonants and unringed had led to an unavoidable social chasm, borne out of numerous historical trials and tribulations. In this unbalanced society, etiquette acted as a balancing mechanism, somewhat bridging the gap between the two classes. Despite her inherent disagreement with the system, Ashlyn couldn't help but acknowledge its role in maintaining some semblance of order. The House structure was essential to confer status and responsibilities to the unringed, somewhat elevating their position in society. Ashlyn's skepticism still lingered, though.
Charlene's enthusiasm was obvious as she outlined the key positions within a House's hierarchy. "The butler, treasurer, and chief of staff are indispensable for the smooth operation of the House," she stated.
"In addition to basic management, a well-run manor requires cleaning maids, a cook, a gardener, a steward, and an errand runner," Charlene continued.
"For the Mistress," she said, intensifying her gaze on Ashlyn, "a personal maid, an attendant, and an assistant are the bare minimum. They ensure the resonant's personal and professional needs are met with precision."
Ashlyn pondered the list, digesting the information. "Could you elaborate on the duties of the steward, attendant, and assistant? Actually, it would be helpful to understand the responsibilities of all the personal retainers in more detail."
Charlene's leaned forward slightly. "The steward is in charge of the manor, overseeing repairs, resource management, inventory, and ensuring everything operates smoothly,” the consultant explained, pausing to gauge if Ashlyn fully grasped the role before continuing.
“It's common to find the roles of personal retainers a bit confusing, as their responsibilities can overlap. The personal maid takes care of the Mistress' accommodation and dressing needs, such as bed-making, clothing care, and maintaining personal space. The attendant is always on hand, or nearby, ready to handle tasks ranging from the simple, like preparing tea, to the more crucial, such as handling financial transactions. Lastly, the assistant manages the Mistress schedule and undertakes private errands, acting as a liaison between the Mistress and official matters.”
Ashlyn felt the urge to question the necessity of having someone for tasks like making tea or settling bills, but she understood that wasn't the core issue. The underlying idea, as she had been repeatedly informed, was about extending her privileges to someone who might otherwise face a less fortunate situation.
Breaking the silence, she asked, "And how should I go about finding these retainers?"
The consulter momentarily faltered, her professional stand slipping. "The Mistress need not concern herself with the search. Many in the resident districts would vie for such an opportunity. The Mistress simply has to choose trustworthy and qualified individuals. The Riverside, for instance, would be glad to offer potential candidates, skilled and driven. Or, the Mistress might consider seeking recommendations from a trusted merchant or business associate."
Charlene, sensing Ashlyn's hesitation, interjected with a reassuring tone. "It's a decision of great import, Mistress. Conducting interviews, perhaps even background checks would be prudent. If it pleases the Mistress, I can refer a professional specializing in such matters. Establishing clear requirements and expectations is a common practice."
The etiquette consultant resisted the urge to recommend herself, aware that it might come across as both unethical and desperate. She preferred to leave the decision to Ashlyn or her newly formed retinue. After an exhaustive four-hour meeting delving into the specifics of etiquette and the composition of a proper retinue, Charlene departed, leaving Ashlyn overwhelmed and fatigued. Decision-making was postponed for the day.
In the solitude of her room, the resonant resumed her routine of recharging and relaxing, a necessary break from the day's rigors. It wasn't until noon the following day that her responsibilities came knocking at the door.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Julian, visibly uneasy in his new role, inquired, "Does the Mistress have a plan for how we should proceed?" The transition from strangers to members of the same House had been abrupt, leaving everyone, including Ashlyn, in a state of adaptation.
"I... haven't quite decided," Ashlyn confessed, her gaze sweeping across the faces in the meeting room. "I was hoping we could figure this out together." She withheld her true thoughts, aware that expressing her desire for solitude or a hands-off approach wouldn't be fair to the others, who had also been thrust into this new dynamic unexpectedly.
Teresa, typically not present in the meetings, suggested, "Why doesn't the Mistress just pick some nice people from the Hotel, like the consultor said?" Her simplicity might hold some merit, Ashlyn thought.
However, the idea of randomly selecting individuals for their House didn't sit right with Ashlyn. It felt too impersonal, too detached.
Marta, observing the hesitation, spoke up with her characteristic eloquence, "Mistress, if I may propose, perhaps we should consider Miss Jadot?" Marta had noticed Ashlyn's preference for proactive solutions.
"Miss Charlene?" Ashlyn echoed, surprised by the suggestion. Only she and perhaps Tess seemed caught off guard. How could they not see through Charlene's intentions, especially given their recent, similar experiences? They had all harbored the same desire: to rise to citizenship within the Hold. The opportunity of serving under a resonant clearly honest and kind only made it even more appealing.
"Mistress," Marta began, "Miss Jadot comes highly recommended by Mr. Kovitch. And her reputation among the Hotel's clientele is quite high."
Ashlyn, still wrestling with the idea of people willingly embracing servitude, responded hesitantly, "Well, we could discuss the possibility with Miss Charlene, I suppose." A new concern suddenly dawned on her. "But what role should we offer her?"
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Ashlyn's question had inadvertently touched upon a dilemma plaguing everyone's mind. They had all been assisting in the establishment of the House, yet none had dared to voice their aspirations for specific roles.
"What?" Ashlyn probed, sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere.
Tess, unable to contain her playful nature, blurted out, "They're curious about their roles too, Mistress Ashlyn." She quickly added, noting her friend's shocked and embarrassed expression, "For the love of rings, Mistress! They're your retainers, and you – the Mistress – are the head of the House. They're awaiting your directives."
Ashlyn's discomfort intensified, exposed and unprepared for such leadership responsibilities. "I... I can't make these decisions," she stammered. "You all should discuss and decide. I barely understand all of this, let alone know enough about each of you to judge fairly."
The room's awkwardness thickened, but Ashlyn stood firm, unwilling to be pressured into hasty decisions.
"Mistress," Andre began, breaking his silence. His voice was immediately quelled by Natalia's stern glance. She recognized her son's intention to advocate for better positions for his parents. His heart was in the right place, but she would not let him, or anyone else, impose upon the young resonant who had saved them.
"We've shared struggles and you made the biggest contribution in founding the House," Ashlyn spoke while looking into their eyes. "It's only fair that you choose your positions. While I'd prefer leaving the important positions to you, the final decision should be yours."
She trusted the Morey family; their honesty and integrity were already proven. But, the thought of assigning roles to strangers was troubling.
Observing her resolute demeanor, the group refrained from pressuring her into making decisions. They too harbored aspirations for significant roles but maintained a sense of decorum.
Ashlyn, sensing the need for privacy, gently nudged Tess aside, allowing the others a moment to discuss among themselves.
It was unanimously agreed that Julian would be the ideal House butler. His knack for negotiations and problem-solving made him a valuable asset. Marta, with her organizational skills and astute judgment, was a natural fit for the chief of staff. Natalia, initially content as a cook, was persuaded to take on the role of Steward, her expertise in managing supplies and daily operations made her fit for the job.
The position of treasurer, however, posed a dilemma. Andre, despite his parents' hopes, lacked the necessary skills and experience. Resigned, he opted to become an errand boy, influenced by his father's suggestion that the role held greater potential.
----------------------------------------
"We need to initiate manor repairs, procure suitable attire for you, and send out invitations," Charlene listed, her voice a steady stream of tasks and responsibilities. "Oh, and the liaison to the Academy must be appointed."
Ashlyn, previously preoccupied with scanning the surroundings from the carriage for any sign of danger, was suddenly drawn back to Charlene's words. The mention of the Academy liaison caught her interest, momentarily diverting her from vigilance. Since Charlene had assumed the role of secretary, she had been incessantly briefing Ashlyn on countless issues requiring the House's attention. The resonant, however, found herself overwhelmed, longing to distance herself from these burdensome decisions.
She had hoped the now-appointed retainers would free her from the minutiae of leadership. But, as the head of the House, she couldn't escape these responsibilities.
As their carriage navigated the less prosperous areas of the resident districts, Ashlyn's thoughts turned to her attire. Getting fit in proper resonant garb would be one less problem for the secretary to pester her about. Charlene, skeptical of the clothing choices of an inexperienced resonant and a lesser-known stylist, held little hope for the endeavor. But even so, anything above thirty charges was bound to be a step up from the rags Ashlyn had been donning. With their House's debut pending, appearances mattered, even if constrained by their modest finances.
Ashlyn had been ignoring most of Charlene’s interactions, except when they were about the Academy. The former etiquette consultor, taken aback by the resonant's abrupt change in demeanor, wondered if Ashlyn was naturally moody or if her previous politeness was merely a façade. She hadn't anticipated that the once polite and unassumingly humble Mistress could turn so distant and indifferent.
Unknown to Charlene, Ashlyn's mood was caused by dreams of her lost parents. The chaotic first week in the Hold had momentarily eclipsed the grief and anger driving her for the past year. The pain of orphanhood had been her motivator in seeking power. But now, the sudden influx of people into her life left her bewildered.
In her quest for power, Ashlyn needed the support of a House. Yet, the thought of being ensnared in the ambitions of an established House and losing control of her own path was unacceptable. Leading her to found House Quinn, and unwittingly, drag others into her game of vengeance.
Consumed by these thoughts, Ashlyn barely noticed their arrival. She absently stepped out of the carriage and approached one of the identical houses lining the street, her mind still wrestling with moral dilemmas. The secretary’s protest that Ashlyn should have remained in the carriage until summoned was lost on her. The idea of a resonant waiting on an unringed seemed to go against all norms of etiquette.
The door opened swiftly. “Mistress Quinn, please, come in,” Liane Keller said nervously upon seeing who stood at her threshold. Inside, the sight of the timid seamstress and her young son, darting in the background, injected a momentary lightness into Ashlyn’s gloomy eyes.
Pleasantries were exchanged before Mrs. Keller led them to the garments. The reveal of a finely cut tunic and a somber cape drew a surprised reaction from Charlene. While the fabric lacked the luxurious quality one might expect, the craftsmanship was impeccable, suggesting Liane's potential as a seamstress.
“These are wonderful, Mrs. Keller,” Ashlyn began, her fingers grazing the fabric, only to be interrupted by Charlene.
“Indeed, Mrs. Keller's talent is unquestionable,” Charlene remarked, her tone professional but seasoned with critique. “The stitching and design are remarkable. However, the fabric quality is somewhat lacking, likely the best Mrs. Keller can source under her circumstances.”
Ashlyn bristled at the unnecessary commentary. It was evident that access to finer materials was beyond Liane's means. Turning to the secretary with a look of irritation, she was met with a knowing wink. Confused by Charlene’s motives, Ashlyn couldn’t help but wonder what she was trying to achieve.
The seamstress, however, didn’t even try to defend her work. "I deeply apologize, Mistress. I must confess, replicating even this quality of work may not be feasible anytime soon." She bowed her head, her fists clenched as if holding onto a fleeting chance. "I'm aware I may not meet the Mistress’s needs, but I implore the Mistress to consider allowing me to attire your retainers."
Both Ashlyn and Charlene were taken aback by her plea. In ordinary circumstances, Liane would never have mustered the courage to make such a request. The very thought of engaging with a resonant was beyond her wildest ambitions, let alone receiving an order from one. When Ashlyn first appeared at her doorstep, Liane was too overwhelmed to question the absence of retainers. Later, she surmised that Ashlyn was likely a newly emerged resonant, unaffiliated with any House – a transient client at best.
However, Charlene's presence and her astute observations indicated that Ashlyn was no longer an unaffiliated resonant. Liane realized that her brief encounter with Ashlyn could elevate her reputation and possibly her fees in future endeavors.
However, this fortunate turn of events coincided with a personal crisis. Liane's husband, a hardworking lumper at a nearby warehouse, had recently suffered an injury, rendering him unable to continue working. His struggle to find new employment in the rigid job market of the Hold only strained their financial difficulties. Desperation pushed Liane to take a risk, hoping Ashlyn's apparent kindness would overlook her boldness.
Sensing something amiss, Ashlyn inquired with a tone of friendly concern, "Is everything alright, Mrs. Keller?"
"Yes, Mistress," Liane hastily replied while making overemphatic gestures.
After a brief pause and a questioning look caused Liane to falter. "Mistress, I… I'm facing some financial problems," she confessed, her voice quivering slightly. "An opportunity to serve your retainers would be an immense help to me."
Ashlyn absorbed Liane's explanation, sensing there was more to the story, but the worry on her face was genuine. The seamstress's forthrightness, in contrast to the scheming nature of others in the Hold, was refreshing.
Charlene, too, observed the exchange, her sharp eyes assessing the situation. "Does Mrs. Keller have a husband? Where does he work?" Her directness caught both Liane and Ashlyn off guard.
Liane's composure faltered, a chaos of emotions crossing her face. The resonant became curious about the reaction, but she was afraid further probing would offend the seamstress.
Compelled to clarify, Liane recounted her husband's recent troubles. The story shed light on her eagerness for their business.
"Mrs. Keller need not worry. We'll place another order soon," Charlene assured, her tone unexpectedly gentle.
"Thank you," Liane responded, her voice wavering with gratitude, fighting back tears.
Uncomfortable with the display of emotion, Ashlyn decided to remain silent as Charlene ushered her out. Once back in the carriage, she questioned Charlene's intentions.
"Mrs. Keller would make an excellent retainer," Charlene revealed. "She's honest, diligent, and her skills align with our House's needs."
Ashlyn nodded, mildly surprised. "I had considered it briefly, but I didn't realize we needed a seamstress or stylist. Your approach makes sense now."
Charlene, brimming with enthusiasm, laid out her thoughts. "While we aren't in a rush to fill the seamstress position, keeping an open mind is wise. If Mrs. Keller's husband is equally competent, we could consider him for a role less physically demanding, like gardening. It's a practical approach, and it could save us the effort of searching further."
Ashlyn mulled over the idea. “I'm inclined to agree. Mrs. Keller does seem genuine. But I can't shake off the feeling – am I really aiding her, or leading her into a deeper pit?"