Hired
1417 Words
Alexander entered Natalie’s mansion and to his surprise, it was tidy and cleaner than what he saw from the outside. There was a lingering sweet aroma wafting through the air that reminded him of something homely but pleasant.
"Please sit there, I'll grab some food for you," Natalie motioned to a large wooden chair in the foyer before leaving.
As Alexander sat on the comfortable couch, he couldn't help but take a peek into the dining room, noting the clean table. The chairs were polished and well taken care of, making Alexander wonder how often such a house is cleaner on the inside but messy on the outside? Well, factoring in possible solutions, it must've been her not having a household servant.
He confirmed this by looking around, there was no sign or hint that Natalie is living with another person.
Five minutes later, Natalie returned with a freshly baked pie. She held two plates in one hand, carrying a tray filled with three forks, spoons, and glasses with the other. He watched silently as she carefully placed each item on the table in front of him. When she handed him his plate.
Seeing that kindness from a spoiled villainess has taken Alexander aback. Which confused him. Normally in the game, she would only show an arrogant and spoiled expression but what he is seeing here? It felt as though she was a different person than what she was designed for in the game.
Could it be that the game ended and hence her program changed? Was it possible? Shouldn't it be consistent with her coding? Alexander can't tell as he doesn't have much knowledge about game development.
"Please eat while it's hot," Natalie said as she sat down and took small bites of her own pie.
Alexander nodded as he stared at the plate in front of him. He could hear the crinkle of the crust under the fork and the soft scraping sound of the cutlery against metal. He slowly began picking up a fork.
It's been a while since he ate actual food. This is delicious! The first bite made his heart feel full. It had a light texture with just enough firmness to keep the filling from being too mushy.
"It's delicious, thank you, ma'am," Alexander politely replied, looking over at Natalie who gave him a slight smile, pleased with his reaction. Alexander looked back down at the dessert and quickly grabbed another fork, taking a quick nibble.
The second bite tasted even better and was followed by another bite. After the third piece was gone, Alexander finished the entire dish in seconds. He did' realize how hungry he really was until then, but now he feels like there's more hunger gnawing at him. He looks back over at Natalie again.
What did you put in this pastry? Did you add cinnamon and vanilla extract or sugar and cream? Why does everything taste so good and look so heavenly?
"I'm happy that you liked it," Natalie blushed, tucking her hair behind her ears. "Do you want me to make another?"
"No, no!" Alexander fumbled his hand out, waving his hands frantically. "That's quite alright, I am truly full...it's also embarrassing if I ask for more," Alexander chuckled nervously. He could feel the heat rising from his neck all the way to his face.
"Okay, I'll clean the table now. We'll start the job interview once I'm done with the dishes."
Alexander nodded, watching as Natalie hurried off to do just that. The thought of starting an interview suddenly crossed his mind and he wondered how many people tried to take the job offer? There is a possibility that a story where no one took the job was a ruse. Alexander isn't the type of person who would believe hearsay or rumors. In fact, it seems as though no one applied for a job. Because if they see her being hospitable to the person she just met, they'll surely fall for her charms.
"I'm done," Natalie announced as she wiped her damp hands with a kitchen towel, drying them on the cloth.
"I'm ready, ma'am," Alexander straightened his posture and cleared his throat, trying to look as formal as possible.
Natalie sat across Alexander and inquisitive gazes similar to the passerby earlier. Her eyes scan Alexander up and down and noticed something out of place.
"You haven't told me where you came from Alexander West...what kingdom are you from?"
This was it, the start of the interview. Alexander racked his brain for a believable backstory. According to the game's settings, Capturing the Prince's Heart has four different kingdoms. They are Zaburg Kingdom, Brirene Kingdom, Yeven Kingdom, and the Solcier Kingdom.
Each kingdom has different culture and language so the three kingdoms are off the table. The Solcier Kingdom however is possible and could tell her that he lives in the village. But, his uniform will give it away. There was no easy answer so Alexander braced for the worst.
"Well, prior to my arrival in this village, I was stricken with an accident that affected my memories, like I couldn't remember where my home was or how I got here. The moment I woke up, I was just in this village. So I apologize if I couldn't give you an answer but I assure you that I'm a person who bears no ill-intent," Alexander bowed his head low in apology. His words seemed sincere enough and that should be enough to convince her otherwise.
After a couple moments of silence, Natalie let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "You don't have to apologize, Alexander. If that was the case then it is fine. However, do you have some sort of documents or identification card in you?"
"Identification card?" Alexander repeated. He does have one id but it's his school I.D. Would that be acceptable?
Nevertheless, Alexander took his identification card from his pocket and handed it to her.
Natalie examined Alexander's ID and scanned it. A small gasp escaped from her lips as she read the contents of his ID.
"What on Earth is this? It has an image of you and has colors...the letters were written perfectly, who made this?" Natalie asked, bewildered.
"The university where I am studying," Alexander answered simply.
"But, I haven't heard of this university before in the Kingdom of Solcier. You just said to me that you're from this village but this identification card shows a name of a school that doesn't exist anywhere near here either," Natalie said as she looked at Alexander with great suspicion.
Alexander gulped. He just forgot the circumstances he was in. He was now in another world, not in his world.
"Well as much as I would like to explain to you what happened to me...I just can't," Alexander reasoned and continued. "As I've said earlier, I was in an accident that affects my memory."
"Then how did you get here? There's no way you just found yourself in my mansion, right?" Natalie pressed.
"Well, words on the street said that you're hiring a butler. I don't have a place to stay since I was struck by an accident and I don't have money. I figured that by working in a job, I could solve my problems," Alexander explained with a dash of a lie.
Natalie sighed, seemingly convinced by his fabricated story.
"Okay, let's move on. What skills do you have?"
"Skills?" Alexander repeated.
"Do you know how to cook? Wash the dishes? Clean?" Natalie said.
"Well, I can pretty much do anything, ma'am," Alexander confidently said.
"Well, if you say that, I think I have no reasons to decline your application," Natalie smiled, standing up from her seat. "As you know, the pay is 1,000 per month. You'll perform household chores every day."
"Wait...does that mean I'm hired?" Alexander asked.
"Yes, you're hired," Natalie announced, making Alexander smile.
"Thank you, ma'am!"
"Well, let me show you to your room," Natalie said, leading the way up the stairs. "This is your room."
She opened the door and entered, showing Alexander the room.
There were two beds. One large, the other medium-sized. Two dressers, a wardrobe, a desk with two chairs, a small couch, and a table complete the decor.
It was exquisite like he couldn't believe that a butler would be able to sleep here.
"Thank you, ma'am,"
"Don't address me as ma'am, it makes me uncomfortable. Just call me Natalie. And it's no problem, Alexander."
"Oh, uh, then, Natalie..."
- Writer
