Chapter 121: To a new friendship? (2/2)
Since he couldn't get drunk, then what was the use of drinking?
Ares appeared to be a little embarrassed by his answer but still continued, as he pointed to a bottle of liquor and a complete set.
”This bottle is one edition extremely limited, with this one being the last one still not open. Would his highness give me the honor to share a drink?”
'Why is he doing all that?'
Sol could feel a certain plea in his words as if he was short of groveling. Which was something he couldn't understand. After all, he had already reached an agreeable agreement with Tyr Highland.
'Or perhaps he wants me to help him get the title of Duke rather than his sister?'
This was also possible. After all, in nobles' families, betrayal was as common as clouds. Though, he didn't expect something like this from the Highland siblings. At least they didn't seem to be the kind to backstab.
'Well, Gerald didn't seem to be the kind to backstab either.'
A bitter feeling spread through his heart, as he thought about this situation. Pushing down this feeling, he focused on the situation at hand.
He didn't want to jump to a conclusion too fast and it would be unjust to this man.
What Sol didn't know was that the more he stayed silent, the more Ares was sure about what his uncle told him, making him even more desperate.
For him, the Highland family was paramount to everything. All his life, he had been educated about the importance of the family. Everything he had, everything he was, was thanks to the family. He could never repay his debt.
That was why, even though he had as much right as Athena for the family, he had never tried to fight her.
The family needed a competent leader, if he was as competent or more than Athena, he would have without a doubt fought for power. But, the truth was that he wasn't.
Be it in terms of talent, or knowledge, Athena surpassed him. He was stronger than her in single combat, but the highland family was first and foremost a family of general. As such, Athena was the perfect leader. Everyone understood this truth and he never fought against it.
Still, he wanted to do something. He wanted to help. He didn't want to stay useless.
Someone once said that the path of hell was paved with good intentions. This quote was perfect to describe the current situation.
”Why do you wish to drink with me?”
”To tell the truth, I wish to become closer to you.”
Silence stretched at those surprising words,
”I am sorry, but I am straight.”
Ares tilted a little bit before his eyes widened and his face reddened,
”Th-this wasn't what I meant! I-I am also straight! I swear!”
A laugh escaped Sol while Ares kept fumbling around. Wiping a tear from the corner of his eyes, Sol continued, ”I know, I know, I was just teasing you.”
Sol finally released a sigh after this. It was the first time in a long while that he could joke around with a boy his age. Gay jokes were old as hell in his world, but in this one, homosexuality still wasn't particularly spread.
He had to admit that it was a feeling that he missed,
'Well, why not try making friends?'
”Well,” Taking one of the glass on the table, he pushed it toward Ares, ”Pour me a drink please.”
”Y-yes!”
Understanding that the prince was accepting his friendship, he opened the bottle and poured a little bit of the liquor into two glasses.
Taking his glass, the two raised it,
”Your highness, let's drink to a new friendship!”
”To a new friendship.”
After watching Ares down the glass in one go, Sol slowly brought the glass to his lips, but, just as he was about to drink it...
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(AN: Well, I know explaining jokes are lame but hey, I really want to explain this. For those who know the god Loki from myth, they should know that Loki is the father(Sometimes mother) of some pretty crazy powerful monster like Fenrir or Sleipnir. Meanwhile here, my Loki struggles to get talented offspring. Lol, just a little info. Also, that butler should really be named, I am pretty sure I did name him Alfred or something once but I am frankly too lazy to remember.)