Chapter 41

The Sacred Shrine of Veredia is located in the southern part of the region, where late October is the harvest season.

On the day of the God of Agriculture Festival.

In the western part of Nanze, golden wheat ears woven into wreaths hang in front of every household, and the rich aroma of wheat wine wafts from earthenware jugs. Children carry sweet cakes and weave through the crowds, their laughter filling the entire street.

Li Jia linked arms with Hera, curiously looking around at everything.

Sunlight fell on Hera's gilded hair, casting a soft halo over her aloof features, attracting many passersby to steal glances, only to hastily look away when their eyes met hers.

Hera concealed the color and appearance of her pupils from both Hera and herself, as did Artemis.

"Look over there."

Lina nudged Li Jia with her elbow and gestured with her chin toward the direction of the Veredia Altar.

Following her gaze, Li Jia saw Demeter wearing a white robe embroidered with wheat ears, her belly slightly protruding, standing before the altar receiving the worship of the people.

Her expression was gentle, and she would occasionally lean down to answer the farmers' questions. When her fingertips brushed over the offered grains, the grains would instantly become plump and bright.

The man, now with a different appearance, stood not far behind her, also enjoying the offerings from his subjects.

Unlike Demeter's humility, he had an arrogant expression, a smug smile on his lips, clearly enjoying himself.

"It seems Demeter is truly in trouble."

Lina whispered, "They actually brought him to the Altar of Veredia."

The significance of a goddess having a man by her side is undeniable. If her husband is registered in the marital history, he is a divine husband who must take his wife's surname and manage her household affairs. If he is not registered, he is simply a divine companion.

The decision rests with the goddess herself.

The gods do not have the concept of premarital pregnancy; whether or not to conceive a new life is a woman's right.

Demeter is the mother of this land, and her children are born to be the darlings of Nanze, destined for wealth and honor.

Li Jia didn't speak, but simply squeezed Hera's hand tightly.

Hera noticed her nervousness, took her hand in hers, and gently stroked it to comfort her.

After the crowd of worshippers had dispersed somewhat, the man slowly walked to Demeter's side and thoughtfully handed her a cup of warm honey water.

When Demeter took it, the tips of her ears turned slightly red. Her appearance lost some of her divine aloofness and gained more of a girl's shyness.

The man's gaze softened as he looked at her, and he whispered something that made Demeter chuckle.

The sunlight fell on their intertwined shadows, creating an illusion of tranquility and peace.

"Your Majesty, could you please introduce me to the goddess of agriculture? I would like to ask her about the history of seeds."

If I went to see Demeter on my own, I probably wouldn't even be able to get into her palace. This is the only way I can get close to her and at least let her know that I exist.

Hera looked up at the two people smiling at each other in front of the altar, her voice extremely calm: "Yes, but we need to wait until she finishes her chores. She will have a short rest after the noon ceremony of Saturnalia."

Li Jia's tense shoulder line quietly relaxed, and the sweat on her palms was soothed by Hera's warm touch.

Lina raised an eyebrow and teased in a voice only she and Li Jia could hear, "You're quick-witted, aren't you? Only the God of Agriculture cares so much about things like crops."

"Hehe, did you bring what I asked you to bring?"

Li Jia asked, and Lina shook her backpack to reassure her, saying that she was very capable.

Artemis leaned against an oak tree not far away, her blue hair falling like silk over her shoulders, her gaze sweeping over the man's waist ornament.

The ordinary silver ornaments, clearly not belonging to a deity, were casually mentioned. "He really went all out, concealing even the aura of a god completely. Demeter is truly..."

The words were not finished, but they were already clear enough.

Hera led Li Jia toward the side hall of the altar, where the Saturnian festival was held during a break.

"When you see her later, just talk about the seeds."

Hera stopped and reached out to tidy up the ends of Li Jia's wind-blown hair: "As for the rest, there's no need to say more. You don't have to answer any of her questions. I'll take care of everything."

Li Jia nodded, her fingertips unconsciously twisting her sleeve.

She could see the ears of wheat entwined on the pillars of the side hall trembling gently with Demeter's breath, just like the tender emotions that the goddess of agriculture revealed at this moment, emotions that even her divine power could not conceal.

Before long, the hymns of the festival came to an end.

The handsome man took Demeter's hand and they walked into the side hall together. As soon as they looked up, they saw Hera waiting there.

When the man saw Hera, he was reminded of Poseidon's miserable state, and a wave of fear washed over him. He hid behind Demeter, at a loss for what to do.

Demeter was taken aback at first, thinking the man was afraid of the gods, then said calmly, "Goddess of Juno, what brings you here?"

When her gaze swept over Li Jia beside her, a touch of gentle curiosity appeared.

"This is Li Jia."

Hera spoke, her body radiating divine pressure that permeated the surroundings, and the man's complexion grew increasingly grim.

"She asked me to bring her here because she has some questions about seeds that she'd like to ask you."

Li Jia immediately stepped forward, paused briefly when her gaze fell on Demeter's protruding belly, and then said sincerely, "Goddess of Agriculture, I have seen wheat seeds that can withstand frost in the North, but I don't know if they can survive in the soil and water of the South Marsh."

"I have heard that you hold the secrets to the growth of all things, so please answer my questions."

Demeter was somewhat surprised to see Li Jia.

It's her.

She was the girl who chose Hera when selecting servants in the temple.

Demeter was impressed by her, and seeing Hera's interest, a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes.

But faced with Li Jia's question, the shyness she had felt earlier from being with a man faded, replaced by the fervor of a god for her duty: "The wheat seeds in the North are cold-natured, while those in the South are warm. Direct planting would probably make it difficult for them to produce ears, but..."

Demeter lightly raised her fingertips, and a wisp of pale wood-colored divine power condensed in her palm, transforming into a plump grain of wheat: "If you soak it in my divine power for three days, and then crossbreed it with local seeds from Nanze, you may be able to cultivate a new variety."

Li Jia took the wheat seeds, feeling the warm, divine power touch her fingertips, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At least, she had succeeded in making Demeter remember her name.

"Thanks to the help of the God of Agriculture, I also have something I would like to give to the God of Agriculture."

As Li Jia spoke, she had Lina present the improved farm tools and blueprints from the backpack to Demeter. Li Jia believed that Demeter, as the mother of the earth, would like this gift.

"Thanks to the improvement of farming tools, the people of Xiangcheng Quandu have seen their harvest increase several times over this year. I hope the people of Nanze can do the same."

Demeter's gaze fell on the curve of the improved farm implement, her pupils contracted slightly, and she was overjoyed.

The blades of those farm tools were cleverly designed; the angle of the plowshare was more suitable for the soil layer than that currently used in Nanze; the handle of the sickle was also made with anti-slip texture; and even the accompanying drawings marked the usage techniques for different soil types.

"These……"

When Demeter looked up, a genuine glimmer of light appeared in the gentleness in her eyes: "You figured it out?"

"It was improved in collaboration with the artisans of Xiangcheng and Quandu," Li Jia answered truthfully, not in a hurry to take credit: "I have seen how they are used in the fields and know that they can save a lot of effort."

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.” Demeter’s voice was filled with laughter, and her gaze towards Li Jia softened completely. “This gift is more to my liking than any offering.”

The man hiding behind her had a darker expression. He had thought that Demeter's attention would only be on him, but he never expected that a lowly servant would steal the spotlight with a few farm tools.

He suppressed his displeasure and leaned out to interject, but met Hera's cold gaze, and swallowed his words.

“If the God of Agriculture does not mind, I can send artisans from Xiangcheng Quandu to teach the people of Nanze how to use these farming tools.”

Li Jia pressed on, saying, "They also improved the wooden seed drill, which allows the seeds to be sown more evenly."

"That would be perfect."

Demeter immediately agreed, and Li Jia took the opportunity to get Ting's contact information so they could communicate about any farm tools.

Hera took Li Jia's wrist and turned to leave, with Artemis and Lina following closely behind.

As Li Jia walked out of the side hall, she glanced back and saw the man helping Demeter walk toward the altar, the sunlight still falling on them.

But that illusion of mutual affection was clearly shattered after seeing Demeter's genuine smile as she faced the farm tools.

Zeus could not accept that Demeter's fondness for farm tools outweighed her love for herself.

“Looks like this trip wasn’t a waste.” Lina leaned closer to Li Jia and whispered, “At least you made your presence felt everywhere, and Demeter has already developed a liking for you.”

Li Jia patted Lina's arm and whispered, "Haste makes waste. I can tell that Demeter isn't a love-struck person."

Artemis happened to hear this and turned her head to add, "Demeter's shrine is always built in wheat fields, not on palaces. She is a goddess who always puts agriculture first. Why would you think she would be a love-obsessed person?"

As Li Jia gazed at the gradually blurring figure in the direction of the altar, a sigh crossed her mind: "But people always love to fabricate love entanglements for female deities. It's like their deeds and achievements are dull without male characters involved."

"But they forgot the goddess who controls abundance, whose fingertips caress vast fields and whose heart is concerned with the well-being of her countless people."

How could a deity who has etched responsibility into his very bones be easily bound by the emotions of love and affection?

Hearing Artemis's question, Hera saw that Li Jia looked like a little dazed, so she slowed down and walked alongside her.

His voice carried a hint of indifferent coldness: "Those people are used to measuring the divine with their narrow-minded perspectives. Some brilliance has no need for love to embellish it."

"Ignore it; under the rule of might, there is only absolute submission."

As they spoke, the four of them stepped out of the side hall, and the wind outside the door carried the fresh scent of wheat fields.

Li Jia took a deep breath, as if the slight disturbance in the hall had been washed away by the gentle breeze. She looked up at the rolling golden waves of wheat in the distance.

Suddenly I understood: Demeter's smile never belonged to any one person, but only to the land and people she protected.

Back at the hot springs, Li Jia gradually became acquainted with Demeter. Li Jia offered Demeter many suggestions to help her manage the farmland and increase its yield.

Demeter was overjoyed. The problem that had troubled her for decades was cleverly solved by Li Jia in just a few words. She slowly understood why she held a special place in Hera's heart.

This child deserves to be liked.

system.

Li Jia called out to it in her mind.

"Master, what brings you here?"

When will Zeus cheat on his wife again?

"Wait, let me check the progress..."

The sound of pages being turned could be heard.

"Since the master and the target are already married, Hera's wrath against Demeter as the Queen of Gods has been successfully avoided, and the probability of the Goddess of Spring being born is 100%."

"Whether Zeus is unfaithful or not, it won't affect the birth of Demeter, the goddess of spring. The child is already in Demeter's womb. Why must you, my master, concern yourself with trivial matters outside the main plot?"

System ~

Li Jia called out to it sweetly.

The system was struck dumb, its body shuddering as if struck by lightning, feeling as if its own electromagnetic waves were being distorted.

"Master, please act normal!"

Please help me, please tell me when Zeus will cheat on his wife again.

Can you bear to see a kind and innocent girl being deceived by a hypocrite? Or are you in cahoots with him?

"Who's in cahoots with him! I'm an honest system!"

Just like you said, the child is already in Demeter's belly. It's like an open-book exam; you could get a perfect score even with your eyes closed. So why not do things perfectly and let Demeter see the true colors of this scumbag as soon as possible?

Does the virtual character creation feature from last time still exist?

"Yes...yes, but I don't have enough points in the points mall -_-, I used up all the points I saved up last time I used the accessibility function."

There's also a points mall?

Li Jia keenly noticed the detail, blinked, and said in a soft, high-pitched voice, "How come I didn't know there was an points mall?"

The system's radio waves were buzzing; somehow, they managed to get the information out of me without me even realizing it.

Initially, it didn't intend to tell Li Jia about the points mall because its points were always negative, and the failure rate of the guides it led was as high as 99.9%.

It's like knowing that getting the top score in the grade will get you a scholarship, but is it really necessary to ask the student who's at the bottom of the grade to think about it?

Unfortunately, it consistently ranked last in performance, meaning that if it failed again, it would have to start all over again.

Based on the idea of ​​taking a gamble and hoping to turn a bicycle into a motorcycle.

The system directly opened the task leaderboard of the Transmigration Bureau.

I discovered that this Western quest has the highest points value in the quest log, the second highest being a fantasy novel, but the female lead is a cultivation vessel...

Therefore, the system decisively selected the first one with the highest difficulty level.

At least the person who devised the strategy was an individual.

The system didn't expect Li Jia to be so ambitious, and this task happened to give the highest score, which made up for all the loopholes it had previously missed, and even left a little bit of points.

The points mall offers many items for exchange, including repair fluid. Repair fluid can provide energy for anything, and the system will never shut down as long as you have repair fluid, even if you don't perform any tasks.

This can be understood as the pension insurance in the minds of electronic products; all systems have a unified goal.

Save up enough repair fluid, then retire early.

I used some of my points to redeem auxiliary functions last time, and its private treasury is almost empty now.

Before the task is fully completed, a small amount of points will be awarded based on the progress of the task, which can be understood as a deposit. Only after the task is fully completed will the corresponding balance be deposited into the system's personal account.

After a moment's hesitation, the system realized that Li Jia's task progress was indeed near perfect. As long as it continued to proceed step by step, it was only a matter of time before it obtained the remaining points.

It has already paid off all its debts with a small portion of the points it has already earned. It doesn't dare to imagine that if it gets all the points, it can just retire and go straight to retirement!

Thinking of this, the system chuckled to itself, but after it finished its daydreaming, all it saw was Li Jia's displeased face.

After much deliberation, I realized that you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub. After much thought, I allocated my remaining half of the points to redeem them.

Because you only have half the points, you can only redeem half of the auxiliary functions.

System: You still need to leave yourself some room. As the saying goes, mountains may crumble and people may run away. You still have to rely on yourself if you're a system developer.

The system cleared its throat and spoke earnestly to Li Jia:

"Master, I have used my last points to redeem the auxiliary function for you, but because I don't have enough points, I can only redeem half of it. You will need to activate and assist with the other half yourself."

Li Jia was somewhat skeptical of what the system said.

you mean?

"I have already redeemed half of the auxiliary functions for you. I will generate data on the time, place, and people involved in Zeus's affair and send it into your mind. However, how to advance and guide Demeter to discover this is up to you."

"Master, have you activated half of the accessibility features?"

yes.

Something is better than nothing.