Chapter 53 I promise you

"I love you, Hermes."

Hermes and Maia sat down at a table by the rose bushes, where Athena and Prometheus were also present.

The goddess of wisdom and the god of prophecy are dressed more simply than usual today, but their solemnity remains undiminished.

Compared to Prometheus's plain, dark green robe, which resembled that of a human, Athena's exquisite white embroidered dress with gold tassels and a gold belt was far more striking to Hermes.

If only Athena wore a crown adorned with magnificent jewels! She would be as radiant as Princess Hera!

Of course, it's still amazing now!

Hermes thought to herself.

"Good day, Athena, Prometheus," Maia said gently. "It's been a long time, I've missed you both."

Although Maia said this to them, her gaze was only fixed on Prometheus.

This Titan god, who once created the Silver Humans with Athena, has black hair and black eyes, skin so white it's almost pale, and a thin face and physique unlike other gods who are healthy and strong.

However, he had a gentle temperament, and his eyes and brows seemed to exude an innate elegance and benevolence.

The prophet's penetrating gaze lingered on Hermes for a moment before turning to the mountain goddess who was gazing at him.

"Good day," Prometheus said. "It has indeed been a long time; our last meeting seems like a distant memory."

Hmm? Why does it feel like there's a hidden meaning in what they're saying?

Hermes raised an eyebrow and gave Athena an inquiring look.

Athena took a sip of the celestial nectar and calmly faced Hermes's puzzled expression as she sat next to her.

However, it wouldn't be surprising if these two were acquainted and had some kind of relationship during the Titans' active period before the Olympians.

Hermes thought to herself.

At the same time, Maia sighed and looked away from Prometheus.

"I'm sorry, I was just being too sentimental." The goddess of the mountains and forests looked at her with a hint of fear in her eyes as she cautiously glanced at the empty throne in the distance. "I never thought I would ever step into this place again."

Upon hearing this, Prometheus's throat tightened, and his dark green robe seemed to become damp, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Hermes was sizing up the wise Titan when she noticed his gaze shift to her.

Hermes.

“…Huh?” Hermes was taken aback. “What do you want, Your Excellency the Prophet?”

Unexpectedly, Prometheus shook his head again.

"It's nothing."

Prometheus turned his face away and continued talking to Maia.

Hermes was completely baffled by this.

Why is he acting like this? He was the one who called her name first, acting like he was about to bring up something important, but after piquing her interest, he suddenly stopped talking!

Are you really okay...?

Hermes swallowed her scepter in public, temporarily placing it in this wondrous way.

That being said, since Prometheus is revered as a prophet, he must have possessed the special ability to foresee the future, right?

Just like Apollo.

The image of the God of Light flashed through her mind, and Hermes frowned deeply, puffing out her cheeks to banish this annoying fellow from her heart.

Why keep thinking about Apollo? What's there to miss about someone who enjoys toying with others even more than she does!

Even if that guy is right here, she shouldn't go looking for him again!

It's his own fault for not coming to see her!

Everyone present was a little surprised to see Hermes suddenly become sullen and even reach out to grab a handful of the roses next to her.

"What's wrong? My dear daughter." Maya touched Hermes' forehead. "Hmm? You don't have a fever."

Hermes was even angrier: "...Mother Goddess, please don't worry, I just remembered some unpleasant things again."

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Athena's sharp, owl-like grey-blue eyes.

Just then, Leto, the goddess of night and nurturing, sat down at the next table with her children and sister. Athena waved to them with a slight smile.

"Greetings, benevolent Leto and Asteria," Athena called out. "Artemis, my dear sister, you are as beautiful as ever today."

After the goddesses all smiled in response, Athena said to the tall, golden god, "Good day, Apollo. I heard you've been busy planning the competition to be held on Earth lately."

Under Hermes's bewildered and incredulous gaze, the goddess of wisdom decided to put her occasional gossipy and meddlesome thoughts into practice.

She also winked her left eye at the goddess of the hunt, who looked thoughtful.

“I didn’t expect you to come,” Athena added with a smile. “After all, you’ve never been interested in banquets.”

Seeing this, Artemis replied, "Yes, Athena, we all know Apollo's character."

Amidst the unanimous puzzled looks of Leto and Asteria, the goddess of the hunt curled her thin lips into a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.

She glanced at the little one at the next table, who was huddled in Maya's arms with his head down.

"Perhaps after growing weary of slaying monsters that wreak havoc on the mortal realm, you've finally decided to relax and have some fun, just like us, Apollo, my brave and mighty brother."

Apollo, who was already silent, was speechless.

He put down the golden cup he had just picked up, even more speechless.

How did my sister get corrupted by Athena?

But his aunt Asteria asked, "What does this mean, Al?"

“You must have heard, Aunt, that Apollo has been spending a lot of time with Maia’s daughter these past few days…” Artemis leaned close to Asteria’s ear, pretending to whisper but her voice was still loud, “…tsk tsk, I can’t explain that.”

Apollo/Hermes eavesdropping: "..."

How did she manage to make our simple, unpretentious quest-solving and adventures sound so convoluted?

The two gods thought in unison.

“Oh, I see, Artemis.”

Even Asteria now wore a thoughtful expression, her probing gaze shifting back and forth between Hermes and Apollo.

After a while, the Goddess of the Starry Night smiled slightly, and a light blush appeared on her fair cheeks, making her look even more joyful.

She whispered to the silent Leto, "I think our Apollo has indeed grown up, dear sister."

Apollo: "..."

Hermes: "..."

Even Maia and Prometheus exchanged suggestive glances, their expressions revealing their understanding.

“Maia, it seems your powerful daughter has conquered more than just the vicious hellhounds,” Prometheus said meaningfully.

“Ah, this is a long story.” Maya covered her mouth and chuckled. “Even I didn’t expect this at first.”

Thank you, but nobody's going to have a good time at this banquet today!

*Smack!!!*

Hermes slammed her hand on the table and stood up, meeting the gazes cast upon her by the gods.

"Sorry to bother everyone."

Hermes put on her usual fake smile mask.

In their eyes, her smile could only be genuine and sincere.

“Mother Goddess, since the banquet hasn’t started yet, I’ll go wander around for a bit and come back later.”

"Hermes—"

As soon as Maya called out her daughter's name, she saw her run off into the distance.

The speed was so fast that the dust it stirred up swept over other tables, causing other gods who had no connection to this matter to look at it in surprise.

Artemis stroked her silver hair, which shimmered like a waterfall under the moonlight: "Hmph, what's there to be shy about? Coward."

However, her younger brother, who was sitting next to her, also stood up.

"Excuse me," Apollo said calmly.

"..."

Artemis opened her eyes wide and watched Apollo stride away in the direction Hermes had fled.

Then I heard Asteria's aunt-like laughter again.

“Sister Athena,” Artemis turned around and said with displeasure to Athena, who was leisurely sipping her drink, “You should teach that brat Hermes a lesson.”

Upon hearing this, the goddess of wisdom raised an eyebrow slightly.

“That’s none of my business,” she said. “Besides, you’ve already let Apollo go after Hermes, haven’t you?”

"..."

"Tch." Artemis curled her lip. "I was just looking for some fun."

Who would have thought that Apollo, the good brother, could be influenced by Hermes to become such a monstrous state?

He followed her around everywhere, even losing his composure when the Mother Goddess was present, acting like a lovestruck little shadow following her around.

That's really something, my good little brother.

Although Artemis thought this with disdain in her heart, the corners of her mouth honestly curved into a sincere smile.

After all, Apollo looks much better in this form than in his usual aloof demeanor.

Perhaps we should thank that little guy...

Meanwhile, Hermes had already dashed off to another location on Mount Olympus.

It was far from the banquet venue, located in a secluded corner of a palace garden, where even the air seemed a little thinner.

I wonder which deity resides here.

Hermes sat against the wall, her head bowed, her arms wrapped around her knees, recalling the strange events that had just occurred in a very bad mood.

Honestly, I don't want to actually get involved with that bastard Apollo, especially not with everyone knowing about it!

She pouted, and even her usually clear and innocent eyes turned fierce like a wolf.

The thought of actually being with Apollo and then inevitably getting married, having children, and doing many other things is terrifying no matter what.

After all, although he seemed reliable, he was a two-faced guy. Who could guarantee that Apollo's heart wasn't made of iron?

Moreover, he's the old man's son...

Hermes frowned and her face darkened as she recalled what her mother Maya had gone through before she was born, and her hatred and loathing grew stronger in her heart.

A husband who cannot protect his pregnant wife cannot even be considered a couple.

It's just too dirty and filthy, isn't it?

Hermes admits that she has unusual feelings for Apollo, but it would be absolutely uncomfortable for her to accept him as her husband.

She could not accept a womanizer like Zeus, the king of the gods, who acted recklessly and philanderingly, nor could she guarantee that Apollo would not inherit his vices.

Moreover, even if it meant she and him becoming lovers in name only...

Hello, cute little guy~

Hermes blinked, lifted his head from his arms, and looked in surprise at the goddess who was leaning down beside him.

This strange goddess had short, dark blue hair and slightly upturned, deep black eyes that seemed devoid of any life.

"How did you come to be here?" The goddess's voice was sharp as a knife, but not harsh. "God of fraud and theft, god of commerce and travel, god of nature and animal husbandry, god of winter ice and snow."

Hermes.

She straightened up, a strange smile on her face, and reached out her hand to Hermes. Veins and bony veins were faintly visible beneath her pale skin, and even the bones deep within her flesh seemed clearly visible.

This terrifying goddess was wearing a loose white dress without a belt.

Against her unnaturally pale skin, this goddess stood there as if she were completely naked.

A gloomy and evil aura swept over them.

Hermes suddenly stood up and stepped back.

"Who are you?" she asked warily, staring at the goddess who was much taller than her.

This pervasive sense of malice was also felt in Cilicia not long ago.

Hermes spat the scepter out of her belly and throat, gripped it tightly with both hands, and her whole body was now in a defensive posture.

I never imagined she would have such a day on Mount Olympus.

So... a day when I want to go on a killing spree.

A layer of blood rose in Hermes' emerald green eyes.

She was becoming increasingly unable to control herself.

Hahahaha!

However, the goddess who suddenly appeared clutched her stomach and laughed loudly, two glistening tears welling up in her dark, lifeless, upturned eyes.

The goddess laughed so hard she bent over and trembled, then raised her hand to rub away the tears that had welled up in her eyes.

“My name is Eris, the lord of discord and strife who plunges the world into chaos. Ugly little fellow.”

The Lord of Discord and Strife bent down and approached Hermes, grinning with a strange smile that revealed his sharp fangs and snake-like red tongue.

Those bottomless, jet-black eyes were fixed intently on Hermes.

“My mother is Nyx of the Night, and my father is Erebus of Darkness; they are ancient and powerful. Haven’t you heard of me? You ignorant and rude fool!”

This is not Hermes' fault. She only knew the gods of the heavens, the sea, and the earth. Among the gods of the underworld, the only ones she remembered were the three creator gods who lived in the underworld, and the gods of the underworld she met when she and Apollo ventured there.

Even though she is now working for Hades, the god of the underworld, she has not guided human souls across the River Styx into the realm of the dead. It is reasonable that she is not familiar with the gods of the underworld who have lived there for many years.

Moreover, she had never seen Eris before, nor had she ever heard anyone mention her.

It's really not Hermes' fault.

"The Olympian gods are full of fools like you, stupid, hypocritical, and pretentious, which I find utterly disgusting!"

The goddess who called herself Eris spoke to herself as if complaining and throwing a tantrum, her disgust evident in her words.

Hermes couldn't understand it at all, but she was deeply shocked.

"So you were invited too?" She was genuinely shocked. "Today's wedding banquet?"

The god of discord, who brings chaos to the world, has actually come to the banquet? How embarrassing is Aphrodite and Hephaestus's wedding ceremony today!

However, this is not necessarily true, since it is said that apart from some Titans who were not close to the Olympian gods but were also without sin, and a few creator gods, all the gods were present at the banquet.

Moreover, what if this female calamity goddess became angry because she wasn't invited to the banquet and caused strife and chaos among the gods? Wouldn't that be even worse?

With this in mind, Hermes understood why Eris had appeared on Mount Olympus.

Thanks to Eris, she managed to control the sudden urge to kill that had arisen within her, since her intention was not to fight it with the goal of annihilation—even though that evil aura was deeply troubling her.

But before she could apologize for the rude words she had just blurted out, the god of the underworld narrowed his eyes and his smile turned completely cold.

Eris roared in fury, "You despicable and vile Olympian god, what do you intend? Your foolishness is laughable! Do you think I am unworthy to be on this damned holy mountain?!"

Seeing Eris's extreme anger, Hermes knew it was her fault for speaking carelessly and quickly spoke up to appease her.

"I'm sorry, beautiful and generous Eris. I sincerely apologize for what I said just now, which was indeed foolish. Please forgive me. I'm just a little incredulous that such a noble and powerful goddess as you has been invited to this banquet. I feel very honored."

Hermes then began using her traditional skill—sweet talk.

“I had heard of your name before, although I had never seen you before. But seeing you today, I can confirm that you live up to your reputation as the daughter of the ancient creator god.”

Of course, the same traditional lying is also indispensable.

"Please do not use your mighty power on me or the gods at the banquet. I am terrified that your power will plunge us into terrible chaos."

"But I still deeply admire and love you, mighty Eris."

That's really something. Hermes blushed with embarrassment at her own shamelessness after hearing those words.

But there was no way around it; she had offended him first, so she had to say something nice to appease Eris, right? It didn't matter if she exaggerated or not, as long as she was sincere and it was effective!

Eris was initially quite pleased with Hermes' earlier remarks. She held her head high, chin held high, and was smug that this little brat from the Olympian gods was quite sensible.

However, when Hermes uttered those last words, Eris's eyes widened, and the corners of his mouth, which were curved in a huge arc, twitched violently.

Respect is one thing, but admiration?

What the hell is that?!

“Hey, little one.” Eris moved a few steps away from Hermes with a strange expression. “Now you’re making me feel disgusted.”

Seeing this, Hermes also twitched her lips.

Huh? What kind of dirty thoughts has this guy had?

Hermes: "...Please don't misunderstand, dear Eris, I didn't mean it that way."

Eris waved his hand, his strange smile vanishing.

She scoffed and said dismissively, "Alright, alright, I know."

Even if you truly fall in love with me at first sight, I won't accept you, because I already have a goddess I like.

Hermes: "..."

How many times have I been speechless today?

This is so annoying! I was just at the banquet... wait!

Hermes' eyes widened: "Huh? What? You have a favorite... goddess?!"

No way! If she's not mistaken, Eris is clearly a female deity!

She likes goddesses? ???

“Yeah, so what?” Eris asked, quite puzzled. “Didn’t you already have a child with a nymph? Is there a problem with me liking a goddess?”

Hermes: "...It seems that there is indeed no problem."

Eris: "Right? I knew it!"

Hermes: "No! There was no romantic relationship between me and Periop. I simply infused her with my bloodline and power, causing her to give birth to that child!"

"By the way, how did you find out about this?"

“Isn’t this common knowledge among the gods?” Eris shrugged. “Our underworld isn’t truly completely closed off. How could we be completely unaware of something that even you gods of the earth, sea, and heavens know?”

Hermes: "..."

She's gotten used to being speechless.

Do other gods, like Hera, tell her stories as bedtime tales? Why is it that everyone knows everything about her?

Speaking of which big-mouthed bastard started this whole thing?

Unbeknownst to her, the image of a certain god of light flashed through Hermes' mind like a ghost.

—Could it be you, you bastard Apollo!

“It wasn’t me, Hermes.”

Hermes: "?"

As Hermes looked in the direction from which the familiar, deep voice came from, her pupils dilated in shock. That bastard Apollo had actually come!

What's he doing here?!

"You were following me?" Hermes asked suspiciously.

The tall, strong young man approached her, his figure and steps elegant and unhurried.

The golden-haired god of light, clad in white robes, wore a laurel crown on his head. His pale blue eyes were mysterious and unfathomable, as if he were born incomparable. Even his handsome appearance was unmatched among the holy Olympian gods.

“Yes.” He readily admitted, “Not only that, I’m also going to take you back with me.”

Hermes' pupils swelled like a tsunami.

"No, no, that won't do!" Hermes stammered, damn it, she had lost her composure again because of him. "I know I'll go back myself, it's none of your business!"

Apollo nodded: "Yes, I have to take care of you."

Hermes was so shocked that her jaw almost dropped to the ground.

Why does he have to argue with her in such a weird place? It's so unlike his usual self!

Although...although it was quite...wait, I can't think about this anymore!

She really didn't want to become an unrequited lover with him!

You might as well go to Triton!

Hermes turned around, trying to slip away again with the same trick, but found herself frozen in place by some familiar divine power, unable to move at all.

And then something even more outrageous happened—it was Hecate again!

Hermes watched with grief and indignation as the goddess of the underworld, whose entire body was as black as Apollo's raven, appeared as the air rippled.

She can't even speak, it's really awful.

Why did Hecate freeze her again?

“My dearest friend~ you’ve come~” Eris pounced on Hecate, hugging her tightly and snuggling against her because of her height. “I was going to your palace to find you for a banquet, but I ended up catching this little rascal instead!”

Eris turned around and glared fiercely at Hermes, who was still being held in place by her best friend and was on the verge of tears.

But then, Eris smiled brightly, her eyes crinkling and her lips curving upwards.

"But she didn't seem to have any ill intentions, so everything's fine!"

Eris wrapped her arms around Hecate's waist, grinned, and stuck out her tongue, her expression a mixture of temptation and wickedness.

"Let's hurry, the banquet is about to begin, my dearest friend!"

Seeing this, Hermes' heart skipped a beat, confirming her guess—Eris's favorite goddess was Hecate.

That said, did this palace in such a remote location belong to Hecate?

She thought she lived in the underworld.

Seemingly noticing Hermes' inquisitive gaze, Hecate said softly, "How have you been, Hermes?"

"I hope you can make the right choice."

After speaking, Hecate and Eris departed together, disappearing into the distorted ripples of the air.

This great goddess of the three realms, who holds a place in the sky, the earth, and the sea, has always been so free and unpredictable.

However, that's not the most important thing right now.

Hermes watched helplessly as Apollo approached her expressionlessly.

That's incredible! She's still frozen in place. Hecate didn't remove the spell from her before leaving. She's starting to suspect that Apollo instigated Hecate to do this.

After all, Hecate had helped Leto raise Apollo and Artemis.

At that moment, the golden-robed god stopped in front of Hermes, looking down at her.

“You can easily show humility and fear to other gods, and speak words of love and admiration,” Apollo said calmly, “but you are stubborn and hostile towards me alone.”

He looked down at her, taking advantage of his height; his light blue eyes were clear yet hazy.

But Hermes clearly saw a hint of gloom beneath those eyes that seemed to foresee the unknown.

It was a storm, even more powerful than the thunder scepter of Zeus, the king of the gods.

Apollo reached out his right hand and touched Hermes' cheek.

The hand had long, strong fingers with distinct knuckles, and as it slowly slid down to her chin, the pressure gradually tightened.

“You underestimate my tolerance, Hermes.”

Apollo grabbed Hermes' chin, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze more clearly through those emerald green eyes that had bewitched him countless times.

Because he could no longer tolerate her teasing and avoidance.

“If all the colors of the world change and countless lives and souls are destroyed, I will still find you then.” His calm face remained unchanged, and his voice was still deep and clear. When he sang, it was as beautiful as the music of a seven-stringed harp. “Just as I was the one who chose to lend you a helping hand in the first place, Hermes.”

"So," he paused, no longer concerned about shame or embarrassment, "I hope you will choose me too."

This is unbelievable, all of this.

Hermes tried to open her eyes and mouth again, but the immobilization spell Hecate had cast on her had not yet been lifted, so she could do nothing.

If you don't understand, is Apollo's statement considered a confession, after that day's "one-sided love"?

But is this how you confess your love?

She was clearly trapped here, forced to listen to those incomprehensible words, and unable to escape his physical advances.

It has to be voluntary, and both parties have to be satisfied for it to be right, right?

But the next moment, Hermes found her eyelashes trembling.

That's not all.

Hermes' lips trembled as she watched Apollo lean down toward her, cautiously yet with a hint of surprise.

She thought to herself that perhaps she was doing it willingly and contentedly.

Because Hecate's binding magic disappeared.

Because those beautiful light blue eyes were fixed on her, and they always reflected only her.

He asked, "Is that alright, Hermes?"

That was indeed so unbelievable as to be almost unbelievable.

As the atmosphere gradually transformed into a wondrous and enchanting moment, Hermes clearly saw Apollo's seriousness and suddenly realized the illusory, frantic heartbeat within her own heart.

Thump thump thump thump thump—

His heartbeat mingled with hers, surging and crashing against her ears like the waves of a storm as his long, strong fingers caressed her lips.

They were intertwined, just as he wanted to do to her.

“Okay…” Hermes closed her eyes, somewhat hesitant and anxious, “but you have to promise you won’t turn into an old geezer and an old geezer number two.”

The next second, his kiss landed on her lips.

He is neither assertive nor cowardly, nor is he annoyingly indecisive.

After those thin lips that always called her those hateful nicknames pressed against hers, her lips and teeth were gently parted by him, and they lingered passionately in the narrow, moist place where they met.

The slurping sound of water and her absent-minded mutterings gradually sank into his throat.

He was so calm and unhurried, yet so eager, as he pulled her into his broad chest and embrace.

It was as if he had devoured his prey completely.

It was as if she were his priceless treasure.

But in any case—

"ha……"

As their lips parted, Apollo breathed heavily, his whole body burning with heat, even his cells screaming for some uncontrollable impulse.

Hermes leaned against Apollo's strong chest, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the kisses.

Her mind was foggy, perhaps because his skills were too superb, or perhaps because she was thinking about how they should face each other after this.

After today's ambiguous relationship ends, how will her relationship with him change?

Hermes remained silent, then stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around Apollo's neck.

"I assure you."

She listened to his gentle and patient promises as she counted the number of strands of hair that fell across Apollo's robe.

“I will never treat you like they do.”

"I love you, Hermes."

But no matter what, he would never let her go again.

Just like she wouldn't let him go again.

[Author's Note]

Hermes x Apollo, the scoundrels who do evil in the corner of another god's wedding feast.