Chapter 22 Little Strategist

Perhaps she turned him into a lyre.

Upon arriving in Delphi, Hermes was speechless to find that Apollo had indeed done nothing of substance; he had simply had Pythia announce that a quadrennial athletic competition would henceforth be held here, a tradition that would continue throughout history.

As for the details? Heh, so that really is why he brought her here!

Hermes flew expressionlessly through the air, passing Apollo and rushing straight into the Temple of Light, appearing as a young girl.

She can change size at will.

The priestess Pythia was cleaning the altar in front of the idol when she was surprised to see Hermes suddenly barge in.

However, when Apollo followed her in, she seemed to have anticipated something and smiled broadly.

"Welcome back, Your Highnesses."

"It's been so long, Grandma Pythia!" Hermes immediately threw herself into the priestess's arms with tears in her eyes, rubbing against her. "Waaaaah, that bastard tricked me! This competition was clearly his task, but he insisted on making me do all the hard work for him, waaaaaah!"

Even the snakes transformed back into human form and joined her in hugging Pitia and pouring out their grievances.

For a moment, the entire hall was filled with the wails of the god and the two serpents. Pythia patted their backs one by one, both amused and helpless, gently comforting these naughty and adorable children.

Apollo, usually so rational and composed, still succumbed to the scoundrels led by Hermes when faced with their shameless antics.

He was so annoyed by the noise that he went over, grabbed the guy by the back of her shirt, and lifted him up.

"Don't forget who invented the Pythia Contest."

He's getting used to this movement.

"But I was doing it for your own good! Wait a minute?" Hermes, who had been struggling against Apollo, froze upon hearing the second half of the sentence. "The Pythia Contest?"

The priestess was also stunned: "...Me?"

Apistoni and Tokei stared wide-eyed at the God of Light, who always bullied their prince, their gaping maws already itching with hunger.

Is this time going to drag kind-hearted Grandma Pity into this mess too? You bastard Apollo!

If they weren't outmatched, they would have torn him to pieces long ago!

Apollo was unaware that his image had been further diminished in the minds of the serpents, nor did he want to know.

Faced with the doubts of those present, he calmly explained, "My priestess is my representative in the mortal realm. She will hold sacrificial rites at the beginning and end of the competition, so it is most appropriate to name the competition Pytia."

Pythia was deeply moved, knowing very well that this Olympian god, Apollo, had always trusted her.

Therefore, she bowed respectfully to the deity she would surely serve forever: "Thank you, Your Majesty the Great God of Light."

"What is this?" Hermes thought to herself as she watched. "I thought this arrogant and conceited guy would name the competition after himself!"

“Before that,” Apollo gently shook the absent-minded little imp he was holding, “come and plan this competition with me.”

He paused.

"Little genius."

Hermes was furious that Apollo had so casually mocked her, but when she heard that inexplicable title, she was dumbfounded.

Little strategist?

They're not calling her "brat" anymore?

This new nickname is actually quite cute... no, it's interesting...

Hermes' cheeks flushed slightly, and smoke rose from her head. Although she was reluctant to admit it, she was indeed quite pleased with the flattering nickname Apollo had given her.

If only he weren't so annoying.

Having been appeased, Hermes temporarily forgave Apollo for his previous actions of dragging her into the mess.

Just then, he let go and put her down. The good brother has finally learned to be a good god.

Now it's her turn to be Hermes!

After all, Apollo called her his strategist, which means he admitted that he couldn't do without her!

So they went into the inner hall, sat down around the square stone table, and prepared to discuss until dawn the next day.

“Since it’s going to be a competition that both gods and humans can participate in, the arena must be built to be enormous. It must not only be large enough to accommodate the participants and all the events, but also large enough for everyone to sit and watch the games. Ideally, it should also have an echo that can hear everything.” Hermes began to offer suggestions to Apollo. “I was thinking about this last time we came. Brother Apollo, it seems that the top of Mount Parnassus hasn’t been explored yet. Why don’t we build the arena there?”

"A vast area and a place that produces echoes—perfect!"

The snakes were shocked and withdrew their gaping maws that had been pointed at Apollo.

Their prince is actually willing to help him!

In contrast to the disbelief of the two little ones, Pythia remained all smiles, her gaze towards Hermes and Apollo filled with profound meaning.

"The competition is set up for arts and sports activities, both of which are about pushing limits. In the arts, you and the Muse sisters are both strong, so you can use your creativity. As for sports, they are related to physical movement... um..." She lowered her head and thought for a while before continuing to explain, "I taught the people in my area wrestling and boxing, so these two can be included."

Apollo suddenly said, "Archery." He met her gaze as she looked up, paused, and added, "This is also one of Artemis' and my strengths."

The god of light and the goddess of the hunt each have their own bows and arrows, and they also hold this divine office. No one is better at archery than them.

“This project is fine too! Then I’ll leave the details to you and Artemis, and Apollo, right?” Hermes said with a grin.

Great, she can slack off a bit more now.

But these projects alone probably aren't enough, right? What other sports-related projects could there be...?

running?

Are they divided into short-duration, short-distance and long-duration, long-distance types?

"Sprints and long-distance running!"

And also things related to jumping...

"High jump and long jump!"

Upon hearing this, Apollo offered his opinion: "To allow the athletes to perform at their best, we can set up obstacles and procedures in these events. For example, they could have to take a short run-up or jump on one foot in the long jump and land on both feet at the same time."

It's flashy and fancy, but after all, it's a challenge to the limits and a competition.

"Great idea!" Hermes' eyes lit up. "But we also need to protect the athletes' safety. High-intensity jumping can easily injure them. Perhaps setting up a soft sandpit in one corner of the arena would be better?"

Apollo nodded, agreeing with this view.

“Since there are leg-related sports, then arms can’t be missing.” A new idea quickly popped into Hermes’ mind, just like her speed. “Wait, arms alone won’t do. Just like high jump and long jump, you need something to help you.”

"Hands can hold things, throw things, and use force to throw things near or far. Most importantly, the thing must have considerable weight."

But what can help demonstrate arm strength?

Apollo replied without hesitation, "Stone."

Hermes frowned: "It's impossible to simply use a stone for the competition, is it? Who can guarantee that every stone used by the contestants is of the same quality?"

Apollo thought for a moment and said, "Then let's make something of the same mass out of stone."

Hermes: "So the question is, what exactly is this thing?"

Apollo: "..."

So we've come full circle again, haven't we?

The snakes, listening intently to the discussion between these two experts, were completely bewildered.

What are they talking about?

It feels so complicated!

At this moment, Pythia came over carrying a golden platter with five cups of water on it.

"You must be thirsty after all this work. Have some water to soothe your throats." The priestess placed the cups on the table one by one. "Take your time, there's no rush."

The snakes quickly grabbed cups and started drinking water, trying to cover up their embarrassment at not being able to join the conversation between the two great gods next to them.

Damn it, I've wanted to complain for ages! Why is it that our Highness and that villain Apollo are so perfectly in sync?!

Just like when they used to play music together while herding sheep in Arcadia... How come they get along so well when they should be like oil and water?!

Hermes was unaware of the snakes' thoughts. She obediently thanked the gentle Grandma Pythia, picked up her cup, and took a sip of water.

Huh? Why is it hot?

"Grandma Pitia, did you heat it up?"

“Yes, Your Highness.” The priestess sat down in one of the empty seats among the snakes, right opposite Hermes and Apollo. “The flames inside the triangular cauldron have many uses.”

Unbelievable! Did the Delphians know that the triangular cauldron they so desperately wanted, capable of identifying the body and soul, was actually being used to heat water?

Mentioning the ability to identify the body and soul... that's really high-end stuff. Oh no, I'm increasingly tempted to steal this thing...

Hopefully the Delphians, Pythia, and Apollo won't mind.

Because she always keeps her word.

Hermes gave Pythia a thumbs-up, then nudged Apollo, who was silently drinking water beside her, with her elbow.

Feeling the light touch and warmth on his waist, Apollo turned his head to look at a mischievous girl, and the part of his body that she had touched belatedly started to itch.

She tugged at his cloak, making him bend down to listen to her whisper in his ear.

Familiar-sounding behavior.

“Tell me the truth, Brother Apollo, did you teach Grandma Pythia this?”

"Using the sacred fire water... While it's not entirely impossible, aren't you really afraid that the two great gods who planted the flames in your triangular cauldron will find out?"

The warm breath she exhaled as she spoke made his earlobes and neck skin itch even more.

But time was too short. Before Apollo could understand why Hermes could so easily invade his senses, she released his cloak.

"Alright, I have a great idea!" The cunning god of deception revealed his usual cheerful smile. "Sister Athena is the goddess of crafts. Why don't we go to her and ask her what kind of stone we should make to aid in the arm strength competition, and then follow her advice!"

"After all, this is a Pythia competition involving both gods and humans~"

When she mentioned 'Pitia', Hermes winked her right eye at the gentle-looking priestess sitting opposite her, looking quite playful.

Piti responded with a smile and winked her right eye.

Apollo watched this scene silently, his gaze lingering on the face of the god of deception, momentarily captivated by her lively and charming appearance.

Perhaps she turned him into a lyre.

The God of Light lowered his eyes, looking at the small whirlpool that spread out on the surface of the water in the cup.

Otherwise, why would he be so easily moved by her?

He knew perfectly well that she was cunning and treacherous.

Meanwhile, the snakes, who were just playing a supporting role, finished their water and wanted to have another drink.

They desperately want the glass to contain alcohol, not water, so they can get drunk naturally.

The snakes were so frustrated by the harmonious relationship between Hermes and Apollo that they desperately needed alcohol to numb themselves and escape reality.

Damn it, this is definitely not an illusion.

This time, even Her Highness shone brightly along with the God of Light!

[Author's Note]

Snakes: Waaaaah, please don't let our prince be kidnapped by that scoundrel Apollo! QAQ