Outside the lavish villa at 22 Saint Martin Street in Trier's Soren District, a man who looked to be in his forties stood waiting to welcome his master.
He had unusually deep-set pale blue eyes and neatly combed, dyed-black hair. His bearing was elegant and refined; even at his age, he was the sort of man who made women look twice.
His name was Bowen Bennett. Helen had found him for Abner as a candidate for the position of butler, and he met Abner's requirements.
Though Bowen was a devout believer in the Earth Mother Goddess, one of his adopted sons had joined the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun and risen to the rank of bishop. To Helen, that made him a perfect fit for Abner's requirements: someone reliable who also had connections within the church.
A few days earlier, after their tour of the city-state in Groselle's Travels, Helen had lent Abner this mansion, not far from the Karen family's ancestral home, free of charge.
Now Abner entered the study on the mansion's third floor with Cecia and Butler Bowen.
"Sir, as instructed, I've hired ten maids, nine footmen, a cook, two gardeners, a coachman, and a coachman's assistant...
"The weekly cost for these servants is twenty fel.
"Also, the Family Servants Assistance Association has provided a list of candidates for housekeeper. You can choose one yourself."
With that, the butler handed Abner a booklet. He did not mention hiring a valet; Cecia's presence had given him the impression that his master preferred a personal maid.
Abner glanced through the booklet and put it down. Judging by their résumés alone, there was little to separate the candidates.
"Who would you recommend?" Abner asked with a smile.
Bowen seemed to have an answer ready, though he paused to think