Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 37: The Heads of Staff - Part 2

After a few minutes, Marlina hears footsteps with metal clinks of armor outside the door; so much for trying to snoop. She isn't sure if the guard stationed outside is watching her, and she doesn't dare turn her head for fear of appearing suspicious. 

Instead, she places her satchel on her lap, pretending to rummage through it as she retrieves her notebook from inside her body. At least the petals she has stored away make convenient pockets for small items that would otherwise fall into her limbs.

Thanks to Neterion and Natalia scouring the lower levels of Levaeil multiple times, they have memorized names of inns and taverns that Marlina jots down for previous experience. The only concern is whether Roland contacts these establishments and discovers that she never worked there. 

However, the twins said they would handle that.

She takes her time and writes as clearly as possible, ensuring that there are no errors, before she hears others talking outside the room.

"Head Butler, will the guests be arriving soon? We're not quite ready with the rooms; we need a couple more hands to finish on time," an older woman's voice says.

With a hint of annoyance in his tone, a man's voice replies, "Now hold on, it's no problem to make a bed and tidy up. I've got His Lordship demanding individual meals for all his suitors! I need hands to help with all the meal preparation!"

 "Peeling potatoes should be a cinch for your reputation, unless it's just hot air?"

"Not while I need myself and my staff to start making the meals; I have 20 different ones to have hot and ready by dinner!"

"Enough." Roland's voice interrupts their bickering. "I will not have you two arguing out here in the open. What if the guests see?" There is a brief pause. "We'll discuss this calmly and with civility in my office." 

The door opens, revealing Roland with an older woman, likely older than he is, dressed in a maid's uniform. Following behind her is a younger gentleman, probably no older than thirty. Roland then finds a large book with a smooth cover to give to Marlina. 

"Complete your application in the corner, in silence." 

Marlina nods and shifts to a nearby corner, using the wall for support to keep the book steady while she writes. 

Roland stands behind his desk while the other two stand in front, glancing at the woman. "How many more rooms are unfinished?"

"Five, Head Butler. Not enough sheets were washed this morning; the ones that were washed to compensate are still drying. The guest rooms we don't use as frequently are taking longer to clean than anticipated, especially given the standard His Lordship demands."

Roland rubs the bridge of his nose as he grumbles. "And what about meal preparation?"

"With all these ladies from the Magcore Cavity wanting potatoes and stuffed buns of all kinds, and those from the Marishva Glades preferring meat and seafood, each dish is unique. All my cooks must focus on getting every detail right and timing so everything is ready at the same time for dinner. They don't have the time to prepare and cook dinner; they're not even halfway through peeling the potatoes. I need some of the servant staff to handle that while we start cooking the dishes that will take longer."

This might be Marlina's opportunity. She is just one person, but she can help with both problems. Initially, she leaned more towards offering assistance with the rooms, but that suggestion might be too bold and could tempt her to sneak away in search of Elek. After a few moments to consider what to say, she finally speaks up. 

"I'm quite quick with potatoes while helping my mother in the kitchen and strong from working dough for bread and pastries at a bakery in Levaeil."

The others glance at Marlina, and Roland's tone carries a hint of irritation. 

"Is silence a foreign concept to you?"

"Head Butler, no disrespect, but is that how you talk to someone offering help? Let the young lady speak." The woman's tone suggests she isn't afraid of Roland; she scolds him like a mother who raised him better.

"How fast are we talking, girl?" the chef asks.

"Enough to feed a whole field of farmhands who have been starved after a long day, with potatoes just plucked and served within a couple of hours," Marlina answers, her posture becoming more confident as she speaks, ready to start.

Roland's reluctance is evident in his expression as he raises his hand to pause them briefly. "I commend your determination, but you cannot expect us to assign you work on the spot without following the proper channels. I have checks to undergo before you are even considered."

"But look at her, Head Butler; a sprightly young thing eager to assist. Surely she can help for now," the woman urges.

With a pause, the chef points to Marlina while looking at Roland. "Give her to me, and let her show what she's got. Let her put her work where her mouth is. If she causes me trouble, she's out the door. It will save you a lot of trouble if she can't handle it."

Roland is about to object when a bell rings. A line of bells is secured to the wall with strings attached, each accompanied by a plaque indicating which room service is needed. Among all the bells, a singular, larger bell rests above them, labeled 'Master Chambers. '

Roland grits his teeth as he looks at the chef. "His Lordship is calling, likely to inquire about the status of everything. For now, take the girl; she will be your responsibility. Focus more on simple and appealing appetizers to satisfy our guests until dinner, which will allow you to prepare smaller dishes with less effort." 

He then turns to the woman. "Have the staff work swiftly on the remaining rooms, and let the footmen handle their luggage with great care while leading them to the lounge. As long as there are refreshments, they'll be more willing to converse and less likely to retreat to their rooms, even after a long journey. I will be too preoccupied with His Lordship and hosting, so the command falls to you and your staff. That will be all; return to your tasks."

Roland moves swiftly as he leaves the room, and the woman glances at Marlina with a quick smile before stepping out. 

The chef approaches Marlina, his hand resting on her shoulder to guide her along. Thankfully, she is wearing clothes, or he would feel her metal skin. "Alright, girl, you'll be peeling potatoes and making dough faster than you've ever done in your life. If you help me get through this day, I just might be able to convince Roland to let you work in my kitchen."