Moving up in the world

It feels strange to be pulling into the mansion compound, knowing that it’s soon to be signed over to you. It definitely doesn’t feel real! As you pull up the long driveway, you see another car parked near the main building, one you don’t recognize. This must be the other inheritor, the little mystery that Harold had left for you. Whoever it is, you’re sure you’ll get along just fine.

As the four of you step out of the car, you’re greeted by the same woman who led you in last time. Expressionless as always, she nods in greeting, though there’s a warmth in her blue eyes as she looks at you.

“It is good to see you well, sir. The other party has already arrived, as has the lawyer. If you’ll follow me, we’ll get the paperwork all settled up.”

She turns and walks towards the door, and you follow. Emi takes your hand as you walk inside, and the woman turns to you as the door closes.

“I apologize for my formal manner sir. As it seems that you’ll be my boss going forward, it seems appropriate that I give you my name. I am Claire, and I am the head of staff here. Mr Albright was kind enough to set aside a fund exclusively to pay the salaries of the staff, and so we are at your service.”

Her professional demeanor cracks for a moment, and a small smile settles on her face. “On a more personal note, sir, it’s good to have people here once again. From what I know of both families, you’re all lovely, and I look forward to working for you.”

Before you can respond, Claire reassumes her serious expression, and leads you down the hall. You hear Lili giggle, and Emi squeezes your hand, an amused expression on her face. Chuckling yourself, you follow Claire as she leads you to the same dining room where you came the first visit. Seated at the table, surrounded by stacks of papers, is a well dressed older man, clearly the lawyer. Also seated at the table, though, are a couple that you are very familiar with.

You smile, making your way to a seat. “I should have known. Hi Mark. Hello Alice.”

The pair grin as you sit, with Mark speaking first. “Andy, I should have known it would be you. What a day, hmm?”

You laugh and nod. “Crazy. I don’t really even know what to do.”

Meanwhile, Alice leans forward in her seat, looking excitedly at Emi. “Sooo…did you tell him?”

Emi giggles, nodding. “Yes! We’re so excited!”

Alice claps her hands excitedly, causing Mark to look at her curiously. The fox girl smiles at him. “I’ll tell you later, darling.”

The conversation is cut short as the lawyer clears his throat. “I’m sure you all want to get this concluded as quickly as possible. Let’s get started.”

What follows is a tidal wave of paperwork, explained in excruciating detail by the lawyer. In layman’s terms, it boils down to that you and Mark each receive half of the estate and money. Your eyes practically pop out of your head at the numbers involved. It seems that while Harold was no longer working as a scientist, he was quite the savvy investor, and his fortune bordered in the insane.

You shake your head in disbelief. Even split, there’s more here than you could spend in a lifetime. Mark chuckles as he looks up from the paperwork. “How does it feel to be rich, Andy?”

You laugh. “I’ll let you know when I’m no longer in shock!”

Meanwhile, the girls chat amongst themselves. Dinner is brought out by the kitchen staff, and everyone eats their fill. Lili is obviously getting antsy as you near the end of the signings. The harpy is bouncing in her seat as you hand iver the last of the forms. The lawyer stands, stretching.

“I still need to file these, to make it official, but let me be the first to congratulate all of you. Should any legal problems arise, Mr Albright has me on retainer. Claire has my information. Now, I know it’s been a long night, so I’ll get out of your hair. Again, congratulations, and enjoy.”

As he packs up, Claire steps forward, nodding to both you and Mark. “Congratulations from me as well. Whenever you wish, I can give you a tour of the house. Also, several bedrooms are available, should you wish to retire for the evening.”

In a flash, Lili is at your side, tugging at your arm. “Can we go to bed-bed? I need-need something…”

You chuckle at what for her is extremely subtle. You glance at Emi and Sam, and see a smile on both of their faces. Rolling your eyes, you turn to Claire. “It seems like we will be heading to bed. Can we have the tour tomorrow?”

Claire nods, and you can see the amusement in her eyes, though she hides it well. “Of course, sir. Follow me.”

Lili cheers, and you stand to follow Claire, with Emi and Sam close behind. You hear Mark and Alice laughing, and Mark calls out as you go.

“Don’t break the bed!”