Chapter 4 Olympus

"But I really didn't lie to you."

Maya did not come with them on this trip.

While doing her mischief in Apollo's cowshed, Hermes spent a few seconds imagining what Olympus was like. She had been self-aware since she was in her mother's womb and had naturally heard her mother describe how beautiful and peaceful the place where she used to live was.

Mount Olympus, bathed in the light of the sun and moon, shines brilliantly. And above these swirling clouds lies the abode of the gods.

Maia once had her own palace and gardens in Olympus, though she preferred to stay in the mountains and play with her sisters. But after becoming Zeus's lover, Maia quietly moved out of Olympus and settled permanently in a cave on Mount Cyrene.

Hermes imagined Mount Olympus to be steep and majestic, and the divine abode above the clouds to be magnificent and splendid.

Indeed, that is the case.

She stood with her feet on the ground, blinked her eyes, and saw that many gods were looking at her from all around.

This place is a large garden planted with exotic flowers and rare herbs. The gods are holding a grand banquet here, and wine pourers can be seen everywhere moving among the laughing gods, pouring fine wine into the golden cups in their hands or on the tables.

The sudden appearance of the two gods in the center of the banquet seemed quite abrupt, especially when all the gods noticed that one of them was Apollo, who had only recently been appointed chief god.

All the Olympian gods knew that Apollo, who had recently returned to the sacred mountain, did not enjoy banquets. His sister Artemis often accompanied Leto to banquets, but he rarely appeared at banquets, citing his mission to fight monsters and build temples to attract believers in the mortal realm.

However, Apollo was still better than Hades, Zeus's brother and the ruler of the underworld. Hades had never returned to Olympus since he was sent to the underworld by lot, and his reason was always the same and bizarre—he was too lazy to come.

But who is that braided girl who looks like a child, not even a teenager? Her hair is flaxen, her face is rosy and still has baby fat, and even her clear, emerald green eyes are round, making her look innocent and cute.

The gods, having grown accustomed to the handsome and aloof Apollo, were all quite intrigued by the little girl who was curiously looking around.

Not to mention, there seemed to be a familiar aura about this child.

Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Hestia, the goddess of fire and hearth, all sitting at the same table, glanced at their younger brother and sister, Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, the queen of the gods, sitting at the head of the table.

As expected, their jealous sister Hera had already narrowed her eyes, staring unhappily at the girl brought by Apollo. The blond-haired, blue-eyed god-king, however, still wore a smile, seemingly unfazed by the situation.

Poseidon tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup, his gaze lingering for a long time on the girl who definitely had a father named Zeus: "So, who is this child's mother?"

“Who knows?” The gentle and dignified Demeter shrugged. “Leto was the same way; we were always kept in the dark.”

“Tsk.” Poseidon glanced again at Leto, Artemis, and Asteria, who were sitting in a secluded spot. “I don’t have time to offer any help this time.”

“Oh, indeed, look at Hera’s face…”

Hestia, who had remained silent, quietly ate her food and fruit; she had never been particularly interested in such things.

In fact, this goddess preferred to stay on Earth and live among humans rather than on the troublesome Olympus.

Meanwhile, Hermes calmly surveyed her surroundings, using the memories she had accumulated in her mother's womb and her keen observation skills to identify the deities present.

The most eye-catching figures are, of course, the two seated on thrones inlaid with gold and various precious stones: Zeus, whom they had met the day before, and the white-armed goddess with black hair and golden eyes, namely Hera, the queen of the gods.

Even though Hermes was trying to control her emotions and calm her wildly beating heart, she couldn't help but tug at the cloak of the tall male god beside her, and she couldn't tell whether she was deliberately meeting his lowered gaze.

It must be admitted that Apollo's eyes were truly beautiful. Although they were light in color, they were not lifeless, but rather filled with a sense of clarity, purity, and mystery.

“Ah, Brother Apollo.” Hermes softened her voice and tone, becoming cautious and no longer as stubborn as she had been in the Kulenne cave. “I’m a little scared.”

"But I really didn't lie to you."

However, stubbornness is something ingrained in one's bones and cannot be changed, dear Apollo!

Apollo saw a sly glint in Hermes' round green eyes, but he neither pulled her away nor responded to her. Instead, he looked directly at Zeus, who sat on the throne. Only when Zeus raised his eyebrows at the sight did Apollo finally open his thin lips and speak.

“Revered and esteemed Father God, please forgive my sudden actions,” the God of Light said calmly. “I have returned to Olympus from the mortal realm to ask you to uphold justice in a matter.”

He bowed his head to Zeus in respect.

Seeing this, the intelligent and mischievous Hermes followed suit, bowing her head to Zeus in imitation of his actions. Her already endearing appearance was further enhanced by this gesture, instantly increasing the favor of the other gods watching, with some goddesses already overflowing with maternal love softening their gazes towards her.

"Hey, look over here, cute little one!" A blonde, blue-eyed goddess waved to Hermes, and after she looked over, she snapped her fingers, and a pair of golden sandals appeared on Hermes' two delicate little feet. "Here you go~"

Hermes paused, not just because of the golden sandals he had given her.

The goddess was exceptionally beautiful. Her long, wavy golden hair, her bright green eyes, her full, red lips, and her alluring body that was partially revealed beneath her pink dress all showcased how captivating she was.

In that instant, she felt as if she had been captivated, her mind and eyes filled with that unknown goddess.

He didn't come to his senses until the red cloak he was clutching was suddenly ripped away.

She looked away and saw the handsome man standing beside her with an indifferent expression. It was he who had suddenly snatched the cloak back from her hand.

At this moment, Zeus, under the watchful eyes of his wife seated beside him, finally spoke.

"Welcome, my brave and fearless son, the outstanding Apollo. I certainly won't mind such trivial matters; I'm delighted that you've come to the banquet." The God-King, holding the Thunder Scepter, was focused on Apollo, but his gaze was also subtly fixed on Hermes beside him. "Then, speak it aloud. What justice do you want me to uphold?"

...Here it comes.

Hermes held his breath, his gaze darkening.

Apollo, who had all-knowing wisdom, paused abruptly, and only made a move after a while.

He placed his right hand on her trembling, thin shoulder, his steady voice resounding in the ears of all the gods present.

“That child—Hermes stole fifty of my cows last night and shamelessly refused to return them. Not only that, but when I came to her door, she lied and claimed that she was innocent.”

With his eyes that possessed the ability to foresee the future, Apollo saw that she would return to Olympus and become one of the twelve Olympian gods.

Therefore, he continued to comply with her wishes.

"Please judge this matter and give this cunning thief a just punishment."

Sanctions? That's just empty talk.

He noticed her biting her lower lip and clenching and unclenching her hands. After a moment's thought, he couldn't quite tell whether she was faking it or not.

[Author's Note]

I'll update this secretly while no one's around.