Secret World of Occultists-Chapter 29: Employment Contract

Abel wasn't able to read the man at all. It seemed like the old man was praising him, but it also seemed like he was unwelcoming of him.

This confused him greatly.

All this while, he had thought that he had been employed and finally be able to earn some money to elevate his lifestyle.

But judging by how things were unfolding, it was starting to seem a little unlikely now.

Abel thought of the right words to say before finally speaking, "Sir, does that mean I won't be employed until I go through the screening process? Or like... will I be getting a job at all?"

John Kensington deeply looked at the youth before revealing a faint smile, "You severely underestimate yourself, son."

He paused for a moment, then added, "The Ministry seeks out candidates with promise and subjects them to rigorous trials—both of the body and mind. This is so that they might endure the First Trial of Ascendance and emerge strengthened.

"Yet, I daresay, individuals such as yourself are of far greater worth than those the Ministry gathers. For unlike them, you were not chosen by men, but judged and tempered by the Spirit Crucible itself."

Abel was taken aback before revealing an excited smile, "Does that mean I'm hired?!"

The old man's smile deepened a little. He opened the drawer underneath the table and retrieved a stack of documents.

He handed them to Abel as he said, "This is your employment contract of service under the Ministry of Occult Affairs."

Abel received the contract with an eager expression on his face. He set it down on the table and began reading it.

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The contract stated that he would be hired as a security consultant for the Trust on the surface, but in truth, he would be an agent for the Ministry.

His duties and responsibilities would include conducting risk assessments for the Kensington & Blythe Commercial Trust's facilities, employees, and shipments.

Investigating and mitigating external threats, including criminal elements, industrial espionage, and 'unusual disturbances' that may impact operations.

Liaising with local law enforcement and government officials to ensure smooth operations while maintaining discretion.

Reading that last part, Abel suddenly looked up and asked, "Sir, do the Ministry's Occultists often deal with the police and government officials?"

John silently nodded.

"So then how do we deal with officials who don't know about the supernatural world? And what do we do if we require their cooperation?" Abel asked curiously.

"Take Newport, for instance," John said. "It serves as the headquarters for the Ministry's covert operations in this region. Now, considering we are a financial institution, tell me, how do you suppose we manage our dealings with the local constabulary and government officials?"

The first thing that came into Abel's mind caused his expression to turn awkward. He meekly said, "I don't know... bribes?"

To the youth's surprise, John Kensington didn't take offense. Instead, he nodded.

"That is but one method. Those in positions of power receive generous endowments for their departments in exchange for a measure of... discretion.

"Moreover, the Trust has taken great care to invest in enterprises and ventures tied to certain officials, thereby ensuring their continued reliance upon our patronage."

He took a slow drag from his cigar and casually remarked, "Should these methods prove ineffective, well... blackmail has its uses. Particularly, when one considers how deeply men of Albion value their reputations and public standing.

The old man tapped the ash from his cigar, adding with a faint smirk, "And rest assured, this is merely the surface of the matter."

Abel found it difficult to maintain a straight face. He thought to himself incredulously, What?! How can you say something like that so nonchalantly?!

"Uh, okay," he awkwardly said before turning his attention to the employment contract.

The next article stated the duration of the contract.

The agreement would commence on Tuesday, July 15th, 1030—which was the current date—and would remain in effect for an initial period of two years.

Upon the expiration of the contract, it would be renewed annually.

Finally, came the article that Abel had been waiting for - compensation & benefits!

He couldn't help but subconsciously gulp as he began reading the contents of this article in his mind.

The consultant shall receive a weekly salary of... eh? EHHH???!!!

"Sir!" He blurted out. "This... Is there a mistake in the salary section of Article III?"

"A mistake?" John Kensington arched an eyebrow. "No, there can be no mistakes in the agreement. Your weekly salary stands at 4 sterling and 10 shillings, to be paid every Saturday without fail."

He paused for a moment before asking with a slight frown, "I had assumed you would find this sum more than satisfactory. Or perhaps, you were expecting more?"

Abel felt like his soul had left his body and traveled to the pot of gold under a rainbow.

To put it into perspective, dock workers and day laborers got paid around 5 shillings per week, factory workers got paid around 10 shillings per week, and skilled tradesmen got paid around 20 shillings per week.

People from the middle class such as police officers earned around 1-2 sterlings per week. Even clerks and office workers, schoolmasters and teachers didn't make more than 3 sterlings per week.

It was only the experienced professionals such as engineers, architects, and surgeons who got paid around 4 sterlings per week!

Even Abel's brother, Thomas Bishop, who worked as an entry-level banker in Winchester earned about 1 sterling and 10 shillings per week.

This is why Abel was shocked out of his mind. After all, his weekly salary as an entry-level security consultant was more than 4 sterlings, effectively putting him in the lower middle-class income bracket!

"Sir, I must be honest with you," said the youth after slightly regaining his senses. "This... is far more than I expected!!"

John Kensington let out a soft chuckle, finding Abel's reaction quite amusing. "It is a perilous profession, after all. The Ministry selects only the finest minds and most formidable warriors of our age.

"As such, the Albion government spares no expense in ensuring these men remain well trained and... properly motivated."

Abel nodded in a daze. "I see..."

But inwardly, he thought to himself, If the Albion government is directly funding the Ministry, then the two must be deeply connected.

Just as he was reeling in from the shock, John Kensington's next words sent him struggling to grasp with reality.

"Ah, yes, along with a signing bonus, you shall also recieve an advance payment equal to one month's salary."