It was a strange but good feeling, he liked it.
...
John watched Terias lying on the ground in desperation. He had never asked Terias about his exact health status, and neither had Terias shared anything about it.
To John, his master always seemed to be researching and studying, Terias was not the one to be stuck in the cycle of regret because of his injury and the decrease in his battle prowess.
From the speed and strength shown by Terias in the battle, it was obvious that he had not recovered.
'It's bad, I can win against his four men or even escape from him but the injured Viscount would not be able to make it.'
John could fight and escape from Ekaros and his men but Terias didn't seem to be in a situation to follow him out.
John was already looking for the methods to safely escort Terias out of the place, the battle was a lost one and the next few words from Ekaros would decide his fate.
...
'Damn! It fucking hurts. I should have tried sparring with my butler.' Terias felt pain in his chest and shoulder, it was hard to endure for him.
He was feeling breathless and was coughing out blood from his mouth, time to time.
He realised it early that he had no advantage in technique and he decided to win by brute strength.
Unfortunately, Ekaros was not a level two warrior anymore, but had become a level three warrior.
Terias was lying on the ground, fearful of the outcome of the bet. Ekaros did not seem like a kind guy from the way he beat up Terias.
Terias could only hope for the best and be prepared to use all the ki in his body, near the heart.
"I like the look in your eyes brother. I have heard that you have rarely been seen in a situation like this."
Terias had a great record of battle, he had never been this helpless in a battle or a spar. If he did, then he would not have made it to this age. His enemies were many and not kind to let Terias live in mercy.
...
When he heard the condition from Ekaros, he could not be more happy. He was preparing to die together but he got the chance to actually live under a better position.
He had no attachments to the position of the Viscount. He was willing to pay with his title and make Ekaros the new Viscount.
...
But, Terias was a petty person. He had a goal now, to gain strength and take his revenge on Ekaros. It was his first time when he had been hurt to this extent. He would not let it go.
"Sir?? If you have decided, then I would follow you." John hesitatingly said to Terias.
"No No John, you are my butler from now on. You can help my brother to recover before he leaves my mansion and my territory, but you would not be going anywhere."
The position of butler was a unique position, butlers were always loyal and would never quit their jobs. Ekaros used this trait to make John forcefully serve him instead of the weak Terias.
'He is really asking for a revenge now.' Terias was angry at Ekaros, he had four men with him but he wanted to take John too.
Terias could understand that the guy was trying to trigger him.
'Maybe, he's regretting his decision to let me live? Let's act coy for now.'
Terias made a guess and all of a sudden his expression changed to be a good obedient one. He could take the revenge later on, but he needed to make it alive out of here.
...
Now, Terias was left with the option to become a member of Royal forces and never gain a noble title. Erica was a Duke's daughter but while she was the member of Royal forces, she could not enjoy the perks of the title.
Or Terias could decide to become a subordinate of Serena. He also had the option to be an independent adventurer.
These were the few options he knew to gain strength while also being connected with nobles.
John helped Terias to walk to the bed for his recovery while the four men with Ekaros praised him for effortlessly winning battle.
They were viciously eyeing both Terias and his butler.
...
(Please vote with power stones)