OverXelous
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5. The Help
🕑 Added 2024-12-26 14:00:09 +0000 UTCWell, 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 beautifully 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. Alex 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.
There was an awkward moment as Alex was still marveling at the man's mustache, which was only interrupted when Edwin reached the top of the stairs and gave a polite cough.
“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 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 doesn’t even have a resume that looks like this…
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 also 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 news 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 felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.
“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, letting out a relieved breath. “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 the other man’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 smiled slightly, nodding. "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.
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I have a note in my Notion to potentially rewrite this chapter and make there be a bit more "stress or frustration" for Alex around finding staff. Some early reader feedback said that it felt a bit too easy for Alex to both have the Guild Moderators take care of him in the contract negotiation and as well as the house staff here fall in to line so easily.
I could certainly make there be a bit more tension or at least make Alex work for finding the staff a bit more. It's sort of a free way to make there be more tension in the story, though I didn't really feel like it was needed before it was pointed out to me.
What do you guys think? Would you rather there be a little more tension here or make it a bit harder on Alex?
Comments
OverXelous
This is actually a really funny idea. At the very least maybe for some bonus content for Patrons.
Charles Combs
Alex made it the Butler's problem. The butler could have recurring POV chapters with LOTS of problems his master never finds out about.
Roy Robinson
I voted to spread it out, and I'm really excited about the non combat awakening potentials. You could have a gardener that gets a class around spirit herbs or a earth skills that eventually help with the estate defenses, maybe a chef that makes mana infused food, being at the forefront of that with his support staff could be a fun direction to take this stuff. Eventually everyone with means would have that kind of thing, but Alex is in a unique position to be a leader with it.
ReadingObsessed
Which would be relieved with staff willing to become Awakened. I see what you did there! Well done.
Andreas Kristensen
I guess you could add a part about the staff being reluctant to working outside a safe zone and him having to make sure that the house would always be safe. Evel when he is away in a rift for several days
small_brain_boy
I feel like the only reason to add tension here would be to foreshadow something terrible happening in his house(mansion) caused by staff. Please no. Sam deserves a happy place to live.
Caleb Reusser
I was thinking more as people starting taking interest in Alex and they investigate the people around him. They then try to use Sam being an unrelated minor in his care has blackmail/scandel material.
TerrestrialOverlord
I agree though I think monsters eating people's faces doesn't give them a lot of time to investigate a missing person case. There must be thousands rn with people dying in rifts or being captured in them, them having the time to investigate Sam would be a bit unrealistic unless his parents or someone already saw him and reported Alex.
TerrestrialOverlord
I don't really see the purpose of him struggling to hire people. It doesn't move the story forward and doesn't help him grow. Rich people recommending people or helping other rich people is the norm. The chapter is good the way it is rn
V L
Tbf the rich people fast tracked it bc who doesn’t like money? Lol.
V L
This could be a great scene to have later I think. Not right away, but if something happens and the hunter’s association comes by? That would be an awesome subtext to the situation. That is if a scene like that is in the works. It’s good to finish a book/finish the story first before adding extra scenes.
V L
Team am happy this chapter. The answer might change if you move to print publishing. But also print publishing comes with a need for conciseness, so if the book’s focus isn’t on staff hiring, I wouldn’t extend it through multiple chapters. Which seems to be common consensus since option 4 has 0% votes atm. 😄
OverXelous
I think that there's like not going to be any tension with his moving in and the police over that portion of things. The law enforcement likely has a ton on their hands at the moment, especially with Safe Zones being formed. And since things are being handled through what should be official channels, proper contracts with banks and realtors and all of that, I can't imagine they see him as a squatter, though they might find his sudden wealth suspect if they did decide to look into him for whatever reason. I think if I were to build some tension here, it wouldn't be from officials. Might be more from the staff willing/unwilling to participate in Awakened or live outside of the Safe Zone.
ReadingObsessed
My advice if you're willing to listen, think about how the police view him. Is he a 28 year old squatting in a mansion? Is he the minor celebrity Awakened, with battle scars, an intimidating presence and just came into wealth? Enough wealth and pull to cause the police issues if insulted? The police likely already looked into him before driving over.
ReadingObsessed
I think you're underestimating the pull the wealthy possess. The way this is written is far more likely to happen than him having difficulties when he already asked for recommendations. Additionally the police will likely be Far more accommodating when they come by to ask questions.
OverXelous
This is handled in the next few chapters. Serious talks and progress made within a week of in story time from here, though they are moving slowly if you think that they've been back from the Rift for about three weeks now. To be fair, I think the authorities have a lot of other things on their plate at the moment and if Alex's friends thought he was dead after his short time gone, I would imagine Sam's parents have been sitting on the thought for much longer (almost two months now?). Seems like a murky situation anyway you go with it. Think Alex's main concern is making sure Sam is healing and getting better from the experience in the Rift. He wants him to get back with his family, but if Sam is outright not wanting to, then yeah the next likely step would be trying to find his parents on the side, likely through the authorities. So, because Sam is young (15ish body, but 17ish mind and life) does Alex just make the decision for him and return him to his family, even though we don't know what the situation is? Will Sam's perspective of his family even be through a mature enough lens? Tons of kids think their parents are horrible at that age... I love that you're thinking about this kind of thing. It's a weird situation, especially with everything they've been through together. I certainly thought through a good bit of it while writing! Thanks for the comment.
nathbregou27
Thank you for the chapter! I think this pace of thing is good, making it longer won't make it more interesting imo.
Caleb Reusser
I'm just waiting for Alex to start being questioned by authorities as to why he has an unrelated minor living with him. Seems like a rather good way for him to get thrown in jail. Everyone seems rather meh about it thus far. In Texas at least "Harboring a runaway minor" is a Class A misdemeanor.
Nathaniel Ownbey
I think it should be a bit more realistic have several weeks pass as candidates are narrowed down by Edwin before having Alex choose the final candidate after a training session or something.
Seiryus
What I meant to say is that the way it was handled is good. The last two paragraphs made me think that, while the butler hiring went smoothly, the other staff took a bit more work, but ended well with the butler's help. I don't think adding drama here here is going to add much. Maybe that's just my preference though.
OverXelous
Edwin and Gabby will both be around for the rest of the series and Edwin has a pretty major part to play in Book 4. Even in this book, Edwin does play a bit of a strong role in Alex's leadership growth as well.
Seiryus
Just get this stuff out of the way and go to the parts that matter. Not even kingdom building stories waste too much time with this sort of bureaucracy, unless it's going to become an actual plot point later on (ie, there's a spy among the hired people or something).
OverXelous
Butler and Chef move in, the maid does not move in because it's just a few hours a day for a few days a week.
Ron
I like it how it is. But you can make future interactions have little guffaws that Edwin has to correct him on. Also, why would the maid move in if she is part time help, working only a few hours a day? What other staff is going to move in besides the butler?
