The Head of Staff's room was past the kitchen and down the hall. Even in the early morning, Edwin was perched at the edge of his chair, scanning the finalized documents on his desk. He traced the lines and felt satisfied with the two most recent purchases that he had made for Master Moore. In truth, he had had most of the property sales already waiting in their final state, simply waiting for approval.

Two small windows at the back of the room gave a pleasant view of the backyard and now-empty training area. Beams of morning light splashed against the nearby wall as he tapped his finger on the paper.

Edwin couldn't help but wonder if he should look at getting a bit of help. With the guaranteed addition of these two properties and the potential for two more soon to follow, he wondered if even his enhanced self could keep up with such a workload or if more staff should be brought in on retainer.

In the background, a video played from his half-closed laptop, playing a live podcast segment filled with anxious energy. The main speaker was currently rereading the martial law declaration for the third time, though the reactions seemed no less subdued.

The secondary host chuckled nervously and attempted to make a joke that fell quite flat. They suggested a new life as a farmer might provide safety from the increasing chaos in the Safe Zones. However, they realized that the potential for actual monster attacks from broken Rifts would spell almost certain death for the unawakened.

Edwin couldn't share in the fake laughter.

He could feel the tension rising. With an announcement like this and such strict measures being enforced within all the Safe Zones, many people would prefer to take their chances in the wilds. To him, people flooding out from the Safe Zone and into the surrounding countryside meant it was a potential problem for him.

It was certainly a bad time for Master Moore and his companions to be away. The one consolation was that he had taken the time to approve the hiring of two guards for the mansion, who had only just begun to get settled in the previous night.

He turned off the podcast and felt that the odd sense of tension that followed was more relaxing than reading a declaration on curfews, checkpoints, and regulations.

He stood, moved to the mirror, and began putting on his work attire. As he did so, Edwin couldn't help but admire the changes in his physique. Even as he buttoned his vest, he could feel the difference in the muscles of his stomach and chest, which had previously turned flabby and soft in his old age. It made him thankful each morning to Master Moore and the opportunities that the system brought with it, and its integration. He considered his newfound strength and how much easier it had made each and every day, bringing a brightness back to the work he loved so much.

Taking a deep breath, he stretched from left to right with his arms over his head before releasing it explosively. Adjusting his clothes again, he studied his reflection and pushed aside the worry as it crept back in.

Master Moore and his friends had been gone for a full day now, though he knew that to them, it would have felt closer to eight days having passed. He hoped they were safe and resolved to have the estate as prepared as possible for his return.

Before stepping out of his room, Edwin pulled up his status screen to see the changes that had taken place over the last two months since awakening in the Rift.

Satisfied with his progress, Edwin grabbed the brush from the dresser beside the door and ensured that his mustache was in its proper shape before striding from the room. His shoes clicked down the hallway, across the mudroom, and into the kitchen, where Ms. Cruz was already beginning her morning preparations.

“Good morning, Ms. Cruz,” Edwin said.

“G’morning, Boss,” Gabby said with a wave of her spatula. “Hmm. I already call Mr. Moore, Boss. You both can’t be Boss… maybe he should be Big Boss.”

Edwin sighed. “Ms. Cruz. That is not the proper form of address for the head of the house.”

“You think Mr. Boss would work better?” she asked, her face the picture of pure innocence.

There was a moment of silence as he stared at her, unsure if she was attempting to tease him as she often did, or if she’d been sent there as a cruel twist of fate.

A slight twitch in his mustache might be seen by those paying close enough to his mannerisms, though Edwin’s thoughts were interrupted as he felt a gentle tugging in his core. It moved him near the counter, though he wasn’t quite sure his trait was attempting to show him.

After the last two months, he’d grown to trust the strange magic enough to wait and see.

Gabby returned to cooking after Edwin asked her to wait a moment, and soon enough, the Grants came down the stairs. As they turned to the dining room and made their way toward the delicious smells of breakfast, Edwin understood.

“Oh, Linda!” Gabby exclaimed. She turned to the left quickly, and the pitch of her voice rose in excitement as the small blonde woman entered the room. As she did so, the corner of her apron caught on the handle of the pan and pulled it from the stovetop.

Prepared as he was, Edwin quickly caught it by the handle before it could completely slide from the hot surface. He suppressed a satisfied smile as he placed it back in its place while intentionally turning the handle to the side.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Grant. I hope the rooms were to your liking,” he gave them a sympathetic smile.

Linda helped her husband into the kitchen, acting as a stabilizer for the side opposite his cane. Both of them appeared to have slept little and were clearly in need of food. Aware that this wasn’t his area of expertise or the appropriate time to broach the morning’s agenda with them, he decided to do his rounds of the estate while they finished waking up.

Edwin completed his morning checks around the property with efficiency. He checked the alarm system, confirmed the new guards were settling in and knew which was on duty for the afternoon to speak with them later, and he inspected the renovations that were due to begin later that day on Master Moore’s study. Each inspection was accompanied by a small notation in his pocket ledger.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

He’d noticed how much sharper his mind had become since increasing his stats. He felt the ledger was less needed, and it was just more of an established habit at this point.

The sun climbed higher as he walked the property line and noted the general directions of the two adjacent properties that had been purchased.

With everything in order, Edwin returned to the kitchen. He found the Grants sipping coffee while Gabby vigorously whisked something in a large bowl. The radio played quietly in the background, and all three of them listened to the serious news of the martial law declaration.

Edwin cleared his throat. “Ms. Cruz, I believe we should discuss our inventory. With the new regulations, deliveries will likely be delayed. All vendors will need to become established through Hunters Association distributors, which will take some time. Just be mindful of what you choose to serve and the portions.”

Gabby’s whisking slowed as she looked up at him. “Hmm, well, that’s a shame. Nothin’ to be done about it, though.”

“Indeed. And Mrs. Grant,” Edwin turned. “I’ve received notice that access to some of the glass and structural materials will be suspended pending inspection. We should adjust your timelines accordingly and be generous with the estimated dates to establish the greenhouse. There are other things that we can work to obtain in the meantime, so this may not set us back too terribly much.”

“How are we supposed to prepare the greenhouse without the greenhouse, though?” Her fingers tightened around her mug.

“I’ve taken the liberty of creating an alternate supply list.” Edwin presented a document from the inner pocket of his vest. “I’ve also made contact with several private suppliers who operate from warehouses outside of the Safe Zone. It’ll be more expensive, but there shouldn’t be any problems.”

The Grants acknowledged his points and assistance, soon turning to talk among themselves about the project that they were throwing themselves into.

He left the kitchen and made his way to the foyer of the mansion. The newly hired security personnel had begun their first full day of rotations, and Edwin knew John had the shift for that day.

Leaving the building and walking down the front steps, he found John Riley near the gate. He surveyed the surroundings with a critical eye, and Edwin could tell that he was competent with the spear he carried, just by the way he moved with the weapon. The young man had a strapping frame and athletic build that would make Edwin jealous if it weren’t for his own recent changes.

“Mr. Riley,” Edwin greeted him. He maintained proper formality, despite the man’s previous insistence on a first-name basis.

“HOLY—” John jumped slightly and almost fumbled his spear before regaining his grip on it and swiftly dipping into a combat-ready stance as he pivoted. As the surprise wore off, color rose to his cheeks, and he stood. “You sure you don’t have a ninja class, Edwin? That was terrifying. You didn’t make a single sound.”

“Of course not, sir. I trust the accommodations have been satisfactory.”

“Huh? Oh, yes. Thank you. The place is nicer than anywhere I’ve stayed before, that’s for sure. I had no idea that Alex lived like this.”

“Excellent. I require your assistance this morning in visiting the newly acquired properties. Master Moore completed the purchases yesterday, and I’d like to assess their condition. With everything that’s happened recently, I’d appreciate your presence in case any protection were needed.”

John agreed easily, and the drive to the first property took only a few minutes. The house sat on a modest but well-maintained land, backing into more woodland that butted against the existing property. There were no signs of disturbance or occupation since their tour the week before. The pristine hardwood floors caused their footfalls to echo through the empty home as they checked each door and window.

“Looks secure,” John said casually as he checked the garage door a second time.

“Indeed. Let us proceed.”

The second property was the larger of the two and stood further from the main road. The driveway was long and winding, giving ample privacy. However, as they approached, they could see movement through the front windows.

“It appears we have uninvited guests,” Edwin said to himself. He let out a breath, hoping that this wouldn’t be something that they’d need to deal with so soon.

John’s posture shifted. “Want me to handle it?”

“No. You are here as a protective measure only, Mr. Riley. I’ll manage the conversation.”

The front door to the large house opened before they’d reached it. A stocky man with close-cropped hair and a scruffy beard stepped out onto the porch, followed by four others who stepped out and leaned against the wall or door frame. Their casual posture and confidence told Edwin that they wouldn’t be the kind to listen to reason, though he’d try, nonetheless.

“Can I help you?” The gruff man asked while crossing his arms.

Edwin noted the detail of his large, crossed forearms as a clear sign he wasn’t likely open to hearing how to help. Sighing internally, showing no outward sign of displeasure, Edwin straightened to his full height. “Good morning. I am Edwin Hartley, and I manage the estates for Alexander Moore, who is the legal owner of this property. May I inquire as to your business here?”

There were a few chuckles and pfft’s from those leaning around the door. The man exchanged a smile with them and pointed his thumb toward Edwin with a shrug of his shoulders. “We’re just keepin’ an eye on the place. Lots of looters around since the announcement, ya know? Abandoned houses are prime targets.”

“I appreciate your concern,” Edwin replied smoothly, “but I must inform you that this property was already purchased and is now under my employer’s management. It is not abandoned.”

The only woman of the group stepped forward with a slightly worried look on her face. “We been here three days. Place was empty when we found it.”

John shifted his weight and drew their attention at the same time that she stepped forward. The front man assessed him with slightly narrowed eyes, but none of them moved from the porch.

“Perhaps we can reach an accommodation,” Edwin offered in his normal tone. “We could consider a temporary rental arrangement while the house remains unoccupied, with proper documentation to legitimize your residency. If or when you’re asked to leave, employment may also be offered.”

The leader snorted. “How about this instead? You pay us for keeping this place safe while your boss hides in his own house. Far as I see it, we’re providing you a service.”

Edwin noted the man’s tone. It wasn’t malicious, but that of an opportunistic vagrant. The group had likely fled the increasingly restrictive Safe Zone to seek shelter and advantage. They found what appeared to be a very nice, empty, and abandoned house, and decided to claim it.

“I see your position,” Edwin replied without emotion. “Let me return with the proper paperwork to formalize an arrangement that we can both agree on. We can discuss fair compensation for your… services.”

The stocky man looked at Edwin carefully before nodding. He seemed satisfied with himself and that he’d apparently turned the situation around on Edwin.

The butler turned smoothly and walked back to the car with a straight back. John followed closely behind, waving to the group as he went.

“They’re gonna be a problem,” John said as they got into the SUV and reversed.

Edwin slid into his seat and kept his expression neutral, careful not to betray anything to a curious onlooker. “Indeed. But problems have solutions, Mr. Riley. Always.”

They drove back to the main house, and Edwin reminded John to stay posted near the house and to perform routine checks of the perimeter.

Edwin moved around the house throughout the day and checked his personal watch as it ticked away the afternoon hours. He updated his estates ledger, checked the accounts, coordinated construction crews as they moved in old stones to replace the ones that molded the outer wall of Master Moore’s office, and coordinated with his own suppliers to obtain the materials that his employer had asked for.

As the sun set, John brought him a report of some foot traffic near the back fence, which caused him to add another entry to his growing list of concerns.

In the foyer, he heard the repair crew talking as they hoisted materials up the covered stairs. After long hours of work, they finished and began to clean up, whereupon Edwin presented the foreman with an envelope.

“Hazard pay, for your men. Thank you for your work and being willing to come outside of the Safe Zone for this.”

The foreman pocketed the envelope with a grateful nod. “Appreciate it, but this is our last job out here. Family’s moving into the Safe Zone. Hopefully, with those increased measures for protection, the riots will stop and the food situation will get worked out.”

One of the other workers snorted. “I’m getting out of here. Goin’ to my cousin’s upstate.”

“I see,” Edwin said. “May I ask why?”

“You seen all those checkpoints? Heard the radio? This place’ll be a war soon. Hunters Association just makin’ sure nobody important gets out first.”

Edwin suppressed the desire to raise his eyebrow.

The crew departed with mumbled goodbyes, and as they left, Edwin stood on the porch and watched them load up their two vans.

He made another note in his ledger and stood there for many minutes after they had left. The cool air calmed his mind, and he breathed deeply through lungs that felt twenty years younger than they should have.

As the sun crested the trees behind the property, Edwin did a final lap and ended back where he’d started. He looked up and was startled to see the silhouettes of several people standing at the edge of the property line. They didn’t move or attempt to gesture at him, though they surely saw each other.

They watched. Their presence was enough of a statement in its own right. One in particular stood out. A round figure that looked as big as two of the others, and a slight slip of a girl at the edge of the five figures.

Edwin shook his head and simply removed his ledger. He moved the “Deal with vagrants” to the top of his to-do list and returned to the house, wondering how Master Moore and Samuel were faring in their Rift.