As Axel's words fell, he sharply extended his right hand and grabbed Bruce's arm.
Bruce narrowed his eyes instinctively. Facing Axel for the first time in person, he immediately realized Axel's speed exceeded anything he had anticipated. Axel, noticing how easily he had caught Bruce, felt a flicker of curiosity and scratched his head with his free hand.
Behind him, Alfred stepped forward nervously, speaking as fast as he could.
"Don't make a move, Axel! I can agree to your demands!"
Axel's grin widened. "Although I never intended to attack, the outcome's perfect, isn't it? Our agreement is sealed. But Alfred… isn't your address a bit off?"
"Yes, I miscalculated," Alfred admitted, expressionless, yet emphasizing, "I should call you Master Axel!"
"No need for all that. Just 'Master' will do." Axel chuckled, releasing Bruce's arm. He gave Bruce a provocative smile and draped his arm around Alfred's shoulder right in front of him.
Bruce's patience snapped. "What did you agree on?!" he roared, silently demanding an explanation.
Axel clapped his hands, laughing. "Your face is priceless right now—I'll remember it. As for our agreement, haven't you seen? Your safety in exchange for Downton Manor and my butler Alfred. Not satisfied? Go ahead, try escaping from me right now!" He stepped closer, fixing Bruce with a sharp gaze.
Bruce tensed, hesitated two seconds, then slowly shook his head.
"Wise choice, Bruce. Sure, you've lost Wayne Manor and your butler, but you're still Bruce Wayne—trillions in assets, countless businesses. Me? Alone, struggling, and all I've gained is this manor and a seasoned butler thanks to my effort from yesterday until today.
I have to admit, Wayne butlers are excellent. Even old Alfred moves like a shadow, smooth and efficient." Axel grinned and gave Alfred a playful slap on the backside.
Bruce swallowed hard, glancing at Alfred. Alfred shrugged helplessly.
"A man who grows stronger every day, who cannot die, can take nearly anything he wants. Time might be the only thing that can stop him. But young master Bruce, he's only been in Gotham two days and he's already claiming Wayne Manor—and wants a butler like me! Fate has a twisted sense of humor, doesn't it?"
Bruce exchanged a glance with Alfred, then finally nodded. "I understand."
He turned to Axel, voice low and controlled. "You win, Axel. Your thinking is more unconventional than I imagined. You're the most dangerous person I've ever encountered. My home is yours now, and so is my butler, but thankfully, I am still Bruce Wayne. And I trust your deal with Alfred doesn't prevent me from reclaiming everything. Believe me, Wraith, what I've lost will return."
Without hesitation, Bruce left, his steps heavy and resolute.
Axel waved after him. "Want them back? No problem! Want to share the butler too, Bruce? Alfred's old—I wouldn't want to overwork him. Buddy, you need to take some responsibility!"
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Bruce's voice rang out as he stormed away, the gloom over his back rivaling a rainy Gotham night.
Axel patted Alfred's arm gently. "What did you call him just now?"
"Young Master Bruce."
"And what about me?"
"Master… uh…"
"Haha, very good, very spirited. That's how you'll address us from now on—remember it!" Axel laughed, releasing Alfred and striding toward Bruce's bedroom. Alfred watched Axel's confident back and coughed softly.
"Master, you know I can't truly settle as your butler, and you also know neither of us will give up easily. But you don't seem to care about the trouble this will cause. Are you truly just playing? Is Gotham really a game to you?"
Axel stopped, shrugging. "As long as you manage my food, drink, and keep my Manor in order, you're still my butler. Whether you admit it or not.
Do I care if you two resist? Quite the opposite. I prefer it. Trouble makes life interesting. You've been studying me; you know I thrive on challenges. If nobody bothered me, how would I become a better version of myself? Put in more effort, help me grow, and let's call it 'practice.'"
Laughing, Axel stripped off his clothes and walked toward the bathroom. Alfred picked them up silently.
Axel paused at the bathroom door. "You asked if I treat Gotham like a game? Then tell me, Alfred, what do you mean by 'your Gotham'?
It's my Gotham now. Yes, you might be shocked, but here's the good news: you still have your home. You can look after it personally, so watch your words carefully, okay?"
He stepped into the bathroom to wash up, leaving Alfred standing silently in the study. Alfred shook his head slowly.
Gotham has changed.
Meanwhile, Bruce, leaving Downton Manor, gritted his teeth and rushed to Wayne Enterprises, determined and silent, his mind already calculating his next moves.
___
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