Chapter 8: [Hozier]

When I arrive, Margaret is there to receive me. She greets me professionally, offers to have someone help with my belongings, and directs me towards the area where I will be staying.

I thank her, relieved that she is considerably easier to approach than the man who interviewed me, Mr. Scowlface.

Margaret explains that she will show me around the household and introduce me to the people I’ll be working alongside. Her manner is polite and composed, and although she doesn’t immediately treat me like a friend, she makes an effort to ensure I understand where everything is and whom I should approach if I need assistance.

As she leads me through the estate, I begin to appreciate just how large the residence is. The corridors seem to stretch endlessly, several rooms are considerably more elaborate than anything I’ve encountered in my previous living arrangements, and the number of doors makes me wonder how long it will take to become familiar with the entire property.

Margaret shows me the staff dining room, the laundry facilities, the storage areas for cleaning supplies, and the rooms I will be expected to maintain.

She also explains the household schedule and introduces me to the other staff members who are present. I make an effort to remember their names and responsibilities, greeting each person politely and asking questions whenever something is unclear. I pay particular attention when Margaret explains the distinction between the areas I’m responsible for and those that require special permission.

I remember Mr. Scowlface’s warning about the private study and make sure I understand which room I’m not allowed to enter without authorization.

How will my duties be arranged on the days I have university classes?” I ask. “I just want to make sure I can organize my time properly without leaving any work unfinished.”

Margaret nods. “We can accommodate the schedule you provided during your interview, but you’ll still be expected to complete all your assigned responsibilities.

I appreciate the practical explanation and make a mental note to keep track of my working hours and academic commitments.

My tour is interrupted when I encounter Mr. Scowlface again. I notice him approaching before Margaret has finished explaining one of the household arrangements.

His presence immediately changes the atmosphere around us. He is dressed impeccably, his expression difficult to read, and his attention is focused on the belongings that have been brought into the house.

“Are you intending to spend the rest of the morning settling in instead of beginning your duties?”

The remark catches me off guard, particularly because I’ve only just arrived with my possessions

I tilt my head slightly. “I just need a little time to unpack and organize my room before beginning work. Besides, I’m expected to attend university on certain days, remember? We discussed that during the interview.”

Mr. Scowlface’s expression hardens slightly. “The household schedule must be respected, and I expect all your assigned duties to be completed properly.”

I listen without interrupting, but I don’t back down. “I have no intention of neglecting my responsibilities. I accepted this position with the understanding that I would still be able to continue my education. I’m willing to work around the household’s needs, provided the agreement we discussed during the interview is honoured.

Mr. Scowlface holds my gaze for a moment before speaking again.

“Good. I expect efficiency and discipline from everyone working in this house. I don’t want excuses or unfinished duties.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Make sure your actions reflect that.”

With that, he turns to Margaret. “Make sure he’s familiar with the schedule and knows what is expected of him.”

“Of course, sir.”

He gives a brief nod before walking away, making it clear that the conversation is over.

Margaret waits until he is out of earshot before turning to me.

“I’m sorry about the interruption. Mr. Ronan can be quite particular about how things are done around here.”

Ronan? Well, Mr. Scowlface suites him better.

“It’s fine,” I reply, although I’m beginning to wonder if every conversation with that man will feel like a disciplinary meeting.

Margaret gives me a small smile before continuing the tour. I decide not to ask anything else about her employer and instead focus on the remaining arrangements. I still have a few questions about my responsibilities, particularly concerning the cleaning supplies and the rooms that require daily attention.

She answers them patiently, and by the time we’re done, I have a better understanding of how things work around the estate.

Later, I finally got the opportunity to settle into my room.

It’s not particularly large, but it has everything I need. I unpack my clothes, arrange my books and university materials on the small desk, and put my other belongings away.

At least I have somewhere comfortable to stay.

Once I’m done, I take out my phone and call Caleb.

He answers after a few rings. “Finally! I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.”

I chuckle. “I’ve been busy. I just finished settling in.”

“So, how is the new place? Have you met your terrifying employer again?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Already? What did you do this time?”

“Nothing! That’s the annoying part. I was having a conversation when he showed up and started questioning why I hadn’t begun working.”

Caleb laughs. “You just arrived, Hozier.”

“Exactly! I haven’t even had enough time to unpack my things, and he’s already reminding me about discipline and efficiency.”

“Well, at least you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

I sigh and sit on the edge of my bed. “I just hope he doesn’t make everything unnecessarily difficult.”

“Don’t let him get to you. You need this job, remember?”

“I know. I’m not planning to lose it.”

“Good. Keep your head down, do your work, and save enough money to sort out your problems. That’s the plan.”

“I know, Caleb. You don’t have to remind me every five minutes.”

“Someone has to keep you focused.”

I laugh. “Thank you for your concern.”

“You’re welcome. Now, get some rest. You have work tomorrow, don’t you?”

“Apparently, six in the morning.”

“Six? That’s practically the middle of the night!”

“Tell me about it.”

We exchanged a few more words before ending the call.

I put my phone aside and take out my university timetable. I need to figure out how to manage my classes alongside my new responsibilities because the last thing I want is for this job to interfere with my education.

My scholarship appeal is still unresolved, and I cannot afford to fall behind in my studies while waiting for a decision.

I check the documents I have saved on my phone and make a mental note of the ones I still need to gather. There are a few things I must sort out over the next couple of days, and I don’t want to forget any of them.

A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts.

“Come in.”

Margaret steps inside, holding a document. “Here’s your work schedule. I thought it would be better to go through it with you before tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

She hands it to me and points to the first section. “Your working day begins at six tomorrow morning. You’ll start with the main reception rooms before the household gets busy.”

I look through the document. “Should I clean all the reception rooms before moving to the other assigned areas?”

“Yes. Those are your first priorities. Some rooms require daily attention, while others are included in the weekly schedule. I’ve marked everything down here.”

I nod, reading through the instructions. “What about the cleaning supplies? Will I find everything in the storage room you showed me earlier?”

“Yes. Everything is properly arranged there. If you need anything else, you can ask me or one of the other staff members.”

“Alright. Thank you for explaining everything.”

“You’re welcome. Just make sure you follow the schedule, and you shouldn’t have any problems.”

I continue reading until I notice a particular room marked as private. “Is this the study?”

Margaret glances at the document. “Yes. That room requires special permission before anyone enters. Mr. Ronan should have mentioned that during your interview.”

“He did.”

“Good. Then you already know the rules.”

I nod and return my attention to the schedule. I’ve already been warned about that particular room, so I have no intention of going anywhere near it without permission.

Margaret finishes explaining the remaining assignments before wishing me a good evening.

“Try to get some rest. You’ll need it tomorrow.”

“I will. Thank you, Margaret.”

She leaves, and I place the schedule on my desk before checking it one last time.

I set an alarm on my phone and begin preparing the clothes I’ll need for work. I also arrange my university materials so I won’t have to rush around looking for them when it’s time for my classes.

It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’ll manage.

At least I have a room, a job, and some money coming in. For now, that’s enough.

I just hope working for Mr. Scowlface doesn’t turn out to be more difficult than I can handle.