Sol wasn't someone prone to anger.
Even during all the events that transpired recently, the only time he really got angry was when he thought Gerald was out to poison him.
But this time, he really couldn't help it.
Everything she was saying was pissing him off so much.
He understood that saving someone who didn't wish to be saved was both hard and somewhat meddlesome.
Sol had no illusion about the fact that if dying was what could make her happy, him intervening was nothing more than a selfish desire.
But even then, he did not wish to see her die.
"I understand that you already made your decision. I understand that I have neither the right nor the power to stop you. I do not even know how to save you. Still, please, I beg you, stop assuming the feelings I have.”
The anger he felt slowly burned out as he hung his head, distraught.
Looking at him like this, Lilith’s earlier flustered feeling vanished and were replaced with shame,
“I am sorry. I just…”
She did not know how to explain herself. She had never been particularly good at expressing feelings.
Words simply couldn’t begin to describe what she felt currently.
Sol stopped her by raising his hand, “Enough, I have no need for useless platitude. After all, the problem of the matter stays the same. I do not wish for you to die, meanwhile, you do not wish to fight for your life. Let’s leave it at that.”
Sol did not wish to continue the discussion for the simple reason that it was useless.
As of now, he knew no reliable way to save her, rather, he didn’t know any way to save her at all.
As such, whatever he said or whatever argument he used would have absolutely no weight as long as the underlying issue wasn’t solved
“Lilith, I want you to promise something.”
Sol put his hand on her shoulder and stared at her,
“I want you to understand that I do not plan to give up. I will save you, no matter what. Even if I have to beg the goddesses for that.”
Sol didn’t naively believe that the goddesses were the solution. After all, Camelia was the supreme daughter and she also knew about Lilith’s secret.
Thinking about Camelia, something flashed in Sol's mind.
‘I will visit her later.’
Lilith tried to speak but Sol stopped her,
“If — No, When I manage to save you, you can do whatever you want with your own life. But for now, I want you to promise me — No, I want you to swear on my father's name that you will not harm yourself in any way and will accept whatever healing process we manage to find.”
Even though they couldn’t completely save her, as Persephone said, with Medea, it was possible to extend the time she should have left.
Since Medea could refresh Lilith's body to 24h ago once every day, it was possible to double the time she had. If we added Persephone’s skills and Camelia’s power, then even in the worst estimate, It would be possible to go from the one week he estimated to more than four.
Of course, he would have to ask their opinion to be sure.
Lilith was stumped before giving a bitter smile,
“Why are you bringing your father into this?”
Sol answered with a bright smile,
“I am self-aware, you know? As of now, I know that I still weigh far less than my father in your heart. You could break a promise made with me...But you would never do so if it was made with my father.”
“...”
“From your silence, I guess I am right. But this doesn’t matter.”
There Sol chuckled, as he bent down and gave a light kiss on the forehead he previously headbutted,
“I do not plan to take my father's place in your heart, nor do I think it’s possible. No matter what, he will always be someone important to you. But, I do plan to become someone far more important.”
Lilith’s eyes widened. She had always known that Sol nursed something of a crush on her, but she had never thought that he would declare so boldly now.
She had to admit that, even though she did not quite share his feeling, she was quite flattered.
“I…”
“I do not need an answer now. Let's talk about this once you are healed. For now though–Do you swear?”
Lilith’s heart pounded faster in her chest than usual. She could also feel her cheeks grow a little warm.
She didn’t really understand why she was acting like a shy maiden at her age, but it didn’t matter.
She was sure that there was no way to save her.
After all, she was cursed by the world itself as an unnatural existence.
But, how could she trample on his determination right now?
How could she pour cold water on such a bright and beautiful passion?
Finally, what did she have to lose?
Even if she lost the gamble, and he really found a way, the final decision would still be up to her.
That was why, putting a solemn face, she expressed herself,
“I swear on both your and your father's name to not harm myself in any way until the final moment.”
It was such a weird promise, but if it made him happy, then it wasn’t a problem.
(AN: Persephone said Lilith has 2-4 weeks, Sol of course took Murphy's law into account and reduced it to one week. Hahaha. Did someone remark the parallel with Vol 1? We had Medea/Jupiter now it’s Lilith/Mars. In the two volumes, Sol had to fight against the ghost of people long dead, and only partially succeeded. Finally, he won’t fuck her in her volume. Lol. Medea volume for Book 1 was the first and Lilith is the last. Medea was with the 1st king and Lilith with the latest King. Damn. I like how poetic I am.
Now then, I calculated and I need just a few more chapters to wrap everything with Camelia and the witches and finally Interlude of Lilith. Then book 1 will end. Normally if everything is alright, by the end of next week book 1 will end.)
