So stay away from me / the beast is ugly (scrooge x magica)

[lifesa_witch]

 The carriage ride was so long that by the time the horses stopped, night had already settled in. It was a full moon, allowing the stone pathway to be illuminated. The rider said nothing, simply taking Scrooge's bags and walking on ahead. With any luck, this wouldn't be a return trip - but luck had died long ago in this place.

In the distance, one could hear the caws of several ravens, far away in the dark forests. It was difficult to see the house in the darkness, but it was certainly large and grand. Definitely belonging to someone of high class and lots of money. After all, it was part of the reason Scrooge was here.

Another servant was at the door, waiting for them.

"Either look her in the eyes," he warned, "or have them stay on the floor. Never anywhere else. Just keep your introduction and qualifications short. it is..." He hesitated, glancing backwards. "Often too easy to stoke her anger. And lastly... never ask questions."

Some of these things had probably been told to Scrooge before - he'd been recommended the job, after all. Granted, the recommendation came with the mysterious woman buying up his shop like it was nothing. Still, it seemed at least the servants wanted this to go well.

Whatever "this" was... it was about to begin, if he was ready to enter.

Comments

[lifesa_witch]

In the morning, all seemed quiet but pleasant. Clara knocked on the door, ready with Scrooge's breakfast. "Good morning! And congratulations, about last night!"

[richestduck]

Scrooge was already awake, sitting at the table with his hands propping up his chin, lost in thought. It took him a minute or two to acknowledge Clara's presence and words.

"Oh. Good morning. And thank you."

[lifesa_witch]

She blinked, surprised at his attitude. "Is everything all right? Is your leg bothering you?"

[richestduck]

Scrooge gave her a somewhat sad smile. "No, it's fine. Everything's fine. Just...mentally preparing myself for today."

He focused immediately on the food. "It's looks grand. Thank you."

[lifesa_witch]

"Ah, oh..." She finally 'got it', turning her head away. "I think... we'll all be sorry to see you go." Then, with a bit of hope, "Maybe you could visit?"

[richestduck]

"I wouldn't be opposed if she let me do so," he said. "You've all been very kind to me."

[lifesa_witch]

"And you've been very kind to us." She said with a smile. "I've no doubt you've aided the mistress in many ways."

[richestduck]

"Thank you, lass. I did my best."

The breakfast was as delicious as always, but he took his time today. He would still arrive on time but...well...he should enjoy the meal.

Finally, he got up to head to the library, knocking at the precise time he was supposed to begin.

[lifesa_witch]

"Enter."

Inside, Magica stood to attention. Now that she had her body back, she could dress 'normally'. Perhaps in celebration of her restored limbs, this dress exposed plenty of her arms and legs while still remaining mostly conservative otherwise, blackness that hugged her hips quite firmly.

Wile her face was serious, her fingers exposed her nervousness as they anxiously ran up and down her arms.

[richestduck]

"Good morning," Scrooge greeted as he entered. He didn't move towards a bookshelf, instead standing before Magica, hands on his cane.

He said nothing else, waiting for her to give the order.

[lifesa_witch]

"Good morning."

Magica looked away, biting her lower lip as she reworked what she'd planning to say since last night.

"... My magic has returned to me fully. I can now fully throw myself into finding Ratface. It shouldn't be too difficult, as when it comes to magic and spellcraft, I am a genius. But... unfortunately... when it comes to other things... my genius is a bit... lacking. Such as... finances."

[richestduck]

He stared at her. Was she honestly suggesting...?

"You want me to continue working for you?"

[lifesa_witch]

She turned away, embarrassed. "Your rinky-dink castle still needs repairs, doesn't it? And you've got a whole family to take care of, so you'd better be grateful." Huffhuff. She was doing him a favor, that's all!

"I thought I would have the Midas Amulet for the rest of my life, so I never gave much thought to paperwork and bills and such. But since you made me get rid of it, it's your responsibility to make up for it with work."

[richestduck]

She did realize that it was giving up the Midas Amulet that freed her from her half-animal form, didn't she?

He decided not to press his luck. Instead, he said dryly, "I'll do what I can to make up for costing you so much."

[lifesa_witch]

Bah, details. "Obviously I'll no longer need you to read to me... but... but you have to keep me updated about my finances! As much as possible."

They'd need time apart to do their tasks - him with his job, her with her spells - so an excuse needed to be made to spend any time together. Not that it was an excuse.

[richestduck]

"Absolutely. I'll make sure you're kept up-to-date on everything regarding your investments. That way you're well-informed should you ever decide to take a more direct role in them."

[lifesa_witch]

"That may not be for a while... you might wind up working for me for a long time."

Not forever, no, that'd be insane. But how long was long enough? She wasn't comfortable giving anything definite.

[richestduck]

"That's fine," Scrooge said, throttling his excitement.

He was allowed to stay. He was allowed to stay!

He legitimately felt giddy at the thought.

[lifesa_witch]

So he was agreeing to it, with no argument at all. Don't smile, do not smile!

"Then you can get to work right away. As a full-time employee under new orders, you now have access to all doors, even closed ones, in order for you to have an accurate summary of funds."

She then glanced over.

"Providing you knock, of course."

[richestduck]

"Of course."

Did that mean he could enjoy the open-air bath as well? Ooh, that would be lovely when it wasn't quite so cold.

[lifesa_witch]

She then waved a dismissive hand, unsure how much longer she could suppress her stupid happiness.

"I have to get to work right away, as do you."

[richestduck]

"Absolutely."

He could work out of his bedroom (which was still his!) and perhaps in time he could ask her for a dedicated office. That way she wouldn't have to enter into his private room to discuss financials.

[lifesa_witch]

As he walked out, he had the rare chance to see her smile, though she was quick to erase it. It was time to dive into her spell work and find her beloved raven. She would dedicate all her time to this!

And... well. As long as she was researching... maybe she'd find a spell to get rid of birth defects. Just out of idle curiosity.

[richestduck]

Scrooge was trying his hardest not to be downright giddy as he started speaking with the rest of the staff about giving him the receipts for the household expenses and bills. After all, he needed to know what the house was spending, not just what the investments were earning.

At lunchtime, he was smiling broadly, the papers all spread out on his table as he worked.

[lifesa_witch]

The staff were more than happy to hand over everything they had - if it meant keeping Magica nice, or, well, nicer than usual, then they'd do whatever he asked!

Out of everyone, Clara was grinning the most, though it was mostly because she had her own guesses as to why he was still around.