The morning began differently.
There was no urgency, no mission to complete. Even so, I woke up early. The habit had already become part of me. I got up, organized what I needed, and went down to the main hall.
The staff was already moving. Cleaning, organizing, preparing the kitchen. Everything working as it should.
But this time, I wasn't there just as someone who used the place.
I was the one in charge.
Lyannis appeared first, still with her usual carefree air. "You're already up?"
"Yes."
Rai'kanna came right behind, observing the environment. "We're not going out today?"
"No."
Scarlett came down in silence, but alert. "So it's an internal day."
Elara confirmed. "Management."
Vespera simply said: "Organization."
Liriel approached last. "You're going to handle things from here."
I nodded.
"Today I'm taking control of the mansion."
Lyannis leaned on the table. "Finally."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "It was about time."
Scarlett agreed. "You already have enough resources."
Elara said: "And growing responsibility."
Vespera completed: "It was inevitable."
Liriel smiled slightly. "And necessary."
I took a deep breath.
"Call everyone."
It didn't take long.
The staff began gathering in the main hall. One by one, they stood in front of me. Some curious, others a bit tense.
It was understandable.
Until now, the kingdom had been the one taking care of everything.
But that was going to change.
I observed each of them for a few seconds before speaking.
"From now on, I will directly take over the administration of the mansion."
Silence remained.
"This includes payment, organization, and operations."
One of the staff members stepped forward slightly. "Sir… does this mean the kingdom will no longer be responsible?"
"Exactly."
They exchanged quick glances.
It wasn't worry.
It was uncertainty.
"But it won't change how you work."
Lyannis watched from the side, silent.
Rai'kanna analyzed the reactions.
Scarlett maintained a firm posture.
Elara paid attention to every detail.
Vespera simply observed.
Liriel seemed calm.
"In fact… it improves it."
I picked up one of the bags of coins and placed it on the table in front of them.
The sound was enough to draw everyone's attention.
"I will pay directly."
A light murmur arose.
"And more than that…"
I opened the bag and separated some coins.
"You will receive a bonus."
Silence.
This time heavier.
"300 gold coins for each of you."
For a moment…
No one reacted.
Lyannis smiled slightly. "Now they get it."
Rai'kanna said quietly. "That's a lot."
Scarlett added. "Above standard."
Elara stated. "Much above."
Vespera analyzed. "Immediate impact."
Liriel simply watched, with a faint smile.
One of the staff members spoke hesitantly. "Sir… this is… much more than usual…"
"I know."
Another bowed slightly. "We… are grateful."
"Do your job as always."
Everyone bowed at the same time.
"Yes, sir."
I began distributing the coins.
One by one.
Without hurry.
Each staff member received them with visible surprise, some trying to hide it, others clearly emotional.
Lyannis commented quietly. "You just completely changed the atmosphere here."
"That was the goal."
Rai'kanna said: "Now they'll work differently."
Scarlett added: "More motivated."
Elara stated: "Strengthened loyalty."
Vespera said: "Increased efficiency."
Liriel looked at me. "They trust you now."
When I finished, everyone was still there.
More firm.
More confident.
"You can go back to work."
They quickly dispersed, but now there was something different in the way they moved.
Confidence.
Commitment.
I observed in silence for a few seconds.
Then I turned to the girls.
"Now then."
Lyannis asked: "Now what?"
"Now this place is truly mine."
Rai'kanna nodded. "No relying on anyone."
Scarlett said: "Total control."
Elara added: "Autonomy."
Vespera stated: "Consolidated foundation."
Liriel smiled. "And we're here."
I nodded.
The rest of the morning was dedicated to organization. I checked supplies, expenses, and overall operation. Nothing complex, but necessary.
Everything was in order.
And now…
Under my command.
When I finished, it was already late.
We gathered again in the hall.
Lyannis stretched in her chair. "It wasn't as boring as I thought."
Rai'kanna replied: "I still prefer fighting."
Scarlett said: "But this is important too."
Elara added: "Balance."
Vespera stated: "Growth."
Liriel looked at me. "You're building something."
I looked around.
The mansion.
The staff.
The group.
"Yes."
I paused briefly.
"And this is just the beginning."
The day wasn't over yet.
But one thing was already clear.
I was no longer just someone who fought.
Now…
I also commanded.