Of course, no one welcomed the announcement that the members of the 'Gocheolsang' guild would be hired as new personnel for the Verdi family.
Even Darius… the moment he saw Finden Ai, he jumped up and threatened to kill her.
But now, I was the strongest one in this mansion.
Darius and Deia failed to do what I alone was able to accomplish with the immigrant group.
Moreover, by hiring them, we had to pay only half the amount compared to other servants, so the cost aspect was also a good deal.
Of course, not all of the gocheolsang guild's members could work as servants for the Verdi family.
Most of them were given separate accommodations in North Whedon and made to be helpers of the citizens, such as moving heavy luggage, starting farming, sweeping the streets, and clearing the snow.
Deia, of course, refused, saying it was too risky.
But after I said I would take full responsibility, she didn't have any choice but to agree.
If Finden Ai and the Gocheolsang guild were like what I saw in the game, they weren't necessarily bad people from the start.
Ezoic
Rather, it was possible to see them as people who dreamed of living an ordinary life in North Whedon.
They were struggling for freedom, after all.
Naturally, that alone might not be enough, so I made a separate contract with Finden Ai.
"Hmm."
Sitting in my room's chair, I reached out my hand, and a white 'flame-orb' floated up.
This was a part of Fenden Ai's soul extracted through magic, and I obtained it with her own agreement based on the contract.
For the next five years working under me, if Finden Ai and the gocheolsang guild betrayed me, I would destroy this soul without mercy.
It was only a part, but even that alone would reduce Finden Ai to a half-broken doll.
"Quite satisfying."
Leaning back on the chair with my hands in my pockets, I closed my eyes.
The situation had become quite complicated several times, fortunately, I achieved excellent results.
It all started with using souls roaming in the mansion to cast magic, which worked quite well in practice.
And the biggest gain was Finden Ai.
At one point, Finden Ai had acquired power that was close to the pinnacle of human beings on the continent.
She was not at that level yet. Since she came out as a villain when the protagonist was in 3rd grade, the current year was 3 years before she appeared in the game.
Moreover, the equipment she used at that time was also not available.
"Still, it's enough."
Didn't I already get the cotyledon? I just had to provide water, and sunshine, and nurture it to grow.
-Thump!
Just then, a harsh knock sounded from outside the door.
Deia took Finden Ai saying she was going to attend maid training, but I was informed later that she would start working today, and seeing how rough it was from the knock, it seemed like Finden Ai had come.
"Come in."
I said calmly, and the door opened, revealing a white-haired woman with an annoyed expression on her face, clenched fists, and a determined breathing pattern.
I immediately realized that the reason why she was expressing dissatisfaction was because of the shameful outfit;
She was wearing a black one-piece dress with a fancy white frilled apron on top.
Her skirt was shorter than expected, and she wore black stockings and a white frilled hairband on her head.
Yes, it was a maid outfit and a very revealing one at that.
"...What is this joke?"
I was surprised.
No, I was quite shocked.
I had never imagined that the beast-like Finden Ai would ever wear such an outfit.
In response to my question, Finden Ai blushed and snapped irritably.
"Your exclusive maids say they always wear this! You bastard!"
"..."
It was absurd.
However, it was unlikely that Deia would force her to wear such an outfit as a joke, so it was probably the original Deus' taste.
"Haah."
My head was pounding.
Just thinking about what this guy might have done to his maids was making me dizzy already.
"First of all, mind your manners. You should be speaking politely. You must have learned that, right?"
"M-m-mast..."
"…"
As if her mouth wasn't forming words properly, Finden Ai frowned and shouted as if screaming.
"Hey, master! If you're going to give me work, do it quickly!"
"...Yes, that's good enough."
What idiot would give orders to a wild animal?
Just praise them for coming to eat when food was served.
So, this was enough for Finden Ai as well.
Her manner of speaking won't interfere with her work, anyway.
"Why don't you look that happy about my dress?"
Finden Ai knew she was being ignored, and grumbled as she took out a cigarette from her pocket and put it in her mouth.
And then I reached out and completely burned it.
"What the hell! If you're going to light it, be gentle!"
"I have a no-smoking policy in front of me."
"…That… that wasn't in the terms of my employment contract, master."