Chapter 12
Is it easy being a manager
I looked into Yarden's back and realized that Arietta would have to deal with herself today. On the one hand, it was a shame - there was another blow in the head to the lords' marriage plans. On the other hand, I still have time to show myself in all my glory, if they remain in the selection. But the task my father set is not easy. For example, I had no idea how to prepare rooms for guests. And I doubt that the knowledge of any of the lords was deeper than mine. Everyone had managers who solved such issues. What should I do?
- Is the King mocking us? - Liverani was the first to speak out. - Thinks we can't even organize a masquerade? Who does he think we are?
- Prove that you can do it, dear Lord," I couldn't stand it. - Since you are given such a chance.
I turned around and went to the exit. Reniard caught me in the corridor.
- How do you like the task? - I asked.
- It could be worse. - Reniard brushed off. - Nothing complicated, actually. No, of course, there will be a lot of guests at the masquerade, and it won't be easy either. But after Illusion and the search for an unknown plant, I was expecting at least a fight with the monster. Some lords, of course, are scarier than monsters, but they are people, you can cope with them.
- I have no idea where to start," I confessed.
- Let's go. It's going to be more fun for the two of us," he suggested, and he took me to his room.
We sat on the sofa in the living room. Reniard called in a servant and ordered:
- Have the manager come here with the number of alleged guests at the masquerade.
- Can we do that? - I asked.
- Why not? We need to know exactly what to prepare for. His Majesty also understands this, I am sure.
As an answer to Reniard's suggestion, a fat manager, Mr. Cedar, showed up at the door. He snorted at me, at Rena, and bowed to the floor.
- Gentlemen of the High Lords, how can I help you? - A sweet smile illuminated the round face.
- What is your name? - Reniard was interested.
- Rydrich Cedar, my lord," the fatty bowed again. - At your service.
- So, Cedar-san, as you certainly know, tomorrow we'll have to prepare a masquerade ball for His Majesty.
Cedar was throwing in like a dummy.
- Lord Cavernell and I will need information from you about how many guests will arrive, what rooms are allocated to them and if there are any preferences. I would also like to meet with the servants who will be under our command, but this is in the afternoon after Lord Cavernell has dined with her Highness.
Exactly! I am having lunch with Ari. We can at least have a few words if we can. Although I would prefer to take a walk in a remote place. But how clever is Wren talking to the manager! As if it were as natural for him as breathing. Delightful!
- It will be done, Lord Ayordan," Cedar replied. - How much time do I have to prepare the data?
- An hour.
Cedar bowed down and came out.
- We have an hour to rest. - Wren turned to me. - Shall we go for a walk? After all, no one forbade us to wander around the castle on our free days.
- Yes, of course.
I tried to turn my back as soon as possible so that Wren wouldn't notice his cheeks flashing. Yeah, I'm just a friend to him, a kid he's helping for some reason. But I'd like to be more than that... Not that I fell in love. No, I didn't fall in love at all! Not at all, I say! But with Wren, it was as if no problems could touch him when he was around. I wonder what Reniard would have said if he'd known who I really was? I wanted to know - and it was scary. What if he was angry and wouldn't forgive me? How difficult it is!
- Where shall we go? - Wren asked.
- You know, I was told there was a waterfall yard. I really want to see it. - I took him to one of my favorite places.
It was truly amazing! It was created for my father by one of the magic sculptors in gratitude for his help. As far as I knew, this sculptor's wife was ill and no one could help her. Then he turned to the king, and her father called a healer from the White Mountains for her. The woman recovered, and the palace had the greatest miracle.
We passed through a narrow corridor and got into a small courtyard. We couldn't see the high fences here. Instead, fountains and waterfalls overflowed. And in the center, there were benches to admire the beauty and stay dry under the cover of spells.
The morning was sunny, and the bright rays were playing in the water jets. The splash of the waterfalls was soothing as if the music were pleasant. Wren stopped enchanted.
- I can't believe it," he whispered.
- Yes, it's great," I said. I really wanted to hold his hand, but this gesture would be misinterpreted by a friend. I had to order myself to stand still.
- The palace opens up for me from a new angle. - Reniard smiled. - I didn't think it was so beautiful here. I will miss it.
- Me, too. - I imagined I'd have to leave the house forever if one of the lords did win. I will never marry them! Maybe I'll go to Ayordan. I confess to Renu, he will not refuse to help. I wanted to believe it.
- Who told you about this yard? - Wren asked. - You found your way with such confidence.
- Her Highness, of course," I said. - She likes to be here, too.
- Does she?
- Yes, this is her favorite place. That's what she said. It's a pity that we can't forget about the selection and stay here.
- I agree with you, Elias. Come on, the manager will be back soon, and we have a lot of work to do.
If Wren will help me with it, why not? I can handle it! I confidently spread my shoulders and went back for Reniard. Just in time to get back on the familiar sofa when the manager with the large folder showed up.
- That's what you asked for, my lord," he reported, handing over the file to Ren.
- The total number of guests is two hundred people exactly. The folder contains a list of guests and special preferences. And if there's anything else I can do for you, just say the word.
- Nothing so far," Wren has opened the folder. - Thank you, Mr. Cedar. You can go now.
I took a sneak peek at the sheets of paper, and I was snapped. What I saw: "Lady Victoria Orinbau prefers yellow flowers, her husband - burgundy. Lady Lavinia Wvingale demands that there should always be a glass and a carafe with water on the bedside table.
Will it all have to be remembered?
- Shall we begin? - Rena, it seems, did not frighten this pile at all. - Elias, you need to choose a single design for the rooms, distribute the servants and make minimal adjustments according to the wishes of the lords and ladies. Try to choose something that would suit everyone. And you can add the little things later.
I almost grabbed my head, but Reniard got up and took clean sheets from the table:
- Here, this is for notes. When you decide on the overall design, let's work together. And I will try to come up with something for the meeting.