While I am heading home,

  Might as well celebrate my progress.

  —

  “Hm…”

  Edgar rubbed his beard while we sat on the chairs.

  My usual celebrations are drinking…

  However, I dislike drinking heavily.

  “Uncle Pax… you really sure about that? I mean, I feel like if you just stayed Lapis you would probably be safer…”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Nel sighs.

  He wanted to join his father and me to drink.

  “Are you sure about this, Pax?”

  “Of course, I am not your guardian—you may do whatever you wish with your life. However…”

  “Are you sure about all of that? You don't have anything better to do?”

  He took a swig of ale.

  “Pax. I love hanging out with you, like old times. And I'd like that to be the case for a few more years.”

  He pointed his thumb at Nel.

  “The kid wouldn't want his uncle to die in a ditch somewhere while fighting maws…”

  He crossed his arms and sighed.

  “But like I said before, you do you.”

  “We are both stubborn, aren't we?”

  He chuckles.

  “The kid won't even let me smith for three hours minimum! Heheh. Smithing is my passion, which is a bummer~”

  He takes a swig of the ale again before softening his expression.

  “Continue or not, Pax. We'll always be best pals. Even if I live longer than you.”

  …

  “I'd rather not have both of you die, to be honest~”

  Nel laughs before sipping his ale.

  “You think your uncle and old man would die from old age? Don't make me laugh! We are men! Hahah!”

  As he finished his ale, I smiled slightly.

  I remembered times like these…

  When Nel was only allowed juice to drink when he wanted to join.

  When Edgar would drink bottles upon bottles of ale.

  Of course, I’d always pay.

  …

  And… I always will.