Shaun sat at the dining table, waiting for his meal. He glanced up and asked, "Rosie, have you found any servants yet?"

  Rosie entered, carefully placing dishes on the table one by one. "Yes, Master. I've spoken with a few friends about it. Many candidates will arrive tomorrow for interviews. I assure you, I'll only hire the best—those most suited for the job."

  Shaun began serving himself, scooping food onto his plate before taking a bite. "Good. There's something else I need to tell you—I’ll be going on a short trip next week with a friend for business. Also, tomorrow morning, I'll be heading out to finalize the hiring of a butler. I’ve got my eye on two specific candidates. You don’t have any objections, do you? They’re new, likely inexperienced, but they come highly recommended."

  Rosie smiled. "If they are people you trust, Master, why would I have any objections?"

  Shaun continued eating, chewing thoughtfully. "Good. Oh, and—can you do me a favor?"

  (In his mind) Seeker, tell me the name of the maid who troubled the original Shaun and stole his artifact.

  Rosie tilted her head slightly, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "What is it, Master? Do you need me to bring something?"

  A message flashed in front of Shaun’s vision—[Seeker: The maid who harassed the original Shaun and stole his artifact was Judith.]

  Shaun’s expression darkened slightly. "If you come across an applicant named Judith, don’t hire her. And don’t ask me why."

  Rosie hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "Understood, Master. Call me if you need anything else."

  She turned and left.

  Shaun remained at the table, quietly finishing his meal.

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  Jim stood silently, watching the entire scene unfold. His expression remained composed, but deep within his eyes lingered a shadow of understanding. He had been through this transformation himself. He knew exactly how gruesome the experience was.

  "I've been there," Jim murmured, voice low. "I know how it feels… how it tears you apart."

  Shaun turned to him, curiosity flickering across his face. "And how do you remember it?"

  Jim hesitated, his lips parting slightly before he finally found the words. "Like a nightmare… and a dream."

  Shaun let the words settle between them for a moment before waving a hand dismissively. "Well, let the past stay in the past. I gave you another chance, didn’t I?" He leaned forward, his gaze sharpening. "Now tell me, Jim—do you want to go outside with me? I have a job for you."

  Jim straightened, nodding immediately. "Of course, Master. What do you need me to do?"

  A smirk played at the corner of Shaun’s lips. "I want you to work as my butler. Alongside Perditius."

  Jim’s breath hitched. His entire body stiffened as if the words themselves had struck him. He was speechless.

  Meanwhile, Perditius let out a slow, lazy yawn, stretching his grotesquely muscular arms. His crimson eyes flickered with mild boredom as he shook his head, clearly uninterested in whatever human drama was unfolding.

  Jim finally found his voice, though it was barely more than a whisper. "What… do you mean, sir?"

  Shaun took a slow sip of his tea, his gaze steady as he looked at Jim. "What exactly did you hear?"

  Jim stood straight, hands clasped behind his back. "That you, sir, want us to work as your butlers."

  Shaun nodded. "And that’s exactly what I mean. Got a problem with it?"

  Jim quickly shook his head. "Of course not, Master. It would be my greatest pleasure. I just… thought our job was that of a killer, that’s all."

  Shaun smirked. "And that still holds true. Your job will be to stay stationed at my mansion, protect it from any threats, remove any undesirable elements from my town—quietly—and, of course, handle my dirty work. For that, I need you close. Understand?"

  Jim gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Master."

  He turned to Perditius, raising an eyebrow. "And you? Got that?"

  Perditius blinked slowly, his voice a distorted rasp. "Ookk… I do the saaame jooob… weaat you siide…"

  Jim sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Never mind."

  Shaun leaned back, placing his cup down. "Good. I’ll take you both to my place tonight. Your first task? Slaughter a nearby thug group that’s been forming trouble, wipe out a small mercenary guild, and clean up some spies while you’re at it."

  Jim’s expression sharpened, his usual composure shifting into something more lethal. "Understood, sir."

  Perditius gave a slow nod, his eerie eyes flickering.

  Shaun glanced at Jim. "Oh, and get him some proper clothes."

  Jim gave a slight smirk. "I’ll see to it, Master."