" It's really impressive. It's like a different world inside here." Kate commented, she was used to seeing highrises of London and concrete forest surrounding them. Granted she was also a country girl but still just crossing the main gate, she could feel she had teleported to a different country.
The streets were wide surrounded by gardens while she could see untouched forests in the distance. There were many old architectural building here and there with small crowds gathering around it. They all seemed to be employed by Samuel's family but unlike the corporate slaves that she was used to seeing in the city, they looked much healthier and happier.
Not to mention the area was massive, Samuel explained it to her but it was too large for her to comprehend. She also learned that there were whole small towns surrounding the Estate with his family being the largest employer for most of the people.
" Tomorrow morning, I plan to take you around the place. It will take few hours but I am sure you will love to see the variety of places and people that collectively make up my family's house."
" I can't wait."
They went around the central area with the massive fountain. It looked old and majestic with a lot of history surrounding it. Samuel stopped the car and took her around the small garden surrounding it. Unlike others, Kate seemed keenly interested in it.
" How is this place even exist without anyone knowing about it." She asked.
" That's because it's a private property. After the second war, because of the contribution of the Rothschild family it was awarded by the crown as an ancestral home.
You might know it but my grandfather's family immigrated to his country from germany and with tremendous effort was able to gain recognition because of his business mind." It was not fun and dandy but there was no reason to tell her about the dark past.
No matter the empire there were bound to be some things that they failed at, still he could firmly say that his family did more good than bad. It wasn't even close, maybe that's why he was sent to this place.
With only few hours of daylight, he thought it was best for them to continue this tomorrow. He beckoned her back to the car as they began driving further inside.
" Are we going to meet your parents first?" She asked with a tensed up voice. No matter how rosy he sounded them to be she had to be ready for it.
" I don't know. We just had Kayla's welcome party, though it was more of a informal celebration before the Christmas where everyone could gather and mingle. So it's better you greet them in morning."
" Wouldn't it be a bad idea?"
" You don't have to think so deeply about it. They should already be aware about your arrival right about now."
" How?" She exclaimed. It's only been few minutes since they entered the place. Did they record everyone that comes in and out of this place?
" They are just obsessive people when it comes to my private life. I have been dealing with this issue for years so don't mind it."
" Sami?"
" It's fine. Don't mind her." He whispered into Kate's ear because she was acting awkward receiving such an impressive greeting. It made her realize where she was and also felt that she had to adjust her mentality to blend in.
" Nicole, where is Amanda?"
" Head maid is serving snacks for everyone. They were all in the living room."
" Good, I will go meet her and I am sorry their behaviour." He could see everyone just threw their shoes around the entrance. It was fine if they were enjoying themselves but it was unacceptable for them to behave so spoiled. They could at least lessen other's load so he thought about reprimanding about it.
" Yes, young master." Samuel nodded and went inside. He felt she was being overly formal trying to create some distance between them. It might be his fault but he didn't want her to distance herself because of it.
" You never told you, you guys have professional maids here?"
" Is it that surprising? We also have professional butler. It's just tradition at this point." he shrugged. It was not his first time hearing about it. Even Mayra asked the same thing when she met one.
" I guess that's comes with being ultra rich. From how you introduced her, it seems like she had been here for some time. Wouldn't that be a crime? indulging in child labour?"
" I guess but it's not like they had any other choice to begin with. Most of them were orphans or child of people that lost their parents while being employed by our family. There are also some second generation individual taking the mantle from their parents but we mostly employ adults." It was a complicated situation.
Others might find it inhumane but recently Rothschild slowly shredding such practice.
Nicole was a special case with a troubled past. It was one of the reason, why Amanda was always forgiving of her no matter how many times she acted unprofessionally with guests or other family members.
For now, it was beneficial for everyone to send their kids for a proper education. Later they could decide what to do with their lives, if they truly want to work for the family they could come back after gaining some experience.
" But why was she scared of you?"
" Scared? Are you sure?"
" I can see it that she refused to face you. Don't tell me-" Kate feared for the worst. There were countless example of other wealthy man forcing maids to do heinous things. Was he one of them?
" Young master, welcome back. This is-" Suddenly they heard someone call out to them. It was Amanda who rushed to their side.
Other girls also looked in his direction, seeing Samuel was with a strange woman.