The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Drunkcards And Nonsense Talk

When Drayce returned to the tavern, he found the scene in front of him unbelievable.

The entire tavern was in absolute mayhem, with tables and chairs upturned. However, there was no fight. The atmosphere lively with merrymaking, the air thick with laughter and cheers. People were hollering, congregating towards the middle of the tavern, and the noise was so loud that their voices could be heard outside.

After Drayce got a good look at the situation, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

His dear friend, Prince Arlan of Griven, and his brother-in-law, Prince Cian of Abetha, were standing around the table in the center of the tavern hall on the ground floor. Countless empty flagons lay empty around them, and the tavern keeper even had casks placed on a table nearby to efficiently fill up the rows of mugs in front of the two princes.

A public drinking competition.

The tavern’s patrons formed a lively circle around the inebriated pair. Tankards were raised high, and the clatter of wooden mugs filled the air as the friends were toasted with joyous enthusiasm. Everyone cheered for the two competing men. Some were betting on Arlan to win, while others were betting on Cian.

Drayce went to Slayer, the only one seated on their table, who was still yet to finish his mug of ale. He was alone because the knights of the two princes were downstairs to look after their masters.

"I just left for a while. What is this?"

From their place Drayce and Slayer could see the entire view downstairs clearly.

"Just have fun, Dray. You already missed the good part," Slayer said as he picked up his mug, swirling the dark liquid inside. "As you are here, you bear witness that I finished this, or else Arlan will claim I cheated. Make sure I stay awake so I can ask him anything I want."

Before Drayce could say a word, Slayer already started gulping the ale, not stopping until he finished the entire mug. The next moment, Drayce found his friend letting out a low groan before pressing his hands over his face. _{freeωebnovēl.c૦m}

"It was just one mug. You can handle it," Drayce told him.

"This...taste...shitty...poison..."

"Do not close your eyes," Drayce warned.

Slayer removed his hands from his face and nodded in his direction. "Yes, Your Majesty. This knight shall obey your order."

Thud!

The next moment, his head slammed on the table.

Drayce sighed and tapped his cheek. "Do not dare fall asleep."

"Yes, Your Majesty," came the lightweight’s reply as he tried his best to keep his eyes open.

"Good."

With that, Drayce went downstairs towards the two princes in the middle of a fierce drinking competition.

Drayce didn’t stop them as it was not only a matter of honor as princes, but also a man’s ego. He merely watched them, standing on the sidelines to see when they would give up so he could take them back.

’I hope they did not forget the second day of the conference tomorrow...’ his thoughts trailed the more he watched them. ’They probably did.’

The result arrived together with the wildest explosive cheering from the crowd, giving Drayce the illusion that their loud noise could collapse the tavern itself.

The Crown Prince of Griven was the winner!

Arlan was still standing straight, while Cian ended up losing his balance. The Crown Prince of Abetha was totally wasted, and his own guardian knight had to help him up.

The red-faced winner, Prince Arlan could not help but mock the loser, only his slurred speech was barely understandable under the heavy influence of the alcohol. "Heh, served in the military...? Drinks are... no big deal...? Heh, strong man...?" he let out an uncharacteristically loud laugh. "I don’t see any!"

He was about to lose his balance too, but Imbert timely held his arm but Arlan pushed him away. "I...am...alright..."

"My lord—"

He staggered once more, but this time, the one who helped him up was Drayce. "Enough."

"Dray?" Arlan squinted in his direction, before offering him a silly smile. "See? Your friend... is the... strongest..."

"I know," Drayce replied. "Let’s go back now."