The smell of strong alcohol filled the air as a woman carefully poured a bottle over the man's sliced shoulder.
"What happened to you?"
"A pipe fell on my hand. Apparently, someone didn't do their job properly."
"David, maybe it's time you found another job—something that actually fits you."
David sighed. "I tried, I really tried. But unless you're a noble, my education means nothing."
She clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "There must be something you can do. It can't all be for nothing…" She smiled as she placed a letter in front of him.
The seal on the letter was familiar.
"House Maddach!" he gasped, jumping to his feet.
Months ago, he had sent a letter with his résumé to the House, but he had received no response. There was always a chance that this was just a rejection letter, but if they had taken the time to reply at all… that could only mean one thing.
"What if it's nothing? What if it's just a rejection?"
"Don't be stupid. Open it." She chuckled.
Without waiting, he tore the envelope open, unfolding the paper inside. As he read the words, his hands clasped together.
"Thank the Emperor!"
Ava's eyes widened. "You got a job?!"
"I did! As an advisor!" His expression suddenly darkened. "Granted, it's for the Lord of Gluttony."
"It's still a job! Do you know anyone who has ever gotten a position in a noble House? And you got one in House Maddach!" She hugged him.
Major Houses like House Maddach usually hired lesser nobles from minor houses or lesser noble families.
For a commoner to be given a job at even a noble institution was rare.
To work directly for a Major House was life-changing.
***
House Maddach's guards stood at the gate, both of them staring at David.
"I have a letter for a job." He pulled out the paper and showed it to them.
"For Liam Maddach?" One of the guards laughed.
"That's me."
Liam stood behind the gate.
The guards looked back and saw him in the flesh.
Most of the House Maddach staff, aside from an unlucky few, had never encountered Liam in person, due to his habit of never leaving his room.
Without hesitation, the guards opened the gate, not even bothering to apologize.
"Good luck…" one of them whispered in David's ear.
As Liam started walking, David followed. "My fief, I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me."
"And I am grateful that you are here," Liam replied.
David was taken aback.
With all the rumors surrounding the Lord of Gluttony, he had expected silence—or worse, some degrading response.
He had also heard that Liam stank and had no care for his appearance.
Yet, seeing him now, dressed cleanly in a well-fitted suit, smelling of fine cologne, it was clear that those rumors were wrong.
Maybe they were exaggerated.
"How good are you with Imperial law?"
"Uh… very. I scored perfectly on the test."
"Good. Good…"
As they entered the library, Liam gestured toward a table stacked with documents.
"I'll tell you your first task. If you fail, you lose the job. If you succeed, you get paid. Do you understand?"
"A test, then?"
"No. Your job."
Liam took a deep breath.
"Not many people know this yet, but I will be disowned by House Maddach."
David cursed under his breath. 'Why now?!'
He had been grateful for this opportunity, but it seemed like every time life gave him something, it came with a price.
His studies in law? Worthless due to the restrictions imposed by noble institutions.
And now this.
"Your job is to find—somewhere in these House Accords—a way for me to retain my nobility. I keep my title, you keep your job."
David hid his sigh and nodded. "I will try my best."
"If possible, by tonight."
'That's just... great.' David thought, but instead, he simply said, "Yes, my fief."
***
The gate was now opened wide, and House Maddach's soldiers, numbering in the hundreds, secured the area.
Another hundred marched along the walls.
Patiently, Baron Gorath stood before the entrance, gazing up at the sky.
The white clouds turned blue as a ship descended with a low hum.
He leaned toward the Calculor. "Is everything ready?"
"It is, my Lord. I have personally ensured every detail."
"Are there any security concerns?"
"None."
There was no real need to ask Calculor Cheng these questions—it was just a formality.
As the ship landed before the gate, Cheng stepped back, clasping his hands together.
Then, the ship's backdoor lowered slowly.
Imperial Troopers descended first, escorting a man dressed in blue-and-gold robes, his head wrapped in a folded headdress adorned with the crest of the God Emperor.
Seeing the emblem, Baron Gorath lowered his head and clasped his hands together.
"Praise the Immortal, All-Knowing, and Gracious God Emperor, who has blessed us with his Voice, the Vox Imperium," he declared.
"Praise the Immortal, All-Knowing, and Gracious God Emperor!" the soldiers and Cheng echoed in unison.
The Vox Imperium stepped forward, his chin high.
"Lead the way."
Bowing his head and raising his clasped hands, Gorath obeyed.
As he led the Vox Imperium to the meeting chamber, he made sure to walk in complete silence, ensuring that no one else was in the way.
This allowed him to avoid unnecessary conversation.
There were many protocols to follow, and Calculor Cheng had drilled this particular one into him:
"When walking with the Vox Imperium, do not engage in conversation. Do not make any noise."
The Baron clenched his teeth. He had a habit of small talk, but he was not about to go against Cheng's advice.
They reached the doorway to the meeting chamber.
For a split second, Gorath nearly mouthed, "Here, your Grace."
But biting down just in time, he caught himself.
The Vox Imperium took his seat at the Baron's table.
Only then did Gorath speak.
"I am honored by your presence, Your Grace. We are humbled that you would visit our—"
The Vox Imperium raised a hand, silencing him.