Chapter 548: Elf King Sharos Childhood (2/2)
Sharo wasn't the brightest child or the prettiest and Charo hated him. He couldn't accept that his superior genes didn't get passed down to his only child. It made Charo madder that the one who bore his child was who he deemed the ugliest of eight wives.
”Unlike Charo, Sharo wasn't perfect. He was born with severe inferiority complex thanks to his strict father who constantly pressured him to do better. Charo would never be happy with anything Sharo did. If he didn't manage to shoot ten out of ten bullseyes on his first attempt when he was only five, Charo would make him practise shooting a thousand arrows from day to night for weeks until he could do it. I couldn't stand that kind of education and offered to become Sharo's only tutor. Charo only backed off after that and I spent about a decade teaching Sharo the things he needed to know. However, I could not heal his heart, not even Alex could do anything.”
Hearing about King Sharo's childhood made Zero more convinced that the Elf King had mental issues. Just because his father was a nut case didn't mean he had to follow in the same footsteps when he was the king.
Arvin talked a little about how he tutored Sharo when he was a child with Alex's help. However, he didn't mention anything about the spriggan's womanising problems. There was only the mention of how the Weeping Willow didn't like Sharo and treated him like what a jealous stepmother would for the first few years of Sharo's early life until Arvin became his tutor.
”Why did the Weeping Willow not like Sharo? He was innocent.”
Arvin looked at Zero unamused. ”Although Charo hated his son, Sharo looked very much like him with the exception of his eyes. His eyes were the same as his mother's. They were brown instead of green like Charo's.”
That made more sense now and Zero listened to the stories of how Arvin had to spend a lot of time getting Sharo to open up to him. However, King Sharo was too jaded. Even as a child, he never showed any expression. He stopped crying and complaining or feeling that it was unfair. Sharo simply worked hard and continued to strive to be better, not caring if he was sick or hurt. He was almost like a mindless doll, dancing to the tune of his father's teachings.
”Sharo had no friends. He only had me, Alex and the Weeping Willow. However, that didn't mean he didn't have a rebellious phase. It was actually Alex who ignited that fire in him. The spriggan started womanising a lot in order to spite the Weeping Willow for what she'd done. I think Sharo discovered that this was one way he could win his father. He became quite the lady killer and it didn't stop even after he became the king. I left when I learned that Sharo had no intentions to change or come back to the right track. I couldn't bear the responsibilities as his tutor, I failed.”
After listening to Arvin's story about the high elf's history, Zero felt that he had a slightly better understanding of Elf King Sharo now. While Sharo couldn't be faulted for everything he grew up to be, Zero still thought that he ought to give this overgrown baby a good beating. If a wimp like King Brice could take a step up and better himself for that sake of his people, why can't King Sharo?
”Thank you for telling us so much,” Zero bowed and Truen glared daggers when Arvin's eyes landed somewhere inappropriate on accident.
Arvin was quick to apologise and thanked Zero for the rare herbs instead.
Not one to miss the opportunity to expand his business connections, Zero introduced himself as a member of the Half Moon Village on Endow Hill.
”We're actually on a mission to see if there are business opportunities in Altear. If you don't mind working with us, you could find the merchant guild in Smargdas to talk to Schaf. He is also in charge of Half Moon Trading and we will be more than happy to sell you more of these rare herbs that we grew ourselves on Endow Hill!”
Arvin was thrilled to know that there was a supplier for these rare herbs. In fact, he gave Zero more freebies from his shop to show his sincerity for a good future business deal. Zero took a look at the beauty ointment and creams that Arvin swore worked wonders.
Once they were out of the shop, Zero tossed the beauty products to Truen.
”Why did you throw them over?”
Zero blinked. ”It's for you, isn't it? This vessel is already too pretty. Nothing I use will make me any cuter. You might as well use it so that you can look more like a high elf. The skin tone as a wood elf is a tad too dark. You'll stick out like a sore thumb when we get there.”
Truen was speechless. Did Zero really believe that there were such miracle creams that would whiten one's skin just after one use? Unless it was transformation magic or thick talcum powder, it was impossible. Still, he chose not to say anything and stored the products away. He should probably give this to the ladies of Half Moon or New Moon village. They would appreciate this better.