Tale as Old As Time [Finished]

[accalia]

Echo smiles kindly at Siegfried's confusion.

"This one has mentioned his burden to you before has he not? This one could not drain your reserves to such a level, such pain that would cause, particularly when this one does not need much money and would be giving most of it away anyway. Better that it remain here as a buffer against tough times."

Echo pauses a beat

"As to the amount for the courier, the item this one wises to retrieve is quite some way away, if this one did not personally know the courier this one will be contacting that sum would not be nearly enough."

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried seems at a loss for words, his stunned expression melting into gratitude, a faint blush coming to his cheeks. "....Thank you. I have been instructed not to be concerned about the cost of things like this, but I will admit to knowing very little about how to manage funds like the Young Master's. If there is anything we can do, please, do not hesitate to ask."

[accalia]

Echo pauses then reaches inside his vest and produces a blank grey piece of card slightly larger than a business card. On it he writes a name and a telephone number before handing the card to Siegfried.

"If you are interested this is the name of an investment banker this one knows to be discrete and trustworthy. If you are interested he would most likely be very happy to take this burden on from you and manage the household assets for you."

As Echo speaks he is writing on a larger piece of card he also retrieved from within his vest. once he finishes he hands it to siegfried as well.

The card reads:

TELEGRAM:

TO: Johan, 1 and 5 The Crescents, London NW10

Echo requests deliverance of the contents of box Red 4367 from the central bank deposit using the usual code. Please send by courier to the following address [Address of the Service Entrance to the Manor].

Signed:

In place of the traditional signature for a telegram Echo has drawn an extremely complicated pictogram that rather resembles a mobius strip wrapped around a staff of some kind that is lying on its side.

"If you would see that this is sent at the earliest possible conveniance this one would be most grateful"

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried nods. "Of course," he says, regarding the telegraph. "I truly appreciate the help. If the Young Master allows, I will certainly contact this banker. I admit, I have not perhaps had the proper training for a position such as the one I find myself holding."

[accalia]

Echo bows slightly to Siegfried.

"this one is glad that this one could be a help,. If this one might enquire after the lady, how is she progressing in her"

A brief couching fit comes over Echo, the coughing wet and full of mucus.

"Apologies, Is the lady recovering well?"

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried nods. "She is indeed. She has resumed her duties, though I instructed her to ease herself back into it. She claims she was tired of looking at the dreadful amount of dust I had allowed to accumulate." He gives a rueful grin.

[accalia]

"This is most excellent news. Thank you."

As Echo speaks he grabs a cloth from the sink and absentmindedly begins to wipe down the countertop and table

[yamikuronue]

Siegfried closes the ledger, standing. "I shall have this sent. Tell me... do you enjoy baking, by any chance?" Now that he didn't have to spend all morning double-checking the budget, maybe he'd have time to make some pies...

[accalia]

Echo smiles brightly at the question.

"This one would welcome the chance to find out!"

[yamikuronue]

"Excellent! I shall send this message off and prepare the ingredients. I have plans to make a few pies to donate to the festival this weekend in town, and I've been meaning to try this new crust method..."

And so, an hour later, Echo and Siegfried are apron-clad and coated in flour when Rosanna comes into the kitchen, frowning. "Siegfried.... the Young Master wants you. He's been ringing for almost ten minutes now."

Siegfried starts wiping his hands on a towel, frowning at a bell in the corner which hasn't moved. Odd, the enchantment must be wearing off, they're all supposed to ding when the Young Master rings for him.

[accalia]

At the entrance of Rosanna Echo steps away from the counter and bows deeply

"Good morrow, Lady Rosanna. This one is pleased to hear that you are well recovering. If this one might be so bold as to ask, how are you feeling now, compared to our first meeting?"

[yamikuronue]

Rosanna manages a smile, though her brow remains wrinkled. "Oh, much improved. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue."

Siegfried removes his apron, checks over his outfit, then walks rapidly but without running into the hallway, heading for the stairs.

[accalia]

Echo nods, and returns to the counter to finish the pies as Siegfried leaves

"That is good to hear, this one is happy to have been a help. This one thinks, by your tone, that you have a question or two remaining  for this one. If your duties allow you are welcome to take a seat and ask this one any questions. This one would sit as well but these pies should not be left unattended in this state."

[yamikuronue]

"He's got you baking?" asks Rosanna, raising an eyebrow. "Are you also.... domestically inclined?" The way she says that phrase makes it clear she means something more scandalous than just a little baking of pies.

[accalia]

Echo shrugs as he finishes assembling the pies and puts them in the waiting oven.

"This is the first time this one has had the opportunity to attempt such a feat. It seems we shall have to wait until the pies are done before we can judge the answer to that question."

The pies in the overn Echo switches smoothly to cleaning up the counter and floor from the mess his less than skilled baking attempt has made.