The capital of the Phoenician Kingdom, one of the few large slave-owning city-states remaining on the land.
At the center of this city-state was the palace of King Agenor of the Phoenician, who was the son of Poseidon and Libya, and also a demigod.
Although Zeus had been shouting on Olympus to Hera that he, as the King of Gods, should lead by example, his brother had already taken a step ahead of him, giving birth to a king on Earth.
However, Zeus now had his eyes on Europa, who was ethically Poseidon's granddaughter; it could only be said that true masters decide victory or defeat in an instant.
But enough of idle chatter; in short, not long after King Agenor became the King of the Phoenician, he gave birth to a princess of unparalleled beauty and gentle charm, named Europa. Princess Europa was, to King Agenor, the most thoughtful and adorable little girl, his most beloved apple of his eye.
Although King Agenor had many sons besides Europa, it was clear that King Agenor of the Phoenician was an out-and-out doting father to his daughter; for him, none of his sons could compare to his precious daughter, Europa.
In the early morning, King Agenor, sitting in his palace and handling city-state affairs, suddenly heard a burst of lighthearted girlish laughter.
He looked through the window and saw Europa, dressed in a beautiful long dress, leading a group of girls from prominent families, laughing and running towards a grassy area by the sea, which was the favorite gathering place for the daughters of the Phoenician nobles.
Seeing his adorable daughter, King Agenor clearly showed a "melted" expression, an expression that, appearing on a king's face, greatly undermined his dignity. However, the generals and ministers who had just been discussing affairs with the king in the palace were now silent and dared not speak, clearly aware of the position Princess Europa held in the heart of the King of the Phoenician.
Only after watching Europa's figure disappear from sight did King Agenor turn his face back, his expression returning to his usual stern yet dignified look. He cleared his throat and said to his subordinates, "Alright, everyone, continue reporting on the kingdom's situation."
The Phoenician court meeting continued. King Agenor conversed with several ministers and generals for a while, arranging the affairs of the entire kingdom in an orderly manner. It must be said that, as the son of Poseidon, King Agenor's abilities were indeed outstanding; he was not only physically strong and remarkably brave but also meticulous and thorough in handling matters.
However, just as the court meeting was about to end, King Agenor's heart suddenly stirred.
Feeling this palpitation, a brief look of confusion appeared on his face, and his subordinates keenly caught this expression of the king. They asked,
"Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Today's court meeting ends here. You may all leave," King Agenor waved his hand and instructed.
The Phoenician generals and ministers exchanged glances and could only obey, leaving the area. After they left, King Agenor also rose and left the palace, heading directly towards the mountain path behind the palace.
As the residence of the King of the Phoenician, King Agenor's palace was almost the highest point in the entire city of Sidon. Within Sidon, only one place was higher than the palace of the King of the Phoenician: a temple located at the highest point of the seaside cliff.
That was a place built by the Phoenician people to worship the gods; inside the palace, there were statues of all the main gods of Olympus, with the largest and tallest being the statue of Zeus, the King of Gods. The high priest of this temple also publicly referred to himself as the priest of Zeus.
When King Agenor arrived at the temple, the old man, clad in a black robe with his face hidden by a hood, was already waiting at the temple entrance. He dismissed the other priestesses and servants who served the gods in the temple, clearly indicating that this was a secret meeting between the priest and the king.
"Priest." Upon seeing the black-robed priest, King Agenor immediately embraced him warmly, showing his affection and respect, while the black-robed old man, with a benevolent smile, happily embraced the strong king.
However, as they embraced, the black-robed priest quietly leaned into King Agenor's ear and whispered to him,
"Blood sacrifice to the God of War."
King Agenor replied, "Skulls offered to the Divine Throne."
So, the two separated tacitly, sharing a knowing smile, and then the black-robed priest led King Agenor into the temple.
Inside the temple, before the tall statue of Zeus, stood a slender youth. He appeared to be a bit younger than Princess Europa, but his small face was already full of heroic spirit and considerable intelligence.
"He is from the heavens," the black-robed priest said, pointing to the youth, to King Agenor of the Phoenician. "Adopt him, let him become a Prince of the Phoenician, Princess Europa's dear younger brother. This is the will of the gods."
Hearing the priest mention his daughter, King Agenor hesitated. He asked, "Is this truly the will of That Esteemed One?"
"Absolutely," the black-robed priest nodded. "Rest assured, he will never harm Princess Europa, nor will he ever take Princess Europa away from you."
Upon hearing the priest's assurance, King Agenor relaxed. He nodded and said, "If that's the case, then of course I have no objection. Anyway, I have many little rascals at home, so one more won't matter."
With that, he approached the slender youth, who was curiously examining his own hands and occasionally reaching out to pinch his arm, and gently asked,
"Child, what is your name?"
The youth looked up at the sound, his face showing a somewhat bewildered expression. He looked at King Agenor for a moment, then suddenly showed a smile that made the King of the Phoenician feel a little uneasy, even afraid.
"Cadmus," he answered clearly. "Great King of the Phoenician, King Agenor, son of Poseidon and Libya, my name is Cadmus."
"Cadmus? That's a wonderful name." King Agenor chuckled as he ruffled the youth's head, then said to him, "Cadmus, from now on, you are my son, King Agenor. You will have the same status, power, and treatment as the Princes of the Phoenician, and I will certainly treat you as my own son."
"I understand," Cadmus replied.
"You are a clever child; you will surely become a great hero in the future," King Agenor praised him, while the black-robed priest reminded, "Remember, King Agenor, publicly declare that he is the biological son of you and your Queen Telephassa. Do not forget."