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T he castle was abuzz with rumors. Zelda had known for some time that she needed someone capable and loyal to take on the household manager’s role, someone who wouldn’t have any local ties or hidden agendas.

After intense negotiations and wheeling and dealing, she had secured the services of a promising city businessman named Marcus.

The guards watched curiously as a sleek, horseless carriage rolled up to the castle gates, a symbol of modern innovation and progress. Marcus stepped out, followed by an engineer and an assistant, his expression a mix of determination and curiosity.

Zelda greeted him in the castle yard with a business-like smile. “Marcus, welcome. I trust your journey was smooth?”

Marcus nodded. “Thank you, Lady Zelda. It was indeed. May I introduce my companions? This is Elias, our engineer, and Gory, my assistant.”

Elias and Gory nodded respectfully, their eyes taking in the grandeur of the castle and its surroundings.

“Good! I’ll get you up to speed over dinner. I have a lot of plans to talk about.”

The first few weeks were a learning curve for Marcus.

The castle’s operations were different from the city businesses he was accustomed to, and there was initial friction between him and the staff.

However, his dedication and work ethic soon began to show results.

He streamlined operations, introduced efficient practices, and slowly won over the skeptical staff.

Zelda was pleased. Marcus's loyalty, untainted by local alliances, was exactly what she needed, and he was good at his job. The engineer played a crucial role in modernizing the castle’s infrastructure and operations, bringing new technologies and innovations to the region.

Gaslights were only a start, although it would take time to implement all the ideas.

There was just one problem.

“He’s not a rival.”

Ozzy didn’t bother to hide his jealousy. “I’ll say. He’s no warrior.”

Zelda sighed. “You don’t need to assert dominance every time you see him.”

He just looked at her.

Zelda threw her hands up and walked away. Men!

It wasn't until Marcus took an interest in one of the local women that Ozzy began to grudgingly tolerate him. He still kept a close eye on Marcus, but the rivalry lost its edge.

“Thank God!” Zelda exclaimed when she realized what had happened. “That was getting old.”

Her uncle, who’d been a silent witness to the whole thing, just laughed.