Chapter 124: The Box
When Viviana came out of the bathroom after filling the tub, she heard Leander downstairs. Steve was addressing the servants. Fearing that Leander might have found out about Juno, Viviana had a listen.
Steve was reading about changes in the duties of the servants of the house. Many of the servants who were working inside the house were transferred outdoors. After spending time with the servants, Viviana knew that they won’t like that.
The "indoor servants" were of higher status than the "outdoor servants" sparing the gardeners. She was surprised to learn such a hierarchy existed. Hierarchy usually meant different pay grades. And apparently, no one knows how much the other one gets paid and no one gets paid according to their job, but according to their loyalty. So, one cleaning maid might work harder but could be paid less because her loyalty doesn’t match the one who doesn’t work all that much.
It might seem unfair, but maybe it’s fair for Leander Kastello who valued loyalty more than anything.
And this is not the regular world. Well, even in the regular world, hierarchy exists. Just the markers that determine the hierarchy is different.
She listened to know whether Mary or Martha (the other kitchen staff) were among the ones who got transferred outdoors. She had formed a friendship with them lately. She’d be sad to lose them. They were not transferred and she was relieved.
And some of the gardeners were brought indoors. One such gardening staff was Maya who would talk to her about this and that. Maya is interested in fashion and so Viviana offered her the fashion magazines that were left untouched on the side table of the reception. Maya greatly appreciated that and they had some good feelings between them.
Viviana was happy that the people she liked will be working inside the house. And some of the people she liked were stationed in the areas she visited often. Even the guards were relatives of Steve and they always treated her with respect. She liked this new arrangement.
Katerina still was the housekeeper. She didn’t sound appreciative of this change.
Viviana too didn’t understand the logic behind this change. How would they adapt to an entirely new job? Well, it was not her problem, and she didn’t care.
After Steve finished reading the new arrangement, Leander asked if anyone is dissatisfied. Viviana rolled her eyes. As if anyone would speak against Leander even if they had grievances!
As expected, no one said a word and Steve dismissed everyone. Viviana quickly dashed back inside the room. She wetted her hands and greeted Leander as he entered the bedroom.