Chapter 47 The Revolution in Clothing

"Lily Bathtub, Wendy Big Toe, Jim Manure, Parker Red Nose, and John Door Knob, after the selection process, you five have been granted the opportunity to work at the castle."

After three days of trials, the butler, Carter, finally announced the three men and two women who met his standards for becoming the new male and female servants of the castle.

The remaining seven or eight candidates, unwilling to accept defeat, pleaded, "Mr. Carter, please give me another chance. I'll do better, I promise!"

"Unfortunately, once a decision has been made, it cannot be altered. However, there's no need for you to worry. For these three days of training, each of you will receive three copper coins as compensation, equivalent to that of a kitchen maid. Your excellent performance has been noted in my mind. If the castle requires more servants in the future, I will surely consider you first."

Technically, the ownership of the castle's servants rested in Liszt's hands.

However, they were not enslaved without pay. They received compensation which they could save, use for food, drink, and clothing, or even send back to their families.

The castle's wages were as follows: kitchen maids and assistant male servants earned one copper coin per day; female servants and male servants earned two copper coins per day; the head male servant and cook earned three copper coins per day; while the male and female butlers earned four copper coins per day.

Aside from Carter and Mo Sen, who were both single, the other servants in the castle chose to send their earnings back home to support their families.

Moreover, if a servant became weary, they could apply to buy themselves out, regaining their freedom - though the decision to approve such a request lay with the noble.

The young men and women who were not selected left the castle in disappointment. Losing the chance to work in the beautiful castle was a significant blow to them.

The five chosen ones were overcome with excitement.

"Goodness, I've been selected!"

"I... I'm staying in the castle?"

"Mom, I did it!"

Carter smiled at the newcomers, reminiscing about his youth when he had been chosen by the castle of a viscount's family, back when he was still from a struggling peasant household, to become a servant.

Starting as an apprentice male servant, he gradually became an excellent one. The Tulip Family also underwent rapid development, and he was sent by the Earl to manage their manor castles in other towns.

Until Liszt came of age, Carter followed him and became a butler.

Years had left deep marks on his face, and he could barely recall the joy he felt when he first became a servant. For decades, he had worked in the castle, and his loved ones had long since passed away. He had regrets and happiness.

His greatest wish now was to stay by Liszt's side. When the day came that the red sun no longer rose, he would choose eternal rest.

"Gentlemen and ladies, please calm down," he said, gesturing for them to settle their excitement. "I will now announce your job assignments."

Lily and the others hurriedly quieted down.

"Lily Bathtub, Mrs. Abby appreciates you. Your role will be as a kitchen maid. Um, Miss Irene will guide you for a while, so you can assist Mrs. Abby as soon as possible."

Little Lily nodded eagerly like a chick pecking at rice. "I'll familiarize myself with kitchen duties quickly."

"That's good, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Mrs. Abby... she speaks her mind directly, but once you get to know her, you'll realize she's a kind person." Carter was a bit worried about the young girl. He wasn't sure if she could withstand Abby Soupspool's blustery personality.

He continued, "Wendy Big-Toe, Mrs. Moson will acquaint you with the tasks of a lady's maid."

"Yes, Mr. Carter."

"Next, Jim Cowdung, Parker Red-Nose, and John Door-Knob." Carter looked at the three young men with unhealthy complexions.

"Mr. Carter," all three of them stood up straight, trying to appear more refined.

Satisfied with their attitude, Carter preferred obedient boys over troublemakers like Thomas. "In the coming days, I'll help you become familiar with the duties of a footman as quickly as possible. Soon, you'll be busy not just within the castle walls, but also outside." He looked up at each new servant. "You're not just representing yourselves, but also the image of the castle. You must maintain proper attire and manners. You must learn noble etiquette promptly, leaving behind the slovenly ways of a serf. Do you understand, gentlemen and ladies?"

"Understood, Mr. Carter!"

"So, each of you will have half a day off to share this good news with your families. Starting tomorrow, you'll reside within the castle."

...

"Mr. Carter, congratulations! You're almost a chief steward," Mrs. Moson remarked as she engaged in conversation with Carter after the new servants eagerly hurried home to report the delightful news.

"Well, it feels pretty good," Carter replied with a rare mischievous smile. "I'll have to live a bit longer to prevent Thomas from taking my place. I wouldn't want him to enjoy this feeling too."

"I think Thomas would rather be by the Master's side. He is indeed smarter than Tom and Jesse," Carter mused with a hint of mysticism.

"But the Master has inherited the bravery of the Tulip family and the shrewdness of the Longtaro family. Sometimes, being a little less clever in front of the Master might be better than being too smart," he added, suddenly cocking his ear to listen. "I hear hoofbeats – the Master must be returning. I'll go greet him."

"Off you go, you clever yet simple-minded Steward Carter," Mrs. Moson chuckled.

Carter tilted his neck in response.

He had already established a rapport with Mo Sen, and only two butlers with such understanding could run the castle smoothly.

Upon reaching the entrance, Liszt, tall and dashing, rode on his Fire Dragon Steed, charging toward them with the sun at his back. The golden light sprinkled upon his slightly curly blond hair, as if countless gold pieces were flowing.

"Sir is a natural aristocrat, possessing all the qualities of one," Carter thought to himself.

He bowed slightly and said, "Welcome home, Sir."

"Liszt, have you selected the new servants?" Liszt handed the reins to Thomas, unfastened his necktie, and undid a few buttons. Summer was coming, and noble attire could be quite stuffy; he didn't fancy such dressing.

The noble attire in the Grand Duchy followed the style of the mainland.

Female nobles mainly wore long dresses with crinolines inside and padding on their buttocks to make the dress look like a pyramid.

Li Weiwei never wore such clothes; she preferred male noble attire.

Male nobles' complete outfit was called "Frac Abie." It included a frock coat named "Frac," an inner vest called "Kile," and tight knee-length pants known as "Breeches." Of course, they also wore boots and stockings.

Moreover, male nobles needed to wear a symbol of their noble authority around their necks.

In casual settings, one could don a necktie; for formal occasions, a "Klappertop" similar to a cravat was necessary, which Liszt referred to as a neck scarf. For grand ceremonies, they wore a "Ruff," a large circular collar that encircled the neck, which Liszt dubbed as a ruffled neckpiece.

Untying the necktie, Liszt instantly felt a rush of heat escape from beneath his clothes, surging outward from his neck. He couldn't help but grumble, "I need to spark a revolution in fashion!"