Walking, elbows linked, we made our way to the servant's side of the estate.
Giving an entire section of the estate dedicated to servants is unusual to most. But I see it as pragmatic. Where else would you want your most valued helpers, then in the very home they are helping in? Plus, having their own side keeps them from wandering off during their free time and stumbling across something they very well should not see.
After all, our secret is very much… a secret.
The decor of the North Main Hall felt both familiar and unfamiliar. The colour of the walls were the same, but the hall was filled with foreign items. Plants I couldn't name, paintings of places that held no meaning to me, scratches and tears of labour with no sentiment.
The impression of my family bore no value here.
Only a history I could not tag, meanings I could not recollect.
I steer clear of this path as it belongs to the servants.
However, I mostly refuse to walk these halls because they bring dejection.
Walking down the side hall that leads to the servants' kitchen and laundry room, Phia and I stood at the back entrance of the kitchen. Holding open the door.
Over a dozen chefs shuffled about, yelling orders, and handling multiple instruments in the chaos of preparing breakfast for the entire estate of servants.
The smell of fresh food savoured in my nose. My stomach rumbling slightly from its need for nutrients, having skipped morning meal.
Our arrival was not immediately noticed. All were preoccupied with their jobs. When one servant chef glanced in the direction of unnatural movement, he addressed Phia and I. Prompting the rest to follow.
"My Lord!" The rest call in synchronism. Too busy to look up from their tasks.
"You two!" The head chef calls, "You can stop what you're doing. Go see what the Lord and Lady need!"
Two young looking men nervously shuffle to the door. Their eyes in a jittery dance, glancing at each chef they pass.
Untying their aprons and hanging them on a nearby rack by the door, I direct them to talk in the hall. Away from the clamour.
Against the wall, Phia and I stood in a relaxed manner, not wishing to fluster the two chefs more than we already have.
I vaguely recognised them as newly appointed to their position within the estate. Final say in hiring servants falls to the department head and Sir Chiron; however, I like to introduce myself to each of them on their first day. As it is my estate they will be serving in.
Stiff as a log, the two chefs torn between glancing at the ground and looking us in the eye. Slight trembling in their hands.
I stared them down for several long seconds. As I do with any vital interaction. A mix of sizing them up, and for entertainment.
Once satisfied, I began with the topic of why we were here.
"How is the food preparation coming along?"
The one on the left answered quickly, leaving the other to gape his mouth in preparation to speak only to close it again.
"Sir! We haven't actually prepared the food yet." He exclaimed, disturbing my ears from our proximity.
The chef on the right shot him a look of shock and betrayal, eyes wide from surprise.
"My Lord!" His head whipped in my direction. "What he means is that the food will be made fresh. Tomorrow. All that is being done at the moment is gathering and sorting the ingredients."
I calmly raised my hand, indicating that I understand, and there's no need for panic.
Lowering my hand, he continued, "My Lord, as I am sure you are already aware, we will require access to both kitchens during the event. While the appetizers and desserts shall be prepared in the family kitchen, and the meals in this kitchen, we can begin serving at a moment's notice."
I can understand why he is nervous about the arrangement. This kitchen, where the food is being prepared, is on the opposite side of the estate to the Grand Hall, where the event will be.
However, why should my servants trouble themselves with catering to every little need of the Elites in attendance? Stuffing their grotesque faces, fattening themselves up at a party they asked for.
Whether Rin can prove his Lordship or not is of no concern to my servants.
I will not put more pressure on my staff, simply because the Lords refuse to acknowledge the possibility of a grand shift.
They shall perform their duties to the level expected of them. Afterwards, they can take the night off.
My eyes shone with a soft radiance. Painting the two chefs' faces with a faint white light. "Tell the head chef to not concern his staff with servitude during the event. I do not wish for any domestic presence during the party at all."
The two looked at me with puzzled faces. Clearly questioning my reasoning.
"The guests will serve themselves." I continued. "It shall be an open buffet."
The hall was quiet. The two chefs stunned. Phia was still facing them, but her pupils eyed me sharply.
"Are you sure that is wise, sir–my Lord?" The one on the left spoke up.
I waved his remark away with a stern look. "I do not owe those people anything. There shall be music and entertainment for the event. There will be the same festivities as any other New Years party. And, it was under their request to visit my estate. What more could they desire? How they are served is a consideration and privilege, not a requirement."
They looked at me with concern, like I must not have heard them and instead began rambling on as if I were a dazed old man.
The chef on the right opened his mouth to speak, but I raised my hand, interrupting him. "Yes. I am sure." I said reassuringly.
"As you wish, my Lord." They both bowed.
They rushed back to the kitchen. The clamour from inside spiked as they opened the door to enter, becoming muted again as it closed behind them.
"Are you trying to prove a point, Elgin?" Phia remarked softly. Cradling my shoulder with her hand.
Reaching to hold her hand in my own. "The only point I am trying to prove is that this is my home. While keeping traditions, I will treat them as I please. Besides, a buffet style dinner is not unheard of." Letting go of her hand, we walked in the direction leading out into the main hall. "If I truly wanted to be unique, I'd have them forge for their food by launching it out of cannons."
Taking a short trek to the West side of the estate, through the rear foyer, and located at the Southern corner of the building, we arrived at the Grand Hall.
The large doors were propped open, with workers walking in and out with determined pace at irregular intervals. A small stream of servants, pushing carts of tables, led all the way down the South Main Hall to the large storage room that encompasses the entire center of the estate.
Spanning both floors and the space between the two foyers, the large storage room holds everything the estate uses for events and parties. Decorations, furniture, gardening, and some retired equipment of the Royal Guards.
Inside the Grand Hall, the screeching of table legs against wood could be heard, along with a gruff voice shouting orders.
Entering, a stout man, who the gruff voice belonged to, quickly waddled his way to me. Calling for the rest to continue their work.
"There you are! I hope you have time, my Lord, so we can finalize the arrangement." The man called out before reaching me.
He stopped a few feet short of Phia and my position, giving a sloppy bow, eyes wide in preparation for me to start the conversation.
I looked over the man–which wasn't hard given his height–and at the workers behind him. Dragging and rolling circular dining tables across the floor in a specified order.
I swept my gaze over the sight for a few seconds, considering the application of my change of mind. Before landing my sight down, on the stout man.
"I've changed my mind–"
"What?!" The man barked, cutting me off.
My eyes twitched. My voice coming out strained, "I said, I've changed my mind. Forget the dining tables, and the dining setting. It will only promote seclusion."
"Then what should we do with all the tables?" He spoke too quickly. "How many guests are we expecting?"
"The number of guests is of no concern. Set up the tables for a function party, no chairs. However, have a few by the bar top." I nodded to my left, towards the bar.
"Alllrighty." He turned to leave in a jump.
I cleared my throat dramatically, inciting him to turn back sharply. "Experienced or not, interrupt me again… and I'll find someone else who can do your job, respectfully."
Stiffening up, he sucked in his fat and bent over in a deep bow. Waiting a few seconds before speaking, "Of course. My apologies, my Lord"
The rest of the workers, only half doing their work, watched me berate the stout man.
Rising in a nervous spasm, he took his anger out on the others. Belching at them to get back to work.
Ignoring his orders, they continued to watch as I left the Hall, only complying when I left their sight.