Chapter 46 (1/2)

Chapter 46: Recruitment of Footmen and Maids

“Big Lily, where is Little Lily?”

“What’s up, Old Abe? Little Lily is feeding the chicken in the yard.” Big Lily was a middle-aged woman whose back had been bent by years of hard work.

Abe smiled brilliantly. “Great news! His lordship is recruiting new servants. According to Mr. Carter, three footmen, a maid, and a kitchen maid are to be recruited. Little Lily can apply for the maid position.”

“Really? Is his lordship really going to recruit new maids? That’s wonderful! I’m going to tell Little Lily!”

“Go.” Before Abe could continue, Big Lily was already gone. He shook his head in amusement and murmured, “I need to tell the good news to everyone. What a beautiful life it will be in the castle. Your child is lucky.”

Very soon, all the 48 households in Barleyton heard the news.

“What a piece of great news. I was worried that Malfoy did not have enough land to work on. He’s strong and diligent and will make a good footman.”

“I doubt it. Parker is more diligent, and he is polite. I think he will definitely make it.”

“Is the news true? His lordship will recruit servants from the villages?”

“Old Abe said so. He’s been making tools for his lordship recently. How could he be lying?”

“Abe has good skills, but can he still lift a hammer?”

“He doesn’t need to. His lordship sent apprentices to do the hard work for him. Do you remember Peter the Crippled? He’s an apprentice! His lordship pays a copper to him every day!”

“Doesn’t the old alcoholic own the blacksmith’s shop?”

“It’s been sold to his lordship for three Neldas!”

“Three Neldas! Heavens, his lordship is too generous!”

Good news flew to everybody like a bird.

Little Lily, who was feeding the chicken, flushed in excitement. “Mom, can I… really apply to be a maid?”

“Old Abe brought the news. He can’t be lying. Little Lily, you must be prepared. You will have a good life if you make it to the castle,” said Big Lily in delight.

“But… will his lordship choose me?”

“Be confident in yourself, Little Lily. You are the most excellent girl in Barleyton. You are my pride and joy. Of course, you can also lower your expectations and apply to be a kitchen maid.”

“All right, I know what to do, Mom,” said Little Lily determinedly.

For a better life in the future, she had to be excellent enough. Their lives had been difficult since she lost her father. Now that she had grown up, she had to share responsibility for the family. The seventeen-year-old girl clenched her fists.

…

In the blacksmith’s shop, Liszt watched the old blacksmiths craft the iron blocks with their apprentices.

Liszt devoted all the iron he earned in the deal with the black tulip to the manufacture of tools. The first to be built was the fishing equipment.

Shovels, hammers, and spikes—with them, the fishermen would be able to catch fish.