Stephanie stood in the center of the freezing hall, weighing three leather pouches in her hand. The rhythmic clinking of coins inside was the most melodious music she had heard since waking up in this world.
"Vespera, stop crying," Stephanie commanded without looking back. "Get some water. I need to wash my hands."
Vespera, still trembling at the sight of Revista standing still like a massive statue behind Stephanie, could only nod frantically and run off.
Stephanie glanced at the three thugs now tied to the castle pillars. Their leader, the bald man, was unconscious from shock after his hand had been crushed by Revista. The other two stared at Stephanie as if she were a demon wearing the skin of a noblewoman.
Ding!
[Real-world currency detected: 12 Silver Coins, 85 Copper Coins.]
[Would you like to convert them into Wealth Points (WP)?]
[Conversion Rate: 1 Silver Coin = 10 WP. 100 Copper Coins = 10 WP.]
Convert everything, Stephanie commanded internally.
The blue screen flickered, and the numbers in the corner of her vision shifted.
[Conversion Successful. Current WP Balance: 128 WP.]
[Territory Treasury Balance: -500 Gold Coins (Unchanged).]
"Hmm... only enough for one basic blueprint," Stephanie muttered. Her eyes fixed sharply on the two thugs who were still conscious.
"You two. Names?"
"T-Titus, My Lady... and this is... this is Rufus," one of the thugs squeaked.
"Titus and Rufus..." Stephanie nodded. "From this moment on, you are no longer debt collectors. You are 'unpaid contract employees' for Winterhaven. Your first task: clear this hall of debris and stone within the hour."
"B-but what about our boss's hand..."
Stephanie glanced at Revista. The cursed prince only had to shift his gaze slightly toward them, and the two thugs immediately leapt to their feet, moving boulders with incredible speed.
Fear is an efficient motivator, but it's not sustainable, Stephanie thought. I'll need a better incentive system later.
Stephanie then turned to Revista. The man still radiated a scorching heat, a stark contrast to the night air that was beginning to drop drastically.
"Revista," Stephanie called out.
The silver-haired man turned. His red eyes were still guarded, but there was something different—a flicker of curiosity.
"You're the best space heater I've ever seen, but you need a bath and proper clothes," Stephanie said. She opened the [System Shop] and tapped the purchase button on an item.
[Ding! You have purchased: Ondol Heating System Blueprint (Basic).]
[Remaining Balance: 28 WP.]
[Instructions: Utilize labor to install heat ducts under the floor of the master bedroom.]
"Vespera!" Stephanie called her maid, who had just returned carrying a wooden bucket of melted snow.
"Take Revista to the room on the second floor where the roof is still intact. Clean him up. Use warm water from the remaining embers."
"M-My Lady! I have to bathe... him?" Vespera pointed at Revista with a shaking finger.
"He is my SSS-Class security asset, Vespera. Treat him well if you don't want to freeze to death tonight," Stephanie looked at Revista. "Follow her. I'll be up shortly after auditing our new 'employees' down here."
Revista stared at Stephanie for a long time, as if trying to understand why this woman was so calm while giving orders to a 'monster' like him. However, the warmth he had felt from Stephanie's touch earlier still lingered on his skin, soothing his usually tortured soul.
Without a word, Revista turned and followed the terrified Vespera toward the upper floor.
Stephanie exhaled, watching a cloud of white vapor escape her mouth. The temperature was dropping fast. She walked toward Titus and Rufus, who were working hard.
"Good work," Stephanie said, making the two thugs flinch. "Finish this, then help me build the ducts upstairs. If you work correctly, I might give you dinner. If not..."
Stephanie pointed toward the dark basement door.
"I'll return you to the man from earlier."
Titus and Rufus worked twice as fast.
Stephanie smiled cynically. Human resource management isn't that much different, whether in a skyscraper or a ruined castle.
However, as she looked out the gaping window into the darkness of the northern forest, a new system notification appeared in a warning red.
[Ding! Warning!]
[Scent of blood detected: Frost Wolves (Tier 5) are heading toward the castle.]
[Amount: 5.]
[Estimated Time of Arrival: 15 Minutes.]
Stephanie clicked her tongue. "Another one? Uninvited guests just keep coming."
She looked up toward the room where Revista was. "Revista! It looks like your bath will have to wait. I've got some overtime for you!"
[Nymphaearoot the Author]: Hope you enjoy reading! If you like it, please add it to your library and let me know your favorite moments in the comments