Time rewinds to last night, in the Arcadia Palace, after Samael's departure.
"Who are you?"
"Hippolyta, Amazon Queen. I wish to convey something to you."
Just as Atalanta was about to close the window and go to sleep, she found herself meeting the second visitor who had leaped through the window.
The Amazon Queen then laid out the truth for the huntress: her encounters with "Theseus" and their shared journey.
When Atalanta heard that the man she had once instinctively sought to protect had actually defeated Heracles and captured Hippolyta alive, doubt and shock overwhelmed her.
Finally, when Atalanta heard the scene and certain words relayed by the Amazon Queen, she bit her pink lips lightly, her gaze unfocused. A faint blush spread across her face as she murmured softly.
"To let innocent children grow up wrapped in love as much as possible..."
"This wish doesn't seem to be for himself? Because of you?"
Hippolyta recalled the rumors about the huntress being abandoned in the wilderness as a child, piecing together the various anomalies from that time, lost in thought.
"Perhaps..."
During the Calydon Hunt, as they spent more time together, she found herself confiding in this familiar face about all sorts of things.
When that person had asked her, if given a chance to make a wish, what would she desire most?
"A world where every child grows up surrounded by love!"
That was her answer that night.
Little did she expect that, before she could act on her wish, the one who heard those words would already be putting them into practice.
"Thank you for telling me. This is the best gift I've ever received!"
Atalanta smiled fondly, lost in the memory for a long while. Only when she became aware of Hippolyta's presence did she solemnly thank the messenger.
Then, the huntress pursed her lips. Half of her face was illuminated by the moonlight, and a brilliant light flashed in her eyes. Her lips curved upward, as if speaking to herself.
"Alright, I've changed my mind. Tomorrow, I'll have a proper contest with that brat and see what he's really made of!"
"Does it make a difference?"
"If he wins, he can truly marry me..."
"And if he loses?"
"Then I marry... cough, that's between us. But by the rules of the contest, his life belongs to me afterward!"
"I see. I'll join too."
Hippolyta seemed struck by a sudden realization, her expression turning grave.
Atalanta instinctively touched her own cheek, then eyed the Amazon Queen with a peculiar look.
"I don't like women..."
"You're not my target. As Amazon Queen, I simply want Theseus to return with me to Amazon. He'll bring change to my tribe—the Amazons need his wisdom.
Since this is a life-or-death wager, if I defeat you, your life belongs to me, correct? Then I'll just take him away. But if you win, I promise to guarantee the safety of every newborn Amazonian child from now on!"
"Logically... it seems sound, but something feels off."
"Are you afraid?"
"I simply have no right to decide for him."
"It matters not. Should you lose, he'll surely follow me to replace you. I only need his intellect to serve Themiskyra—you lose nothing. Besides, more children will be saved regardless. Isn't that what you desire?"
"..."
"Scared? Then why organize this contest?"
"Fine. Since you insist, I'll permit your participation!"
Challenged in her professional domain, Atalanta's expression hardened in response to this provocation.
By the time she regained her composure, she had already sealed the pact with Hippolyta through a clasp of hands. The huntress's gaze grew fierce and commanding as she declared with confident pride:
"I couldn't care less why you're doing this, but on Arcadia's arena, no one can beat me! If you lose, you must treat every Amazon-born infant with kindness!"
Having achieved her goal, Hippolyta couldn't help but soften her tone, speaking calmly.
"He's already wasted too much time on you. I don't want to wait any longer. Some things are worth trying—maybe it'll work…"
At that very moment, in a secluded compartment beyond the arena, the atmosphere hung heavy and eerie.
"So, that's it?"
"Yeah, that's all…"
Feeling the faint yet palpable pressure overhead, Atalanta sat cross-legged on the floor, responding in an awkward, muffled voice. Her body shifted restlessly, her cat ears drooping listlessly.
Hippolyta rubbed her throbbing temples, yet wore a look of utter indifference, as if nothing could faze her. Samael's resentful gaze darted between the two, a vague sense of frustration welling up inside her.
Hippolyta, should I thank you for your divine assist, or punch you for your reckless meddling? And you, big sister, you too.
I'd already settled the deal with the Amazon tribe for the baby—paid the full price. Yet you went and walked right into the trap on a whim.
Fine, falling for it is falling for it. Everyone gets fired up sometimes. After all, in the professional realm of the Arcadia Circuit, you have every right to be proud.
But the problem is, your race car flipped!
Overcome with grief and anger, Samael retreated to a corner, turning his back on the two. A low-pressure atmosphere hung around him as he raged inwardly.
What a golden opportunity! Win the race and you could carry the big sister away—cuddle her for as long as you wanted!
Or even lose and get carried away by the big sister!
But why did I have to win against Atalanta? Why did Atalanta lose to Hippolyta? This most improbable third-party outcome left me utterly depressed.
What could he say? This huntress's love for children had long surpassed her own preciousness—an irreparable wound in her heart.
Hippomenes! That meddling bastard deserved to be killed a hundred times over! A hundred times!
Samael cursed through gritted teeth, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Ahem. I lost the race. The rest is my business."
Atalanta turned away with a dry cough, her gaze darting nervously. Samael shot a glance at Hippolyta, who sat calm and composed, silently grumbling to herself.
Big Sis, you lost. You're going to Themiskyra. For your safety, I have to go too, right? What's the difference?
Buy one, get one free—that's even worse, right?
This thought only deepened Samael's gloom. Veins bulged on his forehead as waves of malice surged within him.
Hippomenes! Hippomenes! Is that bastard dead yet?! I'll skin him alive!
Just then, the rallying bell sounded from the arena. A maid's voice followed with the announcement.
"Hippolyta's results were invalidated due to gender non-compliance. Following an unexpected incident involving a competitor, Princess Atalanta's father will now select a new winner from among the victors."
Ha! Talk about a twist of fate! Talk about a ray of hope! Talk about a father-in-law's assist!
This is promising! Hippolyta won't be able to snatch the princess away now.
Samael suddenly found the memory of King Iasus's insincere, smiling face strangely endearing. He almost lunged forward to plant a couple of kisses on it, expressing his future son-in-law's affection.
But now more than ever, restraint was key!
Samael tightened his cheeks, nodding slightly to Atalanta to signal they should proceed to the arena and await the verdict. The huntress couldn't help but blush, her mind going blank as she instinctively followed the figure ahead.
Hippolyta's brow furrowed slightly, her expression darkening as a flicker of reluctance danced in her eyes.
The trio stepped out of the compartment and onto the arena. Yet the moment Samael lifted his gaze toward the stands, his eyes locked onto the unexpected figure beside King Iasus. His expression instantly darkened, as still as stagnant water.
Water Armor, Trident… People from the Temple of Poseidon?
Iasus, you old bastard! I knew you weren't being so kind as to stand up for me!