27th Ashan, Arc 717, Morning
It was his job to organise the servants, as steward it was his responsibility. However, not only was it his responsibility and his job, it was something he enjoyed. He honestly did not mind taking the time out of his day to work with them. So after he finished his breakfast he was first off tot he kitchen to brief the staff their of their responsibilities and tasks for the next two trials. They would be vital in ensuring the guests were all kept happy and that the party had plenty of food for everyone attending. One of the worst things that could possibly happen was to run out of food, the only thing worse than rich guest was hungry and rich guests. Therefore he would inform the staff and make sure they did not slack on preparing food early and also making more on the night, this applied to the snacks as well as the main meal.
As he entered the kitchen carrying his empty bowl he also remembered he had to make sure that they were making appropriate and varied enough options. "Good morning, the oatmeal was delicious and the wild fruit jam you added in was wonderful. I think that should be what I have in more regularly, it really was enjoyable." He smiled at Cannie who as always thanked him for his kind words on her cooking. She was always appreciative of his words although with how seriously she took her cooking she much preferred constructive criticism but he honestly could not fault today's breakfast. "I know you like a little less pandering but today I really cannot fault it one bit Cannie." She let out a huff of air and waved her hand before fetching the boy, Ilrae, who assisted her in the kitchen.
On the next trial there would be extra servants his parents had hired to help out the normal household ones but Xander knew that Cannie could keep them in order and tell them what they had to do at that time. For now he just had to inform these two of the plans for the event. "So, as you both know tomorrow is the party. I am expecting the two of you to keep these kitchens in order and up to the speed in which they will need to be working. I have no doubt you can do it, you have in the past and I have the utmost faith in you. What have you got planned for the food?" He was of course curious what they had planned, he did love food after all and it was important their was enough options for the guests.
"We plan to roast two hogs for the main course, we will also be roasting potatoes and other assorted vegetables including carrots, parsnips and broccoli. There will also be the option of a nut roast for those who prefer not to eat meat." She knew this would appeal to Xander as he loved big hearty and homely meals such as a roast like she was describing. He also liked nut roast, yet with a hog roast available he would much rather have that. "For the snacks we will be offering roles of duck in wraps of flat bread with a sweet plum sauce, also salmon on soft biscuits and skewered cheese and fruits." Cannie was well organised and had clearly spent time on her plans, there was plenty on offer for the guests who would be attending. "Finally there will also be the offer of fruit salads, cakes and other assorted biscuits and sweet treats for dessert to those who want some." Xander smiled and nodded at the woman.
It was a good plan and with his mind settled that they could achieve a good evening he would take his leave. "That sounds wonderful, I am sure the guests will thoroughly enjoy it. Not to mention the enjoyment I will find in the meal myself. Now I will be off and you can return to working." Following that he exited the kitchen in search of Elisa, Helart and Enar. The three of them would be acting as serving staff at the party along with the others who his parents had hired being the main organisers of the festivities. It did not take him long to fond them all hard at work preparing the main hall for the guests, restocking the small bars at either side and removing anything expensive and breakable. It was a good plan to make sure there weren't any hundreds of arcs old vases that may be damaged in the party.
They all gathered in front of him once he made his presence aware to them. "Hello, I am glad to see you all already hard at work making preparations. You are already ahead now in the chores I was going to ask you to take. Really I just wanted to make sure you were all aware of the fact you will act as serving staff tomorrow and I want you to lead the other staff and make sure they act correctly, I do not know how good of a job my parents did in their hiring for tomorrow." Xander chuckled lightly to allow the servants to realise they too could laugh, even if they knew there was little to fear for them about Xander, he had hardly had to punish any of them in all their service. By that he had managed to gain their loyalty and respect. Without that loyalty and respect it matters little how skilled you are at planning or giving commands, without commanding their complete trust in you you can not succeed.
"I will be otherwise engaged tomorrow, greeting guests and spending the evening with Celeste. Therefore, it falls to you to not neglect your duties, Badon will be around to help but I am trusting you all to do your jobs. If there is anything I have learnt in my position as Steward it is that I can trust you all and that you work hard and with great skill." Xander smiled at the small group and as always he would gift them with a meal as good as his own after the party. They would be deserving of a hearty and filling meal, something to help them recover from walking and working all evening. He had found that treating your workers after they had done well only helped to solidify their trust and loyalty. In some ways it was like buying them off but he knew they respected him for who he was as well. His kind words and his fair actions, the servants trusted him to treat them right and protect them from the tyranny of his father at least.
The group agreed to do their best and to be kind and helpful to those attending as well as to keep the hired help organised on the night. So once he dismissed the group and allowed them to return to work it was next to Badon. He was going to play a major role in organising everyone. He exited to find the older man standing in the entrance hall, he was often there in case anyone came knocking. "Good trial Badon, I am sure you already know your jobs for tomorrow, you are the most experienced here and you have helped with more parties than I can remember. Therefore, you know I trust you to keep everything in order and to help me with greeting the guests, you are the man I will rely on tomorrow night as I am going to be rather busy." He knew he could trust this man more than any other and was lucky to have him in charge for the engagement party.
"Of course Lord Krome, you can rely on me to keep everything flowing smoothly. I will make sure it all goes off without a hitch and that you and your lovely bride to be have a great time." He looked around to make sure there was nobody there as he continued. '"Of course I know you actually hate these events so at least you will get a good meal out of it, don't forget to attempt some networking my Lord. You should make sure to keep healthy relationships if you wish to achieve your goals for the future." This was one of few people who knew his plans for the future and as the man who basically raised him and taught him his values his input is always appreciated by Xander.
With a nod and smile Xander expressed his thankfulness for having such a loyal slave in the house, one he could really trust to help him and do as he was entrusted too. "That is great thank you and I am sure you will be of great use tomorrow evening. I must be off now, Celeste is likely wondering where I am. Have a great day and keep an eye that everyone is doing their jobs if you would." He shook the butlers hand, he hadn't done so in a while they were normally in a less public place when they spoke and would then be more casual. Then he left the man to his duties readying himself to search for his fiance. It was going to be a long couple of days and little did he know now just how crazy the party night would really be.
