Chapter 580: Have You Been Well? (1/2)
Arvin didn't answer that question immediately. Instead, he smiled at King sharo and took a closer look. The crybaby he remembered so many years ago grew up into a man as charismatic as his father.
”Have you been well?” Arvin asked. All these years, he could only listen to the news and gossip of adventurers and other travellers heading to and from Altear. Many people said terrible things about King Sharo, but Arvin didn't believe them. Compared to his father, Sharo was a kind boy. Ever since Arvin left, he always prayed for Sharo's happiness. Seeing the little elf grow up into an adult, made him very happy.
The question was simple, but King Sharo heard more than just four words. The storm of emotions in his teacher's eyes made King Sharo tear up as well. Zero took this chance to conceal his presence. He didn't want to interrupt the heavy moment and borrowed Arvin's small kitchen to whip up some snacks in silence.
”It was difficult to do as you said, sir. For the longest time, I didn't know if I was doing wrong or right. However, I never once forgot your teachings. I didn't follow in the footsteps of my father, Altear hasn't spilt any blood since I became the king.”
Arvin nodded and caressed Sharo's head, hugging him and crying freely. How many decades has it been since he dreamt of this day?
”You did well,” Arvin affirmed. ”You did very well. Not a single day passed that I didn't think about how you were doing. The adventurers going and returning from Altear often speak about the things you did. I know you did your best. I'm proud of you.”
Seeing his teacher's tears, Arvin let down his guard and allowed the first tears in decades to fall. Zero heard the sniffling outside and turned around. The cakes can wait. These elves were going to have puffy eyes and stuffy noses when they were done. It was better to serve some mint tea instead.
Zero waited for them to move on to lighter topics before bringing the new tea and snacks. King Sharo saw Zero and introduced him to his teacher.
”Sir, this is Zero. He's an envoy from Smargdas as well as the leader of Half Moon Village.”
Arvin smiled. ”Hello, traveller. We meet again.”
Zero laughed. ”Indeed. It is a small world. Who would have thought that meeting you would change so many things? I hope you're not mad that I brought King Sharo out on a small excursion.”
Arvin raised a brow, and King Sharo explained how he was forced to accompany Zero and his disagreeable bodyguard to Lycantopia. The petty king made full use of every chance he had to badmouth Truen and somewhere in Smaragdas, Truen sneezed.
From the abuse he received as a donkey to his thoughts about the idiot lion werebeast as a king, Sharo talked without holding back. Zero replenished the tea and snacks accordingly, remaining silent until he was asked a question. Bob took the chance to nap again as the elves chatted. Hours flew by, and Zero felt his butt hurt from sitting too long. He excused himself once more to source for dinner and left them alone for some private talks.