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Chapter 81: A Lesson in Responsibility
🕑 Added 2025-02-16 13:39:13 +0000 UTC
When Blake and his companions arrived at the Soma Familia’s home, they found Soma, the god of wine, completely absorbed in his brewing. His indifference was palpable, as if the world around him didn’t exist. He didn’t even glance at his visitors, his focus entirely on the wine in his hands.
This dismissive attitude only fueled Blake’s frustration. His expression hardened as he stared at the god who seemed so detached, so unconcerned with the struggles of his own children. Beside Blake, Lili trembled, her head bowed low. This was her god, the one she had once worshipped, yet his presence now filled her with fear rather than comfort.
“Lord Soma,” the adventurer who had guided them spoke cautiously, his tone laced with respect. “Blake wishes to discuss the matter of one of your adventurers, Liliruca Arde.”
“Take it up with Zanis. This doesn’t concern me,” Soma replied flatly, not even pausing his work.
“But… Captain Zanis hasn’t returned yet,” the guide stammered, clearly uneasy.
Soma paused for a moment, then shrugged. “Then discuss it with him when he returns.” His tone was dismissive, as if the matter was beneath his notice.
Blake’s patience snapped. His presence grew intense, and Lili flinched beside him. This was the god who had abandoned her, who had let his familia fall into ruin. And now, he couldn’t even be bothered to address her suffering.
“Zanis is currently unconscious,” Blake said, stepping forward. His voice was low but firm, cutting through the tension like a blade. “I’m here to speak with *you*, not your subordinates. Understand?”
The guide’s eyes widened in shock. He had heard of Blake’s growing reputation, but to see him confront a god so directly was something else entirely.
Soma finally stopped what he was doing and turned to look at Blake, his long bangs partially obscuring his eyes. “You knocked out Zanis?” he asked, his voice hoarse and tinged with surprise. “Are you here to settle a score with me?”
“I’m not here to fight,” Blake replied, his tone steady. “But I won’t ignore the harm you’ve caused.”
Soma’s expression shifted to one of disappointment, as if he were looking at a child who had strayed from the path. “Leave,” he said coldly. “I have no interest in discussing matters with mortals who succumb so easily to indulgence.”
That look of disappointment was the final straw for Blake. In a flash, he stepped forward and grabbed Soma by the collar, lifting him off the ground. The god’s eyes widened in shock, caught completely off guard.
“Lord Blake!” Lili cried out, her voice trembling. She was torn between fear and admiration, her mind racing.
The guide paled, but he didn’t dare intervene. He could only watch in stunned silence as Blake confronted his own god.
Blake’s grip tightened as he glared at Soma, his voice sharp and unyielding. “What right do you have to be disappointed in your children? Do you think they fell into addiction because they were weak? Do you think you bear no responsibility for what happened?”
Soma’s expression faltered, his usual indifference cracking under Blake’s intensity.
“Mortals may be fragile,” Blake continued, his voice like steel. “But that’s why they need gods—to guide them, to help them rise above their weaknesses. Yet you, from the very beginning, never even tried. You abandoned them. So when they fell, who is really to blame? What right do you have to feel disappointed?”
Soma’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, his usual aloofness slipping away.
“I won’t deny that some people are weak,” Blake said, his tone cutting. “But your negligence, your refusal to take responsibility—that’s unforgivable. You handed power to someone corrupt, let your familia fall into chaos, and hurt countless people. Most of all, you hurt Lili.”
With that, Blake released Soma, letting him drop to the ground. The god stared up at him, his usual composure shattered. No one had ever spoken to him like this, no one had ever held him accountable.
Blake turned slightly, his gaze still fierce. “This is Lili,” he said, gesturing to the trembling prum beside him. “She’s one of the people you failed. She’s my friend, and she suffered because of your neglect.”
Soma’s eyes shifted to Lili, and for the first time, there was a flicker of something—remorse, perhaps, or realization.
“You say there’s nothing to discuss with us, that we’re lost in your wine?” Blake’s voice was like a challenge, his eyes blazing. “Fine. Then let’s see if Lili and I will succumb to your so-called divine wine.”
Lili stepped forward, standing beside Blake. Her hands were shaking, but her gaze was steady as she looked at Soma. There was no fear in her eyes now, only resolve.
The guide could only watch in stunned silence, his mind reeling from the confrontation.
For a long moment, Soma said nothing. Then, slowly, he rose to his feet. His usual indifference was gone, replaced by a quiet, contemplative expression. Without a word, he walked over to a nearby wine jar and picked it up.
“I… understand,” Soma said at last, his voice softer now, tinged with something resembling regret. He looked at Blake, then at Lili, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned away.
The room fell silent, the weight of Blake’s words hanging in the air. For the first time, Soma seemed to see the consequences of his actions—and perhaps, just perhaps, he was ready to change.
