Chapter 187: Suspicious Employees
As night fell, I busied myself with making tank tops and shirts alongside Rishu. I thought a T-shirt might be too plain, so I decided to add a little flair to it.
During the day, I had been drawing a magic circle on the island. The main structure would be crafted later at home, but for now, I was sketching a circle inside the Empty Well to draw water up from the depths.
I knew it was a tedious task, but after having fun yesterday, I resolved to take it seriously. Speaking of which, I had a hunch that the map might have more locations known to my Contracted Spirit. I’d verify that later.
To gain momentum, I drew the same circle in four directions. This magic circle could raise water up to about ten meters, but since the well was deeper, I added two more circles along the way. That made twelve in total. Special lines inscribed with spells connected them at various points.
The relationship between the Atmosphere Spirit and water pressure was crucial. I needed to create a path that the Water Spirit would want to traverse.
It was a hassle to keep going down to attach the Magic Stones every time the circle was interrupted, so I was also working hard to draw a circle that would channel power from the stones to the main structure. I set up a pulley above the well and hung a board from the end of a rope, swinging it like a swing as I continued my work.
It was hot. I regretted not doing this in winter as I carved geometric patterns into the piled stones. Planting mangoes would be better on this island; it stayed warm even in winter.
Still, the glass had too high of an insulation effect, which had derailed my greenhouse plans. But, since sunlight reached the plants, I could just place something that would warm them instead of cooling plates.
“Master, are you there?”
“Yeah.”
I rolled up the rope and climbed up, drenched in sweat.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, but it looks terrible.”
A man lured by sweets was saying something.
“…I’d like to request an interview for job applicants.”
…Oh right. I had completely forgotten.
“I’ll be there soon, so please wait for me.”
“Sure.”
I had been so engrossed in my work that I didn’t realize it was already past noon! I hurriedly used Teleportation to strip off my clothes and splash water on myself. After roughly drying my body and hair, I changed into fresh clothes and headed back. I dashed down the tower to Soleil’s office. It seemed like the two of them had been patient, so I wouldn’t be late.
The office had already been fitted with Van’s reinforced glass, featuring a large window at the front. Since it faced north, the light pouring in wasn’t blinding, but the room was wonderfully bright with a view of the sea. It also served as a reception area.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Kin, Soleil, Marlu, and the others greeted me with a light bow. What’s this? I felt like a lord!
There were six people I had never seen before. They bowed deeply. One of them was probably Soleil’s recommendation. Was it Faramia? A tall woman with black hair stood beside her.
Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she wore glasses. I should make her a maid outfit. I’d want her to wear black tights, but it might be too hot here. No, wait, I don’t even have tights. I do have silk socks, though.
“Thank you for waiting. I am Soleil, the lord. Let’s start by introducing ourselves. Please tell me your name and what you wish to do.”
“I am Faramia. Faramia.”
Soleil introduced Faramia and encouraged her to greet me.
“I am Faramia. I have come here on Soleil’s recommendation.”
“Soleil—no, I mean this Soleil, not me, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct—”
She kept her eyes downcast, which made me wonder if that was how servants were supposed to act. I glanced at the other five, and they weren’t looking up either. Was Kin and Marlu the odd ones out here?
“Then I’ll leave the tasks to Soleil. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
I had secured one employee.
“I’m Cain.”
“I’m Abel.”
Wait, are those names from the first murder in the Bible?!
The one named Cain was sturdy, with dull blonde hair slicked back. Abel had wavy, shining golden hair and a more delicate build. They were completely different types of handsome.
They didn’t look alike at all, but they weren’t brothers, right? Is everything okay? This isn’t going to turn into a tragedy, is it?
“Cain and Abel will assist us.”
“Ah, I’ll rely on you.”
My interviews were primarily for Changelings, and this was turning out to be a rather high-caliber interview.
“I’m Teof. I’m a Magic Stone Artisan.”
A young man with straight white hair that reached his shoulder tied back, wearing glasses. Magic Stone Artisans identify and refine Magic Stones for various uses.
“I’m Pamela. I’m a Herbalist.”
She had wavy white hair that reached her waist.
“Teof will reside in this mansion, while Pamela will have a shop in town, as per her request.”
Auro explained.
“I’m Charles. I’m a Gardener.”
A young man with light green hair. He looked like someone who would elope with a noble lady from a secluded mansion.
“Charles is a former viscount, so he’ll also serve as a tutor if needed.”
Wait, how did he end up as a gardener? Was it an elopement? Also, I don’t need a tutor.
“Thanks for your help.”
I wanted to interject, but I swallowed my words and greeted them. I had my own share of questions that could be troublesome!
After signing the contracts, my role was done. Kin took everyone except Faramia and left. I hoped we could gradually become closer as I continued to listen to Soleil’s report.
She mentioned hiring a cook, kitchen staff, a baker, a dishwashing assistant, and a laundry worker. The kitchen staff would negotiate prices and procure food. These people were contracted by Soleil. In a typical household, I guess the steward or housekeeper would handle that?
Nine people’s worth of sweets, huh? If I distributed something once a month, I should also keep some long-lasting candies or biscuits on hand.
Following reports on the maintenance of the fortress and town, and the hopes of the islanders, I received updates on the sales of the items I had commissioned.
“I’m sorry to bring this up, but several people have already expressed interest in the Jade Pendants borrowed for promotional purposes, including the heads of the Merchant Guild and Shipping Guild in Naruadeid. If we were to sell, which one would you prefer?”
“Whoever would benefit this island.”
And whoever would bring in the most profit.
“Both are influential figures, and they usually compete with each other. It’s a tricky situation…”
It seemed like either choice could lead to trouble.
“Do we have any Jade Pendants available?”
“Faramia.”
Soleil called out to Faramia, who then brought in a high-end box containing a jade pendant from the adjacent room.
“That box is impressive.”
“The pendant itself is what’s remarkable.”
I wanted that box.
Taking the pendant out of the box, I used my feather pen to carefully break it along the engraved magic circle.
“Ah! What are you doing?!”
A light cracking sound echoed, and Soleil let out a scream.
“Don’t worry, don’t worry.”
I chose another spot and then another, carefully selecting places where the intricate carvings wouldn’t be disrupted, and split it into two.
I finished by smoothing the cut edges. The Appraisal result showed it was effective for relieving back pain.
“Here you go. Sell it to the two of them.”
I said to the now motionless Soleil.