The crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on her.
"Now, I will be taking over the Howard House," she announced again, her words carrying weight.
"Fitch, as many of you knew, was not a great leader," she declared, and nods of agreement rippled through the crowd. Madeline seized the moment, establishing her credibility.
"I know he must have offended many of you here, but I am here to say Fitch is gone, and you are now under new leadership—a better leadership," she asserted, her words resonating with a promise of change.
"First, I will increase all your wages, paying double what Fitch paid you," she declared, and a wave of disbelief and hope spread among the crowd. "Really?" they asked among themselves.
"But this is just for servants who wish to stay," she continued, addressing the murmurs. "I am not forcing anyone to remain in the Howard's castle, but if you do, you will have double your wage."
