Inside the main building of the Worsis Manor, Earl Worsis was drinking wine that he had somehow acquired.
On the long table sat plates of freshly grilled meat, wisps of steam rising from them. The black pepper on top of the meat emitted an enticing aroma.
After taking a sip of the expensive wine, Count Woxis put down his glass with satisfaction, then picked up an even more expensive piece of roast meat and put it in his mouth, letting out a comfortable "ah".
He was extremely pleased with the taste of the pepper; it truly was one of the most unique spices in the world. Looking at the bowing, respectful servants below, Earl Worthy asked:
"Ares, how's that foolish Arthas been doing lately?"
It seems that Count Vorsis was quite good to his former servant, remembering Arthur, who was locked in the dark room, even while he was enjoying his meal.
"My master, Arthas is still the same as always, eating a black bread and a bowl of pea porridge for each meal."
There's a reason why this servant Ares has been so unproductive; if it weren't for his former servant Arthas locking him up in a dark room, he wouldn't even have had a chance to appear.
"And you, Ares? How many loaves of black bread do you eat in one meal?" Count Vorsis really wanted to kick him, but after thinking about it, he decided against it. Firstly, he was afraid of getting his feet dirty, and secondly, he needed manpower right now, as his territory had suffered considerable losses recently.
"My master, I can only eat two pieces of black bread and two bowls of pea porridge per meal."
Ares was a little confused. Why was the Earl asking these questions? But he still lowered his head and answered the Earl's questions honestly.
"Okay, good. You can switch places with him tomorrow. Go to his place and have him stand here with you."
"ah?"
Ares was somewhat surprised. "Duke, didn't you ask how he's been performing lately? This is exactly how he's been performing." Ares was even more puzzled now, but despite his confusion, he dared not ask aloud.
The following day, in the dark room of Worsis Estate.
Inside, Asers looked at Ares outside with some confusion. What was he doing here? Was he here to mock me?
Arthurs chuckled dismissively. "He thinks he can laugh at me with that stupid head of his?"
"What? Ares, you've recently gained the Earl's favor, are you here to show off in front of me now?"
Ares outside didn't speak, but silently opened the door to the small dark room and walked in.
He approached Arthur and said, "I'm staying here for a while. Go out and lock the door." He then handed the key to Arthur.
"Haha, then enjoy it while you can!"
Arthurs laughed heartily, took the key, glanced at Ares, and said...
In the manor's main building
"My kind and benevolent master, it is such a surprise to see you again to your servant Arthur. I thought I would never see my great master again, and that would be the greatest regret of my life."
Arthurs looked down at the exquisite flooring of the main building, a stark contrast to the filthy floor of the small, dark room. He couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful this place was.
"Arthurs, do you know who you should thank for being able to stand here?"
"It is you, my master, whose kindness is unparalleled. I am so grateful for forgiving my servant for such a great mistake. Have a wonderful day."
Arthurs felt incredibly lucky; Count Worsis had been very kind to him.
"No, Arthas, you should thank that incredibly stupid idiot Ares. Hopefully, he'll understand why he went there in the first place."
After hearing what Count Worsis said, Arthur was secretly delighted. It seemed that having a few foolish companions was quite a good experience.
This would make his rather clever servant seem especially important.
But before he could be happy for long, Count Vouchis's words plunged his spirits into despair.
"Go check out that valley over there. The ore should be almost mined out by now. If it's ready, bring it back first."