Ch. 148 To Three (1)

Ian’s expression darkened as he watched his cousin stand up and open the windows.

An excuse was about to leave his mouth, but then he stopped himself. Such words were of no use.

He apologized instead. Simon looked at Ian’s slightly bowed head, then turned towards Louise hugging a pillow in her sleep. She must have been exhausted to sleep even in that position.

Their gazes met each other in midair, and the light of childhood was gone from their eyes.

Why Simon had to be limited. That burden that was placed on him. Everything.

Instead, the duke told the little boy everything he had to fear. And so, Simon learned to be afraid. For a while, it seemed that all the adult nobles were watching his path, but it was better this way. He would rather know what he should be afraid of rather than remain ignorant. His father had set limits for him out of worry and affection.

Simon stretched his arm out the open window. Outside there was a small space, and with a screech of old metal, he pulled out a heavy glass bottle. It was the drink that Ian bought yesterday. He had lied about drinking all of it last night.

Simon pulled out two shot glasses from his drawer.

Simon still had an apprehensive look on his face.

He couldn’t contain the graveness in his voice

Simon had lied to Louise only once when he said that he regarded her as a complete friend. Both Louise and Simon knew it was a falsehood, but it was a necessary one to protect their friendship, which was more precious than any emotion.

But with Ian it was different. He was allowed to have a true relationship with Louise. Simon knew he was being presumptuous, but he couldn’t just stand by, even if it came to issuing a childish warning.

Ian looked at Simon with a serious expression on his face.

There was a note of pride in his voice.

What kind of friend do you look at as if they were dripping in sugar?

Simon set the bottle down and sat opposite of Ian. The cozy carpet served even better purpose at night, as it conserved the warmth of the day. Like a field of grass in the heat of the sun.

Ian slowly opened the bottle, releasing a sweet scent into the air. It was a drink worthy for celebrating Simon’s special birthday as an adult.

Simon shook his head. He had never added anything to his liquor. Ian tipped the heavy bottle over, and a stream of wine came out like a long breath. The liquor beaded and splashed into the glass until it was nearly filled to the brim. If any more was poured, it would certainly overflow.

Ian filled his shot glass similarly.

Ian held out his glass.

Simon gazed into Ian’s face. Light seemed to flow from Ian, even in this time of darkness. However, Simon knew that Ian’s light was not innate. It was the product of his hard work. Just as Simon had endeavored to bury himself in the dark, Ian constantly strove for the light. Though opposites, that was the one way they resembled each other. Maybe it would be like this until the end of time. The world called this kind of relationship a lasting friendship.

Simon clinked his glass carefully against Ian’s.

They both emptied their shot glasses at the same time.

Ian filled Simon’s glass to the brim again.

This time Simon poured Ian’s drink for him.

Ian tipped his second glass into his mouth.

Simon easily swallowed his second drink, as if in defiance to Ian’s story.

They clinked their third drink together.

They emptied their glasses again. There was no helping the spirit of competition between them.

Simon looked down at the bottle and chuckled. He knew that it was a strong drink, of course, and the bottle itself was so large that it wasn’t typically found at a party or mansion. He was sure it was meant for delivery to the wizard’s guild. Ian’s mouth crinkled into a smile.