Of course, compared to the fortune I’d rake in once I became a merchant guild leader someday, the amount wasn’t exactly huge. But for the salary of a live-in servant, this was top-tier—especially considering it had already been reduced by 20%. I nearly flung myself to the floor, shouting, “I’ll bury my bones in this castle!”
I managed to suppress my excitement, carefully taming my flaring nostrils, and put on an indifferent expression.
“Hmm, understood.”
“That’s all the details I had to cover. If you have any questions before we finalize the contract, please feel free to ask.”
“Then can I bring up a few things right now? There’s something I’d like to add to the contract terms.”
“Of course. What would that be?”
“Books. I’m pretty adaptable about most things, but I can’t survive without something to read. I’ll provide my own books, but it’ll be problematic if I have nowhere to store them. Can I secure enough space?”
It wasn’t exactly a common contract condition, but for me, it was absolutely essential. Just because I had gotten a job didn’t mean I had to abandon life’s greatest joy. Despite it being a rather presumptuous request from someone listed as “B” in the contract, Butler Almond seemed oddly delighted.
“Haha, there’s no need to worry about that. Our castle has an extensive library. In terms of scale, I’m confident it rivals any mansion in the capital. Reading is actually our master’s hobby, you see.”
“Really?”
Now, that’s unexpected. I had pegged him as the type who wouldn’t crack open a single book in his life. Perhaps sensing my unspoken thought, the Beast growled quietly.
“Do you have a problem with my hobby being reading?”
“No, no, of course not. I was just curious if I could use the library as well.”
“For a mere temporary employee to dare enter my library… There’s a limit to how shameless you can be.”
“So that’s a no?”
“…If even one book is damaged, you’ll take immediate responsibility.”
“Yes, yes, I’ll be extra careful.”
Why pretend to object if he was just going to agree anyway? He truly was impossible to figure out.
“Then, may we proceed with the contract as is?”
“Oh, just one more thing—this is super important. It needs your approval, employer-nim.”
“You certainly have many requests. Let’s hear it.”
“It’s about titles. You’re probably older than me, and according to the documents, you’re technically my superior, so I’ll speak respectfully. But unlike Butler Almond, I absolutely can’t call you ‘Master.’ Not even if there’s a knife at my throat.”
Calling another person “Master” made me feel like a slave. The modern self within me could never accept such an inhumane title.
“Then, what exactly will you call me?”
“Either by your first name or surname. I could add ‘-nim’ at the end if you’d like.”
“…Suit yourself.”
“Okay, great, the contract’s sealed! Um…by the way, what’s your name again?”
“You certainly asked that quickly.”
The Beast let out a sigh and rubbed his forehead, sweeping his large hand upward. As he brushed aside his shaggy mane, his piercing golden eyes fully emerged. The gaze that bore down on me was sharp and intense, like shards of shattered glass.
After a brief, silent stare, the man who was now officially my employer opened his mouth to speak.
“Kalz. Kalz Lion.”
For a brief moment, my heart fluttered oddly—as if I’d been momentarily enchanted. Annoyed at myself for reacting this way, I muttered irritably under my breath.
…What’s with the arrogant attitude over just saying your name?
But no matter how annoying he was, he was now undeniably my boss and, more importantly, my source of income.
“I see. Then should I call you Kalz from now on? Or maybe Lion?”
“Call me Kalz-nim.”
“Aha, Kalz-nim.”
So much for negotiation. But at least I managed to avoid calling him “Master.” That was a small victory I’d gladly take.
Right on cue, Butler Almond handed the contract to the Beast—no, Kalz.
“Then please sign here, both of you.”
Kalz scribbled his signature hastily at the bottom, without even glancing at the document.
Hey, you don’t have to look so reluctant about it. It’s not like I’m happily skipping around signing contracts either. Still, the conditions were far better than I’d expected, which eased my worries.
Just in case there were hidden pitfalls, I carefully examined the contract word by word, and quickly noticed something concerning.
[*Confidentiality Clause
All matters occurring within this mansion during the contract period must remain strictly confidential. ‘External parties’ refers to those unaware of the magic affecting the master and employees of this castle.]
“What happens if I break this confidentiality clause? Would my salary get docked?”
“It’s not that simple. The consequences are clearly stated right below. Violation will result in physical and mental constraints.”
Whoa, that’s some seriously ominous wording. Butler Almond helpfully clarified further:
“In simpler terms, violating confidentiality triggers a magical spell designed to inflict pain on the contractor.”
“Magic?”
I knew magic existed in this world, but officially, there were no magicians left in the Empire. I’d read in a book once that about thirty years ago, the emperor had ruthlessly persecuted magicians after losing a child to magic, effectively ending their legacy.
Magic, huh… I’d always wanted to see it in action at least once. My heart raced in anticipation, and I eagerly asked Almond another question.
“Who casts the magic? Don’t tell me there’s a magician hidden in the castle?”
“No, we’ll use an artifact.”
“Artifact? You mean a magical object? Can I see it?”
“Certainly. The very contract you’re holding right now, Briel-nim, is an artifact. The moment both of you sign, the magic will activate.”
This parchment was an artifact? Depending on their function, artifacts could cost as much as an upscale mansion. Knowing that, the parchment suddenly seemed even more luxurious.
“So…what kind of pain exactly gets inflicted if I break the clause?”
“We don’t know precisely. You’re the first employee hired since the curse was placed. But you seem unusually curious about this particular clause. You’re not planning on leaking information somewhere, are you?”
Kalz flashed his sharp fangs threateningly again, and I quickly shook my head in fervent denial.
“As if! I’m just checking for my own safety. Anyway, it says the confidentiality clause only applies during the contract period. What happens if I blab after the contract ends?”
“Planning something?”
“I already said I wasn’t.”
“Then what’s there to worry about?”
“It just seems strange to limit confidentiality strictly to the contract period. You’ll definitely let me go safely after two years, right?”
Or are you planning to quietly dispose of me beforehand? I mimed a throat-slitting gesture with an anxious expression, and he scoffed dismissively.
“Pointless worry. I doubt you’ll even last two years. But even if you do, by then…”
Kalz smirked mockingly, raising one corner of his mouth, but abruptly stopped speaking and frowned.
“In any case, I always keep my promises. If you don’t trust me, feel free to pick a different option.”
Another option? Like leaving this place as a corpse? Would you accept such a deal if you were me?
I deliberately looked away, pretending not to hear. Kalz clicked his tongue and waved dismissively, like shooing away a fly.
“Tsk, this is tiring. Hurry and sign the damn thing already.”
“My father always said anyone rushing you to sign before you’ve read the contract thoroughly is probably a scammer.”
“Talk all you like. But once you sign and officially become my employee, you’ll have to fix that disrespectful attitude of yours.”
“See, when you put it that way, it makes me even less inclined to sign.”
Despite my complaining, I quickly scanned the remaining clauses. No more issues. After confirming everything was fine, I neatly signed my name beneath Kalz’s rough scribble.
“…Huh, nothing special happened.”
“What did you expect, fireworks?”
Honestly, yes.
Shouldn’t there at least be sparkles or a gust of wind after signing a magical contract? My disappointment clearly wasn’t Kalz’s concern, as he loudly called the butler.
“Almond!”
“Yes, Master.”
“Show this clueless rookie everything he needs to know about his job. I don’t want any complaints later about him not being properly informed.”
“Understood.”
Come to think of it, he’d deliberately avoided my earlier question. Was he actually planning to finish me off after two years?
I’d better start preparing an escape plan early. If they casually used artifacts for mere employment contracts, there must be plenty of valuable items lying around. I’d carefully scout out any profitable decorations around the mansion while working.
As I hardened my resolve and began to follow Butler Almond out, a mocking murmur echoed behind me.
“Let’s see how long he lasts.”
If he intentionally said it loud enough for me to hear, he probably expected me to ignore it. Unfortunately for him, ignoring a taunt wasn’t in my nature.
Because I had a terrible temper.
I turned sharply back around, flashing a bright, obviously fake smile.
“Oh my, waiting around for two whole years will be tough on you, Kalz-nim. Make sure you pace yourself.”
“…You really never let anyone have the last word, do you?”
“Well then, I’ll be going now, Kalz-nim.”
As I turned to leave once again, I heard a crisp, cheerful metallic clang in my mind.
The battle’s officially begun, bastard.
