Chapter 25 Journey to the Sea
Why would he suffer even without any mischievous brat causing trouble?
Hermes had expected that entering the sea would be difficult, but in reality, it was a smooth journey, and some mermaids even greeted them kindly.
They are omnipotent gods, so in the deep sea, they can breathe freely without suffocating in the seawater or getting their clothes and bodies wet.
The place was so beautiful it was like a dream, with dolphins and various fish swimming around Hermes in groups, guiding her.
Beyond the seaweed and coral reefs lies the palace of Poseidon, the sea god.
Surprisingly, the snakes also adapted to the underwater environment. They looked at everything around them with curiosity and excitement, and even communicated happily with the fish.
[What? You're Amphitrite's favorite fish? What a coincidence, we're also Hermes's favorite snakes!]
[Ah, that mermaid's scales are so colorful! They're so pretty! I really want to touch them!]
Even the naturally shy and timid Hebe couldn't help but reach out and touch the adorable sea creatures. A dolphin affectionately nuzzled her round, golden apple-like face, making her giggle.
"Hello." The daughter of the goddess kissed their smooth skin. "It's a pleasure to meet you..."
Seeing how much Hebe, blushing, liked the place, Hermes and Apollo exchanged a knowing glance, each catching a hint of a smile in the other's eyes.
They were right that the goddess of youth was a pure and kind girl.
【Oh, your prince?】
[Triton? Is that Triton, the child of the Sea King and the Sea Queen?]
Amidst the serpents' gasps, Hermes saw a mermaid slowly swimming towards her.
The mermaid is male, with long, dark green hair that is thick and curly like seaweed. His upper body is quite strong, and his lower body has a thick, large fish tail with truly shimmering, colorful scales.
Perhaps due to his long-term residence in the deep sea, his skin was pale with a bluish tinge, adding a touch of mystery to his handsome yet somewhat aloof face.
However, what attracts the most attention is the long trident in his hand and the pink conch shell tied to his waist.
Well, this unusual combination is rather subtle.
But it's great that we met Poseidon's son, an important character on this trip, right away.
"Hello." The mermaid approached Hermes, her tail held high, instantly making her much taller than her. "May I ask what brings you here, distinguished guests?"
He knew them.
Hermes gazed into Triton's slightly upturned, almond-shaped eyes amidst the gurgling of the bubbles. They were amber in color, shimmering in the deep blue ocean.
“Hello, Lord Triton.” She wanted to touch his tail, but was afraid he would angrily slap her face with it. “We have come to the sea on the orders of the God-King to discuss important matters with His Majesty the Sea Emperor. Please do not mind.”
After her, Apollo stated the key point of the journey: "Athena came here before us."
...He actually said that directly!
Hermes turned her head to look, and wow, the God of Light shone even more brightly in the seabed.
“I think I understand.” Triton nodded, took a conch shell from his waist, and blew on it.
A strange and melodious sound echoed in the sea, like a command horn. Soon, a group of tall mermaids swam in from all directions and surrounded them.
—It was as if they were being forcibly sent back to heaven.
[Oh no! Are these guys going to kidnap us and kill us?!]
They're all so tall and imposing... Be careful, Your Highness!
Apistoni and Tokei flicked their scarlet tongues, their pupils constricting warily, their serpentine bodies tightening around the scepter.
It's alright, she could sense that Triton meant no harm.
Hermes pulled Hebe, who was whispering secrets to a baby dolphin, over and took her hand.
Hebe paused for a moment, then released the dolphin from her arms.
"Sister Hermes..." the goddess of youth murmured, her voice soft and sweet, "I...I'm alright..."
"But I want to protect you, my dear little Hebe."
Looking at Hermes' gentle and bright smile, Hebe blushed even more and buried his face in her skirt.
Hermes felt a wave of tenderness wash over her as such a lovely child relied on her.
Then she suddenly realized something—she had almost forgotten that there was a big guy watching all along!
"..."
"..."
Oh no, that big guy has no expression, and half of his face is hidden in the shadows. He looks a bit scary!
Hermes hesitated for a moment, then raised her right hand and touched Apollo's large hand hanging by his side, gently grasping his long, strong fingers.
"Sigh." She sighed and muttered, "So annoying, I also have to take care of that awful Apollo brother."
She really is a brat; she's clearly saying one thing but meaning another, making him want to teach her a lesson but inexplicably unable to bring himself to do it.
Apollo looked down at her, his expression shifting, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Did she think he was as naive as she was?
But Apollo neither dodged nor rejected Hermes's approach and touch.
“Take them to the palace of my father,” Triton said to his servants, then turned his gaze to the clasped hands of the distinguished guests from Mount Olympus. “Hermes, Apollo, Hebe.”
The sons of the Sea God and Sea Queen recited their names one by one, but in the end their gaze lingered only on the god of deception and theft.
He had already heard the news that she had become a supreme god.
“Don’t worry, go with my attendants.” Triton still didn’t smile, but at least his behavior and words were very friendly. “I have other things to attend to, so I’ll be going now.”
After speaking, he bent down and swam over them, intending to swim away into the distance.
However, Hermes stopped him.
“Please wait a moment, Your Excellency Triton,” she said, meeting the gaze of the merman prince who had stopped and was glancing at her. “If it’s alright, could you do me a favor?”
Triton tilted his head slightly, and the fins on both sides of his body moved lightly.
"Is there anything else?" His tone was devoid of emotion, unlike Apollo who usually showed different sides of himself; he seemed truly devoid of life.
Hermes explained gently, "Please help me find a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pattern at the center. It is a precious piece of jewelry from the goddess of love and beauty."
"I imagine that since you live here, Your Excellency Triton, you must be more familiar with the seas than we are. With your help, we will certainly be able to complete our mission more smoothly!"
She openly stated that it was a task, which increased the likelihood of the other party agreeing.
Because only a higher-ranking deity could command her.
"Of course, it's okay if you find this difficult..."
Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to be as afraid of trouble as she was.
“Aphrodite’s necklace?” Triton murmured the key information, his long, curled eyelashes fluttering and casting shadows on his amber eyes that shimmered with a faint glow. “I understand.”
So does this mean he agreed?
It went surprisingly smoothly, that's great!
Hermes smiled happily and said cheerfully, "Thank you, dear Lord Triton!"
Upon seeing the smile of the newly appointed chief god, Triton's fins twitched again. He raised his eyelids, and the two shadows vanished.
He nodded, bent down, and swam away.
The son of the Sea King has a wonderful personality.
Moreover, that constantly swaying colorful fish tail is really beautiful!
Hermes stared, completely mesmerized.
She wanted it so badly, she thought, even though the thought was incredibly audacious and dangerous.
The treasures of the deep sea were incredibly appealing to her.
Then Apollo broke free from Hermes's grasp and headed towards the group of mermaid servants who had led the way.
He didn't even look at her anymore; his back to her was aloof and cold, making him appear even more arrogant.
Hermes: "?"
Seriously speechless, what's gotten into this guy all of a sudden?!
"Hey, wait for us! Brother Apollo!" Hermes hurriedly led Hebe towards them, catching up with the God of Light, whose mind seemed to be preoccupied with who-knows-what. "What are you doing, Brother Apollo???"
"fine."
He glanced at her again, but the light, indifferent look he gave her sent a chill down her spine.
"It just suddenly occurred to me that you're a thief."
Hermes: "...???"
No, it's not that she's prejudiced—no, this guy really must have something wrong with him!
It would be a disservice to her not to steal his triangular cauldron this time!
“…Sister Hermes.” Seeing this, Hebe spoke cautiously, asking with great curiosity, “So…you really stole fifty cows from him, sister?”
The goddess's daughter seems to have become less timid.
Hermes was taken aback by the question and froze for a moment: "Who told you that, Hebe?"
Hebe answered honestly, "It was the Mother Goddess who told me this story when she was putting me to sleep, and she also told me to learn from your wisdom and courage."
Hermes: "..."
Even more outrageous things happened.
How could Hera, the queen of the gods, have thought of telling her daughter such a bedtime story? The one about her stealing Apollo's cattle or something!
And how exactly did Hera educate Hebe?
Just then, little Hebe gripped Hermes's finger tightly and added in a soft, sweet voice, "Sister is so amazing! Hebe wants to be a goddess like you!"
Hermes, who is both wise and brave: "...Okay, Sister Hebe."
How can the word "absolute" possibly describe it?
Does she want Hebe to steal Apollo's light with her in the future?
Hahaha, that's no problem.
Hermes raised her eyes and gazed at the majestic figure of the God of Light in front of her.
【That's wonderful, Your Highness! How about we form an alliance to defeat Apollo?】
[I hereby announce that the lovely and youthful goddess Hebe has joined our group! And she's an honorary member!]
Hermes heard the snakes cheering in her mind, and a slight smile appeared on her lips, revealing a confident smile.
And so it was decided happily.
After this trip, she will take Hebe with her to steal Apollo's Temple of Light in Delphi!
Groups of mermaid attendants led them through the magnificent and exquisite underwater palace, and escorted them into the reception hall, which was decorated with long reef pillars and seaweed.
Looking ahead, behind a gauze curtain made of colorful corals and seashells, comes the tall figure of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
And atop the seven steps in front of Athena sat the Sea Emperor, holding a golden trident.
"Ha!" Poseidon greeted them with a cold laugh. "Rare guests indeed!"
Unlike Triton, Poseidon, his father, exuded considerable malice.
Fortunately, Apollo, who was walking in front, blocked His Majesty the Sea King's cold gaze.
"Good day, Your Majesty the Sea Emperor." He bowed slightly to the steps above, then nodded to the goddess of wisdom who looked fully armed: "Athena, it's been a long time."
Hermes, holding Hebe's hand, followed behind the God of Light, secretly pleased and grateful to her brother Apollo for drawing fire for them.
"Good day, Your Majesty the Sea Emperor!" she said, mimicking his words, "And to the brave and beautiful Athena!"
"Good day, Your Majesty the Sea Emperor..." Hebe fully demonstrated her diligent and studious spirit, "Brave and beautiful Athena..."
The scene of the three gods repeating their lines one after another was truly brilliant.
Athena glanced at the scene, a hint of amusement flashing in her sharp, grey-blue eagle eyes. Thanks to them, she was able to briefly feel relaxed and at ease.
She was the master of wisdom, and therefore she knew they had come for her.
Seeing this, Poseidon, who also knew everything, raised an eyebrow, and the sneer on his handsome face deepened.
“Don’t tell me you’re also going to persuade me to treat humans well.” Poseidon, of course, noticed that Hermes and Apollo were with Hebe, his beloved sister Hera’s daughter who had only been born a short time ago. “Unless you are as ignorant as Pallas Athena, who is completely unworthy of the title of wisdom.”
Upon hearing this, Athena's eyes sharpened, and her previously relaxed nerves tightened once more. She gripped the statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, tighter, feeling the anger burning within her grow ever more intense.
What she found most unbearable was being questioned and insulted like this.
Hermes sensed Athena's change in mood and glanced at her.
"Excuse me for speaking frankly, but in my eyes, Athena is undoubtedly the goddess of wisdom."
Hermes released Hebe's hand and stepped out from behind Apollo, boldly and fearlessly facing the gaze of His Majesty the Sea Emperor from the top of the steps.
And the varied gazes from Apollo, Athena, and Hebe standing nearby.
"She toils tirelessly throughout the earth, teaching mankind in all things and spreading the gospel of Olympus. If even Athena is ignorant, then who can be called wise?"
Hermes, of course, would not forget to include the divine elements in her words, for she kept in mind what Apollo had said before—that the gods are selfish.
Poseidon, who firmly sits on the throne of the sea god, must have been well aware of this principle.
Even when faced with the choice between being loved and feared by humans, he chose the latter.
"If humans can sail to the ocean with your permission, it means they are under your protection and blessing. They believe in you and will offer you countless prayers, reverence, and sacrifices." Hermes still smiled, but her emerald green eyes were full of calculation and cunning, as if she were creating benefits for the esteemed Sea King. "You don't need to worry about humans doing whatever they want in your territory, because they simply don't have the right to. You are the King of the Sea, and once they set foot on the sea, they are all your subjects."
Upon hearing this novel rhetoric, both Apollo and Athena were taken aback, feeling that the girl who was eloquently persuading Poseidon resembled someone else.
"Humanity urgently needs to explore more and wants to establish close ties with its fellow humankind in other places, and their only passage and shortcut is you and your kingdom, Your Majesty the Sea Emperor."
"If you show humanity a little mercy and a small favor, then humanity, having been taught by Sister Athena and Lord Prometheus to be quite grateful, will remember it forever. Just as a drop of water in need should be repaid with a spring, they will spread your name by word of mouth and willingly submit to your rule."
"Because you are not only the king of the sea, but also the savior of mankind who live on the earth."
That's quite an exaggeration. Hermes's scheming is evident in those meticulously crafted modifiers.
Her point was to compare Poseidon to a supreme king, while the current king of the gods is Zeus in the distant sky.
Did Zeus know that his daughter with Maia was such a child who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals?
Athena gazed silently at the seemingly confident god of deception and theft. She could vaguely sense his true feelings, but she couldn't figure out which side these so-called true feelings were for.
Apollo, however, glanced away indifferently, no longer looking at Hermes, because he foresaw the final outcome from her confident demeanor.
This had nothing to do with his divine prophecy; it was simply his appreciation and trust in her—when had Hermes ever failed to achieve her own goals?
There was a reason why she was chosen by Gaia, the Earth Mother.
Recalling the first time he took Hermes to the Temple of Light in Delphi, and how she displayed the immense power of nature within his cauldron, Apollo's eyes darkened, losing their last glimmer of light, becoming as unfathomable as an endless abyss.
Hiding behind Hermes, Hebe saw the tall, expressionless face of the God of Light and was immediately terrified. She clung tightly to Hermes's fair thighs, her small body trembling.
How terrifying... Mother Goddess was right after all, Brother Apollo is nowhere near as reliable as Sister Hermes...
The young goddess, still a child, thought to herself.
After a long while, so long that even the mermaid servants waiting outside were whispering amongst themselves, His Majesty the Sea King on the throne finally spoke.
“Oh~” Poseidon stroked his taut jawline with his left hand, his half-smile resembling that of his sister, the goddess Hera. “You speak as if you are singing, so beautiful and melodious, Hermes.”
His gaze remained fixed on the girl born of the forest goddess Maia, never wavering.
Of all the deities present, the least trustworthy was clearly Hermes, who was born to be in charge of fraud and theft.
But like Athena and Apollo, Poseidon, the god of the sea, could sense that there was something different about her body; otherwise, his sensitive and suspicious younger sister would not have made the crazy decision to support her in ascending to the position of the chief god.
That inexhaustible power emanating from her like a clear spring... I had witnessed it before on Crete.
Poseidon narrowed his eyes, and the fake smile on his face gradually disappeared.
Just then, Hermes spoke again: "What I have thought and said is true, Your Majesty the Sea Emperor."
She was truly confident; I don't know where she got that confidence from!
However, at least after confirming a certain guess, he made the same decision as Hera.
“Alright.” Poseidon leaned back lazily, loosening his grip on the trident, a relaxed smile appearing on his handsome face, which resembled that of his son Triton. “Let’s do it this way, kids!”
“I allow humans to enter my territory. They may use fishing boats, but they must not overfish my fish; they may also use ships, but they must proclaim my name wherever they go.”
"Everyone who swims in my ocean must honor me, respect me as king, and offer me abundant sacrifices."
Under the unwavering gaze of these young Olympian gods, Poseidon slowly uttered his final words: "If humanity can guarantee these requirements, then I will no longer hinder their ambitions."
Because His Majesty the Sea Emperor also has his own ambitions.
Hermes was delighted to know that her words had shaken Poseidon's resolve, and she praised his wisdom with a variety of eloquent words.
Even the usually stern Athena couldn't help but smile, growing even more fond of her exceptionally intelligent younger sister.
I thought that was the end of it, but the next second, Poseidon spoke again leisurely.
There's something else I'm interested in.
Hermes suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, sensing that something was wrong.
“That Delphi Games that you suggested Apollo organize seemed quite interesting, and I’d like to get a piece of the action too.” Poseidon smiled and looked directly at the cunning god of deception, the curve of his lips revealing obvious mischief. “How about I organize one myself, and you can plan and act as my agent, daughter of Zeus.”
"Didn't Athena say that I destroyed the Isthmus of Corinth beyond recognition? Let's set the competition venue there."
Hermes: "..."
As expected! She knew things wouldn't be that simple!
These old bastards really treated her like a gofer!
But Apollo beside her couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and smirk. She could actually see a hint of schadenfreude in those usually indifferent light blue eyes.
That damn Apollo! He's actually mocking her!
At this point, Poseidon added, "Oh, by the way, Apollo, you should also have quite a bit of experience in this area. Why don't you two work together to get this done?"
Apollo: "..."
Why would he suffer even without any mischievous brat causing trouble?
He glanced sideways with mixed feelings, and sure enough, he caught her openly gloating.
So you're taking turns mocking each other, huh?
"Pfft! Hahahaha..."
She even laughed out loud.
Seeing Hermes's overjoyed expression, which made her almost fly away, Apollo's feelings became even more complicated.
Because he actually thought her smile was very beautiful.
*****
The road out of the sea was just as clear as the way in.
Hermes used her wing shoes to fly out of the water and, amidst the splashing water, gently placed Hebe, whom she was holding, on the beach, receiving his adoring gaze.
"You're really amazing, sister! You even convinced Uncle Poseidon!" The goddess of youth clasped her hands together in front of her chest, gazing at Hermes, who held the scepter of two snakes, with starry eyes. After the adventure they had just experienced, Hermes' image in her heart was now extremely majestic. "Mother Goddess said that you are both smart and reliable, and that's true! Hebe also wants to become a goddess as powerful as you, sister!"
To reiterate, the sweet and adorable little cub is truly irresistible.
Moreover, Hebe is no longer as shy and timid as before.
Speaking of which, it turns out that Her Majesty the Queen praised me to Hebe? Unbelievable... Perhaps it's because I helped Her Majesty avoid being bound by Hephaestus's Golden Throne?
In short, Hermes was flattered by the praise, scratching the back of her head and blushing with an embarrassed yet happy and satisfied smile.
"It's nothing, mainly because His Majesty the Sea Emperor is reasonable and understands right from wrong." Hermes gently stroked the adorable cub's head; it felt wonderful to the touch. She was growing increasingly fond of this daughter of the goddess. "Oh dear, I forgot to search for the deep-sea treasure. But my dear little Hebe is a unique treasure in the world, irreplaceable by anything!"
Now it was Hebe's turn to blush. She buried her round, soft face in her sister Hermes's arms, snuggling and nuzzling against her, reverting to her shy and bashful self.
I love Hermes so much, I love her so much, she makes me feel so warm. Little Hebe planted such a strange seed in her heart.
Of course, this only applies to the innocent Hebe.
—She's always using sweet talk.
Apollo, who then emerged from the sea, watched this scene of sisterly affection with a blank expression. His mind was still lingering on the complex emotions of having to partner with Hermes again, even though he had taken the initiative to ask Zeus to help him in the Pythia Contest.
However, his life has become much more colorful ever since she stole his cattle.
That's true.
To be honest, Apollo was quite looking forward to seeing what sparks Hermes would create next, just as he had foreseen that she would be included among the twelve Olympian gods.
He was the first to know that she was favored by Mother Earth Gaia.
"Apollo." After a long silence, Athena approached her half-brother and met his glance. "Thank you for helping me and humanity."
“You’re welcome. This is a task we must complete. Before coming to you, Father God commanded us to resolve the conflict between you and Sea God,” Apollo explained calmly.
Athena glanced at Hermes and Hebe, who were already piling up sand to make little figures, and smiled knowingly.
"I imagine you've come for more than just this," the goddess of wisdom said gently, her sharp grey-blue eyes softening. "Are you troubled by the Delphi competition?"
As expected, she saw through everything.
Apollo nodded in response.
He also looked at the girl who always brought him surprises.
Even without the appearance of a child, Hermes' smile remained pure and sincere, seemingly full of genuine emotion.
But this guy was clearly born with the divine nature of deception and theft.
"We've discussed together what competition events should be included, and what props could be used in those events," Apollo said, his gaze fixed on Hermes. "You, who oversee wisdom and craftsmanship, will surely dispel our concerns."
Upon hearing this, Athena smiled kindly and said, "No problem, I will go to Delphi to join your discussions, not only to thank you, but also for the sake of humanity."
“Before that, I must return to Olympus to deliver this good news to the Father, including yours and Hermes’s.” The understanding goddess of wisdom shifted her gaze and raised the golden statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, to Apollo. “This is our great victory.”
Apollo raised an eyebrow, and in a low voice repeated the meaningful words.
"This is a great victory for us."
Just then, the sound of waves crashing came from the sea. They all turned their heads and saw a familiar figure appear in the shallow water.
He is Triton, the son of the Sea King and the Sea Queen, who has thick, curly hair like seaweed.
Suddenly someone swiftly passed them and flew straight towards him, bringing with them a cool breeze.
Apollo looked closely and saw a girl with two braids kneeling there, talking to Triton.
“I’ve found it. Here you go, Hermes.” Triton handed the gold necklace with the heart-shaped chain to the girl.
It truly deserves to be called a precious jewel of the goddess of love and beauty. Even after being submerged in the sea for a long time, it still shines brightly and radiates a beautiful glow when it reappears in the air.
Hermes accepted the gold chain from Triton with great delight.
The fin on his wrist gently brushed against her fingertips, causing a slight tickle.
But Hermes didn't pay attention to this small detail.
"That's wonderful! Thank you so much for finding Aphrodite's gold chain!"
"My brother Apollo and I will definitely repay you, kind Lord Triton!"
...
...Do you have to drag him along with everything you do?
Apollo rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly.
What should we do with this willful brat?
Hermes, caught up in her excitement, was unaware of Apollo's thoughts. She leaned down and gazed at the mermaid prince as he emerged from the water with his strong upper body.
Under the sunlight, his pale skin, tinged with blue, looked smooth and radiant, a unique kind of beauty.
Moreover, the mermaid prince's fish tail that kept splashing water behind him was really beautiful. It had colorful scales and was like a real precious gem that made her heart flutter.
I want to pet, rub, and kiss it; I want to hug it while sleeping; I want to steal it home and keep it as a keepsake.
The true nature of the god of deception and theft has been fully exposed.
But Triton was unaware that Hermes had his eye on his lower body and tail. He crossed his arms and rested them on the low, hard rocks in front of him, his smooth and strong skin unharmed by the sharp rock shells.
"You're welcome, it was nothing." The mermaid prince gazed at the lively goddess, paused, and continued, "In return, may I ask you a question?"
Hmm? Ask her for help? Is this all the simple way to repay her as a thank you gift?
Hermes was taken aback for a moment, then smiled again: "Of course, dear Lord Triton!"
She started addressing him in a more intimate way.
But Triton still didn't realize these perhaps insignificant little things, and just stared with his slightly upturned peach blossom eyes at the daughter of Zeus and Maia that his father had mentioned before.
“I heard that you went to Olympus and became a god because of your mother,” he said softly, seeing his own face reflected in those pure and clear eyes. “My mother was melancholy before I was born. I often saw her crying over pearls, seashells and the distance.”
“I think you might know how to comfort my mother and stop her from being depressed and crying.”
Ah, ah, this.
Hermes was taken aback, genuinely surprised that Triton would say such things, after all, she and he had only just met.
To be honest, this problem... always feels very tricky.
Was it personal feelings? Family reasons? Or some other reason that caused Amphitrite's unusual behavior?
Hermes didn't know the truth, but looking into Triton's bright amber eyes, she was captivated by his seemingly innocent and expectant gaze.
She took a deep breath and decided to put her sweet talk to use again.
"It's very simple, you just need to tell Her Highness the Sea Queen 'I love you'."
Whether it's fabricated or not, it doesn't matter.
Because she was reminded of her beloved mother, Maya, this was the truth.
Triton seemed unable to understand, tilting his head: "I love you? Love? What's that?"
Hermes: "..."
This is a bit of a headache. She was wondering how Hera, the queen of the gods, educated Hebe, and now she has to wonder how Poseidon, the god of the sea, educated Triton.
You don't even know what love is? Surely not? This kind of unforgettable feeling should be easy to understand just from the words themselves, even if you haven't experienced it firsthand.
What terrible parents! You two are amazing!
Sigh, she has to clean up their mess, it's too much trouble—of course, the matter of wanting to steal Apollo's Tripod with Hebe is not included.
“There are many kinds of love: family members, friends, lovers, and even complete strangers. Since it concerns Her Majesty the Sea Queen, then it is family.” Hermes considered carefully. “But these kinds of love all have something in common: wanting to share joys and sorrows with the other person, hoping that the other person can be happy forever, and doing everything in one’s power to make the other person’s life better… If that’s the case, then it is love.”
"I feel this way towards my mother, and my mother feels this way towards me."
"So all you need to do is tell your mother 'I love you,' and that's it."
Her melancholy and tears, her vulnerability and sharp edges, her anger, hatred and fear, will gradually disintegrate because of your encouragement and care for her.
Hermes firmly believed that no mother could refuse her child.
This is love.
Even though Queen Amphitrite might be filled with bitterness and sorrow, and would be even more conflicted and distressed when faced with Triton's love, she would pretend to be roused.
But she still hoped that the other mother could genuinely find solace in her child.
The reason is that love is complex yet great.
It can contain both the soul and the body.
Apollo, Athena, and Hebe, who were not far away, clearly heard Hermes' words.
These words weren't some obscure or difficult-to-understand principles; they were just ordinary, plain language, yet they still left a deep impression on them.
Especially Apollo, who has always benefited from and troubled by him.
The girl's clear and melodious voice drifted gently on the salty sea breeze, as melodious and captivating as the lyre he cherished.
In short... love is such a simple thing!
Apollo felt the throbbing in his heart once more.
The reasoning is quite simple: everything she has done for him since the first time he met her has aligned with the theory she just explained.
—A confession called 'love'.
At this moment, even though Hermes had her back to him, her flaxen hair, emerald green eyes, fair and tender skin, healthy and powerful body, and even her symbolic winged shoes, winged hat and scepter of two snakes, were still clearly visible to him.
Accompanied by her indistinguishable words of love, her sweet talk was like a beautiful melody, stirring the delicate strings of his heart.
Even he himself couldn't understand it.
Perhaps it was the power of nature that bewitched him.
Apollo lowered his eyes, which were gleaming with an unusual light, and calmly controlled himself so that he no longer looked at Hermes.
Otherwise, he would constantly hear the frantic pounding of his heart in his chest reaching his ears.
Like a dream that can never be stopped.
This is absolutely unbelievable.
That wicked thief.
Ultimately, it was Triton's words that brought the topic to a close.
“I understand.” The seemingly naive mermaid prince nodded gently. “Thank you, Hermes.”
Before bending down to return to the deep sea, he hesitated for a moment, then turned back and cast one last glance at the friendly goddess.
"Will you come again?" the prince of the sea asked, sounding like a casual, everyday greeting.
Hermes was still thinking about his beautiful fishtail when she heard these words, which seemed to carry a sense of hope.
She tilted her head slightly, mimicking his previous gesture, and waved with a smile: "Of course, the sea is clear and beautiful, just like you."
"So I will come again, Triton."
The mermaid prince paused, then suddenly felt his cheeks burning. He pretended to be nonchalant and waved his arm at her, the fins on his wrists fluttering gently in the air, like ripples in his heart.
Then he left and plunged into the sea.
Absolutely stunning.
That fish tail.
— Meanwhile, Hermes was still reluctant to part with her newly discovered treasure.
"It's time to go back."
Suddenly, someone's voice came to my ears.
Hermes looked up and saw Apollo with a cold expression and slightly pursed lips. The terrifying pressure emanating from his body made her feel confused, wondering how she had provoked him again.
Apollo then walked forward, completely ignoring Hermes who was left behind.
She puffed out her cheeks, suppressing the sudden surge of frustration in her heart, gripped the scepter of two snakes and Aphrodite's gold chain tightly, and quickly caught up with him.
That wretched Apollo! What on earth is he doing, throwing a tantrum like that?!
Could it be that he found out about our battle plan? That's terrifying!
But how is that possible?
[He's always been so unpredictable, how could that be impossible?]
Even the snakes found it very strange.
At this moment, Athena prepared to transform into an owl and fly back to Olympus. She asked Hermes to give her Aphrodite's golden chain so that Hermes wouldn't have to make an extra trip.
Hermes obediently did as she was told, gratefully thanked her, and grew to like this understanding older sister even more.
"Aren't you coming back with me, Hebe?" Athena put away the gold chain and asked Hera's daughter, who was still sitting beside the sandcastle, gently.
Hebe shook her head, got up, and ran to Hermes' side.
"The Mother Goddess made me follow my sister Hermes, and I want to be with her..."
The goddess of youth carefully clung to Hermes's thigh, her cherry-pink lips uttering soft, endearing words.
Athena nodded, bid them farewell, and then transformed into an owl, flying towards the distant Mount Olympus.
"Let's go, Hebe!" Taking advantage of Hera's absence, Hermes finally couldn't resist kissing Hebe's forehead and said with a smile to the shy girl, "We're going on an adventure to Delphi this time!"
"Okay! Sister!" Hebe smiled sweetly, her eyes narrowing.
Hermes placed the little darling into Apollo's swan chariot, and then sat down herself.
She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt like she heard someone humming softly as she came up. However, when she turned her head, the God of Light was clearly staring straight ahead expressionlessly, as if nothing had happened.
This is outrageous.
For various reasons, she had Hebe sit between herself and Apollo, blocking their connection.
On the way to Delphi, Apollo whistled for some reason, which attracted a raven to perch on his left shoulder.
The last time I saw this little animal was when it discovered her stealing a certain god's cow.
Now that's even worse, there's another layer of protection, and Hermes can't even see Apollo's profile anymore.
That crow seemed to have inherited its owner's personality perfectly. Its round, black eyes glanced at her sideways, and its small, pointed beak opened and closed lazily, emitting a disdainful cawing sound.
Hermes: "..."
Does she really remember not causing trouble for that bastard Apollo this time? This is just too ridiculous, so childish!
So what on earth is he angry about?!
Hermes grew increasingly frustrated and angry, so she leaped over the edge of the chariot and used her wing boots to fly through the air.
【Yay~ Fly high!】
[Take us on a flight around all of Greece, Your Highness!]
Little Hebe's startled cry carried by the fierce gust of wind: "Sister! Sister Hermes! Why did you go out?"
"Don't worry, dear Hebe!" Hermes glanced back at the Swan Chariot, but her gaze was fixed on a certain petty fellow. "Because there's an nasty bastard polluting the environment inside, I'll be going now. See you later!"
"Sister Hermes!"
Apollo reached out and pressed down on Hebe, who was anxiously trying to stand up, and slowly closed his eyes, stopping himself from looking at Hermes, who was flying in front of the chariot.
She even deliberately blocked the chariot's path, moving at a moderate pace, as if intentionally trying to obstruct him.
You childish brat.
The God of Light silently murmured in his heart.
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