The House of Control

The Ceremony of Pins

The morning sun streamed into the ornate study as Harry made his way to Mistress Eleanor's quarters, his steps brisk with purpose. The image of Mia's calm, competent demeanor lingered in his mind. Her skill and unwavering loyalty to The House had impressed him more than once, and now he felt she deserved a promotion. But he wasn't entirely sure of the process, so he had come to seek Eleanor's guidance.

Eleanor was seated at a polished desk, reviewing a set of documents when Harry entered. She looked up, a slight smile on her face.

"Good morning, Apprentice Master," she greeted, setting her papers aside. "How may I assist you?"

Harry returned her greeting with a respectful nod. "I'd like to promote Mia. She's shown skill, dedication, and attention to detail—qualities I think The House should recognize. But I'm not sure how promotions work within the ranks of the maids. Could you explain it to me?"

Mistress Eleanor's expression softened with approval, her eyes gleaming. "Ah, Mia. She's indeed a fine choice for promotion, Harry. The maid ranks within The House are symbolized by pins, each marking a step in their journey of service and mastery. Only those who have consistently proven themselves in their duties earn them."

Eleanor reached into a drawer, pulling out a small slip of paper that displayed a diagram. At the top was Mistress Isabell, with ten pins, the maximum rank a maid could attain. Below her, the maids were divided by the number of pins, ranging from none to ten.

"Maids with no pins are at the lowest rank," Eleanor explained, tracing her finger along the diagram, "while those with ten pins, like Mistress Isabell, are the highest and may even be considered for the rank of Mistress, should Mother and Father see fit. Mia, as you can see, currently has two pins."

Harry studied the diagram, nodding thoughtfully. "And to promote her, I simply add a pin?"

Eleanor shook her head with a slight smile. "No, it's more formal than that. A ceremony must be held, attended by all maids with three or more pins. The Mistress who oversees the ceremony bestows the pin, and the Apprentice Master or master who requested the promotion may present it to the maid."

Harry's eyes brightened with understanding. "I see. I'd like to move forward with this ceremony, then. Mia deserves the recognition."

Eleanor gave a pleased nod. "Very well. I'll see that everything is arranged for this afternoon. It's an excellent choice, Harry. This promotion will not only encourage Mia but also serve as an example of the rewards that loyalty and dedication bring within The House."

Later That Day: The Ceremony

The ceremony was arranged in one of the smaller, elegantly decorated chambers, its walls lined with intricate tapestries. The maids with three or more pins gathered along one side of the room, each standing silently and respectfully. Mistress Isabell stood beside Mistress Eleanor, her posture perfect, with all ten pins shining on her uniform.

Harry entered, and the room fell into silence as he took his place at the front. His gaze met Mia's, who stood a bit to the side, her expression one of quiet curiosity. She hadn't expected to be called to such a ceremony, and Harry could see a flicker of anticipation and nervousness in her eyes.

Mistress Eleanor stepped forward, addressing the maids in her clear, formal voice. "Today, we recognize a servant who has demonstrated exceptional skill, loyalty, and attention to duty. Mia has earned the approval of Apprentice Master Harry and has proven herself worthy of advancement."

Eleanor nodded at Harry, signaling for him to step forward. He took a small, silver pin from her hand and turned to Mia, who looked surprised, her eyes widening as realization dawned.

"Mia," Harry said, his voice steady, "your dedication and skill have not gone unnoticed. I am honored to present you with this pin, a symbol of your commitment to The House."

Mia's cheeks flushed with pride as she dipped into a deep bow, her head lowered respectfully. "Thank you, Apprentice Master," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of awe. "I am honored and grateful for this recognition."

Harry stepped forward, pinning the small silver symbol onto the collar of her uniform with careful precision. When he finished, he stepped back, allowing her to rise. Mia's face shone with pride, and she bowed even more deeply, as though trying to convey her gratitude and respect with the gesture.

"Thank you, Apprentice Master," she repeated, her voice filled with sincerity. "I will continue to serve with the highest dedication."

Mistress Eleanor gave Harry an approving nod, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction at the smoothness of the ceremony. "With this, Mia, you have advanced in rank. Your loyalty to The House and your dedication are a testament to your value here."

The assembled maids bowed in silent acknowledgment, each one recognizing the significance of the moment. Harry gave Mia a final nod, a hint of a smile on his face, and she dipped into one last bow before stepping back, rejoining the others.

As the ceremony concluded and the maids dispersed, Harry felt a sense of satisfaction. Not only had he recognized Mia's hard work, but he had also strengthened the order and structure that held The House together. And as he watched Mia depart with her fellow maids, her pride evident in her step, he knew he had reinforced a bond of loyalty and respect that would benefit The House—and his own standing—well into the future.