The rain kept most of the household indoors, wrapping the manor in an unusual quiet. Tara used the lull to assign a double-check of stores and ledgers. She handed the task to Therese and Kim.
"You two will verify the counts against the book," Tara said. "Note shortages, spoilage, and anything that looks careless. Don't guess. If you're unsure, write a question in the margin and bring it to me."
Kim accepted the ledger with a nod. Therese gathered charcoal pencils and a slate. Together they started in the pantry.
"How do you feel about extra work without extra pay?" Therese asked lightly as they entered.
Kim smirked. "It's fine. We promised to help. And honestly, I'm privileged to work with a promising Beta." He winked.
Therese flushed and quickly busied herself with the scoop.
The pantry was lined with barrels: flour, rye, cornmeal, and rice in smaller bins. Oil jars were sealed with wax, and salt sat in a lidded chest. The air smelled faintly of grain and dried herbs.
