Chapter 57, Hiring a Senior Servant

Translator: Lizz

 

Candidates for senior servant positions arrived.

As expected from Marquis Onofrio’s recommendation, they were all polite and behaved properly.

 

First, Calogero introduced himself.

“Even though you come with Marquis Onofrio’s introduction, I believe some of you may have complicated circumstances. I am also the High Priest, so if you wish, please take this opportunity to confess and atone.”

 

Right from the start, he said something outrageous, and the candidates were either taken aback or exchanged glances.

Calogero pressed further on the bewildered candidates.

 

“And Lady Sylvia, the Lord of this fortress, is an extraordinary person. Swear your loyalty to her. Revere her next to God.”

 

The candidates were completely put off.

 

Edward thought to himself, ‘What is this guy even saying?’, but kept a pleasant smile and didn’t let it show on his face.

 

As a senior servant, one would have many opportunities to interact with the master. Even if not as extreme as Calogero, it would be problematic if they lacked a respectful heart.

Moreover, judging from Calogero’s tone, it seemed he was warning the candidates.

 

…Which meant, although no criminal records serious enough to raise concern had been found, there were some in the gray zone; Edward concluded, and conveyed with a smile.

 

“From here, you will have an audience with Lady Sylvia. Though young, Lady Sylvia is exceptionally perceptive. If she says ‘No’, it means she has seen through your lack of loyalty or your disrespectful thoughts toward her. …Since you come with Marquis Onofrio’s recommendation, we won’t make a fuss, but such individuals cannot be employed. I’ll say that upfront.”

 

The candidates straightened up upon hearing Edward’s words. They stood tall, tightened their expressions, and followed Edward toward the office.

 

He opened the door and ushered the candidates inside.

Sylvia was seated at the desk in the back.

 

Trying to project a solemn atmosphere, she had her elbows on the desk and her hands clasped near her mouth, but no matter how she posed, it only looked like a little girl trying to act grown-up.

Gina stood quietly nearby, likely struggling hard to suppress her laughter.

 

Edward thought, in a way, this was quite the ordeal, and walked over to Sylvia, taking his place slightly forward beside the desk. Calogero stood on the opposite side.

Additionally, in case any of the candidates caused trouble, a few guards had been temporarily hired to stand near the door.

 

Sylvia stopped clasping her hands and pulled the paper on the desk toward her.

“I heard you wish to serve me. Is that feeling true?”

 

It was clearly a monotone reading.

 

An ordeal, truly an ordeal.

Thinking that, Edward put on a serious face and struggled to hold back his laughter.

Gina was enduring it too, though she seemed more anxious about whether Sylvia would mess up.

 

The candidates also appeared to be overcoming this trial.

They responded with serious expressions, saying ‘Yes’.

Sylvia raised her face and looked at the candidates with an emotionless gaze.

 

The candidates seemed influenced by Sylvia’s empty, expressionless eyes. They appeared somewhat unnerved.

 

As Sylvia tried to get down from her chair, Gina quickly pulled it back, and Edward assisted her.

When she stood in front of the desk, Sylvia opened her lips.

 

“<I am the Lord of this fortress, and your Master, [Domination]>.”

She tapped her staff, and magic spread out.

 

Immediately, the candidates knelt before Sylvia.

Edward thought, ‘It worked’; he had never seen such a strong reaction before.

But then Sylvia said,

“Um, the person at the end is no good. They don’t want to serve me.”

She pointed to the candidate on the far left.

 

Edward and Gina were both surprised.

Everyone had knelt almost simultaneously.

And yet, someone had rejected the magic?

 

The candidate on the far left must have been surprised too. Their head snapped up, and they stared at Sylvia, but Sylvia continued to gaze back with her emotionless eyes.

 

Edward glanced at Calogero, who gave a faint nod.

…So, it was this person who fell into the gray zone, Edward realized.

 

Apparently aware of this too, the candidate on the far left lowered their head in resignation.