"I understand that you get tired of work and want a break sometimes. I really do understand that feeling. But if it happens too often, Solinus will get worn out too. The one filling in the gaps you leave behind is Solinus. When you were about to make a mistake, didn't Solinus help you? When you seriously asked for help, did Solinus ever push you away?"
At first, Qiong Xing had been surprised, but there were probably very few subordinates who would apologize together with their boss and even bow their head to the ground for them.
That was possible only because Solinus cared so much.
Because of that, Qiong Xing felt it would be cruel to replace Solinus for such selfish reasons, when Solinus was someone he relied on without even realizing it.
"Aolinus gets angry because he wants you to be dependable, because he wants you to become a proper god. Isn't that right?"
"…Yes."
When Qiong Xing looked at Solinus, who was still staring at him in a daze, Solinus nodded slightly in response.
"Solinus may not be good with words, but he isn't angry because he hates you. If he truly disliked you, he wouldn't even bother getting angry. He would act cold and businesslike, or maybe ignore you altogether. So please, try to value Solinus n a little more."
"...…"
"...… "
Qiong Xing did not know how this world truly worked, but since they clearly cared about each other, he hoped they could keep working together.
Even for a god, being alone would surely be lonely.
"Do you like Solinus?"
Saying it out loud was probably still embarrassing.
When the small figure in his arms nodded shyly, Qiong Xing gently stroked his back as praise.
"It's hard to tell which one of you is the god."
Despite the words, his voice was gentle, and his expression looked relaxed, as if some tension had finally left him.
"If possible, I have one request for you, Qiong Xing, the one who understood all the effort I've put in. Would you grant it?"
Seeing Splinus smile for the first time, Qiong Xing could only nod.
...
So many things had happened since coming here that he was completely exhausted.
Still, if he were to lose consciousness here and now, there was no telling what the man in front of him might do.
"Um… could you let go of me?"
After saying goodbye to the snake, the man had wrapped his arm around Qiong Xing's waist again, as if that was the most natural thing in the world.
The man was tall, and having to look up at him was slightly irritating.
Why did he have to be held around the waist by a man he had just met?
More than anything, Qiong Xing was stuck in a who are you even supposed to be state of mind.
He had clearly told him to let go as soon as possible, yet instead, the man looked at him like, What are you talking about?
It made no sense.