Steven- 3

New servants meant new uniforms. With the delivery of fabric, needles, and thread, Steven could begin fittings. To think that getting emasculated at the Harvest of Talents ended up being the start of one of the most interesting and potentially profitable outcomes. Where the temples might have dug deeper into his past, their whipping up an employment contract and shipping him off to Lady White avoided most of that. But as his old master liked to say, "The past is never dead, it's not even past."

The knock was expected. "Come in."

"I was told to come here." Started a nervous young man wearing a uniform that looked as second-hand as it probably was. Clothing ill-fitted to his body, both too big and too small in places.

"Rene Jacobs, there is nothing to be scared of. I only want to take your measurements for some new uniforms." Steven assured him.

"Madam White, er… Kelly got me these."

A nervous young actor, taken under the wings of the great Kelly White, the Beggar Queen of the stage. Not ready for his new responsibilities as a servant for the rising new aristocrat, Lady Harmony White.

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"As an actor, you know how important a costume is. Here, we simply want to ensure everyone meets the standards we've set. Stand over there and let me get your measurements." With a measuring tape and a notepad, Steven began documenting. "Tell me about yourself, what got you caught up in all this?"

The story was important. A single use of [Tailor's Measure] and the numbers he needed would be there. Was this necessary? Absolutely. Slowly, Steven teased out the who of Rene Jacobs. He really was a wonderful liar. But he lacked imagination, so he leaned on the truth a bit too much. A dog named Pistachio. An aunt named Lila. Bits and pieces that could be used to find out who was behind all those acting skills.

"That should be enough. I'll have your suit ready for you in a few days. Go find Constance Bradly for me, and send her over next." Steven finished.

Not all of the hires had that level of deception of the twelve he fitted today. Most problematic employees were from Kelly's crew. The ones he caught on Bates's side were probably the ones to test him.

It was with a light heart that Steven knocked on Bate's door and entered when called.

"How was it?" The old man asked.

"Three vipers. You'll want to pay particular interest in one Rene Jacobs. I have notes on everyone from today. This is only the first day of fittings, too."

Bates merely nodded. "You're excused."

That man was something else. With one look on the day of his arrival, the man knew the humble tailor and duelist wasn't what he presented himself as. To have such a golden opportunity as to be on the ground floor of such a rising operation. One of Lady Harmony White's staff, there at the very beginning. It was almost enough to completely bury one's history. Bates was a good supervisor, and everything was so much easier when you didn't have to lie about your talents.

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