Upon seeing Hiccup return, Stoick initially wanted to stand up, but this small hut was built by Hiccup himself, so it was designed only according to his own size.
Stoick found it truly difficult to stretch out in this small hut.
Hiccup quickly said, "Don't move! Sit down and talk!"
Stoick was a bit nervous, then sat on a stool that was much smaller than his physique.
Then, he carefully asked, "I apologize to you; I haven't cared for you all this time, nor did I know when you learned to train Dragons! If your mother could see this situation…",
"I believe she would be as proud of you as I am!"
It was obvious that Stoick had a lot to say today, but he also felt like he didn't know where to start, which made him appear awkward and nervous.
Hiccup knew that Stoick was acknowledging that he could now live independently. In his past life memories, a writer once said: "You know your all-capable father has started to act cautiously and consult you before making any decisions when you have grown up."
"Unknowingly, the responsibility for the future has fallen on your shoulders!"
Having lived two lives, he naturally understood this principle, so Hiccup did not say much. Because if he told his cheap father now that his mother was not dead for the past twenty years and that there was a Dragon King beside him, he simply would not believe it.
So, Hiccup took out a bottle of strong island liquor from a box.
To be honest, it was just a kind of fruit wine, and he didn't know what fruit it was made from, but this was a gift from Stoick when Hiccup had his birthday.
When Stoick saw the wine bottle, he showed a kind, fatherly smile and said, "You've kept it until now!"
Honestly, Stoick was happy, after all, this detail showed Hiccup's regard for him.
In reality, it was just because Hiccup didn't like to drink this wine, so he had kept it until now.
However, many times a white lie is needed to maintain this family bond. Even if he didn't like to drink it, and even found it somewhat distasteful, Hiccup still said with a smiling face, "Of course! How could I bear to drink it!"
Stoick began to narrate, "This bottle of wine is from the day your mother and I got married! Later…"
As he spoke, the big Viking's eyes reddened a bit. He then poured himself a full glass of wine and carefully stroked the full glass, saying, "Back then, your mother and I drank this wine together by candlelight!"
The candlelight reflected on Stoick's large beard, then slowly moved up to his face, illuminating his reminiscent expression.
Stoick swirled the wine glass, then took a small sip and said, "Oh~! The taste is still the same as back then, just like your mother is still so beautiful! It all feels like yesterday!"
With that, Stoick directly drained the wine in his glass.
Hiccup also took a sip, trying to keep his expression calm, while thinking to himself, "In my previous life, many people couldn't stand the taste of red wine. The first time they tried it, they felt it wasn't wine made from grapes."
"It clearly tasted like a dried branch had been soaked in it, with an earthy and rotten grape flavor mixed together. Forget about sweetness, it's all lies! Those people who drink '82 Lafite are purely a bit crazy!"
"However, when you are forced to drink it for some reason, and then get drunk, the second time you drink it, it really is just two words: so good!"
So, Hiccup refilled Stoick's glass and then said, "What if Mom is still alive!?"
Stoick shook his head and said, "That day, I personally watched your mother being taken by a Dragon, and I was powerless! Perhaps I was really wrong!"
"If I had a Dragon companion back then, I would never have let your mother be taken by a Dragon, and I would have fiercely twisted that Dragon's head off!"
With that, Stoick once again drained his glass, the dark red wine spilling onto his braided brown beard.
Hiccup smiled faintly and said, "Not necessarily! In less than half a year, you'll definitely regret what you said!"
"Hahaha! In front of others, I would definitely stubbornly say no, and even duel him, but in front of you, I know I'm old. Perhaps there are some things I have to listen to you about now!"
Stoick used laughter to cover his embarrassment; he still seemed unwilling to admit he was old, still felt he could lead the Berk Island villagers in fighting Dragons, and still felt he could clean up Hiccup's messes.
But now he had to admit that Hiccup's abilities were far, far superior to his own.
So, Stoick took out a horned helmet from his embrace, about the size of Hiccup's head, and while caressing it lovingly, he said with a hint of nostalgia, "This helmet should have been given to you long ago!"
"It was made from the other half of your mother's breastplate! Now, we father and son each have one! It's as if your mother is still with us father and son!"
Hiccup took the horned helmet, then glanced at the clearly ill-fitting helmet on Stoick's head, and immediately understood that his cheap father's love was absolutely steadfast!
As a chief, he could have chosen any woman on Berk Island, but for the past twenty years, he had dedicated himself to fighting Dragons.
Firstly, he didn't want to be distracted, and secondly, he simply wanted to avenge his wife. Although he didn't know what kind of Dragon took his wife, Stoick firmly believed.
As long as he could kill all the Dragons, it would mean he had avenged his wife!
It seemed that it was only when Stoick agreed to Hiccup forming the Dragon Knight Squad that he felt he was old, not to let go of hatred, but simply to create a peaceful world for Hiccup.
He didn't want him to live in hatred for the rest of his life, like himself!
Hiccup naturally understood Stoick's thoughts, so he could comprehend the complex gaze Stoick had in the Dragon Jail stands that day.
At the same time, he was deeply moved by this profound fatherly love!
Hiccup didn't say any other superfluous words; he simply raised his glass and said with a smile, "Vikings never retreat!"
With that, Hiccup directly drained the glass. To be honest, after this glass of wine, he could truly taste the aroma of the wine, which also proved that it was indeed good wine!
Watching Hiccup drink, Stoick smiled contentedly, then patted Hiccup's shoulder and said, "Hiccup, go ahead and do it boldly! Whatever you do! I will always support you!"