Hearing Severin’s request, both Markus and Samuel seemed somewhat taken aback. This had obviously been outside their expectations. The confusion didn’t last long, however, and for a short moment, the former almost seemed to be delighted.

Severin didn’t miss this reaction but decided it proved nothing regarding Markus’ motives; it didn’t necessarily mean that Markus wanted to plant a spy and was now delighted because of this unique opportunity. If anything, Severin expected Markus to remain more composed, if that was truly the case.

Not that it truly mattered, anyway.

“That’s it?” Markus asked incredulously, making sure this wasn’t just the first request of many.

“Hm.” Severin Nodded in affirmation.

“Well. That should be easy enough, then. But I have to admit I’m rather curious. Why don’t you hire someone yourself? I have no doubt that someone with your capabilities could easily handle something so trivial themselves.”

‘If only it was this easy,’ Severin helplessly thought to himself. He still appreciated the flattery.

“To be honest, I simply prefer staying within the premises of my shop.” In the past, this would’ve been a lie. Faced with learning the extent of his own health pool, Severin didn’t know if it still was. “Then there is my assistant. I don’t want to needlessly burden her with everything in my absence. And with me still being relatively new here, I figured I might as well rely on somebody I can trust and who is already established in this area.” Severin didn’t shy away from making up several excuses right on the spot while at the same time returning some pleasantries. Until he thought of a more satisfactory explanation. “Besides, I’m still expecting a delegation sent by the Adventurer’s Society.”

“Right!” Based on Samuel’s understanding exclamation, it seemed Krey didn’t deem it necessary to hide this information.

As it turned out, the Society was big enough of a deal that no further explanations were needed as to why someone would go out of their way to welcome them personally. Not that anyone expected such explanations in the first place.

“As I said, it shouldn’t be a problem to find someone suitable. That being said, what exactly are you looking for in an employee? Any special skills? Maybe some experience in the kitchen or in a laboratory?” Markus obviously considered Severin’s current situation. The latter hesitated for a moment.

“Someone without a class. That’s the most important thing.”

The two men didn’t seem all that surprised. Emily’s transformation from a dirty street urchin to a valued assistant who was perfectly capable of crafting all of Severin’s products had apparently been enough to prepare them for this answer. Instead, Samuel reminded, “Most cooks are classless to begin with.”

‘Right. Cook doesn’t mean [Cook].’ Severin hesitated again, making for an awkward pause. He was unsure how much to reveal and how much to conceal.

‘I guess it’s not really important. Imposing arbitrary restrictions might only serve to unnecessarily limit the choice of potential candidates.’ Thinking things through, the answer was obvious. Furthermore, he feared that his hesitation had already rendered all attempts at misdirection moot, anyway.

“No need.”

Markus slowly nodded as if understanding something and shared a quick glance with the [Berserker] next to him.

“What age?”

Severin had actually given this question some thoughts already. “Doesn’t really matter. No one too frail, I suppose. We are not exactly dealing with physical labor, but I expect things to get rather busy. Especially in the kitchen.” He stroked the stubbles on his chin.

“Maybe someone older than Emily. More mature.” He felt a bit guilty not wanting to hire someone in Emily’s age group but wasn’t sure whether the girl would even appreciate the gesture in the first place. All in all, it was simply not worth it.

The next question followed immediately.

“Gender?”

This time Severin was so sure how to answer. He felt tempted. Especially in conjunction with the previous question. His thoughts began to wander for quite some time.

Until he snapped out of it when he felt several judging glances on him.

“Hehe,” with a hint of self-deprecation, he laughed dumbly to himself and he waved off the question. “Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter!” His repeated assurances did very little to convince anyone. Seeing Severin’s red face, Samuel couldn’t quite hide a grin. Markus, on the other hand, managed to remain more professional. He continued to work through his checklist.

“Alright. And how many people exactly are you looking forward to hire? And for how long?”

Severin was grateful for the comparatively innocuous question. “Just one for now. Long term.”

He hadn’t missed that the number of people the System allowed him to hire hadn’t just gone up by one, but two. Still, he decided to take things slowly. Step by step. Not only did he think it prudent to first get to know whoever it was Markus would send his way, but he also didn’t want to fully commit himself and make a choice he would later regret. Who knows what opportunities might arise in the future?

“Hmm. So, no real requirements, huh? Then let’s talk about compensation. Salary. Board and lodging. These kinds of matters. You understand.”

“Board and lodging are obviously included. Mandatory even. As for the salary, I would consider it rather generous. Anything more specific than that, I fear, has to be discussed with the other party directly.

All I can say on the matter is that I require any employee to sign a magical contract. Voluntarily, of course.”

“That’s… let’s say, unusual. Most people try to avoid such contracts, so it might take a bit longer to find someone suitable. And willing.“ Despite these words, no one seemed too surprised by Severin’s demands, if maybe a bit disappointed. Severin ignored the probing looks and breathed a sigh of relief. His gamble paid off. ‘So magic contracts really are a thing!’

Realizing that Severin wasn’t going to satisfy his curiosity, Markus began talking again. “I guess if you don’t have anything else to add, conditions or comments or the like or the like, that should be it.”

“Thank y…”

“Wait a moment,” Samuel suddenly interrupted from the side.

“What is it?”

“What about race?”

“Right! Forgot about that.”

“Race?”

If previously his face had been red in shame, suddenly it was flushed red in excitement.