Chapter 256: Magical ndas
"I am sure many of you have heard rumours about me before." Cass started, scanning the group after everyone else had left. Sir Forsythe shifted next to him, drawing Cass’ attention to him. He had a rather serious look on his face as he scanned the faces around them, Like he was trying to see into their souls.
Like he was trying to sniff out spies.
The newer employees were a little more nervous compared to the older ones. The ones who might have lived longer than Cass and Sir Forsythe combined. They were shifting from Sir Forsythe’s gaze alone, and then when Cass began scanning the crowd, it got worse.
They looked like they were actively sweating, and Cass wondered if it was because of the rumours, or if they had something to hide? That was the whole reason he was having this conversation in the first place.
"I would like to make something clear to everyone from this moment forward. I am the owner of this house, not the Blackburn Dukedom. Even when I become the Duke, this house will never be a part of the Blackburn family’s assets." The older employees seemed a little surprised, but they had gotten the gist of that downstairs before the others had arrived. The newer folk? Who Cass could tell were a mix of humans and the were people like Sir Sanders, were completely shocked.
"Wait, does that mean we aren’t hired by the Ducal house right now?" Someone asked. A taller, human male. Cass smiled softly.
"No, you aren’t. If that’s a deal breaker, you are free to leave. I don’t need people who wish to align themselves with an older, downtrodden generation." Cass maybe shouldn’t have said something like that, but at the same time...he wasn’t holding anything back. He needed to make his stance clear since Lord Blackburn had let others speak for him for too long.
It was war, old man, and it’s coming from the plot of land you’ll never be able to get your hands on.
The human male scoffed, and left, taking a few others with him. The rest of the crew seemed nervous, anxious. They were surprised by Cass’ words, and Cass just shifted on his feet, tucking his hands behind his back and wrapping one around the other’s wrist. He squeezed.
"Um, does that mean that you’re planning to become the Duke, my Lord?" One of the were people asked tentatively. Cass couldn’t really tell what she was. A sheep? Bunny? What kind of ears were those?
"It’s my right as the heir apparent to become the Duke when I am of age and capable. My grandfather has withheld it from me, but that’s not anything you need to worry yourselves about. The bigger question is if you are willing to sign what I call an nda. A nondisclosure agreement. An agreement that if you break it, there will be severe consequences for those involved. This includes spying on me, spreading rumours, poking into my belongings and those of my colleagues to tell others, things of that nature. I don’t actually care if you’re a spy, it’s what you do with that information that worries me." Cass said, grinning, and it was all teeth.
He couldn’t tell if anyone paled outright, but there was a nervous shift among the employees.
"We’re just maids and gardeners and cooks, my lord." Someone said carefully, and Cass laughed. Really laughed.
"Are you? Well, good for you. Do you know that the people who have access to my food, clothing, and daily wellbeing are the group that is standing before me? Do you know how easy it is to kill someone when they don’t suspect you?" Cass said, and did watch several of them turn their gazes downwards. Sir Forsythe made a soft grunting noise next to him, and that felt like a version of approval from the other man.
Cass adjusted his feet slightly, staring at the group.
"Working at this estate probably isn’t going to be as easy as you think it is. Yes, I won’t be here as much as some of your previous masters. I’m not going to bully you, sexually harass you, or ask you to do much beyond your means. But, do you know who will attempt to do that?" Cass asked softly. "People who wish for my downfall. You could end up with large sums of money in your hands that you could only dream of before. Nobles might try to lure you away by saying they will make you another partner in their marriage, or some other sweet deal that you might want. Pay for your family to be taken care of, some other sweet, sweet cajoling that might tickle your heart." Cass’ voice was soft, painting a picture that he had seen far too many times in novels.
Cass could tell that a few of them looked guilty, as if that was what they were hoping for. Obviously not the sexual harassment, but the money, assistance, aid of any kind. Cass chuckled, and it wasn’t a pleasant sound.
"Why the fuck would you be turning to those wastes of space when you are looking at the wealthiest man in the kingdom?" Cass said, making all of them jerk their gazes upwards as Cass spread his arms wide. "Why do you think I’m bringing up the nda first? Because what can those fucking idiots give you that I can’t? You want to marry well? No problem, I can give you a small nest fund that would make any man or woman weep, falling at your knees and begging you to marry them. I can give you fame, titles, wealth, anything you desire. A new life if you want that. All I ask in return?" Cass asked, and he could feel the room grow silent. They were listening to him, their breaths held. "Absolute loyalty. I will not tolerate betrayal of any kind." Cass let the heaviness of that statement hang in the air between them. Let them soak it in.
The older maids and gardener didn’t really seem to be phased by Cass’ words. They actually looked kind of bored. Cass thought that was pretty funny, but didn’t smile. It wasn’t really the time for it.
"With all that being said," Cass started, surprising some of the employees that were deep in thought, "if someone gives you a bribe," Cass said. "You are allowed to keep it. If they are foolish enough to give you money, and you don’t make a verbal promise, take it." Cass said with a shrug. "You just have to disclose that someone approached you, give me a description of who it was, the name if you know them, and then you can carry on. You will not be targeted, you will not be punished, and don’t you dare listen to their threats. If they are threatening you, you let me know. Loyalty goes both ways." Cass told them. "I also don’t give a fuck about who you sleep with, what you do in your free time, who you love. None of that is any of my damn business, unless you make it my business."
That seemed to shock quite a few of the scared, hesitant staff members.
"What? But you’re..." She trailed off, her face going white and she started tearing up.
"It’s not any of my business, unless you make it my business." Cass repeated, his tone final. Cass could feel the confusion in the air after he’d doubled down on his words. He could tell that the others weren’t quite sure what to make of his words.
He waited, the sound of birds outside trickling in through the windows. Cass continued to wait until finally someone let out a shaky exhale.
"Where do I sign this nda?" It was the woman who Cass couldn’t tell what kind of animal she was mixed with, and Cass’ lips curled up. He took out his left hand from behind his back, opened it up, and conjured up the document he had in mind.
He’d been practising this shit on his own, in his office when everyone else was gone to bed. The shocked expressions were worth it, even from Sir Forsythe. He wasn’t obvious about it, but Cass could feel the way he was looking at him. There was almost an accusation in it, like he was disappointed that Cass had pushed himself instead of asking for help.
Cass conjured up several, also conjuring up pens for them to write with as well. They were this world’s pens, not the ones he had from his life. He didn’t know how to make pens, even magical ones, and honestly, he was just stealing them from his desk back at the manor.
Cass held out the magical contracts, offering them up. The brave girl stepped forward, her hands shaking as she grabbed the unsigned contract on top and a pen as well. She glanced at Cass for a second, before dropping her gaze.
"I encourage you all to read it. I won’t allow you to leave the estate with an unsigned copy, for security reasons, but you are welcome to stay on the property to read it, comfortably of course, and then you can either sign it, and I will give you a copy, or you can hand it back and leave the estate." Cass told them and then he chuckled. "One thing I did forget to mention, bullying or putting others down will not be tolerated. I have no patience for it, and it will result in a firing if I catch wind of it." Several people nodded, and after the were girl took a few steps away to read the contract, more slowly came towards Cass.
Pretty much everyone remaining in the room came up to grab a contract, with only one other person leaving after shaking their head. Cass didn’t hold it against them. If they were spies, they probably didn’t want to get caught. They couldn’t know that Cass had dragons under his employ, nor that he’d practically blackmailed him.
It wasn’t bullying, it was using the resources at your disposal to your advantage.
It was only about 15 minutes later when Cass had a stack of signed ndas in his hand, and a huge grin on his face.
"Welcome to the team, everyone. I appreciate your support, and I promise as your Lord and Master that if you have any concerns, I will always be willing to hear them out. With that being said," Cass turned to the older crew who had taken the ndas and not read them at all. They had signed right away, and Cass had almost smiled, but bit the inside of his cheek to prevent it. "Would you mind showing them around? I am sure you know what needs to be done, what we need to get, so forth. You may speak to Sir Forsythe if you need something, or Mr. Collins. I won’t spare any expense since I don’t have to." Cass said, and it felt good to say it.
Hell yeah he was bragging. He was allowed to. He’d been poor for so long, why not be a bad bitch about it? Lord Blackburn had probably been blowing his money on stupid shit, like the clothing in his dressing room closet and the gaudy material for his bedroom. This was going to be Cass’ first home, his base, and he wanted to do it his way.
The whole crew nodded, before Cass let out a sigh.
"Well, I have to take my leave. I can’t leave them alone for too long. Don’t want them getting any ideas." Cass muttered, before with a wave, he headed for the door. Sir Forsythe trailed behind him before he turned and gave the man a look. "How are they supposed to speak to you if both you and Mr. Collins are following me? Stay with them, Sir Forsythe. I have Ser Hune and Sir Sanders." Sir Forsythe looked like he’d taken a blow for a quick second before he nodded.
"Of course, my Lord." He muttered, turning and joining the group again. Cass could see how tensely his hands were clenched, and Cass grinned. His anger hadn’t been tempered at all. He’d just gotten better at hiding it since Cass had first met him.