"Hired." The baker didn't hesitate to choose him immediately.
He went out to give the bad news to the others and immediately put him to work.
He had to carry some sacks of flour from the warehouse to the kitchen.
Usher took off his shirt and folded it to put it on his shoulder. That way it won't get ruined and will be more comfortable.
"So you're the new worker." Maris leaned against the door frame. Her hair, long and jet-black, fell in soft waves to her waist, was pulled back in a loose braid that left loose strands brushing her neck and shoulders. The dark color of her mane contrasted with her skin, a pale but healthy tone, with a slight blush on her cheeks that betrayed the hours spent near the fire. Her eyes, large and warm brown with long lashes, had a look that could be maternal one moment and deeply seductive the next, as if hiding thoughts she dared not say out loud.
She wore a dark gray wool tunic, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows for work, revealing toned arms that spoke of strength and softness at the same time. A beige linen apron, tied with a careless bow at the waist, clung to her figure, highlighting a generous bust that seemed to overflow the fabric with every movement. Her waist, though not so narrow, widened into wide hips and a round, prominent behind that showed under her clothes, especially when she turned to pick something up off the floor. Every step she took was an unconscious spectacle: the fabric of her tunic clung to her curves, and the apron, slightly wrinkled, only added a touch of domesticity to her innate sensuality.
Her face was of a mature beauty, with high cheekbones and a soft jaw that gave her an air of sweetness, but her lips, plump and a natural pink.
"Yes, ma'am." Usher was very respectful to the lady, as she was the baker's wife and he didn't want to be fired shortly after getting the job because of a bad comment.
"You're so skinny!" exclaimed Maris, frowning as she stepped closer, her plump lips twisting into a look of concern. "I don't know how you're going to survive here if Bertram makes you work like a mule". Her fingers played with a loose strand of hair, and her gaze lowered down Usher's sweaty torso, stopping for a moment too long.
After all, Usher and his family had very few resources and couldn't afford meat and even if they did, most likely his stepmother wouldn't give him even a little bit.
"Yes, ma'am." Usher nodded. "But I can do the job."
To prove his point, Usher carried a sack of flour on his shoulder and walked to the side of the woman who stared at him.
Usher did this job a few more times, before the woman nodded and stopped watching him closely.
Usher worked all afternoon on this and his body was sore and exhausted.
But the baker had no mercy and ordered him to do other tasks such as cleaning the bakery or lighting the oven.
The man didn't want to let him rest and put him to work as soon as he saw him idle.
His presence seemed to bother him and he looked at him with clear disgust.
When the baker was making the dough, Usher handed him a cloth and took the chance to touch his hand.
[Corrupt Touch]
As he brushed his hand, Usher noticed how Bertram's fat fingers trembled for a moment. The man grunted, but his eyes clouded over before turning away. Was it disgust... or something else?
Usher prayed internally and the next second he received the notification.
[+1 Corruption]
Usher immediately used Analyze on the baker and was surprised to see his status.
[Analysis LV 2]
[Bertram]
Male
Age: 38 years old
Status: Healthy, irritated, suspicious.
Physical: 1.2
Corruption: 42/100
One of Usher's eyebrows rose in intrigue.
Doesn't corruption start from zero?
Why was the baker so corrupt?
What did his corruption mean?
Bertram ignored him after that and focused on making bread under Usher's attentive and curious gaze.
As the baker kneaded furiously, Usher studied the dough: grayish, heavy, lifeless. He remembered the airy breads of his world, with salt and a touch of steam.
'If only I could add air and flavor,' he thought, this would change everything.
There were many recipes and ways to improve the bread in his mind.
After all, he came from the future.
Usher got lost in his thoughts and stopped looking at the baker, as he felt the man knew nothing about baking.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the baker's wife.
Maris watched Usher work, her fingers played with a lock of hair that had escaped from her braid, and her smile, though kind, had a mischievous hint that Usher couldn't decipher.
With a smile, she dropped a handkerchief and very slowly bent down to pick it up.
As she bent to retrieve it, her round behind showed under the fabric, and Usher had to look away so as not to be left dazed.
Usher wasn't stupid, he could see the signs and the looks he was getting from Maris.
Although happy and excited inside, he had to be very careful.
He couldn't lose his job over a passing heat.
Maybe Maris was just playing with him. Maybe she does it with everyone to see who she could trust.
Maybe it was a game for both, Usher looked at Bertram and remembered his corruption level.
His mind raced: if he corrupted the baker, maybe he wouldn't work him to death. Or maybe the wife could be his ticket to something more... tasty.
But first of all, he had to understand the truth and for that, he had a very convenient ability.
Usher approached Maris and without Bertram noticing, he touched her a little as he passed.
A gentle touch, but that was enough.
[Corrupt Touch]
His ability activated and Usher waited impatiently.
[+1 Corruption]
Maris gave him a mischievous smile and didn't mind Usher's touch at all.
She even moved a little closer.
Usher couldn't contain his curiosity and used his other ability.
[Analysis LV 2]