The horsedrawn carriage we were riding in was very plush. Not only were the seats padded, but the walls were also richly appointed. While travelling to Covern House, Ruberm pointed out many points of interest, including the temple district, the Healers guild, and the market district. It turned out that Forest Glen was a fairly busy place. After a 15-minute carriage ride, we arrived at Covern House. It was a large two-story building with a stone, rather than wood, exterior. It looked to be in good condition, some repair work needed, but still in good condition. There were two doors, one in the middle and one on the left side of the house. Ruberm said that one, pointing to the one on the left, could be set up for my business, while the other was for the residence.

  “This is too much. I don’t deserve such a large reward.” I said as I looked at the huge house.

  Ruberm replied “Since you are not from around here, let me explain somethings. The Earl was dying. If you hadn’t healed him, this city would have been in danger of being destroyed by the monster hordes that attack every year or so. The Earl is the strongest person in the city. He is the only reason the last monster horde was defeated. Even then, it was close. The last monster destroyed the wall before the Earl was able to kill it.” Ruberm sighed and continued, “The Earl knows how close he was to death. He said he saw his long-departed father while you healed him. His father urged him to hold on and live. This house is one of many he owns, and he feels indebted. He doesn’t like being indebted, so he is giving you this house. Since you said you needed a place to stay, it absolves the debt. He believes this house should be your refuge. Magical Healers are rare, almost non-existent. In addition to your reward for keeping him alive, having a Magical Healer in Forest Glen will be a god-send to us. Potions and prayers are good for most light wounds, but diseases, poisons, curses and deep wounds are not affected. Some Priests can cure some minor diseases, but the rest.” He paused to emphasize the point. “As you can see, Forest Glen needs you, and the Earl recognizes that. I think it is a win-win situation.” Ruberm smiled at me. His honesty was refreshing and made me like him even more.

  “Well, okay then. Let’s take a look inside my house.” I smiled back at him.

  As we entered the residence side, Ruberm mentioned that I would need a staff to maintain my new residence. He was correct, as the interior was much bigger than I expected. It was way bigger than any house I owned on Earth. The entry way ceiling went all the way to the top of the house at least 25 feet, and had floors made of marble like stone. A chandelier hung from the rafters. The walls were bare but were very white. Twin half circle staircases were at the back of the room, leading up to a walkway on the second floor. There was a door leading to a dining room on the left, and a door leading to library on the right. In the back the door led to the rear of the house. This contained the kitchen, various utility rooms, and staff quarters. Male quarters on one side, female quarters on the other.

  The dining room was very large, with a table that could fit 20 guests. It was carved from a single piece of wood. It was so large that it could not fit out the doors and that explained why it was the only piece of furniture in the house. The walls looked to be wood paneling, but were really a thin dark wood. Multiple small chandeliers hung from the ceiling along the table. There were also light sconces along the wall. Ruberm pointed out a hidden door that led to a suite of rooms, which would be used as my office area.

  There was a nice size garden in the rear of the house. A nice combination of bushes along the walls and short grass in the middle. Plenty of space to practice my forms. The entire yard was surrounded by a 10-foot-tall stone fence. I also notice a tree with an orange looking fruit on it. In the center was a large stone patio. An iron table and chairs were resting on it. While large, the garden seemed to provide a very private space.

  As Ruberm and I went back into the house, I mentioned that this place would be too much for me to maintain on my own. “No worries there, Young Master. I will send you a candidate for head butler tomorrow. They will be able to help you with your staffing requirements. Most houses of this size will have a staff to cook, clean, and maintain the property. You will also need a secretary to manage your schedule, both business and private. I already know of 5 or 6 nobles that will want your services to start. Don’t underestimate the value of your Heaven’s Heal and Cure All spells.”

  “Thank you again Ruberm. Please call me Trevor. “

  “Do you have a house? If not, you will need to create one.”

  “A house? I thought Covern House was mine.” I asked confused.

  “Not a residence, but a family name. Like House Donnert.”

  I hadn’t thought of it but okay. I don’t feel like using my Earth name, because it probably wouldn’t translate and this was a new start. “How does Trevor of House Earth sound?”

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  “Dirt, you want your House name to be dirt?” Ruberm looked at me like I was crazy.

  Ok, that wasn’t what I said, but the translation must not know the difference and translated it as dirt. What else would be appropriate? I want it to be close to Earth. Gaia, Sol3, Terra, Tierra. That’s it, Tierra.

  “Okay, that didn’t translate exactly like I wanted. How about Tierra? It is another name for my previous home.” I could tell that there was no translation. It was just Tierra as it sounded.

  “Hmmm, I haven’t heard of a House Tierra. The name sounds sturdy and reliable. It would be a good House name for your business. I like it. Trevor of House Tierra. I will get the paperwork done this afternoon, and you will officially become the patriarch of House Tierra. Please understand, having a House is special in Decharte. Your House and its reputation will open doors that would not otherwise be accessible. Nobles always prefer to deal with a House.”

  Ruberm handed me the deed and keys to the house, then made small talk for a little longer. He left promising to send along the candidate for head butler either later today, or tomorrow morning. I closed the door, which echoed throughout the empty house. I wandered out to the back yard and started my forms, beginning with unarmed combat.

  As I finished my sword forms, I realized that I had completely lost track of time. I was a sweaty mess and it was way past lunch time. I cast Cleanse on myself and equipment. I pick up my equipment and moved back into the house. I started upstairs, when I heard the knocker on the front door being used.

  Opening the door, I found a middle-aged man standing there. He was dressed in a high collar white shirt, a black jacket, and black pants, with a green strip on one side and blue on the other. He had a black, short, well-manicured goatee. He was a little on the short side, 5’ 8” or so. Long hair that reached his shirt collar.

  “Young Master Trevor of House Tierra, I am Gabriel. I was sent by Ruberm of House Donnert. He has apprised me that you have an opening for a Head Butler. I am here to apply for the position.”

  Straight to the point, I like that. Very stiff and proper. I didn’t like that so much, but it wasn’t a deal killer. Besides, I liked the name Gabriel, it reminded me of Earth. “Please come in. Since I am new to the area, can you explain what you believe your duties will be as Head Butler?”

  I watched Gabriel look around as he stepped in. Nothing showed on his face or demeanor. Neither excitement or disappointment. The house was empty, so that meant lots of work, but lots of opportunity also. Gabriel maintained a very neutral expression. As I showed him around the property, he explained that he would be responsible for running the household: hiring staff, work schedules, contracting house repairs, maintaining the house and grounds, and house budget, including salaries. He estimated that 8 full time staff would be required, temporary staff could be arranged when needed. Salaries would be from 1 silver a week to 5 silver a week. Five silvers being his salary. The cook’s pay would be dependent on how good there were, but should not exceed 5 silvers. The cook was responsible for managing the kitchen, shopping, and food budget.

  We went into the dining room. Gabriel led me to the head of the table. I sat down and motioned for him to do the same. Gabriel started to argue it was improper, but I stated that since this was an interview it was appropriate. He sat down. I asked if he had any references and/or work experience as Head Butler. He retrieved a few sheets of paper from his jacket and handed them over. I read through them quickly, and noticed the one from Ruberm was written today. Gabriel had been an assistant Head Butler at his last position. He only had good things to say about his former employer, a merchant named Burrows. However, the merchant had gone bankrupt because of bandits raiding his caravans, causing him to have to release most of his staff. Gabriel’s fellow staff members were to be let go this week. He mentioned the Head Butler was going to retire to the country, as “he was too old to train another master”, the Head Butler told Gabriel.

  “How good was the cook? Is the cleaning crew good? What about the gardener? Does everyone get along with each other?” I rapidly spat out my questions, slightly stunning Gabriel. My mind was racing, thinking that I could solve my staffing problem quickly, while saving someone from being unemployed. In my previous life, I have always worked from the time I turned 15. I have this phobia about unemployment.

  “The cook is excellent; the staff works very well together and are hard workers. There are one or two I would not recommend, but I would be happy to work with the rest.”

  “Okay. Your salary would be 6 silvers a week to start. A bonus of one half silver for each person from your old crew you bring on. I do want the cook, whom I want to be able to call Chef. Each person will get a 20% increase in pay. Can you start today?” Indecision was never my problem. Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but I didn’t need to ask for permission, because apparently, I am the boss.

  “Don’t you want to check out my references?”

  “No, Ruberm’s recommendation is the only one that matters. Between that and our interaction, it is enough to offer you the position. Do you accept?”

  For the first time, Gabriel’s expression changed, and I saw worry and stress leave his body. Not only did he secure his own job, but also his friends. It was a slight change, but my Charisma stat allowed me to see it clear as day.

  Gabriel stood up. “Yes, I accept. Thank you for this opportunity. I can start immediately.”

  “Okay, first thing is to go back to your former employer and let them know that you have secured work for quite a few of his former staff. He seems to be the type that is concerned about his staff, then make offers to those you want here, particularly the Chef. Check with Chef to see who they want to bring with them. I am not averse to hiring family, as long as they work. After that, we need to go shopping.”

  “I will head out immediately. It should take about 2 to 3 hours.” And with that, he turned and left to go about hiring his friends.