Chapter 209: Interlude: Special

Archie stood at the front of the room with all the other staff in attendance for the morning meeting. These had become a necessity over the past week, as too much had happened too fast, and the only people exempt from attending were the guards currently on duty. Looking over everyone, he’d be sure to lecture them later to ensure they were awake and ready, not half asleep like they were.

“Right, I’m calling this meeting to order. Everyone is to maintain their current obligations of the house unless there are any objections,” Archie said from the front.

There was a hand raised near the back. “Sir, the library is getting increasingly difficult to clean. I feel like more books are arriving daily, and half of them look like they are covered in years of dust,” Petra stated.

Archie just shook his head. “Too much dust is not an excuse, Petra. I expect you to keep at it.”

“Well, sir, it’s not just that. The piles are getting so large I just can’t reach anymore. Also, that lady is in there constantly, and she is terrifying,” Petra shivered.

Archie just let out a sigh. “Cameron, can you do the library? Tony, I will move you to the Lord’s wing. Petra will be moved to do foyer and sunroom.”

There was a visible groan from Cameron. “She terrifies me also, but it’ll be nice to get a break from the constant messengers, I suppose.”

“She should! She’s a dragon,” Tony added.

“About that, Archie sir, do we get bonus pay for working with these creatures?” Cameron asked. A few of the others chuckled, even the guards, before quickly straightening up.

A very stern look came across Archie’s face, clearly unimpressed by the joke.

“I will warn you all now. It is not wise to call them creatures, or to think of them as lesser. I have seen what they can do to men. Just yesterday, we had a visitor who travelled across the continent due to night terrors after he encountered Lily. Also, you’re already getting paid the same as royal house staff,” Archie said.

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“Sir, did you get the request from my parents?” the soft voice of Vanessa came through.

“I did, but as I told you already, the Lord has absolutely no interest in politics, so this will go for all of you. He will not meet your parents, no matter how much they ask or the pressure they put on you to make it happen,” Archie frowned.

“Sir, is there any chance I could be removed from kitchen duty? I keep finding random pieces of burnt melon. It’s never ending,” Vanessa groaned.

Archie sighed. “Enough. I already addressed the melons. I believe Lord Ashmoon will do them in the butchery room from now on.”

“Sir, what’s in those massive stone blocks in the butchery room?” Cameron asked.

“Enough. No prying. You know the rules! For guard duty, there are no changes. Be mindful of that visitor from yesterday. He is not to return to the house unless Sylverith herself passes on word,” Archie announced.

A chorus of “Yes, sir” came from the back.

They were far more disciplined than the house staff. This was the issue with getting noble house children as house staff. None of them were training to be in this role, nor do they have the etiquette expected of staff in this position.

It would take some time before Archie was able to beat it out of them and get them right, but no challenge was too large; it’s why he accepted this position from the King himself.

“Before we conclude, are there any other issues that need to be addressed?” Archie asked.

“Did anyone else have a small statue of a fireplace and cat appear in their room, by the way?” Petra asked, looking around.

“Now that you mention it, yeah, I did too. Scared me. I thought it was on fire, but it warmed the room up really well,” Cameron said.

Everyone else nodded, with some muttering their agreement.

“I believe that was a gift from Crisplet. It would be wise not to remove it,” Archie instructed.

“Who would remove it? It works as a fireplace. It’s great,” Cameron laughed.

“How’d he get it in the rooms, though?” Petra asked.

Tony shrugged, “The cat probably,”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s best you don’t question these things. Is there anything else?” Archie said.

“One last thing, sir. The large statue on the roof appears to be causing damage, as I have noticed cracks appearing,” Tony said.

Archie nodded. “I shall address that today. Everyone is dismissed!”