On the lush meadows of Crete, the sun shone bright.
A handsome youth with silver hair cascading over his shoulders, his features sharp and chiseled like carved stone, idly toyed with a golden ram's horn. His gaze lifted to the sky, blazing with intensity and defiance.
From the depths of the cave, the sea nymph Amalthea emerged, carrying divine wine and sheep's milk. She approached slowly, worry etched into her face.
As his foster mother, she knew all too well what that look meant.
It was the thirst for power that ran deep in his blood.
The oracle left behind by the earth-born warriors before they dispersed, coupled with the secret support of the Earth Mother Goddess Gaia, had completely stirred the young prince's ambition for the throne.
For days, his silence had been spent pondering how to overthrow his father, Kronos.
But even with a destiny hanging over him, this was no simple task.
Though it was Kronos himself who once took the sickle and castrated his father Uranus, the rebellion had not been his deed alone. To blind Uranus's perception and lower the wariness of that violent sky-father, all Twelve Titans had played a role. They were in it together.
Not only co-conspirators in rebellion, they had also divided the spoils of victory, and as brothers and sisters, blood and interests bound them tightly. Their fates rose and fell as one.
To rise against Kronos, the second God King, was to declare war on the entire Titan host of Mount Othrys.
Even if Zeus had already grown to the level of a Main God, even if he possessed the power of a God King, before the Twelve ancient Titans, this newborn god would still have to bow his head.
The transfer of power has never been free of bloodshed. The prince's uncles and aunts were no gentle souls.
If succession were so easy, why had Uranus—his strength greatly diminished—vanished without a trace? Even castrated, he dared not stir the wrath of his rebellious children.
Compared to ascending that bloodstained throne, she would rather this child remain forever on Crete, living in peace.
Amalthea, who had raised him with her own hands, could not bear the thought of Zeus taking such a risk. Maternal instincts welled within her, and for a fleeting moment, she even resented Gaia's schemes.
She was throwing Zeus into the fire while keeping herself untouched.
But Amalthea quickly crushed the thought, terrified that such disrespect might be sensed by the unseen will of the gods.
Greek gods were notorious for their pettiness.
After his meal, Zeus still sat upon the grass, brows furrowed, lost in thought. The shadow and unrest in his eyes only deepened.
The sea nymph, watching in silence, knew she could not sway him from his pursuit of power. With a sigh, she stepped forward.
"Your Highness, if there are questions you cannot answer, then seek wisdom in the endless ocean. There you will find the true sage who can guide you."
Zeus started, lifting his head sharply. He clasped his foster mother's hand, his eyes blazing.
"You mean…"
"The daughter of Oceanus, god of the rivers and streams... the goddess of wisdom, Metis."
"She is the wisest of all the gods I know."
Amalthea's voice was soft, but her words lit the path.
"Metis will help me?"
Zeus faltered. Oceanus was one of the Twelve Titans. To seek his daughter's aid would mean asking her to turn against her own kin.
"I think you two will understand each other well," Amalthea said gently.
"After all, you are both still young. The gods of Mount Othrys have grown old."
Her hand brushed his arm with quiet weight.
Yes. We are young. And those who have ruled above for so long—it is time they stepped down.
Zeus nodded, excitement surging in him. The hunger for power in his eyes burned hotter still.
Wisdom, after all, often walked hand in hand with ambition.
Now, he felt certain he could win Metis to his side.
But before the eager young prince could rush off toward the endless sea to seek the answer to his claim on power, his foster mother pulled him back with grave resolve.
"My prince, don't try to fool a wise woman with lofty words and empty talk."
Zeus froze, his blazing eyes dimming as he fell into thought. Convincing the goddess of wisdom, Metis, to join him would not be so easy.
As the cursed son with little power or backing, he could hardly compare to the Twelve Titans, who were firmly entrenched in both strength and resources.
"That's why you'll need to rely on your true specialty."
The sea nymph lightly pressed a finger to Zeus's chest, speaking softly as her gaze lingered meaningfully on his striking face.
"Thank you for your guidance, Amalthea. I swear I will repay you..."
Zeus nodded, smiling with sudden clarity. Then, in a flash of lightning, he shot off toward the endless sea, brimming with confidence.
Ever since he could remember, this prince had stirred the hearts of the nymphs who served him, making them flutter with desire.
His specialty, after all, was charming women.
So, if he stopped treating that goddess as a mere sage and instead as a woman to be won over, things would become much simpler.
Amalthea…
Left standing alone, the sea nymph's body stiffened. Her eyes flickered with both relief and quiet sorrow.
Perhaps, out of respect for his true mother Rhea, it was time to set aside the title of foster mother.
This child learns too quickly.
Amalthea pressed a hand to her chest, sighing in silence.
Your Highness, what I meant was that you must offer more than shallow tricks to win over women—you must give your true heart.
If not, then the wise Metis will one day become your greatest threat.
Women fall easily, but just as easily, they turn extreme.
The sea nymph parted her lips, but in the end swallowed her warning, turning away in quiet dejection as she returned to the cave.
...
In the Cilician Marshes, at Daphne's home.
Themis, the goddess of justice, disguised under the name "Astrea," held a chess piece suspended in her hand. Her slender head turned toward the window as she removed the cloth covering her eyes, gazing unfocused into the distance.
"What's wrong?"
Samael casually placed his piece down, bringing the game to an end, and asked gently.
Seated in her wicker chair, Themis blinked back to herself, an apologetic look on her face.
"These past few days, I've felt restless. Perhaps I'm just too sensitive, not quite used to the marshland's air."
She rose, gathered the chess pieces, and tidied the table. Then, pushing her unease aside, she smiled lightly.
"Why don't you tell me about the cases you've been arbitrating? If they're interesting, I think they might lift my spirits."
Eager to strengthen his connection with this hidden powerhouse, Samael agreed with a smile. As he recounted the amusing details of his rulings, he wove in subtle touches of refined legal thought.
Themis listened intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. As her composure softened, she began to ask questions and join the discussion.
When they reached specific cases and issues, the two of them clashed with passion, each holding firmly to their view as they debated.
The strange blend of time and culture made Samael think of the famous painting The School of Athens, and the corners of his lips curved in delight.
Outside, the atmosphere was just as lively.
Tina, having taken charge as the leader of the children, was racing about the courtyard with Crenaia and Daphne, chasing rabbits and fledgling eagles, laughing and playing without a care in the world.
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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