Chapter 55. He is Not Alone

[Arc3] - 55. He is Not Alone

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"..."

Cyd stared expressionlessly at Hermes, who had naturally blocked his way.

He was wearing Hades' helmet, so Hermes shouldn't be able to detect him. Most likely, Hermes was simply standing in his path by coincidence.

Though he didn't know why Hermes was there, well, Hermes was a man after all. Besides, he had already seen more than one male god in this place. If he exposed him, it would probably just make things awkward.

Better to sneak away...

Just as Cyd was about to slip past Hermes, Hermes suddenly raised his hands behind his head and chuckled lightly.

"Were you making a face at me?"

"I'm not that bored," Cyd sighed, though he did not remove Hades' helmet.

"Really? But I would do that," Hermes said, taking off his hat and fanning himself. "I assume you're not here for fun, are you?"

"Of course not," Cyd replied, somewhat speechless.

"Not here for your own sake?" Hermes raised his eyes, extending his hand as if he could see through Hades' helmet. "Why don't you just be a little selfish for once?"

But he grabbed nothing...

"Ahem, Cyd, you should have gotten the news from Loki by now, right?" Hermes coughed awkwardly a few times, his face slightly flushed, and raised his index finger.

"I'm on my way to talk to them now," Cyd clenched his fists.

"Still for your lovely student, huh?" Hermes exaggeratedly held his forehead. "Aren't you spoiling him too much? Even we gods wouldn't go this far."

At most, they would just place a few blessings on you or curse those who trouble you.

Hmm, that does seem a bit overindulgent...

"Bell doesn't need to face the troubles that arose because of me," Cyd brushed past Hermes, walking toward the palace. "He only needs to walk his own path. There's still a lot he must do; there's no need to waste time here."

"Is that so? I guess it's just like you," Hermes tossed his hat in the air. "Bell will become a hero like you."

"That's uncertain. He's far from it," Cyd said, waving his hand, even though he knew Hermes couldn't see it.

"But I think he's already enough," Hermes looked up at the sky. "Because he is just like you."

Even though it's a problem that has nothing to do with him, he naturally gets involved. Even though there are easier choices, he picks the hardest path. Even though he has many things to do, he's willing to stop and help others.

The only difference is probably that Bell is weak.

But for some reason, Hermes suddenly felt that Bell's current life experience was the right one.

Because of his weakness, he could continue forward with others supporting each other, and even when he reached the front, he could turn around and hold his companions' hands.

Cyd was too strong, made so by the gods' favor. He walked faster than anyone, and because of that, he could help more people. But... how many people could keep up with someone like him?

When he turned around, how many hands could he still touch?

[It's alright. We are gods; we can always stay by his side. No matter how far he goes, he will never be lonely because we are always ahead, waiting for him.]

That's what they once thought, believing themselves to be omnipotent.

But children always exceed their expectations without them noticing. When you still think they are stumbling along, they have already moved forward with heads held high, surpassing you.

"Geez, why am I getting sentimental while he's already gone?" Hermes rubbed his eyes forcefully. "The child has already grown up and is even worrying about us. Ah, life is unpredictable... Anyway, I should spend some time with Asfi's wallet first."

Saying this, Hermes took out a wallet from his clothes and waved toward a girl not far away, flashing a bright smile.

"Hey there, lovely lady... huh? Why is she running away?"

Hermes blinked. He prided himself on inheriting many of Zeus' charming traits. At least here, when he waved, quite a few people would be willing to spend the night with him, especially since he had just put on his signature smile. So why did she run away as if she had seen a ghost?

"Could it be that the wallet isn't thick enough?" Hermes pondered.

"Smack—"

A hand landed heavily on Hermes' shoulder, and a strange chill made him shiver.

"That's because Lord Hermes always causes trouble!"

"Oh~ Asfi, you actually came in," Hermes said with interest, examining the blushing girl. "I thought that even if you knew I was here, you'd choose to wait outside since this place is indeed... a bit inconvenient for women."

"You actually know that!" Asfi raised her voice. "Do you have any idea how many people approached me on the way here?"

"As expected of Asfi!" Hermes gave a thumbs-up.

"Bang—"

Unable to bear it anymore, Asfi did just as Cyd had told her: sometimes, it's good to vent your feelings. She punched Hermes in the stomach.

"Let's go home, Lord Hermes," Asfi adjusted her glasses and grabbed the collar of Hermes' clothes as he knelt, clutching his stomach. She dragged him toward the exit of the pleasure district.

"So harsh. I just finished my business and wanted to relax," Hermes said, somewhat unwillingly.

"Lord Hermes, you only cause trouble," Asfi retorted.

"Of course," Hermes said proudly. "The more chaotic the situation, the easier things become for him."

Asfi stopped, her eyes widening slightly. "Don't tell me... you went to cause trouble for Cyd!"

"Why would I~? But he'll probably get a bit of a headache," Hermes gave a thumbs-up. "But afterward, he will find some peace."

"Again with your reckless actions!" Asfi sighed in exasperation. "Did you even consider the consequences? What if—"

"There won't be any 'what if,'" Hermes cut her off, his playful expression suddenly serious. "I didn't make this decision as an all-powerful god, but as a mortal who once failed and absolutely refuses to fail again."

"Lord Hermes..." Asfi paused, then held her forehead in resignation. "If only you could be this reliable all the time."

"Asfi, will you help me?" Hermes grinned.

"I am your follower. What choice do I have but to sigh and agree to whatever you decide?" Asfi shrugged.

"Then let's go," Hermes stood up and dusted off his pants. "Perhaps he's already gone where we can't reach, but at the very least, he should know that even from the distant horizon, someone is still watching him. He is not alone."